Reuse your old iPads.
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After upgrading your iPad, you might want to find a use for your old one instead to get rid of it. Here are ways to make your old iPads more useful.
When your iPad gets old and you want to buy a new one, there are several ways to reuse it to keep it useful. In our connected world, information is everywhere, and having a second or even third iPad can come in handy.
And even if an app update leaves your iPad stuck on iOS 15 or iOS 9, there's still a way to get older versions of the software for it. You may have to install a newer version of the app on your new device first, but Apple keeps older versions.
With that in mind, here are some tips on what to do with an old iPad that's no longer your primary device.
Use your iPad as a second Mac display
If your iPad isn't particularly equipped or supported, you can use your iPad as a second display for your Mac using Apple's Sidecar software.
To do this, you must be signed in to the same Apple account on your iPad and Mac. macOS starting with macOS Catalina supports Sidecar, as does iPadOS 13 or later.
You must have any model of iPad Pro, iPad 6th generation or later, iPad mini 5 or later, iPad Air 3 or later.
Apple has a technical note on how to use Sidecar.
Use your iPad as a photo frame
Because the Photos app is built into iPadOS, you can set up albums in it and then use Slideshow mode to automatically switch between photos.
There are plenty of third-party accessories on Amazon and other sites that can help turn your iPad into a digital photo frame. Custom photo frames, thin batteries, wall mounts and more are available.
There are also third-party apps, such as WunderStation, that collect weather data from various weather stations around the world.
Third-party photo frames.
Use your iPad as a weather station
Using the Apple Weather app, as well as third-party apps that show NOAA weather radar, you can turn your iPad into a weather station. You You can leave weather apps running and switch between them, or remotely connect your iPad to Internet of Things (IoT) devices such as an Arduino or Raspberry Pi.You can set up a remote IoT weather system outside and then monitor its sensors remotely using an iPad to get accurate weather information. Both IoT platforms support a variety of weather monitoring sensors such as temperature/humidity, air quality (for pollution monitoring), altitude, and more.
There are several tutorials on the Internet that describe how to set up an Arduino or Raspberry Pi as a weather station.
Use your iPad in the car
If your iPad has cellular service built-in, you can use your old iPad as a card reader in your car. Even if your iPad doesn't have GPS, you can still use it for maps if your car is in range of free Wi-Fi or can connect to any mobile hotspot.
Using a dashboard or windshield mount, you can attach your iPad to the inside of your car to keep maps, music, and more at your fingertips. Just don't get distracted by maps while driving.
Unfortunately, there is no good way to bring up the CarPlay interface.
Use your iPad as a dedicated book/magazine reader
You can use your old iPad as an e-book or magazine reader. There are a number of online book services available, such as Apple Books and Kindle.
There are also many other third-party book sellers online, such as Goodreads.
Some online stores offer free books and public domain publications, such as those provided by governments. A wide range of medical research is also available online, such as from NCBI and PubMed.
In addition to magazines on Apple News, many magazine publishers now offer digital subscriptions. You can download your favorite magazines directly to your iPad and read them at your leisure.
Use your iPad as a smart home controller
Smart home devices are growing in popularity, and you can use your old iPad as a central controller for all your smart home devices. Devices that work with Apple HomeKit, Google Nest or Home devices can be controlled using apps, and they don't always have to be the latest.
Google also has an online Home service and related apps that you can use to control it. Doorbells, Nest thermostats, cameras and security systems, and more can be controlled using apps on your iPad.
Apple Home application.
You can also use smart power strips and plugs to control power to devices remotely using apps.
Smart home assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant can be used from your iPad to get information or control devices.
Use your iPad as an alarm clock
If you travel a lot or even stay at home, you can use your iPad as an alarm clock. Using a small hotel iPad stand or on your bedside table, you can place your iPad and launch any number of digital alarm clock apps to tell the time.
With an alarm app, you can go full screen and display large numbers showing the time, date, and in some cases even the weather.
The Apple Clock app also has an alarm function, as well as clocks for multiple cities and time zones. There are also apps to track your sleep that don't require the latest and greatest equipment.
Donate, sell or recycle your iPad
If you don't need your old iPad, you can always give it to someone who does. Or you can recycle it to reduce e-waste and ensure iPad materials are reused for good purposes rather than ending up in a landfill.
Apple has an iPad trade-in program where you can get credit towards the purchase of a new iPad.
Third-party services, such as Gazelle and others, buy old iPads.
Various supermarkets also have eco-ATMs that allow you to throw your old iPad into the machine and have it paid for in store.
There are many ways to reuse or recycle an iPad, even if it is very old. Definitely don't just throw it in the trash.
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