Are you tired of letting your old Android phone collect dust in a drawer? Do you want to find a new purpose for it? Look no further! With a few simple steps, you can transform your old Android phone into a Wi-Fi only device, perfect for a variety of uses. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits and possibilities of repurposing your old Android phone as a Wi-Fi only device, and provide a step-by-step guide on how to do it.
Why Repurpose Your Old Android Phone?
Before we dive into the how-to process, let’s discuss the benefits of repurposing your old Android phone. Here are a few reasons why you should consider giving your old phone a new lease on life:
- Reduce electronic waste: By finding a new use for your old phone, you’re reducing the likelihood of it ending up in a landfill.
- Save money: Instead of buying a new device, you can breathe new life into an existing one.
- Increase productivity: A Wi-Fi only device can be a great tool for certain tasks, freeing up your primary phone for more important things.
What Can You Do with a Wi-Fi Only Device?
A Wi-Fi only device can be used in a variety of ways, including:
Media Consumption
- Stream music, videos, or podcasts
- Use it as a dedicated e-reader
- Play games that don’t require cellular connectivity
Productivity
- Use it as a dedicated device for work or school tasks
- Install productivity apps like Google Docs, Microsoft Office, or Evernote
- Take notes or create documents on the go
Home Automation
- Use it as a hub for controlling smart home devices
- Install home automation apps like Samsung SmartThings or Wink
- Receive notifications and updates on the status of your home
How to Turn Your Old Android Phone into a Wi-Fi Only Device
Now that we’ve explored the benefits and possibilities of repurposing your old Android phone, let’s get to the step-by-step guide on how to do it.
Step 1: Backup Your Data
Before you start, make sure to backup your data to prevent any loss. You can use Google’s built-in backup feature or a third-party app like SMS Backup & Restore.
Step 2: Remove the SIM Card
Remove the SIM card from your phone to prevent any accidental cellular connectivity. This will also help you avoid any unwanted charges.
Step 3: Go to Settings
Go to your phone’s settings menu and navigate to the “Wireless & networks” or “Connections” section.
Step 4: Enable Wi-Fi
Enable Wi-Fi and connect to a nearby network. This will be your primary means of connectivity from now on.
Step 5: Disable Cellular Connectivity
Scroll down to the “Mobile networks” or “Cellular networks” section and disable cellular connectivity. This will prevent your phone from trying to connect to a cellular network.
Step 6: Configure Your Phone
You may need to configure your phone’s settings to ensure that it’s only connecting to Wi-Fi networks. This may involve setting your phone to “Airplane mode” and then re-enabling Wi-Fi.
Step 7: Explore Your New Wi-Fi Only Device
Congratulations! You now have a Wi-Fi only device that you can use for a variety of purposes. Explore the Google Play Store for apps that don’t require cellular connectivity, and start enjoying your repurposed phone.
Troubleshooting Tips
As with any repurposing project, you may encounter some issues along the way. Here are some troubleshooting tips to help you overcome common problems:
Issue: No Wi-Fi Connectivity
- Check that your Wi-Fi is enabled and you’re connected to a nearby network.
- Restart your phone and try again.
Issue: Accidental Cellular Connectivity
- Check that your cellular connectivity is disabled in your phone’s settings.
- Restart your phone and try again.
Conclusion
Breathe new life into your old Android phone by repurposing it as a Wi-Fi only device. With these simple steps, you can transform your old phone into a useful tool for media consumption, productivity, or home automation. By reducing electronic waste and finding a new purpose for your old phone, you’re doing your part for the environment and saving money in the process. So, what are you waiting for? Give your old Android phone a new lease on life today!
Can I still receive SMS and calls on my Wi-Fi only Android phone?
You cannot receive traditional SMS or calls on your Android phone if you’ve disabled the cellular network. However, there are some workarounds. You can use third-party apps like Google Voice or Skype to make voice calls and send SMS over Wi-Fi. These apps often require a subscription or credit, but they can be a convenient way to stay connected.
Keep in mind that these apps may not work with your phone number, so you’ll need to use a new number or handle provided by the app. This might not be ideal, but it’s a good option if you still want to be able to make calls and send texts from your old device.
Will I be able to access the internet everywhere with my Wi-Fi only phone?
As the name suggests, a Wi-Fi only phone can only connect to the internet when there’s a Wi-Fi network available. This means you won’t be able to access the internet when you’re out and about, unless you’re in range of a public Wi-Fi hotspot. However, considering how ubiquitous Wi-Fi is these days, you’ll likely be able to find a connection in most places you frequent, such as your home, office, coffee shops, or public libraries.
If you need to access the internet on the go, you might want to consider other options, such as using a portable Wi-Fi hotspot or purchasing a phone with cellular connectivity. But if you’re mostly staying in one place or have access to reliable Wi-Fi networks, a Wi-Fi only phone can be a great way to breathe new life into your old device.
Can I still use my Android phone as a camera with Wi-Fi only mode?
Absolutely! Your Android phone’s camera will still work perfectly well in Wi-Fi only mode. You can take photos and videos just like you normally would, and you can even transfer them to your computer or upload them to the cloud using Wi-Fi. The only limitation is that you won’t be able to send photos or videos via MMS or share them directly from the camera app using cellular connectivity.
However, you can still share your photos and videos using social media apps, email, or cloud storage services like Google Drive or Dropbox, as long as you have a Wi-Fi connection. So, if you still want to use your old phone as a camera, Wi-Fi only mode is a great way to do so without incurring any cellular costs.
Will I be able to use my Android phone as a music player with Wi-Fi only mode?
Yes, you can still use your Android phone as a music player in Wi-Fi only mode. You can store music on your phone’s internal storage or SD card, and listen to it using headphones or Bluetooth speakers. You can also stream music from online services like Spotify, Apple Music, or Google Play Music using Wi-Fi.
The only difference is that you won’t be able to stream music when you’re not connected to Wi-Fi. So, if you want to listen to music on the go, you might want to consider downloading songs for offline playback or using a different device with cellular connectivity. But if you’re mostly listening to music at home, in the office, or in other places with reliable Wi-Fi, a Wi-Fi only phone is a great option.
Can I still use my Android phone as an e-reader with Wi-Fi only mode?
Your Android phone can still be a great e-reader in Wi-Fi only mode. You can download e-books from online stores like Amazon Kindle, Google Play Books, or Apple Books, and read them using the corresponding apps. You can also access online libraries like OverDrive or Scribd, as long as you have a Wi-Fi connection.
The only limitation is that you won’t be able to download new e-books when you’re not connected to Wi-Fi. So, if you want to read on the go, you might want to consider downloading e-books ahead of time or using a different device with cellular connectivity. But if you’re mostly reading at home or in other places with reliable Wi-Fi, a Wi-Fi only phone is a great option.
Can I still use my Android phone as a fitness tracker with Wi-Fi only mode?
You can still use your Android phone as a fitness tracker in Wi-Fi only mode, but with some limitations. You can track your fitness activities, such as steps taken, distance traveled, or calories burned, using built-in sensors like GPS, accelerometer, and gyroscope. You can also use apps like Google Fit or MyFitnessPal to track your progress.
However, some fitness apps might require a cellular connection to sync your data or provide real-time tracking. In Wi-Fi only mode, you’ll need to connect to Wi-Fi periodically to sync your data, which might not be ideal if you’re using your phone as a fitness tracker on the go. But if you’re mostly tracking your fitness activities at home or in the gym, a Wi-Fi only phone can still be a great option.
Will I be able to sell or give away my old Android phone in Wi-Fi only mode?
You can still sell or give away your old Android phone in Wi-Fi only mode, but you should be upfront about its limitations. Make sure to disclose that the phone can only connect to Wi-Fi and won’t work with cellular networks. This might affect the phone’s value, so you should set realistic expectations when pricing it or finding a new home for it.
On the other hand, if you’re giving away the phone, you can still do plenty of good with it. You can donate it to a local charity, sell it to a refurbisher, or pass it along to someone who might appreciate a Wi-Fi only device. Just make sure to wipe the phone’s storage clean and reset it to its factory settings before handing it over to someone else.