What To Do With Old Ipad

What to Do With Your Old iPad: 10 Creative Ideas

As technology advances, it’s common to find yourself upgrading your iPad and wondering what to do with the older model. Instead of letting it collect dust or contributing to e-waste, consider these creative ways to breathe new life into your outdated iPad.

1. Turn it into a Digital Picture Frame

One of the most popular ways to repurpose an old iPad is to use it as a digital picture frame. With the built-in Photos app in iPadOS, you can easily create albums and set up slideshows to showcase your favorite memories. Alternatively, you can purchase third-party accessories like picture frames, batteries, and mounts to transform your iPad into a dedicated digital photo frame.

2. Use it as a Second Monitor

If your iPad is still in good condition, you can use it as a secondary display for your Mac using Apple’s Sidecar software. This feature requires both devices to be signed into the same Apple account and running macOS Catalina or later and iPadOS 13 or later.

3. Convert it into a Smart Home Controller

Your old iPad can serve as a central controller for your smart home devices. Apps that work with Apple’s HomeKit or Google’s Nest or Home devices can be used to control various smart home accessories, and they don’t always require the newest iPad models.

4. Turn it into a Weather Station

Using the Apple Weather app and third-party apps like WunderStation, you can transform your iPad into a weather station. You can leave the weather apps running or connect it to IoT devices like Arduino or Raspberry Pi to monitor weather conditions remotely.

5. Repurpose it as an In-Car Entertainment System

If your iPad has cellular service, you can use it as an in-car entertainment system. Attach it to your dashboard or windshield using a mount to easily access maps, music, and more while driving.

6. Use it as an E-Book or Magazine Reader

There are numerous online book services, such as Apple Books and Kindle, that offer digital books for purchase and download to your iPad. Many magazine publishers now offer digital subscriptions, allowing you to read your favorite publications directly on your iPad.

7. Convert it into an Alarm Clock

Your old iPad can also serve as a digital alarm clock. Use apps designed for this purpose to display the time, date, and weather in a large, easy-to-read format. Apple’s Clock app includes an alarm feature, as well as clocks for multiple cities and time zones.

8. Donate or Recycle it

If you no longer need your old iPad, consider donating it to someone in need or recycling it to reduce e-waste. Apple has an iPad trade-in program, and third-party services like Gazelle buy old iPads for resale. Additionally, eco-ATMs at various supermarkets allow you to sell your old iPad for cash in-store.

9. Give it to Your Kids

An old iPad can be a great gift for your kids or a younger family member. While it may not support the latest apps or run as efficiently as newer models, it can still be used for basic games, watching YouTube videos, or browsing the web.

10. Keep Using it as a Secondary Tablet

If your iPad can still perform tasks efficiently enough, it could find a second life as a dedicated device for specific purposes. Use it in the kitchen as a recipe book, in the garage as a mechanic’s assistant, or in the bathroom for casual reading or video watching.

FAQs

How do I find my iPad model?

You can easily find your iPad model in the settings or labeled on the back of the tablet. Go to General > About > Model Number to find your device’s specific model. You can also find the model number printed on the back of your iPad.

How much can I get for my old iPad?

The amount you can get for your iPad will vary depending on its age, model, condition, and current market value. You can get a rough trade-in estimate from Apple, Best Buy, or Amazon.

Can I recycle my old iPad?

Yes, if no trade-in program is offering you enough money and you can’t find a use for your iPad, you can recycle it responsibly. Apple and Best Buy both offer iPad recycling services.

Can I donate my old iPad?

Absolutely! If you feel your old iPad could benefit a less fortunate person, donating it is a great option. You can give it to organizations like Goodwill or The Salvation Army, which will sell it and use the funds for a good cause. You can also check out Computers With Causes, which helps kids in low-income communities.

Comparison Table

Source: Wikipedia