Sure, if you’re going to tinker with that old phone, at least switch it off first so you don’t spark a fire. Recycle is the safe bet if you don’t feel like a mad scientist, but turning it into a lamp can be a cool bragging right—just make sure the battery is dead and you use proper wiring, otherwise you’ll end up with a flickering hazard and a big mess. If you’re serious about the DIY route, get a proper enclosure and keep it away from heat sources, and you’ll avoid both fire and embarrassment.