Old Smartphones: New Uses for Finance, Security & More | ESET Latinoamérica

The smartphone market continues its relentless churn, with consumers consistently upgrading to the latest models. But what happens to the devices left behind? Rather than contributing to the growing problem of electronic waste, these older smartphones can find new life, offering utility and security benefits, according to experts. The trend towards repurposing these devices is gaining traction, particularly in Latin America, where smartphone shipments increased by 4% year-over-year in the second quarter of 2025, according to Counterpoint Research.

Martina López, a Cybersecurity Researcher at ESET Latinoamérica, emphasizes that the lifespan of a smartphone doesn’t end with a new purchase. “These devices can be reused for specific tasks,” she states, optimizing the initial investment by serving as backup or emergency equipment. This perspective aligns with a broader push for sustainability, as highlighted by ESET’s commitment to responsible environmental practices.

The issue of electronic waste is significant. Chile, for example, generates the most e-waste per capita in Latin America, with an average of 11.7 kilograms annually per household. Legislation like Chile’s Law 20.920, known as the Recycling Law, aims to address this by establishing a legal framework for proper waste management and promoting reuse and recycling initiatives. Reutilizing smartphones, alongside donation and responsible recycling, contributes directly to these efforts.

Financial Security and Beyond: Repurposing Smartphones

The applications for a repurposed smartphone are surprisingly diverse. Beyond simply extending the device’s life, it can enhance security and streamline daily tasks. One increasingly important use case is dedicated financial management. With the proliferation of digital transactions and banking apps, dedicating an older smartphone solely to financial operations can significantly reduce security risks. By minimizing the number of apps installed on the device, the “attack surface” for malware, phishing scams, and other threats is reduced.

This approach extends to bolstering account security through two-factor authentication. Utilizing a dedicated smartphone to host authentication apps adds an extra layer of protection for sensitive information like email, social media, and other online accounts. This separation of functions minimizes the risk of compromise if the primary device is ever lost or stolen.

Beyond security, repurposing a smartphone can also alleviate strain on a primary device. Offloading tasks like gaming, music streaming, or video playback to an older phone can improve performance and extend the lifespan of the main device. This is particularly beneficial for families, where a repurposed phone can provide a dedicated entertainment device for children, complete with parental controls to monitor access and protect personal information.

Emergency Preparedness and Home Security

Having a smartphone as a backup is a practical and secure option in emergency situations – such as loss, theft, or damage to a primary device – ensuring continued communication. Older smartphones can be easily transformed into basic home security cameras. By downloading security camera apps like AlfredCamera, users can remotely monitor their homes, leveraging the phone’s camera and Wi-Fi connectivity. While this offers a cost-effective security solution, it’s crucial to configure strong passwords and keep the device’s software updated.

López stresses the importance of ongoing maintenance, regardless of how a smartphone is repurposed. “Even with constant launches of new smartphone models, older devices retain their functionality. It is crucial to perform constant maintenance of the operating system, including updates and implementation of security solutions. This is crucial both for frequently used devices and those used sporadically, ensuring more efficient and secure operation.”

The ability to give older smartphones a second life isn’t just about saving money or reducing waste; it’s about maximizing the value of a significant investment and contributing to a more sustainable future. As smartphone technology continues to evolve, finding innovative ways to reuse and recycle these devices will become increasingly important.