Got an old tablet gathering dust? 5 ways to revive your ageing Android or Apple device

You can use your old tablet to read ebooks. (Image Source: Reddit)

Use it as an e-book reader

Your old tablet may struggle to run the latest apps and games, but you can always use it as an e-book reader. This may sound counter intuitive to some as it adds one more device to your charging station, but if you are someone who loves to read books, using your ancient tablet can conserve the battery of your new phone or tablet.

Google Kids Space lest you limit the number of apps your kids can use. (Image Source: Google)

Give it to your kids

If you have children, using your ageing tablet as an educational tool can be a great idea. Some of the most popular educational apps include Duolingo, Khan Academy for Kids and even YouTube Kids can do wonders for your children.

Some older versions of Android also support Google Kids Space, which enables you to create a kid-friendly home screen so they can only use apps that you want them to.

Your old tablet can be used to control smart devices or double up as photo frames. (Image Source: Google)

Use it as a smart speaker or photo frame

WIth most older Android and Apple tablets offering Google Assistant or Siri support, you can use your old device as a smart speaker or a digital photo frame.

In case you are using Android, use the Google Assistant’s Routines feature to automate actions like playing the news and controlling smart devices like lights or air conditioners.

Instead of buying a new photo frame, you can use your old tablet to show your memories using apps like Fotoo while iPad users can use Digital Photo Frame Slideshow. If you use a cloud service like Apple iCloud or Google Photos, you can add them to a slideshow so your tablet cycles between all your photos.

Your old tablet can also be used as an external monitor. (Image Source: AirDroid)

Double it up as a secondary display

One of the most popular uses for an old tablet is that they can double up as secondary displays for your laptop or PC. While some tablets have a built-in feature that lets you do so, most tablets require users to install apps that enable you to use them as external monitors. If you have an old Android device, try AirDroid Cast, SpaceDesk or SuperDisplay.

Old Android or Apple tablets can come in handy if you happen to lose your primary devices that had your 2FA codes. (Image Source: Google)

Store your 2FA backup codes

If you have enabled Two-Factor Authentication to secure your online accounts, an old tablet can come in handy to keep a backup of your codes in case you lose your phone.

But before you do, make sure the authenticator app you are using lets you backup and restore to different devices. Some of the most popular apps that let you keep backup codes on multiple devices include Authy, Microsoft Authenticator and Google Authenticator.

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