Should You Pass Down Your Old Phone?
Upgrading your phone? Well, now that you're getting a spanking new one, you might be wondering what to do with your old device. Should you sell it, trade it in, or, option number three: give it to your family? That last one could be especially tempting: after all, why let a perfectly functional device go to waste? However, as you'll see, passing down your old phone isn't always the smartest decision.
1. Your Personal Data Might Still Be on It
Sure, you've signed out, but are you really sure everything is wiped? It might not be such a big deal considering you're just passing it down to family and not selling it to a stranger, but still, your old phone could contain some personal stuff you don't want anyone's eyes on.
2. The Battery Might Be Too Worn Out
Before you pass it down, you'll want to make sure your battery isn't completely worn out. If that's the reason you're upgrading, don't be that person. No one's going to appreciate a device that's not only secondhand but only lasts a few hours unplugged.
3. It Might No Longer Receive Security Updates
You should also check whether your device is so old that it doesn't receive security updates anymore. If this is the case, don't pass it down, especially not to your grandparents. Without these protections, you could leave them vulnerable to security threats and malicious apps!
4. You Might Accidentally Share Your Accounts
Forgot to sign out of your Apple or Google account? Oops. That could put you in an awkward situation: your family member might see all your texts, photos, or even browsing history. Yikes! Worse, any changes they make could accidentally affect you, too.
5. They Might Blame You When Something Goes Wrong
If you don't make sure your device is at least usable before you pass it down, you might be in for a scolding. As generous a gesture as handing down your phone is, no one's going to appreciate one that continually lags or overheats! Even if you've told them it's an older model, your family member might still put the blame on you.
6. They Could Inherit Your Phone's Existing Problems
You might have learned to live with a broken charging port or mic, but you better tell your family member that before you hand them your device. Again, no one wants an old phone's existing problems, especially if those said issues render it almost unusable.
7. You Might Need It as a Backup
Your new phone may be all you need, but not so fast—what happens if it suddenly stops working? What if you need to take it in for repair, and you're left without a device for a few weeks? Unless you already have a backup, it's probably better to keep your old one as a spare.
8. They Might Expect Future Hand-Me-Downs
Give your family member your old phone now, and they might expect to inherit your new phone in a couple years, too. And while there's nothing wrong with sharing what you no longer need, being expected to fork them over can set up some uncomfortable expectations.
9. Your Old Phone Might Be Worth Selling
You might want to hand your phone down out of the goodness of your heart, but hey, if you could get some pretty good cash back for it, it's probably better for everyone that you go that route instead. That way, you might be able to trade it in for credit, or use it towards getting your family member a brand new device.
Howard Bouchevereau on Unsplash
10. It Might Be Too Outdated
Is your old phone so old that it just... doesn't really work? If popular apps are practically unusable or there's severely limited storage on it (or you've dunked it in water before), don't make your family member suffer through the consequences. They might have to look for another replacement soon after.
Of course, we're not saying you should never hand down your old devices. There are plenty of reasons why it can be the smart thing to do! Before you make your decision, take these 10 perks into account:
1. You'll Save Them Money
Who doesn't want to save their family money? Brand-new smartphones can be expensive! By handing down your device, you're helping them avoid spending hundreds of dollars on something your older phone can already do, and they won't waste cash on something they don't need.
2. It's Better for the Environment
Manufacturing smartphones can take a huge toll on the environment, and so does improper recycling. If you pass down your devices, however, you're giving them a second life instead of leaving them unused in a drawer. Of course, even if you don't give it to a family member, you should still recycle it the right way.
3. It's a Great First Phone for Kids
Have a child who's ready for their first phone? Well, instead of giving them a brand new one, your old device could make a great starting point. After all, you probably don't want to invest in an expensive model before they've even demonstrated that they can use and care for one responsibly!
4. You Already Know Its History
Another reason why it's better to hand down your old device? You save your family from having to deal with shady sellers. Buying a used smartphone from strangers can involve a lot of uncertainty, but with you, at least they'll know exactly what they're getting. That familiarity can make all the difference!
5. It Could Help Older Relatives Stay Connected
Not every older family member needs the latest and greatest, which makes your secondhand device perfect for their needs. Plus, the simpler, the better, so as long as it still works and is reliable, that may be all your parents or grandparents need to keep in touch.
6. You Can Help Them Set It Up
Since you've spent considerable time using the phone yourself, you're already familiar with it. That means you'll be able to walk through the setup process or explain unfamiliar features to older family members, so they won't be going in completely clueless. Much better than getting a used device from a stranger!
7. It Might Be a Significant Upgrade for Them
Sure, your old smartphone might be pretty outdated, but it could still be way better than what your relative currently owns. So don't underestimate it! What no longer meets your needs might be exactly what your family member wants.
8. They Might Only Need It Temporarily
Does your family member only need a temporary device? Perhaps they're currently getting their main one repaired, or maybe they've misplaced it. Either way, keeping your old device on hand means you can lend it to them whenever they need it, so they won't need to be without one for the time being.
9. You Can Give It a More Specific Purpose
Your family member doesn't have to use your old phone as their primary device, either. Think outside the box! It could be transformed for an entirely different use case, such as becoming a dedicated music player or a secondary phone for travel. It could also be loaded up with strictly educational apps for children.
10. It Can Be a Thoughtful Gift
You might not think your family member appreciates getting a used device, but not every meaningful gift needs to be brand-new. As long as the device is in great working condition and you put some care into making it feel newer than it is (such as putting in a new battery!), passing it down can be a perfect idea.
