My Cousin’s Smart Home Controller: A DIY Hack to Transform Your Old iPhone
You know the problem: old devices collecting dust in the corner of your room. This hack helps: breathe new life into them, turning them into something truly useful and clever.
Materials Needed
- An old iPhone or similar smartphone
- Smart home apps (Google Home, Alexa, SmartThings)
- A sleek wall mount for the phone
Step-by-Step Guide: Transforming Your Old iPhone into a Smart Home Controller
- Give it a fresh start: Perform a factory reset on your old iPhone to wipe off all previous data and settings.
- Download smart home apps: Get Google Home, Alexa, and SmartThings installed on your device to control various aspects of your smart home.
- Optimize performance: Disable unnecessary apps and notifications to save battery life and make the phone run smoother.
- Find a sleek spot: Install a wall mount for your phone in a convenient location, such as next to the light switch.
- Enable voice assistant features: Set up Google Assistant or Alexa on your phone to control devices hands-free.
- Create routines and automation: Use Shortcuts on your iPhone to automate tasks like turning on lights or adjusting the thermostat with a simple command.
Troubleshooting
If you encounter any issues, try restarting your phone after each step. Also, ensure that all smart home apps are updated for smooth performance.
Time-Saver Tip:
Turn every morning into a seamless experience: Set up routines and automation on your transformed iPhone to make mornings more efficient and enjoyable.
Products to Enhance This Hack
Check out these products from Amazon:


