Your smartphone is more than just a tool for communication and entertainment. It's a versatile device that can perform a surprising number of tasks, from measuring distances and detecting metal to acting as a stethoscope and a podcast studio. Here's a list of 25 surprisingly useful things you can do with your phone, along with tips on how to make the most of its capabilities.
- Tape Measure: Use the Measure app on your iPhone to measure ceiling heights, room dimensions, and even a person's height. This is perfect for quick DIY tasks.
- Metal Detector: Many modern phones have built-in magnetometers that can be used to detect metal. Apps can harness this tech, making them useful for beach treasure hunts.
- Remote Control: Download a remote control app and point your phone at the TV or other devices to adjust volume, switch inputs, or change channels.
- Digitalize Old Photos: Apps like FilmBox can turn your old negatives into digital photos, and you can further enhance them with image-editing tools.
- Hold Assist: Avoid long wait times on hold by using the Hold Assist feature on iPhones running iOS 26. It notifies you when a human voice is detected.
- 3D Scanning: Newer iPhones and some Android phones have depth sensors that can create detailed 3D models of objects, useful for 3D printing and more.
- Hiking Companion: Download offline maps and hiking apps to track your route, elevation, and distance, ensuring you stay on course and safe.
- Stethoscope: Combine your phone with a smartwatch to listen to heart sounds, as demonstrated in a 2022 trial.
- Sleep Aid: Use the accessibility settings to play soothing sounds like white noise or ocean waves to help you fall asleep.
- Paint Color Matching: Use your phone's camera and color-matching apps to find the perfect paint color for your walls.
- Live Translation: Apps like Google Translate can translate menus, signs, and even handwriting in real-time, making foreign travel easier.
- Plant Identification: AI-powered apps can identify plants, animals, and objects with surprising accuracy, helping you understand your garden or home decor.
- Webcam Replacement: Smartphone cameras are superior to built-in laptop cameras, offering better low-light performance and automated processing for clearer Zoom calls.
- Sound Level Meter: Measure decibel levels with dedicated apps, which are surprisingly accurate and can be useful for noise complaints.
- Smart Home Automation: Use NFC stickers to create programmable buttons for smart home routines, like turning on lights or wifi with a tap.
- Leveling Tool: Built-in spirit levels in many phones can help you hang pictures, level bookshelves, and more.
- Document Scanner: Most smartphones can scan documents by pinpointing corners, making it easy to digitize contracts and other paperwork.
- Animated Photo Memories: Apps like Google Photos can automatically group and animate your photos, creating short, memorable videos.
- Blood Oxygen Monitoring: Health apps can estimate blood oxygen saturation, providing early warnings for potential health issues.
- PowerPoint Control: Install companion apps to control PowerPoint presentations remotely, making presentations more efficient.
- Real-Time Location Sharing: Share your location with trusted contacts for safety, a convenient alternative to the old 'text me when you get there' method.
- Diet Tracking: Nutrition apps can log meals, track calories, and sync with step counters, making diet management easier.
- Podcast Studio: With a cheap microphone and editing app, your phone can record high-quality audio for podcasts or interviews.
- Voice Control: Create voice-activated commands for tasks like taking photos, making it easier to automate repetitive actions.
- Shopping List Management: Apps like Bring! and AnyList allow you to share and manage shopping lists with housemates, adding items by scanning barcodes or importing recipes.
