How to Bring an Old Phone Back to Life with Dialappify and aloSIM

Ah, the junk drawer. A household staple that offers a repository for all the random bits of our lives: elastics, hard candy (of questionable flavour). Old receipts, some pencils, batteries (definitely dead), and, in my case, an old cell phone.  

I’ll be honest—I wasn’t expecting much when I pulled it from the junk drawer. It was my “just-in-case” phone (because after you drop one in the washing machine, it’s better to be safe than sorry). It was just the one I couldn’t bring myself to throw out, even though it hadn’t buzzed in years. I plugged it in to discover that the battery could still hold a charge; but still, with no number and no mobile plan, it was basically a glorified calculator.

And yet, I couldn’t shake the idea: could I revive this old gal? Fast forward to the end and, yes! Indeed I could. All it took was a little creativity—and a bit of help from Dialappify and aloSIM.

Step 1: I realized I didn’t need a mobile carrier plan.

When I first charged up my phone I started to wonder about how to get connected again. I didn’t want the hassle of another contract, especially for just a secondary phone that I might only just use occasionally. Fortunately, I recalled that my old phone was unlocked and eSIM compatible (basically the magic words for this purpose). 

So, instead of going the old fashioned route, I installed the and found an eSIM data plan that would work for my needs. No SIM card, no activation fees, no contracts, and no stress. Just a few minutes to full data access. 

Step 2: I was ready to get a new phone number. 

The next piece of the puzzle when thinking how to use an old phone was to snag a phone number. I knew I didn’t want it tied in any way to my primary number. This phone was to be a back up, or for travel, so I didn’t need any link to my everyday life. 

I turned to Dialappify to get a secondary phone number without the unusual carrier nonsense. And bonus: users get a free Dialappify number with an aloSIM eSIM.

The Dialappify app downloaded in seconds and then I selected a local number (yes, with my area code)! That’s all it took to breathe life back into my dead phone. I can now call and text just like new, using WiFi or mobile data. (Plus Dialappify comes with voicemail, texting, and call forwarding!)

Step 3: Enjoying the many uses of my new old phone. 

Two phones?! I feel so fancy. 

Now that I’ve got my eSIM and Dialappify number I’m thinking of all the ways I can make use of a secondary phone. I’ve been travelling quite a bit lately so maybe I’ll keep it as a dedicated travel phone. 

On the other hand, as I continue my junk drawer clean-up, I’m finding more items that I might sell on Facebook Marketplace. I do appreciate the added security of a Dialappify number that will enable me to post listings without linking my private personal information. Ditto for making purchases. 

And honestly? With sustainability always on my mind, it feels extra good to reuse a perfectly functional device.