If you've recently bought a new iPad, you may wonder what to do with your rusty old one. If it can't be updated to the latest version of iPadOS, it's officially outdated!
Selling your old iPad is an obvious answer. But if you don't need the money, there are some interesting ways to repurpose your iPad that's been lying dormant, collecting dust in the drawer. Follow along as we share a dozen tips for breathing new life into your old iPad.
1. An Old iPad Is a Cool Digital Picture Frame
The iPad shines at showcasing your favorite family photos. With Apple's Photos app, you can quickly create nicely animated slideshows loaded with images, videos, and even song playlists for background music. Or, download a third-party app with more flashy features if you like.
Whether you turn an old iPad into a dedicated family media album or business portfolio, it will double as another backup device to archive and display those precious memories.
All you need to do is prop up the device or hang it on display. Use an iPad stand for that, an adhesive mount like Velcro, or specialized accessories like the Studio Proper Wall Mount. After that, you need to figure out how to power your iPad. For that, use either the cable that came with your iPad, an extension cord (to cover longer distances), or a USB wall charger.
2. Convert Your Old iPad Into a Kitchen Tablet
Foodies, you can turn your old iPad into an all-around kitchen tablet. You only need to load the device with recipes and relevant how-to videos. You may also invest in Twelve South's HoverBar Duo, which has a flexible arm and a sturdy, adjustable shelf clamp.
It lets you affix an iPad firmly to the table to use safely in the kitchen as a multipurpose tool. You can also follow video recipes on the device or record your cooking tutorials.
3. An Old iPad Is a Great Ebook Reader
Thanks to its crisp and vibrant Retina display, any old iPad is still a fine ebook reader. If Apple's Books app or Amazon's Kindle software is unsupported on your iPad, alternatives like the Pocket app will enable you to save web articles without ads.
Install third-party apps like Google Play Books & Audiobooks, Good Reads, Scribd, and similar to browse and download electronic books on your iPad, transfer PDF files from a computer, and more (we've rounded up some of the best websites to download ebooks for free.)
Comics, perfectly rendered on the iPad's Retina display, are a joy to consume on a tablet. There are plenty of dedicated comic book reader apps for the iPad to get you started.
4. Your Old iPad Is Perfect for Kids
Toddlers and kids adore iPads. If your kid is too young or slobbery to be trusted with a newer device, an old iPad might be the perfect toy to give them. Just put on one of Netflix's many kid shows or let your junior entertain themselves on YouTube Kids.
Educational apps make learning on tablets fun, especially visual programming software, apps that teach kids how to read and write, and similar. If your iPad supports Apple Pencil, check out some of the best apps for the Apple Pencil for drawing, sketching, taking notes, etc.
Offering your child an old iPad will not only keep them entertained but be a good lesson to teach them responsibility. If it breaks, it's gone, so they must take care of it for themselves.
5. Turn Your Old iPad Into a Second Monitor
There is nothing more valuable than extra screen space. We know this because we pay a lot of money to increase our laptops, computers, and tablets to the next available display size. That's why you should repurpose your iPad as a second monitor.
Apple's Sidecar feature lets you use an iPad as a second monitor for your Mac. If your device doesn't support Sidecar, consider the Luna Display USB dongle from Astropad that turns any iPad or Mac into a wireless second display that works in macOS and Windows.
6. Use an Old iPad as a Nightstand Alarm Clock
A stand turns an old iPad into a fun alarm clock that displays information like the weather and time. Apple's native Clock app works fine as an alarm clock, but dedicated apps like Alarm Clock HD also let you keep tabs on social media like Twitter and Facebook.
7. Your Old iPad Can Be a Smart Home Dashboard
If you own essential accessories for the connected home, use your old iPad to control those Sonos speakers, Roku boxes, Plex media centers, the Spotify app running on your Mac, etc. You can quickly create the ultimate control dashboard for your smart home by mounting your iPad to a wall.
Smart appliances that work with Apple's HomeKit system can be managed in the Home app. If your iPad is too old to support it, download manufacturer apps from the App Store to control your smart bulbs, doorbells, heaters, thermostats, security cameras, and more.
8. Control TVS, Hi-Fi, and More With an Old iPad
With the right app, your iPad can control your Hi-Fi equipment, home theater setup, and more. And why not? It's far better to use a dusty, old tablet as a universal remote than juggle between seven different remotes that are nowhere to be found when you need them most.
You can run entertainment apps like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer to watch shows on your iPad. Provided the device isn't too old, you can even use Apple's Universal Control feature to seamlessly link your iPad and Mac. And with specialized apps such as WiFi Mouse, you can use an old iPad as a trackpad to control your Mac.
9. Use Your Old iPad as a Mechanic's Assistant
While an older iPad can be a great mechanic's assistant in the garage, you should consider investing in a protective case like the Griffin Survivor. Rugged iPad cases provide padding, and Griffin's case also has a built-in stand. Most users will find them too bulky for everyday use, but they shine in particularly tough environments.
Purchasing an anti-glare screen protector is also a good idea, as it'll reduce the chance of minor damage and improve the visibility of your iPad's display.
10. An Old iPad Is Perfect for Your Car
With its big touchscreen, the iPad is the perfect in-car entertainment dashboard. If you don't have CarPlay, mount an iPad in your car and download maps for offline navigation. Mounting the device in the back seats will create a simple in-car entertainment system. Be wary of local regulations whatever method you choose because distracted driving laws are increasingly common and harsh.
While traveling, apps like TheFork let you find and book nearby restaurants. And if you don't have a cellular iPad, you can use the Personal Hotspot feature on your iPhone to stream songs on Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal, etc.
11. Convert Your Rusty Old iPad Into Cash
If you can't find compelling uses for your outdated iPad, selling it is your next best option. Fortunately, Apple products hold their value well over time, so you might be pleasantly surprised by how much you can still get for an old iPad. Factors like the model, age, storage, and others determine what you should charge for your ancient tablet.
Apple's trade-in service will give you credit toward a new device, depending on the device's condition. But you'll get more value by trading in your old iPad on third-party platforms like eBay. That said, we've outlined a few things you should do before selling or giving away your iPad that could be helpful to protect your data and ensure a smooth transaction.
12. Use an Old iPad as a Beater Tablet
There's a balance to be struck between keeping your iPad safe and being able to use it when you want. It's a good idea to turn an old iPad into a beater tablet to use whenever you want to keep your newer devices away from danger. And even if you or your kids damage your old iPad beyond repair, you'll still have your primary one.
Don't Let Your Old iPad Go to Waste
Even though you have a better iPad now, you can still use the old one effectively by following our tips. Upcycle your old iPad and give it a new job as a dedicated recipe book, a DIY car entertainment system, an animated picture frame, an educational tool for your children, etc.
Unfortunately, our devices don't last forever. Maybe your Apple tablet is too sluggish for modern times and struggles to keep up with apps and games. If that's your case and your iPad is showing signs that it's high time to upgrade, selling it may indeed be your best option.
