If you've recently updated to the latest iPad model, then yous may be left wondering what to do with your old one.

Re-selling information technology is an obvious answer because tablets keep their value. But if you don't demand the money, there are some interesting ways you can repurpose an iPad.

i. Utilise Your iPad as a Defended Smart Home Hub

A screenshot of different illustrations of smart home devices that work with Apple Home app

Your iPad touchscreen is an incredibly valuable component. The screen quality and sleek blueprint make it perfect for displaying in your abode. What meliorate mode to utilize it than as a dedicated smart abode hub?

The Apple Domicile app is designed to communicate with a host of smart abode devices. Call back lights, doorbells, heaters, air conditioners, TVs, habitation stereo systems, security, and more. All of which can be controlled from a single app.

Take your old iPad and set up your smart dwelling devices on it. One time it's prepare to go, mount your iPad to a wall where yous can display all your home devices in ane location. It'southward easy to access, perfect for on-the-get changes, and allows everyone in the domicile quick access.

2. Use Your iPad as a 2nd Monitor

An iMac sits beside an Apple monitor on a desk in a light room.

There is nada more valuable than extra screen space. Nosotros know this because nosotros pay a lot of coin to increase our laptops, computers, and tablets to the next available display size. That's why you lot should repurpose your iPad equally a 2nd monitor.

There are a couple of ways to practice this. If you have a Mac laptop or desktop estimator, you can use a native Mac awarding called Sidecar to help y'all apply your iPad every bit a second display.

On the other hand, if your computer has a Windows operating organisation, so Luna Brandish has designed a tiny USB-C dongle that will plow an iPad or Mac into a wireless second brandish. Information technology also works with macOS.

3. Use Your iPad as a Remote Control

things to do with old ipad

Did you know yous can use your tablet as a remote?

There are a lot of different ways you can use your iPad as a remote. If you lot utilise iTunes or take an Apple TV, you can use the congenital-in iTunes Remote app. If that'southward not an selection, you can try one of our picks for the all-time Tv remote apps.

This is a groovy solution if you've lost your remote, or want to replace your remote with a device that is surely large enough not to become lost in the first place!

4. Requite It to the Kids

Kids Looking at iPad featured

The iPad can be a great learning tool or toy for children to use. They love the fact that they can collaborate directly with the device by touching information technology and at that place's no shortage of entertaining games or educational apps. Fragility is the only reason why kids don't finish upwards with iPads more often.

Offering your kid an onetime iPad will not only keep them entertained, but exist a good lesson to teach them responsibility. If it breaks, it'due south gone, so they must take care of it for themselves.

Only make sure your kid is old plenty to comprehend this responsibility, otherwise you're going to end up with a lot of tears, and the iPad is not as absorptive equally some other products with a similar name.

5. Make It a Digital Photo or Video Frame

Here's an easy one. The iPad tin display video clips and show photos in a slideshow. And information technology'south likewise sparse and light. Therefore using it as a digital photo frame is a no-brainer.

All you lot demand to do is prop it upwards or hang information technology on brandish. To achieve this, you can either use an iPad stand or an adhesive mount, such as Velcro. You need less Velcro than you lot'd think to attach an iPad to a wall. If this solution seems a bit low-rent for your tastes, in that location are products made specifically to hang the iPad on a wall, such the Studio Proper Wall Mount.

Later on that, yous need to figure out how to power it. If the tablet is left near a computer, information technology'due south not hard to run the standard adapter from a rear USB port to the tablet. Longer distances can be covered with the use of a USB extension string. If no PC is bachelor, you'll have to instead employ a USB wall charger, which is inexpensive to buy.

vi. Employ It equally a Recipe Volume or Mechanic'due south Assistant

A close up shot of an iPad displaying a recipe, placed on a stand on the kitchen bench

Versatility and portability are strengths of the iPad, merely its fragility limits its use in certain situations. If you take an older tablet that is falling out of use, nevertheless, it'southward easier to accept it in the kitchen or the garage.

You lot can amend your old iPad'southward chances of survival by purchasing a rugged case, such equally a Griffin Survivor or Gumdrop Tech War machine Edition. These cases provide padding and, in the case of the Griffin Survivor, a built-in stand. Well-nigh users volition find them too bulky for everyday employ, but they shine in peculiarly tough environments.

Purchasing an anti-glare screen protector is also a expert idea. This additional accessory will reduce the chance of small damage and improve the visibility of the display.

7. Mount Information technology in Your Motorcar

The inside of a car showing two screens mounted on the back of the front seat head rests

Putting an iPad in your car may seem a bit cool, just information technology's actually not a bad idea, especially when connecting to your personal hotspot. But fifty-fifty if you don't have a Wi-Fi connection, yous can still load the iPad's retention with plenty of videos and some useful apps that accept an offline mode.

Mounting the iPad in the front can exist accomplished with ease thank you to products like those from RAM Mounts, which can hold an iPad firmly in identify via diverse zipper mechanisms. Mounting the iPad in the back seats will create a uncomplicated in-car entertainment organisation and it's even easier thanks to a variety of products that can attach to a front end seat caput-rest.

Any method you cull, be wary of local regulations. Distracted driving laws are increasingly common and harsh.

Upcycle Your iPad

What tin you do with your old iPad besides selling it? The answer is to upcycle it.

Instead of putting your old iPad in a drawer, give it a new chore. Use it as a defended recipe book, or equally a DIY car entertainment organization. Or even pass it on to your children to use as an educational tool.

Just because you have a better model now, doesn't mean you have to make your old iPad obsolete.

Nosotros hope you like the items we recommend and hash out! MUO has affiliate and sponsored partnerships, and so we receive a share of the acquirement from some of your purchases. This won't affect the price yous pay and helps us offering the all-time production recommendations.

7 Signs It'south Time to Upgrade Your iPad

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Well-nigh The Author

Matt Smith (564 Manufactures Published)

Matthew Smith is a freelance writer living in Portland Oregon. He likewise writes and edits for Digital Trends.

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