Don’t toss it—repurpose it. Your old iPad still has plenty of life left.
So, your old iPad is sitting in a drawer—too slow to keep up, too good to throw away. Sound familiar?
Before you donate it, trade it in, or let it gather dust, consider this: iPads are incredibly versatile—even the older ones. With a little creativity (and a good Wi-Fi connection), your aging tablet can be transformed into something genuinely useful again.
Here are 7 smart, low-effort ways to give your old iPad a new purpose.
1. Turn It Into a Smart Home Hub
If you use smart lights, plugs, or security cameras, your old iPad can become a dedicated smart home control center.
- Mount it on a wall or prop it up in your kitchen.
- Keep the screen on with Guided Access and open your Home app (or Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings, etc.).
- Now you’ve got a dashboard for adjusting lights, checking the baby cam, or running routines—hands-free.
Bonus: You can even set up Siri or Alexa voice commands if it still supports them.
2. Use It as a Digital Cookbook
An old iPad makes a perfect kitchen companion.
- Load your favorite recipe apps (like Paprika, NYT Cooking, or Pinterest).
- Stream YouTube cooking videos while you work.
- Use a waterproof case or stand to protect it from splatters.
Pro tip: Create a shared “family meals” folder with go-to recipes everyone can access and update.
3. Make It a Kid-Friendly Entertainment Device
Why hand over your brand-new iPad when your older one still works just fine?
- Load it with downloaded shows, games, audiobooks, or educational apps.
- Set up Screen Time restrictions for parental control.
- Add a sturdy kid-proof case, and you’ve got a road-trip lifesaver.
It’s slower, sure—but for watching Bluey or tracing ABCs, it’s more than enough.
4. Convert It Into a Digital Picture Frame
Got too many favorite photos just sitting on your phone? Put your old iPad to work as a rotating gallery.
- Use the built-in Photos app in slideshow mode.
- Or try a third-party app like LiveFrame or Fotoo for more customization.
- Place it on a shelf or mount it on the wall—and enjoy a personal art piece that updates itself.
5. Use It as a Second Monitor
If your iPad supports it (usually iOS 13+), you can use Sidecar to connect it to your Mac as a second screen. Even if it doesn’t, there are apps for that.
- Try Duet Display or Splashtop Wired XDisplay for Windows and older iOS versions.
- Great for extra screen space while working, writing, or editing photos.
This can breathe new life into your iPad—especially if you’re short on desktop real estate.
6. Dedicate It to Music or Podcasts
Keep your primary devices free by turning your old iPad into a music station.
- Connect it to a speaker and load your favorite music or podcast apps.
- Mount it in the kitchen, garage, or by the bed.
- Use voice control if supported, or create custom playlists you can play with one tap.
No interruptions from texts or emails—just pure background vibes.
7. Create a DIY Security Monitor or Baby Cam
Your iPad + a camera app = instant surveillance.
- Install a free app like Alfred or Presence, and use the iPad as a live video feed.
- Monitor your front door, garage, or sleeping baby from your main phone.
- Many apps support motion alerts, cloud storage, and two-way talk.
You’ve basically got a security cam—without spending another cent.
Final Thoughts
That “old” iPad? Still super capable. Whether it’s hanging in your kitchen, powering your home, or keeping your kids entertained, you don’t need the latest model to get real value.
So dust it off, plug it in, and turn it into something useful. Sometimes, the best gadgets are the ones you already own.