Taking a look around your home, you might notice that the tablet you bought a few years ago is now gathering dust in the corner. With the ever-evolving technology, tabs can become outdated quickly but what do you do when your old tablet is no longer meeting your needs?
Should you just throw it away or are there other options? Fortunately, there are several options. You can choose to donate, recycle, resell, or repurpose your outdated tab to help reduce the amount of e-waste that goes into landfills. With a few simple modifications, you can transform your tab into a unique and useful device.
A recent study by Deloitte highlights the increasing trend of repurposing old tablets. It estimates that in 2022, over 4 million old tabs will be repurposed in the US alone, representing a cost savings of more than $1 billion.
Here we will explore some creative ways to repurpose your old tablet so that you can make the most out of your device.
How To Revive An Old Tablet?
Reviving an old tab can be done in a few simple steps.
1. Charge the tablet
If the tab is completely dead it’s likely that it needs to be charged. Connect the charger and leave the device to charge for a few hours. If it still won’t start up after a few hours it’s likely that the battery needs to be replaced.
2. Clean the device
The tablet that has been left unused for a long time, it’s likely to be full of dust and dirt. Use a soft cloth to clean the device and also check the charging socket for debris.
3. Reset the tab
A factory reset is a good way to revive a tab that is old. This will wipe all of the data from the device and put it back into the factory settings. To do this, go to the Settings app and select the ‘Backup & Reset option. From there, you can select the ‘Factory Data Reset’ option.
4. Update the operating system
After the tab is reset, it’s time to update the operating system. This should be done as soon as possible to ensure that the device has the latest security patches and software updates. The process for updating the operating system will vary depending on the type of device and operating system, but the update can usually be found in the device’s settings menu.
5. Clear out old data
Once the operating system is up to date, it’s time to clear out any obsolete data that may be taking up space on the tablet. This can be done by deleting unwanted apps, photos, music, and videos.
6. Install new apps
Now it’s time to install some new apps. This will give the tablet a fresh look and feel and will make it much more user-friendly. Use the app store on the device to search for and download the apps that you need.
7. Replace the battery
If the device still won’t start up after following the steps above, you may need to replace the battery. This is a relatively simple process and you can find replacement batteries online.
14 Ways To Repurpose An Old Tablet
Outdated window tabs can be used in a variety of ways, depending on your needs and desires. Here are some of the ways you can repurpose old tabs:
1. Use it as a Digital Picture Frame
You can turn your older tablet into a digital picture frame. All you need is a microSD card and an app like SlideShow Plus or SlideShow Creator HD. Once you have these installed, simply copy pictures to the microSD card and let the app do the rest. You can even add music and playlists to the slideshows.
2. As a Security Camera
If you want to add an extra layer of security to your home, you can use your tabs that are not in use now as security cameras. Apps like Alfred and Presence let you connect your tablet to a wifi network and view a live feed from the camera. You can even connect an external camera to the tab for a higher-quality video feed.
3. Use it as a Remote Control
You can use your tab that is old to control your other devices. Apps like Unified Remote let you control your computer, media players, and other devices with your tablet. You can even use it as a universal remote for your TV, set-top box, and other home entertainment devices.
4. Turn it into a Dedicated E-Reader
If you love to read, you can use your tab to make a dedicated e-reader. Download an e-reader app, connect the tablet to your home Wi-Fi connection, and you can access a huge library of books. This is a great way to keep your reading material organized and easily accessible.
5. As a Portable Gaming Device
The existing tab can be used as a portable gaming device if you have some games lying around. You can download emulators for different gaming platforms, and then use the tablet to play your games on the go.
6. Use it for Home Automation
You can use your windows tablet to control your home automation devices. Apps like SmartThings and Wink let you connect your tab to various devices like lights, locks, window shades, and more. You can even use it to control your thermostat and other home appliances.
7. Repurpose it as a Car Dashboard
An old tablet can be repurposed as a car dashboard by downloading car dashboard apps such as Dashcommand or Torque. These apps allow the user to monitor the vehicle’s performance and get real-time data about the fuel consumption, engine performance, and more.
8. Use it as an additional display
An existing tab can be used as a second monitor for a laptop or desktop, allowing one to view two windows side-by-side and increase productivity. Software such as MaxiVista and iDisplay can be used to turn the tablet into a monitor.
9. Pass it on to a family member or friend
Giving away your old tablet to a family or friend is a great way to repurpose it. It can be used for kids to play educational games, for adults to read e-books, and even for seniors to stay connected to their loved ones.
10. Use it as a Kitchen Helper
An out-of-date tab can also be repurposed as a kitchen helper. Download a cooking app or a recipe book, and you can use the tab as a guide while you cook. This is a great way to save time and make sure you get the desired results.
11. Make it a Portable Movie Player
Download your favorite music, movies, and TV shows onto your tablet and take it with you on the go. This way, you can watch your favorites while you’re traveling or just hanging out with friends. The tabs can also be used to stream content from sites like Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube.
12. As a Digital Whiteboard
Have you ever wanted to have a digital whiteboard in your home or office? With the right app, you can do just that with your tab. This is a great way to collaborate with colleagues and take quick notes without the need for paper.
13. Make it a digital Clock
One of the easiest ways to reuse an older tab is to turn it into a digital clock. All you need to do is to download one of the many free clock apps available online and configure the settings according to your preference. This is a great way to add an interesting and unique touch to any room in your home
14. Use it as an Educational Tool
A tablet old enough can also be repurposed as an educational tool. This is a great way to help children learn, as tabs offer a range of interactive and engaging educational apps.
To turn it into an educational tool, simply install a range of educational apps suitable for the age of the child. This could include apps related to math, reading, science, and other topics. Additionally, you can also install educational games to make learning fun.
Recycle The Old Tablet
Out-of-date tabs can be recycled, which is an easy way to help reduce the environmental impact of electronic waste. By recycling your device, you help to keep hazardous materials out of the environment and can even get a little bit of money back.
Before you recycle, make sure to remove any personal information from the device. This includes anything stored in the memory, such as photos, music, applications, and documents. If you don’t want to do this yourself, many companies offer services to scrub and reset the device.
Once your device is cleared of any personal data, you can find a reputable recycler to take your device off your hands. Most companies that sell electronics also offer recycling services, or you can check online for local recyclers. You may even get a few dollars for your tablet!
Things To Keep In Mind While Donating An Old Tablet
When donating a tab, there are a few important things to keep in mind.
1. Make sure all your personal data has been removed. This includes any accounts and files, photos, videos, and music stored on the device.
2. Reset the tablet to its factory settings, if possible. This will help ensure the new user won’t have access to any of your personal data.
3. Check the device for any physical damage and make sure it is in good working condition before donating.
4. Donate the charger and any other accessories, such as a stylus or case.
5. Consider donating to a reputable charity or organization that specializes in technology donations.
Conclusion!
The options for what to do with old tabs are numerous. From donating them to charitable organizations and schools to recycling them, or even repurposing them for different use, there are plenty of creative ways to give new life to old tablets.
Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which option best suits your needs and lifestyle. But make sure that the old tablet is put to good use and not thrown away or left collecting dust.
I am the Founder and Senior Editor at TheTablofy. I am an experienced professional in the digital media industry and hold a degree of Bachelor of Science degree in Advance Technology. Meet My Meet