In recent years, owning more than one smartphone has become increasingly common. Every year, manufacturers launch new models with improved cameras, faster processors, and updated designs. As a result, many people upgrade their phones even when their old devices still work perfectly well.
Consequently, millions of functional smartphones end up unused. Some people store them in drawers, while others keep them as backups or give them to relatives. However, many of these phones remain idle. Instead of letting them gather dust, you can reuse an old smartphone in a practical and cost-effective way. You can turn it into a Wi-Fi router and improve internet access in your home or while travelling.
Why Old Smartphones Often Sit Idle
Globally, smartphone replacement cycles have shortened over the past decade. According to industry data, more than 1.4 billion smartphones are sold worldwide each year. However, only a fraction of replaced devices get recycled or resold.
In many cases, users keep old phones just in case. Over time, these devices lose relevance and remain unused. This habit not only increases electronic waste but also wastes functional technology. Therefore, finding new uses for old smartphones has become increasingly important.
Using an old phone as a Wi-Fi router offers a simple and useful solution.
How an Old Phone Can Act as a Router
If your old smartphone still works properly and you have a reliable internet connection, you can easily repurpose it. The phone can share its internet connection through a built-in hotspot feature. In effect, it works like a small wireless router.
This setup proves especially useful in internet dead zones. These areas include rooms far from the main router, basements, garages, or upper floors. By placing the old phone in such locations, you can extend Wi-Fi coverage without buying additional equipment.
Moreover, you can use the phone as a portable router. For example, it can help during travel, outdoor work, or temporary internet disruptions.
No Need for Third-Party Applications
One major advantage of this method lies in its simplicity. Almost all modern smartphones include a built-in hotspot feature. This feature allows the device to share its internet connection securely.
As a result, you do not need to install any third-party apps. This reduces security risks and avoids unnecessary storage use. In addition, both Android and iOS devices support this feature, and the setup process remains largely the same across platforms.
Step-by-Step: Setting Up Your Old Phone as a Wi-Fi Router
First, make sure your old phone has enough battery power. Ideally, keep it connected to a charger for long-term use. Next, ensure that the phone connects to the internet through mobile data or an existing Wi-Fi network.
Then, open the Settings menu on the device. After that, go to Personal Hotspot or Mobile Hotspot, depending on the operating system.
Now, set up the hotspot by choosing a network name. Also, create a strong password to protect your connection. If the phone offers a timeout option, activate it. This feature turns the hotspot off automatically after a set period and helps save battery life.
Finally, switch the hotspot on.
Connecting Other Devices
Once the hotspot becomes active, the phone starts broadcasting a Wi-Fi signal. At this point, you can connect other devices.
To do so, open the Wi-Fi settings on another phone, laptop, or tablet. Then, select the hotspot’s network name. Enter the password, and the device will connect immediately.
Depending on the phone model, several devices can connect at the same time.
Benefits and Practical Limitations
This approach offers several clear benefits. First, it costs nothing. Second, it reduces electronic waste. Third, it improves internet access in hard-to-reach areas.
However, some limitations exist. Older phones may have weaker antennas and limited battery capacity. Therefore, keeping the device plugged in works best for extended use. In addition, internet speed depends on the quality of the original connection.
A Simple and Smart Connectivity Solution
In today’s digital world, stable internet access plays a vital role in daily life. Therefore, simple and creative solutions matter.
By turning an old smartphone into a Wi-Fi router, you can give unused technology a new purpose. With just a few settings adjustments, an old device can once again become useful, saving money, improving connectivity, and reducing waste at the same time.
