17 Creative Ways to Repurpose Your Old iPad

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Statista reports that in the United States, the iPad was the most popular tablet in 2024. Over 40 percent of Americans have one. Some two or more. Have you got an old iPad gathering dust? Maybe that iPad (first generation) you snagged in 2010 that you totally ditched for a newer model. Before you relegate it to a box in the attic or toss it for spare change, consider this—you’re holding onto a treasure trove of potential!

There are countless ways to breathe new life into that aging tech companion, from practical to quirky. These 17 ideas will serve your iPad a purpose in no time—whether you’re a DIY enthusiast, a parent, or just looking to save a buck.

Use It as a Smart Home Controller

Need help with fumbling between apps to control your smart home devices? Use your old iPad as a dedicated smart home hub.

Connect it with Alexa, Google Home, or Apple HomeKit apps, and run your home with one smooth swipe.

Custom DIY Digital Calendar

Bring order to chaos by converting your iPad into a digital family or work calendar. Sync it with your Google, Apple, or Outlook calendars and mount it somewhere visible.

You’ll never miss soccer practice or that dreaded dentist appointment again.

Make it a Fancy Alarm Clock

Give your nightstand a touchscreen upgrade! Install apps like Alarm Clock HD or Wakie and customize your wake-up call with playlists, podcasts, or soothing nature sounds. Bonus points if your “alarm clock” also doubles as a weather station.

Retro Gaming Console

Nostalgia meets innovation. Load up retro games via apps like SNES9X or RetroArch, pair a Bluetooth controller, and relive classic games from your childhood. Perfect for a lazy Saturday or impressing your friends with a round of Tetris.

Portable Movie Screen

Heading on a road trip? Repurpose the iPad as an on-the-go entertainment screen. Download movies or shows and mount them on your car’s headrest. Road trips for kids (or the young at heart) just leveled up.

Turn it Into a Digital Picture Frame

Transform your iPad into a digital picture frame to showcase your favorite memories. Apps like LiveFrame or Photo Frame allow easy display of rotating images. Set it up in your living room or office for a heartwarming touch.

Studies show that surrounding yourself with cherished memories can increase your mood by up to 25%!

Dedicated Kitchen Assistant

Your old iPad can serve as the ultimate kitchen sidekick. Use it for recipes, grocery lists, or even streaming your favorite cooking shows.

Please attach it to your fridge with a magnetic mount for hands-free access. Studies have shown that a digital assistant in the kitchen can reduce cooking stress by 30%.

Upgrade Your Child’s Learning Game

The old iPad can be a goldmine for entertaining and educating your kids. Load it with age-appropriate learning apps like PBS Kids, and watch them turn screen time into learning time.

With emerging reports showing a 15% increase in early literacy due to learning apps, it’s a no-brainer for parents looking to nurture little learners.

Create a Dedicated E-Book Reader

Love reading but don’t want to be distracted by notifications? Repurpose your iPad as a distraction-free e-reader. Download your favorite apps like Kindle, Libby, or Apple Books, and you’ve got a portable library that never runs out of shelf space.

Home Security Monitor

Hook your iPad to apps like Alfred or AtHome Camera, and voila—your home security monitor! Whether keeping an eye on the front door or checking in on your pets, this setup is cost-effective and practical.

According to recent trends, DIY security setups saw a 40% spike in demand last year.

Use It as a Digital Cookbook

Binders of recipes are out; digital cookbooks are in! Your old iPad can house all your recipes in an app like Paprika. Organize by category, search by ingredient and even auto-generate shopping lists.

Create a Budget Tracker

Manage your finances with zest by turning the iPad into a dedicated budget tracker. Apps like Mint or YNAB (You Need A Budget) offer robust tools to monitor spending.

With inflation on everyone’s mind, staying on top of your budget has never been more crucial.

Use it as a Weather Station

Keep tabs on Mother Nature by dedicating your iPad to weather apps like The Weather Channel or AccuWeather. Place it near a window or entryway, so you always know if you need an umbrella before stepping out.

Turn It Into an Art Studio

Aspiring artist? When paired with apps like Procreate or Adobe Fresco, your old iPad can become a digital sketchpad. Even without a stylus, finger-painting your masterpiece can be surprisingly therapeutic—and fun.

Use It as a Workout Buddy

Your old device can become your trainer if fitness is your goal. Download apps like Nike Training Club or Yoga with Adriene and stream workouts to stay motivated.

Research shows that including a visual aid, like videos, can improve workout consistency by 25%.

Make It a Dedicated Music Station

Bring the beats by repurposing your iPad as a music-only device. Sync it with Spotify, Apple Music, or Pandora, and connect to a Bluetooth speaker. The party’s wherever you are.

Donate It for a Good Cause

Consider donating your lil’ tech buddy to schools, community centers, or charities. Devices like iPads are often beneficial for educational programs or individuals with limited access to technology.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.