12 Uses for an Old iPad: Smart, Fun & Surprisingly Useful Ways to Reclaim It

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If you’ve ever stared at your old iPad wondering whether to toss it, sell it, or leave it as a glorified paperweight, you’re definitely not alone. I’ve had the same moment — that sad, silent device sitting in a drawer — giving me those ”remember when I was awesome?” vibes. The good news? Your old iPad is still capable of doing some really cool things.

Instead of trading it for spare change, why not transform it into something functional, fun, or even productive? Today, we’re diving into 12 truly practical ways to bring that retired iPad back to life — and trust me, some of these ideas are way cooler than you think.

Let’s explore!

A Dedicated Smart Home Controller

Ever find yourself juggling apps to dim lights, check cameras, or tweak thermostat settings? Your old iPad can become a wall-mounted smart home hub. The beauty is that even older models run:

  • Google Home
  • Alexa
  • SmartThings
  • Philips Hue
  • Ring
  • Wyze

Mount it on your wall or leave it charging on a stand — then enjoy one-tap control.

Pro tip: Set the screen to “never sleep,” so it’s always ready when you are. Smooth, right?

Home Security Monitor

No need to buy another screen when your iPad can become one. With apps like:

  • Ring
  • Wyze
  • Arlo
  • Reolink

you can watch live feeds around the clock. Leave the tablet plugged into power and boom — instant monitoring station. For extra usefulness, place it near an entry table so you can peek in before heading out.

Kitchen Command Center / Recipe Tablet

Let’s be real — nobody wants flour fingers on their daily iPad. But an older one? Perfect!

Use it to:

  • Display recipes
  • Watch cooking videos
  • Set timers
  • Run shopping lists
  • Play music while you stir

Trust me — cooking feels way more fun when your “retired” iPad turns into your kitchen sidekick.

Kids-Only Entertainment Device

Got children, nieces, nephews, or grandkids? Handing them your main tablet feels risky. But your old one?

Perfect for:

  • YouTube Kids
  • Educational apps
  • Drawing apps
  • Audiobooks
  • Offline downloaded shows for car rides

And yes — set parental controls. Apple’s Screen Time works even on older systems. Your sanity will thank you.

Dedicated E-Reader / Digital Library

If you’re anything like me, reading on your main device can turn into notification ping chaos. So use the old iPad as a no-distraction reading tablet.

Load:

  • Kindle
  • Apple Books
  • Libby (free library books!)
  • PDF manuals & recipes

Turn on dark mode, dim brightness, and you’ve got a comfy reading station that rivals dedicated e-readers IMO.

Fitness / Workout Screen

This one is underrated and awesome.

Prop it up in your room or gym space and turn it into a:

  • Yoga guide
  • Pilates coach
  • HIIT instructor
  • Meditation screen
  • Dance tutorial player

Apps like Nike Training Club, FitOn, and YouTube still run fine. Hit play, follow the moves, sweat, repeat.

Bedside Clock / Nightstand Organizer

Why buy designer alarm clocks when your iPad can become one?

Use it as:

  • A clock with a gorgeous screensaver
  • A sleep sounds generator
  • A habit tracker station
  • A morning news dashboard

Add apps like Calm, Clocks, or Flip Clock screensavers. The vibe? Clean, modern, aesthetic — and you didn’t spend a dime.

Digital Photo Frame

This transformation is insanely satisfying.

Put it on a stand and let it loop:

  • Family photos
  • Travel memories
  • Pet pictures
  • Inspirational mood boards

Apps like LiveFrame or Google Photos slideshow do the job beautifully. Suddenly your old iPad becomes a memory-sharing art piece.

Secondary Display for Your Laptop or PC

Yes — your old iPad can literally become an extra monitor.

Apps like Duet Display or Sidecar (for newer Macs) let you:

  • Drag windows over
  • Expand workspace
  • Keep chats or editing tools off your main screen

If you work from home or multitask often, this trick is chef’s kiss useful.

Music Station / Podcast Hub

Don’t waste your main phone’s battery blasting playlists when your old iPad can do it all.

Leave it on a shelf connected to:

  • Spotify
  • Apple Music
  • YouTube Music
  • Audible

Pair it with a Bluetooth speaker and enjoy a surprisingly stylish mini jukebox setup.

Dedicated Car Display or Travel Tablet

Before you cringe — hear me out. If you have long drives, road trips, or kids in the back seat, this move is epic.

Mount your iPad and use it for:

  • Maps
  • GPS apps
  • Offline movies
  • Audiobooks
  • Kids’ games

Just keep a car charger handy. Suddenly that dusty iPad becomes a travel lifesaver.

Learning Hub / Side-Skills Device

Maybe you keep your main tablet for work. Why not turn the old one into a personal growth screen?

Use it for:

  • Duolingo (language learning)
  • Udemy classes
  • Skillshare lessons
  • YouTube tutorials
  • Craft or DIY guides

Having a dedicated learning device helps eliminate distractions — and honestly feels motivating.

Bonus Idea: Donate, Repurpose, or Sell It Smartly

If none of the above clicks, your old iPad might be a blessing for someone else. Consider donating it to:

  • A student
  • A local charity
  • A senior center
  • A family member

You may be surprised how much value it gives someone else — especially for reading, messaging, or entertainment.

Practical Tips to Make Your Old iPad Work Better

Before reusing your iPad, run through a simple prep checklist:

  • Reset and remove unused apps
  • Update software if possible
  • Turn on guided access for kids
  • Enable battery health tricks (partial charging, screen dimming)
  • Keep it plugged in for wall or desk setups

Small tweaks equal smoother performance.

Can Older iPads Still Handle Modern Apps?

Short answer: mostly yes.

Even if some apps won’t update, you can:

  • Install older compatible versions
  • Use web-based apps in Safari
  • Download lightweight alternatives

If the tablet is slow, turn off animations in settings — you’d be surprised how snappy it becomes.

Why Not Sell It Instead?

Sure, you could sell it — but older iPads sometimes fetch less than a dinner bill. So reinventing them gives more value than letting them go for cheap.

Plus, keeping an extra device reduces wear on your primary one.

Why waste when you can repurpose like a tech wizard?

My Favorite Repurpose? Digital Photo Frame Meets Music Hub

Honestly? I turned one of my retired iPads into a family photo display that streams music on weekends. It sits in the living room, rotating photos, playing playlists, and making guests smile.

For a device I almost threw away — it got a second life with personality.

Final Thoughts — Your iPad Isn’t Done Yet

So there you have it — 12 clever ways to reuse an old iPad, each giving it brand-new purpose. From smart home hubs and fitness displays (my top picks) to reading tablets and kids’ screens, the once-forgotten iPad becomes useful again.

Before you shove yours deeper into a drawer, take a second look and imagine it on your wall, in your kitchen, or beside your bed doing something cool. Why not give it a new job today?

After all — sometimes the “old tech” still has plenty of magic left. ✨

Now go dust it off and let it surprise you!

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David

In his role as Managing Editor at DigitalHow, David oversees everything tech-related. Since his teens, David has tested, reviewed, and written about technology. The launch of his own site was driven by his passion for tech and gadget news.