Best Ways to Reuse Old Tablets For Smart Home?
Older tablets may not keep up with the latest features and apps, but they still have capable hardware, a WiFi connection, and a touchscreen display that can be ideal for repurposing them into a smart home setup.
Whether you have an older iPad or a retired Android tablet, these apparently useless devices can enhance your smart home experience. But how? Stick along as we’ll explore practical, creative, and cost-effective ways to turn your unused tablet into a smart home asset.
Turn It Into a Smart Home Control Panel
Most smart homes, even those several years old, can run several automation apps like Google Home, Apple Home, and Amazon Alexa. These platforms can allow you to manage multiple smart devices from a single interface.
This way, your old tablet becomes a centralized hub for viewing, activating routines, and responding to alerts.
Wall-Mounted Dashboard for Home Automation
Using old tablets as centralized hubs can even allow you to expand your smart home’s access with your loved ones.
You can mount the tablet on a wall using adhesive brackets, allowing anyone in the household to easily control the lights, thermostat, and music. Plus, with compatible apps, you can display real-time data such as calendar, weather, or indoor temperature.
Digital Photo Frame with Smart Integrations
You can even repurpose old tablets as dynamic digital photo frames, giving a new look to your home. Apps like Google Photos, Amazon Photos, and Frameo allow you to display albums that update automatically using cloud storage.
These tablets can be placed on the wall or shelves by setting them to full-screen slideshow mode and using a discreet wire for continuous charging.
Dedicated Video Doorbell Monitor
If you have a doorbell installed, you might be familiar with doorbell systems like Ring, Google Nest Doorbell, and Eufy offer companion apps that you can use on both Android and iOS tablets.
While it sounds simple, this way, real-time footage, motion alerts, and communicate with visitors using the tablet’s screen and speaker.
Baby Monitor or Pet Cam Viewer
Your old tablet is no waste, it can be repurposed as a dedicated screen for monitoring babies or pets using Wi-Fi cameras. Most big names offer apps that support live streaming, two-way audio, and motion detection alerts.
With a stable WiFi connection and continuous power, your old tablets can run the camera app footage for 24/7 viewing.
Kitchen Helper For Recipes, Timers, and Smart Devices
Older tablets can be your best kitchen companions when paired with the right apps. Recipe platforms like AllRecipes, Yummly, or NYT Cooking allow you to watch step-by-step guides and video tutorials.
You can also set multiple alarms on the tablet just with voice commands. Moreover, smart kitchen devices like Wi-Fi ovens, air fryers, and coffee makers can be remotely controlled using the tablet.
Intercom System Using Smart Home Apps
What’s surprising is that you can even turn old tablets into effective intercom stations using smart home and communication apps. For this, you can use Amazon Alexa (with Drop In) or Apple Intercom (via HomePod and iOS devices) as it can transmit your audio message to the entire home.
It can be useful for especially in large or multi-story houses, or for families who want a way to communicate without shouting.
Energy Usage Monitor Display
Want to keep an eye on your home’s energy usage? Use old tablets as an energy monitor by displaying data from smart plugs and energy systems. You can repurpose an old tablet to run Samsung SmartThings Energy, which can display real-time energy usage, especially for Samsung appliances and supported smart devices, directly on the tablet.
This approach allows you to monitor which appliance is drawing more energy, and optimize it accordingly.
Home Security Feed Viewer
You don’t have to pull out your phone often just to see how the cameras are doing. You can simply pair your retired tablet with the security system you are using and view live feeds, recorded clips, and motion alerts.
The tablet can display a single camera or multiple feeds simultaneously.
Smart Mirror Display
Moreover, with the help of apps like Dakin or Miracle Mirror, your tablets can be transformed into a smart mirror display. You display useful information like news, weather, or sporting events.
To create a smart mirror, you’ll need a two-way mirror that will allow the tablet’s display to show through while retaining the reflective surface when not in use.
Voice Assistant Display Companion
Your old tablet can even enhance the capabilities of voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple Siri. You just need to link your tablet with voice assistants to control smart home devices and receive notifications.
You can give an oral command to Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant while using the tablet to see if the command is executed or not.
Whole Home Audio Controller
Fun thing? You can manage multiple speakers and streaming devices just from a single interface. By using apps like Google Home, Apple Home, and Amazon Alexa, your tablet can control multiple sound systems in multiple rooms.
You can tweak the volume, play a specific playlist, and even switch songs all from your tablet.
Smart Home Alarm and Notification Center
Tired of getting blasted by multiple notifications at once? Then, turn your old tablet into a Smart Home Alarm and Notification Center that can monitor and manage security alarms and notifications across your smart home.
By placing your tablet at a central location, you can conveniently track all security-related alerts and triggers from one device.
Automation Testing Device
Ensure that the automation you set up will work properly. You can simply use your old tablets as automation testing devices.
You can run beta versions of the smart home app on it, which will allow you to test automations. By having a tablet dedicated to testing, you can check out new features and firmware updates before applying them to your main smart home setup.
Heard about Apple’s rumored wall tablet? Find out if it’s the next big thing for smart homes.
To-Do Hub for the Family
Using your old tablet as a family to-do hub can help your family members stay organized and prepared. Apps like Todoist and Google Calendar provide a shared task list and reminders that can be synced across multiple devices.
It even allows the family to update lists using voice commands.
Want more? Check out How Old Tablets Can Unlock Your Home’s Full Potential?
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