www.makeuseof.com How to Turn Your Old Samsung Phone Into a Smart Home Device

The fascination with the latest smartphone technology means people buy newer models as soon as they come on the market. However, having purchased their new phone, they're stuck with the old one.

While most of us give our old phones to family or friends who aren't bothered about latest and greatest models, some simply get tossed away. Or left to rot in a drawer. Which is a shameful waste of resources.

In a bid to preserve the environment and enhance its value proposition, Samsung is giving its customers the opportunity to convert their old phones into smart home devices through the Galaxy Upcycling at Home program.

And in this article we'll tell you what that is and how to use it...

What Is Samsung's Galaxy Upcycling at Home Program?

In April 2021, Samsung announced its Galaxy Upcycling at Home program.

The Galaxy Upcycling at Home program is an initiative that allows Samsung Galaxy phone users to convert their old phones into smart home devices. The program extends the lifespan of Galaxy phones, but for a different purpose.

According to Samsung, in a post on the Samsung Newsroom, the initiative was established to allow users to repurpose the old phones and be mindful of their impact on the environment. Instead of tossing the phones away, they are put to good use around the home.

Samsung’s initiative to enhance its sustainability efforts with the Galaxy model has been on the ground since 2017 when it first introduced the Galaxy Upcycling program. After a few years of testing the waters, the Korean manufacturer is taking it a notch higher with the Galaxy Upcycling at Home program.

Unfortunately, not all models of the Galaxy model are eligible for the upcycling program. The eligible ones include the Galaxy S, Note, and Z-series launched in 2018 or later. The models have to be running on Android 9 or later or the feature will not work.

How to Turn Your Old Samsung Galaxy Phone Into a Smart Home Device

Tuning your old Samsung Galaxy phone into a smart home device via the Galaxy Upcycling at home program is a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) process.

All you need to do to get started is:

1. Install the SmartThings App

The first step to turning your old Galaxy phone into a smart home device begins by installing the SmartThings App on your phone. If you use an Android phone, you can find the App on the Google Play Store. Proceed to download it onto the phone you want to convert.

Download: SmartThings (Free)

2. Update Your Samsung Galaxy Phone

The Samsung Galaxy phones such as the Galaxy S, Note, and Z-series eligible for upcycling are not originally designed for the program, hence, they have to be updated to have the capacity for its functions.

You can update your old phone through the SmartThings Labs on the SmartThings App. The update will enhance the built-in sensors on your phone, boosting its sound and light control features.

How to Use Your Old Galaxy Phone as a Smart Home Device

Transforming old technology into something new is part of the motive for the Galaxy Upcycling at Home program.

Having successfully upgraded your old Samsung Galaxy phone, you can use it to execute several functions and experience some of the pros and cons of smart home technology.

Connect Your Phone to Specific Devices

Successfully using your old Samsung Galaxy phone as a smart home device requires connecting your phone to a specific device around your home.

You have several options to choose from, including a child monitor, thermostat controller, lighting hub, TV remote control, etc. Designed with advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) features and motion sensors, the system picks and transmits signals within the environment.

But as mentioned earlier, only Galaxy models launched in 2018 or later are eligible. Samsung plans to add more models to the list in the future to give more people the opportunity to partake in the program.

Set Up Sound Notifications

Notifications are an integral part of a smart home device. They transmit signals to connect devices, giving you valuable information for your safety and comfort. Your converted phone can keep you in the loop of what’s happening around your home.

As a result of its improved AI solution, the system can distinguish and record a variety of sounds. Every sound recorded is sent to your connected smartphone via alerts containing the recorded sound.

You can listen to it to understand where the sound originated from. Examples of sounds that can be distinguished and recorded by the system include a baby crying, someone knocking on the door, a dog barking, a cat meowing, etc.

Control Devices Automatically

One of the functions of converting your old Samsung Galaxy phone into a smart home device is an automatic or remote control. Just like smart home assistants such as Google Assistant, the system allows you to control your smart home devices such as light bulbs, thermostats, and televisions.

For instance, the lighting hub on the system allows you to automatically control the lighting in your home. First, you need to determine when you want the light to turn on and off by setting a threshold. The light will automatically turn on and off when the room hits the darkness and brightness thresholds specified.

Optimized for Lasting Power Supply

For the converted phone to be truly functional in detecting and transmitting sound and light signals, it has to be active. In other words, the system has to be running 24/7 to be functional. Which risks killing the battery quickly.

According to Samsung, the system is enhanced with battery optimization solutions to keep it running for a long time. With the phone’s original functionality being inactive, its total power is channeled to its smart home operations. You'll still need to charge the system but the charging rate will be reduced.

Upcycling Your Old Samsung Galaxy Phone

Established on the rising demand for smart home technology, the Galaxy Upcycling at Home program creates a win-win situation for both Samsung and its customers.

Homeowners are seeking more opportunities for convenience at home. Upcycling an old Samsung Galaxy phone into a smart home device helps you to save some money.

By recognizing this need, Samsung is growing its market and increasing its appeal among its customers. More people will be interested in buying the eligible Galaxy models with the hope of converting them into smart home devices once their usefulness as a smartphone has ended.

Samsung's Upcycling at Home program is currently available in the US, the UK, and South Korea. However, Samsung plans to bring it to other countries in the future.

Chris Odogwu is committed to imparting knowledge through his writing. A passionate writer, he's open to collaborations, networking, and other business opportunities. He holds a master’s degree in Mass Communication (Public Relations and Advertising major) and a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication.

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