Awesome Uses of Old Remote – Creative Ideas to Reuse and Recycle
In every home, there’s always that old TV remote or unused gadget controller lying in a drawer, collecting dust. Instead of throwing it away, why not give it a second life? Old remotes can be transformed into creative, practical, and even fun DIY projects that save money and reduce waste.
In this article, we’ll explore amazing ways to reuse old remotes, whether they are from TVs, DVD players, AC units, or toys. Let’s turn trash into treasure!
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1. DIY TV Remote Control for Smart Devices
If you have an old infrared remote and a small IR receiver module, you can program it to control LED lights, fans, or other home appliances. This is a great project for those who love electronics and Arduino projects.
How to do it:
Get an Arduino or ESP8266 board.
Use an IR receiver to read the remote’s signals.
Program it to trigger specific actions like turning lights on/off.
This way, your old remote becomes a universal home controller.
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2. Secret Hidden Storage Box
An old remote body can be hollowed out and turned into a mini hidden storage case for:
Cash
Small jewelry
SD cards or SIM cards
Because it looks like a regular remote, it’s the perfect discreet hiding spot.
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3. Creative Wall Art or Craft Projects
If you’re into upcycling, old remotes can be turned into decorative art pieces. Arrange them into patterns, paint them, and frame them for a quirky tech-themed wall décor.
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4. Learning Tool for Kids
Old remotes can be turned into educational toys for children:
Teach them about numbers and buttons.
Use them for pretend play as a “cash register” or “space ship controller”.
Remove batteries to make it safe for kids.
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5. Universal IR Blaster for Smart Homes
Some old remotes, especially from DVD players or home theaters, can be reprogrammed to work as a universal IR blaster. Pair it with a smart home hub, and you can control multiple devices from a single old remote.
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6. Doorbell Button
With a little electronics knowledge, you can use an old remote button as a wireless doorbell trigger. Just connect a receiver to a chime circuit, and you have a DIY wireless doorbell.
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7. Old Remote Keypad for DIY Electronics
The buttons from an old remote can be used in DIY projects for:
Game controllers
Security alarm panels
Custom keypads for projects
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8. Robot Controller
If you’re into robotics, you can use an old remote to control a DIY robot. Many hobbyists use TV remotes with Arduino to operate car robots, arm robots, or RC toys.
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9. Science Experiments
Old remotes emit infrared light that can be seen through a phone camera. This makes them great for teaching kids about light waves, sensors, and technology.
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10. Donation to Makers & Repair Shops
If you’re not into DIY, donate your old remote to repair technicians or makerspaces. Many repair shops reuse remote casings, buttons, or circuit boards for repairs.
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Tips Before Reusing Old Remotes
Remove Batteries: Always check for battery leaks.
Clean Thoroughly: Wipe with isopropyl alcohol to remove dirt.
Test Functionality: Some old remotes might still work with other devices.
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Final Thoughts
Old remotes are more than just junk in a drawer. With a little creativity, they can be transformed into useful tools, fun gadgets, and unique art. Reusing them not only saves money but also helps the environment by reducing e-waste.
So, next time you find an old remote, don’t throw it away—turn it into something awesome!
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