skip to main content

The Kitchen Table

What to Do with Old Cell Phone

9 years ago

My 2 older cell phones are nothing fancy. I still have the boxes and rechargers, but they no longer work with the change in cell service. What should I do with them? throw them out? Is there any way that they would be useful to anyone? One is a clam shell flip phone and the other is pre clam shell. Any easy suggestions?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (9)

morz8 - Washington Coast
9 years ago
Battered womens shelters, many outlets

Cell phones for soldiers, any make or model

And I think they should still be good as 911 phones only. Isn't 911 required to be allowed even if no active service plan attached to the phone?
glenda_al
9 years ago
Be sure and take out your SIM card.

I saw at T Mobile, I think where you can recycle your phones there, I think!
Related Discussions
basic cell phone for a 12 yr old
Q
Comments (13)
We got my daughter a basic prepaid nokia phone that did not allow texting. We paid $25 for the phone and then paid $100 for 1000 minutes which needed to be used within a year. If the phone is only being used for emergency, then you may be able to get away with $10, $25 or $50 worth of minutes instead of going for $100 We did this because we didn't want to spend money on a fancy phone (esp as she is prone to losing everything she owns). The phone worked out as it was a basic way for her to call us when she got to school (she walked with a friend), it was inexpensive, and served its purpose well. We used T Mobile but almost all the Major carriers have prepaid options. Good Luck. Here is a link that might be useful: Phone minute plan
...See More
Cell phone for a 9 year old
Q
Comments (5)
Don't know what service you have. But T-Mobile offers parental controls (I think it is called family allowances) We are able to block our kids from downloading games and ringtones (which can add up!). We can also block their phone use at certain times...like after bedtime. We set their "Always allowed numbers" to be our numbers so they can call us even during blocked times...but no other numbers and we can always call them...but friends can not call in the middle of the night. We share minutes and can allow them only a certain amount of minutes per month with the family allowance controls. And we added on free mobile to mobile so it doesn't use minutes when me and dh call eachother or talk to any of the kids.
...See More
What kind of cell phone do you have?
Q
Comments (23)
Tracfone. Have had several different prepaid phones. I had Virgin and when you got reception it was the best of any I've used. But their service is the Sprint PCS and that's not very widespread coverage. Worked well for me for over a year though because when I'd travel I usually used major highways and PCS is on there. But I wanted better coverage so I got Beyond Wireless until they changed to GSM only then I went with Tracfone. Few different phones with them (cheaper than buying cards) and settled on an LG 3280 flip phone that I really like. Excellent coverage and for about $3-$8/mo, it's stupid to not have a cell for traveling and even going out for the mail in the winter! A lot of people would be far better off getting prepaid over contract phones. But there's a snob appeal and people look down their noses at prepaid phones and users. I look at cost. Why should I pay $60-$100 a month for something that a few dollars a month does just as well? But I have different priorities. A phone is not a status symbol for me. I want it to do the job, and this does. I'm very happy with it.
...See More
Scary cell phone battery story........so I need some cell phone advice
Q
Comments (20)
This isn't a phone brand issue ... this is a battery issue. I've had a Macbook battery that did a partial melt ... my ipad battery is having issues ... my sister had a macbook battery that also charred ... so you should all probably get rid of your Apple products too! My son was also recently having battery issues with his Google phone overheating. Again, this is a battery technology issue. My husband is into remote control planes and he charges most of his batteries in special heat/explosion resistant containers. Just the nature of the technology. I'll continue to buy ipads and I'll continue to buy Samsung phones. My son will probably buy another Google phone. When you look at the total number of phones that have sold worldwide, the number of defective products is very small. I even owned the infamous Samsung Note 7, mine had no issues, but were still recalled. I've owned the Samsung Galaxy 7 without issues and will probably upgrade soon to a Note 9 or Galaxy 10, or wait for the Note 10 later this year.
...See More
Elmer J Fudd
9 years ago
Other choices beyond what's mentioned - you can drop them off at the carrier's retail store or take them to your community's electronics recycling center.
sheilajoyce_gw
Original Author
9 years ago
If I can no longer use these phones because they do not connect to cell phone systems, what use are they to anyone else?
Elmer J Fudd
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Do they not connect because they're broken/non-functioning or simply because the phone itself hasn't been "activated" onto its former network? Activating old phones is a trivial step if the phone still works. We gave my mother-in-law an old phone that had been unused and sitting in a drawer for maybe 5 years. Today is 5 years later and she's still using it. On the same network it was originally purchased for.

If non-functioning, then you're right, they just need to be disposed of to be properly handled/recycled.
PRO
Anglophilia
9 years ago
Yes, remove SIM card if you're selling or donating the phone. I use two of the early iPhones as iPods on a small stereo in my house. Apple now has a trade-in scheme and I do that when I replace my phone. I must first call Apple and have the phone "unlocked", then I plug it into my desktop computer and do a "restore" to original settings, which means all my data is gone and it's just the way it was out of the box.
drewsmaga
9 years ago
What is a SIM card and how do I remove it?
cynic
9 years ago
Not all phones use sim cards - depends on the service.

If they're smart phones they could be used on a wifi service if someone wants a mini-tablet or wants to use wifi dialing.
sheilajoyce_gw
Original Author
9 years ago
As of the end of December, I had to have another phone as the system would not be using a service compatible with my old Samsung. So they had a free cheapie that I got, and now I must use that one. Whatever changed made my old phone unusable and if I turn it on, it flashes that it is capable of calling emergency numbers only.

Related Stories

VINTAGE STYLE Dial Into Old Phones for Decor With Character

By Mary Jo Bowling

Give a nostalgic nod to the past with vintage telephones, working or not. Booths and sawdust optional.

HOME TECH Unlock Your Smart Phone's Front-Door Powers

Take your locks and keys into the digital age with 3 solutions that put convenience and new capabilities on your doorstep

HOME TECH Coming Soon: Furniture That Charges Your Phone

Countertops, tables and home appliances with wireless charging capability mean less clutter — and zero effort powering your phone

HOME TECH Turn Your Smart Phone Into a Home Security System

Monitor your home a less expensive way by putting your phone and some new gadgets to work

HOME TECH 6 Sound Solutions for the iPhone Home

Listen up: An iPhone and one of these stylish audio systems let your music look as good as it sounds

HOME TECH Smart Phones Hold the Keys to Front Doors

Knock, knock. Who's there? A brand-new generation of hardware and app combos that let you play doorman from anywhere

HOME TECH 3 Shower Sound Systems That Beat Your Clunky Old Radio

Stream music, radio and podcasts — and even take phone calls — right in your shower, with wireless and water-resistant sound systems

HOME TECH Switch On the Phone-Controlled Home

Lock your front door from afar, let your thermostat set itself and more when you use your phone as a control device

TRAVEL BY DESIGN Pro Secrets for Taking Fantastic Travel Photos With Your Phone

By David Duncan Livingston

When great design and family antics catch your eye, capture the memories with photos that tell a story

LIFE You Said It: 'Don't Use Your Phone' and Other Tips of the Week

By Becky Harris

Memorable tips, tricks and quips from around Houzz this week. What are yours?

Sponsored

More Discussions

Lettuce and salad greens avoidance?

161

What are you reading? August 2026 Edition

23

14

I'll show you mine/ysmy - Su 8/9/26

7

Sunday Brain Game

4