12 Smart Uses for an Old iPad

Now that you have your new shiny iPad, what will you do with your old one? Consider giving it a second life instead of letting it gather dust in a drawer. There are many creative and practical ways to use an old iPad, even if it no longer supports the latest software. 

Whether you're looking for entertainment, productivity, or home utility, here are nine smart uses for old iPad Pros that might surprise you!

1. Use as a Security Camera

The iPad Pro can be a useful security camera, especially if you have the 11-inch version, due to its high-quality cameras, large screen, and reliable Wi-Fi connectivity. All you need to do is ensure it is compatible with your security software. Once you update it, find a good place to mount it. Keep in mind that you will need a nearby power source, or you’ll need to dismount it regularly to charge it. You can also use the old iPad as an external camera source by mounting it under a cover or by a window.

Many apps like Alfred or Presence can convert your older Apple iPad Pro into a functioning camera. With most, you can remotely access the feed from your smartphone and store footage in the cloud. Affordable monthly solutions are available for storage, and you can set motion alerts, ensuring your home is protected around the clock. It’s an efficient, budget-friendly way to boost home security with the tech you already own.

2. Use as a Security System Viewer

If you already have a home security system, whether it’s a set of smart cameras, a doorbell cam, or a complete setup, you can use your old iPad Pro as a dedicated viewing hub. This is a great companion to use for a device you’ve already turned into a camera, as mentioned above, or if you’re managing third-party hardware from brands like Arlo, Ring, or Eufy.

Simply install the corresponding apps from your camera system and set the iPad up in a central part of your home, like the kitchen or hallway, for easy access. Even older iPads can run these apps and display live video feeds or motion alerts without issue.

This kind of always-on viewer lets you monitor multiple cameras without needing to open your phone every time. It’s especially helpful if you want a quick visual check-in at home or prefer a larger screen. With your repurposed iPad-as-camera, your home security setup becomes smarter and more complete.

3. Car TV

While most modern cars have incredible infotainment systems, very few have inbuilt entertainment features like screens for rear passengers to enjoy. If you have an old iPad, you can use it to keep your kids occupied on road trips.

Download their favorite movies or cartoons, start playback before your trip, and drive in peace. Setting up the iPad is very easy. Select a car mount designed to attach to the back of a front seat headrest and securely hold an iPad. 

For compatibility with your ZUGU iPad case, opt for a mount that uses magnets. The magnetic microfiber iPad cover will securely attach for the duration and can be effortlessly removed at the end of your journey. Even older iPad models can stream or play downloaded content, making car rides much more enjoyable for passengers in the back seat.

4. A Gift for Your Kids

One of the best ways to reuse your old iPad is to give it to your kids. An older iPad Pro can still handle various child-friendly applications available on the App Store, from interactive storybooks and creative drawing apps to beginner coding tools, educational learning platforms, and fun logic games. Handing down your old tablet means your new iPad will be safe from spills, drops, and sticky fingers, as they’ll have their own device to play with.

Before handing it over, remember to set the iPad with parental controls to ensure its safety. Go to Settings, then Screen Time, and follow the prompts under Content & Privacy Restrictions. You can limit screen time, block inappropriate content, and manage app access. 

This is also an excellent opportunity to have a conversation about internet safety. Ensure you also have the device protected with an iPad case designed with kids in mind. With the right setup, this use for old iPad models turns them into safe, fun, and educational tools for children.

5. Second Screen

The iPad Pro 12.9 has a huge screen, so use it to your advantage and set it up as a secondary display. Apple’s Sidecar feature allows you to use the iPad as a display that extends or mirrors the Mac desktop. It’s incredibly seamless to set up and works wirelessly, though connecting with a USB cable provides a more stable experience.

Sidecar is perfect for multitasking: You can keep your email, reference notes, or video calls on one screen while focusing on work on your MacBook. Ensure the iPad and MacBook are signed in to the same Apple ID to activate Sidecar.

Even if your iPad is too old for Sidecar, third-party options like Duet Display or Luna Display offer similar features. This is an excellent use for an old iPad, especially if you need extra screen space but don’t want to invest in another monitor.

6. Smart Home Hub

Why not convert your outdated iPad Pro to a smart home hub controller? Even older Apple tablets are still powerful enough to manage your connected home. With universal control apps like Apple Home, Google Home, or Samsung SmartThings, you can connect and control everything from your lighting and thermostat to smart plugs, doorbells, and speakers from one screen.

These apps are easy to install and can be customized to suit your specific devices and needs. Mount your iPad in a central location like the kitchen, hallway, or living room, where it’s easily accessible to the whole household. With a stable Wi-Fi connection, your iPad becomes the brain of your smart home, letting you dim the lights, adjust room temperatures, or queue up your favorite playlist with just a tap or voice command.

This setup works especially well with the 11-inch version of the iPad Pro due to its high-quality screen and reliable connectivity. And if you decide to use your iPad to monitor home security feeds (see point #2), it’s convenient to have everything accessible from the same device. The smart home hub and home surveillance use cases complement each other well, giving your old iPad multiple new purposes at once.

7. Digital Photo Frame

Your iPad might be too old for some uses, so why not convert it into a digital photo frame? The Photos app on your iPad can do this without needing third-party apps. 

To use your old iPad as a digital photo frame, open the Photos app, select an album or collection of your favorite photos, and start a slideshow. You can customize the slideshow settings to control the transition style, speed, and whether or not to display the photo titles. To keep the slideshow running continuously, set the iPad to never lock automatically by adjusting the Auto-Lock settings under Display & Brightness. 

Remember that the iPad needs to be charged periodically, so mount or prop your iPad near a power source to keep it charged while it displays your memories.

8. Portable Music or Podcast Player

Turn your old iPad into a dedicated music and podcast player. Even older devices like the iPad Air 2 or iPad Pro 9.7-inch can smoothly stream music and podcasts, while newer models like the iPad Pro 11-inch or 12.9-inch offer better battery life and sound quality when paired with Bluetooth speakers or headphones.

Having a dedicated device for audio content means your new iPad won’t lose battery life or storage space. This use keeps your favorite tunes and podcasts ready to go anytime without interruptions, whether you’re commuting, working, or listening from anywhere in your home.

9. Kitchen Helper

Your old iPad Pro or iPad Air can be transformed into the perfect kitchen assistant. Even models like the iPad Air 10.9 handle recipe apps and multitasking with ease, while larger devices such as the iPad Pro 12.9 offer a bigger display that makes following recipes or watching cooking tutorials much easier.

To keep your iPad safe from spills and messes, consider using a magnetic cover or a compatible magnetic mount to affix your device to any magnetic surface in the kitchen, such as the fridge, freezer, dishwasher, or cupboard doors. This setup keeps the iPad visible and accessible without taking up counter space, turning your kitchen into a smart cooking hub. You can also pair this with ZUGU’s durable protective cases, like the iPad Air 13 Case, for added drop protection.

With Siri enabled, you can use voice commands to set timers, convert measurements, or search for recipes hands-free, making meal prep more efficient and enjoyable.

10. Digital Art and Sketchpad

Your older iPad can still be a great digital sketchpad or art studio. Models like the iPad Pro 12.9 and the iPad Pro 11 remain powerful enough for creative work, thanks to their large high-resolution screens and Apple Pencil support. Even older iPads, such as the iPad (7th or 8th Gen), can handle popular drawing apps like Procreate or Autodesk SketchBook, though they might have slightly less performance for very detailed or complex files.

Using these older models with an Apple Pencil offers a responsive drawing experience without needing to upgrade to the newest device. This setup turns your older iPad into a portable art studio perfect for sketching, note-taking, and creative expression.

11. An eReader

An eReader is a great way to reuse your old iPad Pro. The large screen makes reading a breeze, and you can adjust the lighting so it’s comfortable for long periods. You’ll find hundreds of great reading apps on the App Store; many are free or available for a small monthly fee.

What’s a better way to put your outdated iPad to rest than using it for educational or relaxation purposes? Reading on an iPad lets you highlight, jot down notes, or search passages online. Whether you’re into novels, textbooks, or magazines, your older iPad Pro has plenty to offer as a digital reading companion.

12. Recycle Your iPad

If none of these ideas work for you, don’t forget that Apple helps you recycle your old iPad for free. Depending on the model, you might even trade it in for credit toward your next Apple purchase or receive an Apple gift card.

To do this, go to Apple’s Trade-In page, enter your device’s information, and see if it qualifies. If it does, Apple will send you a kit with a pre-paid packaging label so you can send your device or you can return it in-store. Either way, this is a responsible way to part with your older Apple iPad Pro, knowing it won’t end up in a landfill.

Don’t Forget to Protect Your iPad

Even though your old iPad will have other uses in the home, it is still essential to use a high-quality iPad case like the ZUGU iPad Pro 11-inch case. Made of durable TPU plastic, the ZUGU case offers major drop protection of up to a five-foot drop on concrete. So, no matter how you repurpose your iPad, it’ll be protected for years.