Anything interesting I could do with spare Android phones? reddit / selfhosted ---------------------------------------------------------------------- notdoreen · 2023-10-20 03:16 I have a couple Android phones with little resell value and I'm wondering what I could do with them on my spare time. Not sure if this is the right sub to ask but figured it could be a good start to see if anyone here has done anything with phones. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- puppetjazz · 2023-10-20 03:24 You can glue them together for double phones. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Beccarorron · 2023-10-20 03:27 You can use it as a security camera on the cheap. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Beccarorron · 2023-10-20 03:28 You can use it as a security camera on the cheap. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- sethleedy · 2023-10-20 03:39 SyncThing backup storage. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- notdoreen · 2023-10-20 03:47 😂 best comment ---------------------------------------------------------------------- dornforprez · 2023-10-20 04:02 Wifi based walkie talkies for the kids? hehe ---------------------------------------------------------------------- kapoorayushman · 2023-10-20 04:34 😂😂 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- fmillion · 2023-10-20 04:35 Glue the edges together and make your own [Surface Duo](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/d/surface-duo-2/9408kgxp4xjl). ---------------------------------------------------------------------- fmillion · 2023-10-20 04:36 If it can be rooted, do so then [install Termux and Docker](https://gi st.github.com/FreddieOliveira/efe850df7ff3951cb62d74bd770dce27). Run basically any self-hosted service that runs on ARM32 or ARM64 depending on the phone's CPU and fits the RAM/storage needs. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Laughing___Gas · 2023-10-20 05:02 Currently using 4 android phones I got from friends/families "junk drawer" to use as a home security system. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- notdoreen · 2023-10-20 05:05 That sounds really interesting. Can you share how you set this up and what software you used? ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Laughing___Gas · 2023-10-20 05:09 It's just an app from the play store. I've looked into self-hosted open source things but didn't find much. The app I use is called "Alfred". It has the basic features. Motion sensor People sensor Saves the motion clips to the cloud Continuous playback Two-way talk Auto-low light Etc... ---------------------------------------------------------------------- gergob · 2023-10-20 05:15 I've got a oneplus 8 pro collecting dust, that should be able to run something ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Bagel42 · 2023-10-20 05:17 Home assistant + fully kiosk browser (Or root + termux + docker) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Antonaros · 2023-10-20 05:24 Root it, use a magisk module so it appears as a Pixel 5a device, enjoy free unlimited google photos backup. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- borg286 · 2023-10-20 05:24 Consider servers ultimate. It has a load of various servers with a full suite of configuration for each server. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- notdoreen · 2023-10-20 05:32 You you keep the phones permanently plugged in or charge them periodically? ---------------------------------------------------------------------- notdoreen · 2023-10-20 05:32 Thank you! I never considered this. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- neojorge · 2023-10-20 05:47 I have one in the door peephole. Using Android ip webcam I can turn it on to see through the screen who's behind. Also i added it to home assistant so I can see through it anytime. If someone rings turn the screen on, so you know who is it without getting too close. Send a photo to your smartphone when somebody rings... ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Laughing___Gas · 2023-10-20 05:56 Plugged in all time,screen off, battery saver on 😊 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- WussWussWuss · 2023-10-20 06:21 Line them up using a stiff support and take 3d photo’s. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- idcmp_ · 2023-10-20 06:26 If you have a local community / non-profit that you partake in, maybe they could use it as a spare device to pair with Square to take money? ---------------------------------------------------------------------- domanpanda · 2023-10-20 07:03 What if they dont ring but start to lockpick your door right away? :D ---------------------------------------------------------------------- domanpanda · 2023-10-20 07:08 Ive seen people building whole houses from empty bottles. He could do the same with those phones. He would end up with true "smarthome" ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Spanky_Pantry · 2023-10-20 07:10 Something I was looking at the other day: you can use them as Streamdecks. (StReam, not Steam.) Basically they become external keyboards, each key being assigned to a function such as start a program, select a tool or whatever, with a graphic to suit. Elgato (who make the Streamdeck) make an Android app to use a phone as a deck, and there are several other such apps. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- sarkyscouser · 2023-10-20 07:18 Turn them into security cameras: [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ivuu&hl=en\_GB&gl=U S&pli=1](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ivuu&hl=en_ GB&gl=US&pli=1) https://alfred.camera/ ---------------------------------------------------------------------- fmillion · 2023-10-20 07:21 Yeah, plus like a laptop, free built in multi-hour UPS. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ramjithunder24 · 2023-10-20 07:57 r/spicypillows ---------------------------------------------------------------------- stupv · 2023-10-20 08:40 Home security is to deter would-be criminals, not prevent determined criminals. Ultimately if someone wants to get into your house, and has the skills and tools to do so, you aren't going to stop them ---------------------------------------------------------------------- MalafideBE · 2023-10-20 08:41 Use the accelerometer as a break-in sensor. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- omfgitsasalmon · 2023-10-20 09:04 Oh wow, this is a good idea. Any guides you have? ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Digital_Voodoo · 2023-10-20 09:32 You could also have a look at r/androidafterlife ---------------------------------------------------------------------- emprezario · 2023-10-20 09:35 Turn them into sms gateways ---------------------------------------------------------------------- mrkesu · 2023-10-20 09:36 Call yourself and make a selfhosted new friend. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- froli · 2023-10-20 09:48 r/androidafterlife is a good place to look ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Damn-Sky · 2023-10-20 10:10 what? I thought there's no unlimited photos backup anymore on pixel devices?? ---------------------------------------------------------------------- JordyPordy_94 · 2023-10-20 11:14 I used mine to monitor stats on my gaming PC with an app called Remote Systems Monitor. I think you have to pay a one time fee to unlock everything, but it was well worth it imo. The application on your PC sends the data to the app over your network locally. I paired it with Automate app, so when my PC turned off the power to USB got cut, the phone would lock and dim the brightness down to 0, just so I'm not frying the battery. Then it would do the opposite when I turned my PC back on, was a pretty fun little project to do. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- asyd0 · 2023-10-20 11:14 >what? I thought there's no unlimited photos backup anymore on pixel devices?? there isn't for new pixels but if you have the 5 or below you still got it ---------------------------------------------------------------------- jesuslop · 2023-10-20 11:38 Leave one in the car, for emergencies ---------------------------------------------------------------------- art_of_onanism · 2023-10-20 11:39 I don't know if it's still viable but few years back I used to use my old Android phone/phablet as extra monitor for my pc to monitor stats with Spacedesk. It runs on wifi and gives you the ability to add multi devices as monitors so potentially you can make all your old phones into many monitors for your pc as long as they are all on the same network. https://www.spacedesk.net/ ---------------------------------------------------------------------- CrispyBegs · 2023-10-20 11:43 bit of retro gaming? - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTjZ84HjN2g ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Geminii27 · 2023-10-20 11:44 Yep, I've done that. It's kind of fun to be able to 'tear off' a chunk of your PC desktop and walk around with it. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- omnichad · 2023-10-20 12:02 Set it up as a smart display with a dashboard of some sort and hang it up somewhere? ---------------------------------------------------------------------- DoTheThingNow · 2023-10-20 12:18 A wifi web cam is something i’ve been using an old Nexus phone I still have. The picture is pretty good and I like that I can out it anywhere there is wifi. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- speaksoftly_bigstick · 2023-10-20 12:19 Man.. literally typing on a 1P8T. I love this thing and my previous 6T. I found a USB port replicator that works great with mine and allows you to basically use it as a little desktop with monitor / mouse / keyboard / power / Ethernet. https://a.co/d/dXbq9Yr ---------------------------------------------------------------------- DoTheThingNow · 2023-10-20 12:19 If its not crazy old you could get a super cheap nvmo service and toss it in your car/emergency bag with a spare battery pack and cable ---------------------------------------------------------------------- BoofingBabies · 2023-10-20 12:31 You could create an IP Webcam that could be used with a program like Frigate (I think that's what it called). ---------------------------------------------------------------------- sc886734 · 2023-10-20 12:43 install moonlight and stream games from pc ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Turbulent_Ad1895 · 2023-10-20 13:47 Buy an Xbox controller with phone mount. Enjoy your steamdeck with geforce now. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- NutJaugger · 2023-10-20 13:51 Won't that be easily exploited when exposed to the Internet, considering the OS has not been updated for years? ---------------------------------------------------------------------- GolemancerVekk · 2023-10-20 14:02 [Install DroidcamX](https://www.dev47apps.com/) and turn them into webcams or surveillance cams. It works over LAN and over USB. On LAN you can connect the phones to the server or the server to the phones, as you wish. On Linux they're seen as regular V4L2 devices. You can use its custom kernel module (installs via DKMS) for additional customization options or the standard V4L2 kernel module. I'm not really knowledgeable about recording and motion-detection (I've only used it as a webcam) but perhaps someone else can help with that. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- incognitodw · 2023-10-20 14:16 Use it as a photo frame/ album ---------------------------------------------------------------------- life_on_my_terms · 2023-10-20 14:39 Write an AI bot to do Hinge swiping for you ---------------------------------------------------------------------- OandO · 2023-10-20 14:40 A lot of great ideas in this thread. Sadly, I don't have any spare phones that don't have a broken screen which is usually how they meet their demise. Just curious, how much of a concern is it to have the phone plugged in and charging all the time. A little bit worried about an exploding lithium ion battery. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- blindao_blindado · 2023-10-20 14:47 Worst idea ever, just wait until google finds out (yes, they can if they really want) so your account is banned and you lose all your precious photos ---------------------------------------------------------------------- blindao_blindado · 2023-10-20 14:48 How would you do this? Any specific apps or methods that can be used? ---------------------------------------------------------------------- sethleedy · 2023-10-20 14:53 i have not been able to redo the kernel for Docker support on my OnePlus 10. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- schklom · 2023-10-20 14:56 No need to expose to the Internet. You can e.g. expose them to Home- Assistant/openHAB only ---------------------------------------------------------------------- notdoreen · 2023-10-20 15:20 That's my concern but I also know that most modern phones have battery monitoring software that stops the battery from charging once it reaches 100% ---------------------------------------------------------------------- notdoreen · 2023-10-20 15:20 My wife probably wouldn't like that ---------------------------------------------------------------------- mousui · 2023-10-20 15:24 Have u ever been banned of seem a report of it happening? I am using my pixel 1 for this ---------------------------------------------------------------------- madtice · 2023-10-20 15:41 Maybe as a central display for your home assistant? As a dashboard or switch panel ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Blachummingbird · 2023-10-20 15:42 https://youtu.be/k5eL_al_m7Q?si=IgEEN86DtvRkq9CC https://www.wired.com/story/99-phones-fake-google-maps-traffic-jam/ need i say more? ---------------------------------------------------------------------- fgc_hero · 2023-10-20 16:07 I have an old LG phone that I rest on a phone stand and use as my bedside alarm clock ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Antonaros · 2023-10-20 16:29 As far as I know noone has been banned because of doing this. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Rahul159359 · 2023-10-20 16:42 try installing ubuntu touch....if you device is supported...I am running k3s cluster on 2 redmi 3s/prime. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Rahul159359 · 2023-10-20 16:43 try installing ubuntu touch....if you device is supported...I am running k3s cluster on 2 redmi 3s/prime. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- BartAfterDark · 2023-10-20 16:49 I would sell that phone instead ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 2cats2hats · 2023-10-20 17:04 If you do this, keep a cable and charger handy. An old unused phone battery will drain. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- DanGarion · 2023-10-20 17:07 One of my first Android phones... (a Motorolla Droid X) became our digital clock, years ago. This all happened because the cable TV box we had at the time didn't have a clock on it. We used it for a few years that way. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Damn-Sky · 2023-10-20 17:10 really? interesting. If I "convert" my android phone to pixel 5a, I will get free unlimited photo backup? ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Damn-Sky · 2023-10-20 17:11 this says no though: https://support.google.com/pixelphone/thread/126634109/does-the- google-pixel-5a-have-unlimited-photo-and-video-upload-free?hl=en ---------------------------------------------------------------------- mythex_plays · 2023-10-20 17:40 The LockpickingLawyer consistently proves just how much security theatre we surround ourselves with. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- h310s · 2023-10-20 17:53 check out linux deploy https://akashrajpurohit.com/blog/revamp-your- old-android-phone-into-a-mini-linux-server/ ---------------------------------------------------------------------- kmisterk · 2023-10-20 18:28 ## Post Removed Hey, notdoreen! Thanks for your submission on selfhosted. Your post has been removed due to a violation of the purpose of the subreddit: **Self Hosting** ## Not Self-Hosted When it comes to posts regarding applications in this subreddit, they must feature a self-hosted tool, or a tool that *can be* self-hosted, or some kind of related information, help request, or otherwise related to a tool that is something that one can self-host. If you believe this post *is in fact* relevant to /r/selfhosted, feel free to [message the mods](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to= /r/selfhosted&subject=Removed For Not Being Self- Hosted&message=[Removed Post](https://www.reddit.com/r/selfhosted/comments/17c1hlg/-/\)) with your concerns.