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Best ways to give your old iPhone a second life

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Best ways to give your old iPhone a second life

Before tossing out your old iPhone, consider it a treasure trove of potential waiting to be unlocked. 

Your seemingly outdated device isn’t just electronic waste. It’s a versatile gadget ready for an exciting second life. From transforming into a smart home hub to becoming a dedicated digital companion, an old iPhone can be repurposed in countless creative ways that breathe new life into technology you may not have considered. 

Here are some of the best ways to use your old iPhone.

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A woman looking at her iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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1. Turn it into a ‘dumb phone’ 

Smartphones are incredibly powerful, but they can also be overwhelming. The constant notifications and social media updates can make it hard to focus or enjoy the present moment. If you’re finding that your iPhone is more of a time-waster than a tool for productivity, why not transform it into a “dumb phone”? A “dumb phone” is a basic mobile device that focuses on essential communication functions like calling and texting, while minimizing digital distractions through limited internet access and app capabilities, helping you reduce screen time and stay more present.

Steps to disable apps and notifications

Disable notifications:

  • Open Settings
  • Tap on Notifications
  • Select each app and toggle off Allow Notifications

Delete unwanted apps:

  • Press and hold the app icon on the home screen
  • Tap Remove App

Factory reset (Optional):

  • Back up your data, if needed
  • Go to SettingsGeneralTransfer or Reset iPhoneErase All Content and Settings

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2. Give it to your kids 

Eventually, you may want to give your child their own smartphone. While a new phone can be expensive, handing down your old iPhone is a great way to introduce them to technology while also being mindful of your budget. 

By using Family Sharing and parental controls, you can carefully monitor what apps and content your child accesses. Plus, it’s an excellent way to bring them into the Apple ecosystem. 

Steps to set up Family Sharing and Parental Controls

Set up Family Sharing:

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  • Open Settings and tap on your name at the top.
  • Select Family Sharing and tap Add Family Member to invite your child.
  • If your child does not have an Apple ID, select Create an Account for a Child and follow the prompts to set up their account.
  • If they already have an Apple ID, tap Invite People and choose how you want to send the invitation (AirDrop, Messages or Mail).

Enable Parental Controls:

  • Open Settings and scroll down to tap on Screen Time
  • Under the Family section, tap on your child’s name
  • If Screen Time is not already enabled, tap Turn On Screen Time
  • Follow the prompts to set it up as your child’s device.
  • Tap on Content & Privacy Restrictions
  • If prompted, enter your Screen Time passcode (you will need to create one if you haven’t already)
  • Toggle on Content & Privacy Restrictions
  • You can now customize settings such as app limits, content restrictions and downtime settings, as needed.
  • For app limits, tap App Limits, then select categories or individual apps to set time limits.
  • To restrict explicit content or purchases, go to the respective sections under Content & Privacy Restrictions

This process will help you manage your child’s device usage effectively while ensuring they have access to appropriate content.

A child using his iPhone to play games (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

24 MOST AMAZING GIFTS FOR KIDS

3. Repurpose it as a webcam 

In recent years, Apple’s Continuity Camera feature has made it easy to use an iPhone as a webcam for your Mac or Apple TV. While newer models work well for this purpose, older iPhones can still serve as excellent webcams, especially for online meetings and video calls. 

Instead of purchasing an external webcam, your old iPhone can deliver superior video quality. iOS 18 even allows older iPhones to work as dedicated continuity cameras for Apple TV, which is ideal for FaceTime or Zoom calls with family and friends.

Steps to use your iPhone as a webcam

  • Download webcam apps: Consider apps like EpocCam or DroidCam from the App Store
  • Connect your iPhone: Follow the app’s instructions to connect your iPhone to your computer via USB or Wi-Fi
  • Select your iPhone in video settings: In your video conferencing app (like Zoom or FaceTime), select your iPhone as the camera source

Instead of purchasing an external webcam, your old iPhone can deliver superior video quality.

4. Make it a dedicated music player 

Why use your main iPhone for music when you can repurpose your old one as a dedicated MP3 player? With your old iPhone set up as a music player, you can enjoy your favorite tunes or podcasts without the distractions of text messages or social media notifications. It’s a perfect solution for workouts, long drives or when you just want to zone out with music.

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A woman using her iPhone as a dedicated music player (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

5. Use it as a remote or smart home controller 

If you own an Apple TV, you already know that your iPhone can function as a remote control. However, keeping your main phone tied up with the remote can be inconvenient. By making your old iPhone a dedicated Apple TV remote, you can still enjoy controlling your TV without using your primary phone. 

Steps to set up your old iPhone as a remote

Set up Apple TV remote feature:

  • Ensure both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network
  • Open the Control Center on the old iPhone (swipe down from the upper-right corner)
  • Tap on the Apple TV remote icon and follow the prompts to connect

Manage smart home devices:

  • Download smart home apps like Apple Home or those specific to your devices (e.g., Philips Hue)
  • Follow the app instructions to add and control devices

Your old iPhone can even be a hub for all your smart home devices, from adjusting lights and thermostats to checking security cameras.

10 SMART HOME DEVICES WE LOVE

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6. Save it for gaming 

Smartphones have transformed mobile gaming, and your old iPhone could be an ideal portable gaming console. Many classic and modern games run smoothly on older iPhone models, and with subscription services like Apple Arcade, you can access a huge library of high-quality games. This is a fun, low-cost way to enjoy mobile gaming without draining your main iPhone’s battery life.

A game app on iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

7. Convert it into an e-reader 

For book lovers, using an old iPhone as a dedicated e-reader is a great option. You can install apps like Kindle or Apple Books from the App Store. The iPhone’s display is perfect for reading books and graphic novels, and since you’re not using your main iPhone, there are no distractions like notifications to interrupt your reading. 

You can disable all apps and notifications on the old device, making it a peaceful reading experience. Plus, you can still connect your AirPods to listen to audiobooks while on the go.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Just because you’ve upgraded to a new iPhone doesn’t mean your old one has to be discarded. There are countless ways to repurpose it, from boosting your productivity to controlling your smart home. This way, you can extend its lifespan and maximize the value of your purchase. 

What other devices would you like tips on breathing new life into? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover.

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OpenAI keeps shuffling its executives in bid to win AI agent battle

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OpenAI keeps shuffling its executives in bid to win AI agent battle

OpenAI announced yet another reorganization Friday, consolidating certain areas and making company president Greg Brockman the official lead of all things product.

In a memo viewed by The Verge, Brockman wrote that since OpenAI’s product strategy for this year is to go all-in on AI agents, the company is combining its products to “invest in a single agentic platform and to merge ChatGPT and Codex into one unified agentic experience for all.”

To do this, the company is making a suite of org chart changes, although it’s still operating under some of the same ones from last month. That’s when AGI boss Fidji Simo went on medical leave and OpenAI announced that Brockman would be in charge of product strategy and CSO Jason Kwon, CFO Sarah Friar, and CRO Denise Dresser would take control of business operations.

It’s all part of OpenAI’s recent strategic shift to focus on key revenue drivers like coding and enterprise and stop pouring resources into “side quests” ahead of its potential IPO later this year and amid investor pressure to turn a profit.

In Simo’s continued absence, Brockman’s role leading product strategy is now official, as well as the company’s “scaling” arm. Under Brockman will be four different pillars. The first is core product and platform, led by Thibault Sottiaux, who has been OpenAI’s engineering lead for Codex, and the second is critical enterprise industries, led by ChatGPT head Nick Turley. Third is the consumer pillar, such as health, commerce, and personal finance, which will be led by Ashley Alexander, who has been its healthcare products VP. The fourth pillar — core infrastructure, ads, data science, and growth — will be led by Vijaye Raji, who has been OpenAI’s CTO of applications.

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Brockman wrote in the memo that OpenAI’s goal is now to “bring agents to ChatGPT scale, in order to give individuals and organizations significantly more value and utility from our products.”

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Is that traffic ticket text a scam or real?

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Is that traffic ticket text a scam or real?

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

You’re going about your day when your phone buzzes. A text hits your phone. It looks official. It sounds urgent. And suddenly, you are being told you owe money for a traffic violation. That is exactly what Todd from Texas experienced. He emailed us and said:

“I received this text message today. It was so baffling because I haven’t lived in California for nearly a decade. I didn’t click on anything or respond. How can I tell if this is for real or if this is a scam?”

If you’ve gotten a message like this, you are not alone. This type of scam is spreading fast, and it is designed to pressure you into acting before you think. Let’s break down what is really going on.

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  • For simple, real-world ways to spot scams early and stay protected, visit CyberGuy.com trusted by millions who watch CyberGuy on TV daily.
  • Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join.

FAKE AGENT PHONE SCAMS ARE SPREADING FAST ACROSS THE US

This message may look official, but several red flags show it is likely a scam designed to pressure you into paying quickly. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What the traffic ticket scam text looks like

At first, the message seems convincing. It claims to be a “final reminder” from the California DMV, and it warns of penalties like license suspension and added fees. It even includes a link that appears somewhat official. However, once you slow down and take a closer look, the red flags quickly start to pile up.

The biggest red flags in this message

Here are the key warning signs to watch for in messages like this.

9 WAYS SCAMMERS CAN USE YOUR PHONE NUMBER TO TRY TO TRICK YOU

1) The phone number makes no sense

The message comes from a number with a +63 country code. That is the Philippines, not California. Government agencies in the U.S. do not send official legal notices from international numbers. That alone is a major warning sign.

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2) No name, just “Dear Driver”

Legitimate notices from a DMV or court almost always include your full name or at least some identifying information. “Dear Driver” is vague on purpose. It allows scammers to send the same message to thousands of people.

3) The link isn’t a real DMV website

The message includes this link:

ca.mnvtl.life/dmv

That isn’t a government domain. Official DMV websites in California use “.ca.gov” or similar trusted domains. Scammers often create lookalike links to trick you into clicking.

4) Urgency and threats

The message pushes you to act quickly with a deadline. It lists consequences like license suspension and extra charges. Scammers rely on fear. When you feel rushed, you are more likely to click without thinking.

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FBI WARNS OF DANGEROUS NEW ‘SMISHING’ SCAM TARGETING YOUR PHONE

5) Asking you to reply to proceed

The text says to reply with “Y” to get instructions. That is another trap. Responding confirms your number is active, which can lead to more scam messages.

6) Generic language and odd phrasing

Parts of the message feel slightly off. The tone is formal but not quite right. That subtle awkwardness is common in scam messages sent to large groups of people.

7) Overloaded threats designed to scare you

The message piles on consequences like license suspension, added fees, court action and even credit damage. In this case, it even mentions a license suspension and a $160 late payment charge. That combination is meant to overwhelm you and push you to act fast. Real agencies usually provide clear, specific notices, not a long list of escalating threats in a single text.

INSIDE A SCAMMER’S DAY AND HOW THEY TARGET YOU

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Scam texts like this often arrive out of nowhere and try to create urgency before you have time to question them. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What this means for you

Even if you have never driven in California, you could still receive this message. Scammers cast a wide net and hope someone takes the bait. If you click the link, you could be taken to a fake payment page. That page may ask for your credit card details, personal information or login credentials. In some cases, it can also install malware on your device or redirect you to credential-stealing pages. This isn’t about a ticket. It is about getting your data.  State DMVs typically do not send final legal notices or payment demands by text message.

Why these scams keep working

These messages work because they tap into something most people fear. Legal trouble, fines and losing driving privileges. They also look just real enough to pass a quick glance. That is all scammers need. As more services move online, these scams will continue to evolve.

Unlike typical DMV scams, this message impersonates a court and escalates the threats to make the situation feel more serious (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Ways to stay safe from traffic ticket text scams

Start with a simple rule. Never trust a payment request that shows up out of nowhere. Here are practical steps you can take:

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1) Do not click the link

If you are unsure, do not tap anything in the message. That includes links and reply options.

2) Use strong antivirus software

If you accidentally click a link, strong antivirus software can help detect malware and protect your data. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com

3) Verify directly with the DMV

Go to your state’s official DMV website by typing it yourself into your browser. Do not use the link in the text.

4) Check the sender carefully

Look at the phone number. International numbers or random strings are a clear warning sign.

5) Ignore generic greetings

Real notices will usually include your name or case details. Vague language is a red flag.

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6) Consider a data removal service

Scammers often get your number from data broker sites. Removing your personal info from those databases with a data removal service can reduce these messages. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com

7) Block and report the number

On your phone, block the sender and report it as spam. This helps reduce future attempts.

8) Turn on spam filtering

Enable spam filtering on your phone or through your carrier to catch more of these messages before they reach you.

Kurt’s key takeaways

Todd did the right thing. He paused, questioned the message and did not click. That one decision likely saved him from handing over personal information. When it comes to messages like this, skepticism is your best defense. If something feels off, trust that instinct.

Should phone carriers and tech companies be doing more to block scams like this before you ever see them? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

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  • For simple, real-world ways to spot scams early and stay protected, visit CyberGuy.com trusted by millions who watch CyberGuy on TV daily.
  • Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join. 

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Honda’s hybrid future starts with new Accord and RDX prototypes

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Honda’s hybrid future starts with new Accord and RDX prototypes

Honda revealed prototypes of two new hybrid models, an Accord sedan and the Acura RDX SUV, during its annual business briefing this week, built on a platform that it says will begin launching next year. The RDX was announced earlier this year as Honda’s first SUV to feature the next-gen version of its two-motor hybrid system.

In March, Honda announced it would take a writedown of up to 2.5 trillion yen ($15.7 billion) on its EV investments. Now Honda says its EV-related losses will be “resolved” by 2029, and that it will reevaluate its EV plans in 2030.

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