How to Repurpose an Old Tablet for Business and Entrepreneur
As businesses evolve and technology advances, many tablets become obsolete for everyday use but still have plenty of life left in them. Instead of letting an old tablet gather dust, why not transform it into a powerful business tool? Whether you’re a small business owner, freelancer, or entrepreneur, repurposing a tablet can help streamline operations, enhance customer engagement, and improve productivity—all while saving money on new devices.
From turning your tablet into a point-of-sale system to using it for digital signage, security monitoring, or social media management, there are countless ways to integrate it into your business workflow. With the right apps, accessories, and creativity, your old tablet can become a valuable asset that boosts efficiency and enhances customer experiences. In this guide, we’ll explore practical and cost-effective ways to repurpose an old tablet for business and entrepreneurship, ensuring that it continues to deliver value in your professional journey.
We will look at 6 sub-categories of application for our old tablet, and here is the overview:
A. Retail & Customer Engagement
- Product Information Display in a Retail Environment (Digital Signage)
- Digital Guest Book or Check-in System for Events or Businesses
- Point of Sale (POS) System
1. Product Information in a Retail Environment
An old tablet can be transformed into a digital product information display in a retail setting, providing customers with interactive details, pricing, and promotions. With apps like Kiosk Browser, Intuiface, or iDisplay, businesses can set up the tablet as a self-service station to showcase product specifications, availability, customer reviews, and demo videos. Mounted on a secure stand or wall bracket, the tablet can function as a touchscreen catalog or digital signage, reducing the need for printed materials while enhancing the shopping experience.
Retailers can also integrate QR codes for mobile engagement, interactive surveys, or digital promotions. This setup is ideal for electronics stores, furniture showrooms, auto dealerships, and boutique retail spaces, offering customers instant access to key product details and making their shopping journey more informed and engaging.
2. Digital Guest Book or Check-in System for Events or Businesses
Whether you’re hosting a wedding, business event, or Airbnb property, an old tablet can serve as a digital guest book. Apps like Kiosk Pro, Guestbook App, or Google Forms allow guests to sign in, leave messages, and provide feedback electronically.
This is particularly useful for event planning, rental properties, or customer service desks, where maintaining a physical log may not be convenient. By setting up a tablet at an entryway or reception area, you create an easy way for visitors to check-in and share their thoughts, making your event or business more interactive and modern.
Android: Kiosk Pro, Google Forms, Zoho Forms
iOS: Kiosk Pro, My Digital Guestbook App, Google Forms
3. Point of Sale (POS) System
Repurpose your old tablet into a cost-effective Point of Sale (POS) system for small businesses, retail shops, pop-up stores, or food stalls. With POS apps like Square POS, Shopify POS, Vend, or PayPal Zettle, you can accept payments, track inventory, and manage customer transactions effortlessly. Pair the tablet with a card reader for contactless payments and add a Bluetooth receipt printer for seamless checkout.
A secure tablet stand or POS mount ensures stability at the checkout counter while keeping the interface accessible to both staff and customers. This setup is perfect for business owners looking to digitize their sales process, reduce cash handling, and streamline operations, making transactions faster and more efficient.
B. Office & Business Productivity
- Smart Clock with AI Assistant
- Dedicated Social Media Hub
- Job Tracking, Time Sheets and Logging
- Internet Client to Browse the Web and Check Emails
4. Smart Clock with AI Assistant
Instead of using a traditional alarm clock, an old tablet can be turned into a smart work desk clock with AI assistant integration. Apps like Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, or Apple Siri allow for voice-controlled alarms, weather updates, and calendar reminders. With customisable clock apps like Alarm Clock HD or Big Digital Clock, you can display the time, temperature, weather update, notifications and upcoming appointments in a stylish way.
Set up your tablet on a charging stand or bedside mount, and it can also function as a sleep tracker or white noise machine, with app like Sleep Cycle, improving your night time routine. This setup eliminates distractions by keeping notifications away from your main phone while still providing essential updates. With an always-on display option and low power consumption settings, your tablet can serve as a stylish and practical alternative to traditional alarm clocks while keeping important information at your fingertips.
Android: Google Assistant, Big Digital Clock, Alarm Clock for Me, Digital Clock Live Wallpaper, Simple Alarm Clock
iOS: Apple Siri, Alarm Clock for Me, Sleep Cycle, Alarm Clock HD, Nightstand Central,
5. Dedicated Social Media Hub
If you frequently manage multiple social media accounts, an old tablet can become a dedicated social media dashboard. By installing apps like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and TikTok, you can keep all your social platforms in one place without cluttering your primary phone.
This setup is useful for content creators, marketers, and business owners who need to manage social media engagement efficiently. The tablet can also be used for video editing, graphic design, and live streaming, making it an all-in-one tool for digital content creation.
Android: Meta for Business Suite (formerly Facebook for Business), Canva, Buffer, Hootsuite
iOS: Instagram Creator Studio, Canva, Later, Hootsuite
6. Job Tracking, Time Sheets and Logging
Repurpose your old tablet into a dedicated job tracking and time management system to improve productivity and efficiency in your business. With apps like Clockify, Toggl Track, Hubstaff, and QuickBooks Time, you can log work hours, track tasks, and generate time sheets for employees or freelancers. This setup is perfect for small businesses, remote teams, or self-employed professionals who need an easy way to monitor work progress, manage payroll, and streamline billing.
Mounted on a desk stand or wall in a shared workspace, the tablet can function as a centralised time clock for employees to clock in and out, track project hours, and manage deadlines. By integrating cloud-based tracking solutions, you ensure real-time access to productivity reports and insights, helping businesses optimise workflow and maintain accurate records.
Android: Clockify, Toggi Track, Hubstaff, QuickBooks Time, TimeCamp
iOS: Clockify, Toggi Track, Hours Time Tracking, Timely and Harvest
7. Internet Client to Browse the Web and Check Emails
Repurpose your old tablet into a dedicated internet client for web browsing, research, and light productivity. By pairing it with a wireless Bluetooth keyboard, wireless mouse and a stable mount, you can create a compact workstation perfect for checking emails, reading articles, and managing documents. Install browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Brave for a smooth browsing experience, and add productivity apps such as Evernote, Google Keep, or Notion for note-taking and research. Position the tablet on a desk stand, wall mount, or adjustable arm for ergonomic use, making it a convenient addition to your home office, kitchen, or living room. This setup is ideal for those who want an affordable secondary device for casual web browsing, keeping up with news, or working without distractions.
Hardware: Bluetooth Keyboard for Tablet, Bluetooth Mouse for Tablet, Suitable Tablet Mount
C. Security & Monitoring for Business Spaces
- DIY Security Camera Monitor
- DIY Surveillance Camera for Warehouse
8. DIY Security Camera Monitor for Business
Enhance your business security by repurposing an old tablet into a dedicated security camera monitor. With apps like Alfred Security Camera, Manything, tinyCam Monitor, or AtHome Camera, you can connect the tablet to your existing security system or set up an additional surveillance feed to monitor entry points, stockrooms, or office spaces. Mount the tablet on a wall or desk stand in a reception area, back office, or storefront to provide real-time video monitoring without relying on a computer or mobile device.
Many of these apps offer motion detection alerts, cloud recording, and two-way audio, allowing you to remotely check on your business, communicate with staff, or deter unauthorized access. This cost-effective security solution helps small business owners, retail shops, and office managers improve safety and monitoring without investing in expensive surveillance systems.
Android: Alfred Security Camera, tinyCam Monitor, Anything, AtHome Camera, IP Webcam
iOS: Alfred Security Camera, Presence Video Security Camera, Anything, AtHome Camera, OWLR IP Camera Viewer
9. DIY Surveillance Camera for Warehouse
A warehouse requires constant monitoring to ensure security, prevent theft, and track employee activity. Repurposing an old tablet into a dedicated surveillance camera offers an affordable and effective way to enhance warehouse security. With apps like Alfred Security Camera, Manything, tinyCam Monitor, or AtHome Camera, you can connect multiple security feeds and monitor warehouse activity in real-time.
Mount the tablet in a manager’s office, security station, or near the entrance to keep an eye on inventory storage, loading docks, and restricted areas. Many of these apps support motion detection, cloud recording, and night vision, providing instant alerts for unusual activity. Additionally, with two-way audio features, managers can communicate with employees remotely. This DIY solution is ideal for small businesses and warehouses that need an extra layer of security without investing in high-cost surveillance systems.
Android: Alfred Security Camera, tinyCam Monitor, AtHome Camera, IP Webcam, WardenCam
iOS: Alfred Security Camera, Presence Video Security Camera, AtHome Camera, Manything
D. Storage & Cloud-Based Solutions
- Wireless File Server or Media Hub
10. Wireless File Server or Media Hub
If you have a lot of digital files, an old tablet can be repurposed into a dedicated wireless file server or media hub. Apps like Plex, Kodi, or VLC allow you to stream movies, TV shows, and music to other devices within your home. You can also turn the tablet into a local file-sharing server using apps like Resilio Sync or File Manager & Transfer, enabling wireless transfers between your devices. This setup is perfect for storing and accessing important documents, work files, or personal media without cluttering your main devices. By keeping your files organized on a separate tablet, you create a centralised, portable storage solution that can be accessed from anywhere in your home.
Android: Plex, Kodi, VLC Media Player, Resilio Sync
iOS: Infuse, Plex, FileBrowser
E. Tech & Remote Work Solutions
- Video Conferencing and Zoom Meetings
- Secondary Display for Your Computer
- Digital Notepad and Task Manager
- Remote Control for Drones
11. Video Conferencing and Zoom Meetings
Transform your old tablet into a dedicated video conferencing hub for business meetings, client calls, and virtual collaboration. With apps like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, and Skype, you can set up a permanent video call station in your office, conference room, or remote workspace. Pair the tablet with a Bluetooth keyboard and stand for hands-free operation, and use an external microphone or headset to improve audio quality.
Mounting the tablet on a desk stand or wall bracket ensures a stable video feed, making your meetings look more professional. This setup allows businesses to separate work calls from their main devices, keeping communication smooth and uninterrupted. Ideal for small business owners, remote teams, and freelancers, a repurposed tablet as a video conferencing device enhances efficiency, professionalism, and convenience in any workplace.
12. Secondary Display for Your Computer
If you work from home or need extra screen space, turn your old tablet into a secondary monitor for your computer. Apps like Duet Display, Spacedesk, and Splashtop Wired XDisplay allow you to extend your desktop workspacewirelessly or via USB. This setup is especially useful for multitasking, coding, video editing, and keeping reference documents open while working on your main screen. Using your tablet as a second monitor can enhance productivityby reducing the need to switch between multiple windows. Whether you’re working remotely or need a budget-friendly dual-screen setup, repurposing your tablet in this way can significantly improve your workflow.
Hardware: Desk Stand & Mount
Android: Spacedesk, Duet Display, iDisplay
iOS: Duet Display, Luna Display, Sidecar (built-in for macOS users)
13. Digital Notepad and Task Manager
For those who love to stay organized, an old tablet can be used as a dedicated digital planner or notepad. Apps like Evernote, Microsoft OneNote, Google Keep, or Notion allow you to store notes, create to-do lists, and manage projects without cluttering your main device. If the tablet supports a stylus, it can function as a digital handwriting pad, making it ideal for journaling, sketching, or quick brainstorming sessions. By mounting the tablet in a home office or kitchen, it can serve as a shared family calendar or reminder board, ensuring that everyone stays on top of important tasks and events.
Android: Google Keep, Evernote, Microsoft OneNote, Notion, Trello
iOS: Apple Notes, Notion, Microsoft OneNote, GoodNotes, Todoist, Google Keep
14. Remote Control for Drones
If you own a drone, RC car, or smart robot, an old tablet can be used as a remote control for enhanced navigation and viewing. Many drone brands, like DJI, Parrot, and Tello, offer tablet-compatible apps that provide real-time video feeds and flight controls on a larger screen. This makes piloting drones easier and more immersive compared to using a smartphone. Similarly, smart robotic toys, such as LEGO Mindstorms, Sphero, and Anki Cozmo, can be controlled via tablet apps, enhancing their programmability and interactivity. Using an old tablet for drone and smart toy control offers a larger display, better battery life, and an improved user experience.
Android: DJI Fly, Parrot FreeFlight, Tello App, Sphero Edu
iOS: DJI Fly, Parrot FreeFlight, Tello App, Sphero Edu
F. Travel & Mobility
- Offline Travel Companion
- Smart Dashboard for Your Car
- Dedicated E-Reader
15. Offline Travel Companion
If you frequently travel, an old tablet can serve as a dedicated travel assistant without relying on your main phone. Download offline maps from Google Maps or Maps.me to use GPS navigation without Wi-Fi. Store important travel documents like boarding passes, hotel reservations, and itinerary details in apps like Google Drive or Evernote for quick access. For entertainment, preload movies, audiobooks, podcasts, and e-books from services like Netflix, Audible, or Kindle to stay entertained on long flights or road trips. Using an old tablet as a travel companion ensures that your primary phone’s battery lasts longer while keeping all travel essentials in one place.
Android: Google Maps (offline maps), Maps.me, TripIt Travel Planner, TripAdvisor
iOS: Apple Maps, Google Maps, TripAdvisor
16. Smart Dashboard for Your Car
If your car doesn’t have a built-in infotainment system, an old tablet can be repurposed into a dedicated smart dashboard. By mounting it on the dashboard using a secure car mount, you can use apps like Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Waze for real-time navigation and traffic updates.
For music and podcasts, apps like Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube Music allow for hands-free playback through Bluetooth or an AUX connection. Some tablets can even function as an OBD2 scanner using apps like Torque Pro, giving you real-time data on your car’s performance.
With a tablet dashboard, you get an affordable and customisable in-car entertainment and navigation system without the need for expensive upgrades. You can even turn your tablet into an Android Auto or Apple CarPlay hybrid to ‘mirror’ your smartphone with simple customisations or using car head unit apps.
Here is a quick video to use an app called AutoZen to turn your tablet into an in car head unit if you have an Android smartphone to link to. Much like the Apple CarPlay system that links to your iPhone, this tablet setup will link to your Android smartphone.
If you have an iPad Pro tablet, you can also turn this into an in car dash using the following tutorial. This will however require that you have the iPad Pro with GPS i.e. the WiFi+Cellular model. This will allow your tablet to be fully connected while you travel with its own dedicated cellular connection and. GPS capabilities for location and maps. The tutorial covers downloadable shortcuts and customisations.
Hardware : Car Mount for Tablet, Wind shield tablet holder
Android: Google Maps (offline maps), Waze, Torque Pro (for OBD2 diagnostics), Spotify, Android Auto
iOS: Apple Maps, Waze, Car Scanner ELM OBD2, Apple Music, CarPlay (for compatible vehicles)
17. Dedicated E-Reader
For book lovers, an old tablet can serve as a dedicated e-reader, reducing distractions from social media and notifications. Apps like Kindle, Apple Books, and Google Play Books allow you to download and store thousands of ebooks, audiobooks, and PDFs. Unlike traditional e-readers, a tablet provides color displays for illustrated books, magazines, and graphic novels. Adjusting the screen brightness and enabling dark mode can also make reading more comfortable. Whether you use it for studying, leisure reading, or storing work-related documents, repurposing your old tablet as an exclusive e-reading device is a great way to enjoy literature without interruption.
Android: Kindle, Google Play Books, Moon+ Reader, Librera
iOS: Apple Books, Kindle, Libby (for free library books), Scribd
E. Content Creation & Media Production
- DIY Video Studio for Tutorials, Vlogging
- Tablet as a Teleprompter
- Portable Drawing and Art Pad
18. DIY Video Studio for Tutorials and Vlogging
Transform your old tablet into a portable video recording studio for creating tutorials and vlogs. With its built-in camera and access to powerful video apps, a tablet can be repurposed into a content creation tool without the need for expensive equipment. Install apps like Filmic Pro, Open Camera (Android), or iMovie (iOS) to enhance recording quality and gain more control over focus, exposure, and audio.
For better stability and framing, mount the tablet on a tripod with an adjustable tablet holder and use a Bluetooth remote shutter for hands-free operation. To improve sound quality, connect an external microphone like the Rode VideoMic Me or BOYA BY-M1 Lavalier Mic. Whether you’re recording cooking tutorials, fitness workouts, DIY projects, or personal vlogs, this setup makes video creation easy and professional-looking. Perfect for aspiring YouTubers, educators, or families looking to capture memorable moments at home.
Hardware: Tablet Tripod Mount Holder, Bluetooth Remote Shutter, External Microphone (Rode VideoMic Me, BOYA BY-M1 Lavalier Mic, Shure MV88), Wireless Lavalier Microphones, LED Ring Light or Softbox Light, Green Screen or Backdrop, Portable Power Bank.
Android: Flimic Pro, Kinemaster, Open Camera, Capcut
iOS: iMovie, Kinemaster, Capcut, LumaFusion, Adobe Premiere Rush
19. Tablet as a Teleprompter
An old tablet can be easily repurposed as a teleprompter, making it an invaluable tool for anyone who needs to deliver speeches, presentations, or video scripts with confidence and ease. By using apps like PromptSmart, Teleprompter Pro, or iCue, you can display your script on the tablet and have it scroll automatically at your preferred speed. This allows you to maintain eye contact with the camera or audience while reading the script, making your delivery feel natural and professional. Simply mount the tablet on a tripod or teleprompter rig and position it in front of your camera. With adjustable text size and scrolling speed, you can tailor the experience to fit your speaking pace, helping you reduce reliance on memory and stay on track during your recordings or live presentations. This is perfect for vloggers, presenters, teachers, or anyone looking to improve their on-camera delivery.
20. Portable Drawing and Art Pad
For artists, designers, or hobbyists, an old tablet can be transformed into a dedicated digital sketchpad. Apps like Procreate (iOS), Adobe Fresco, Autodesk SketchBook, and Concepts provide a range of creative tools for drawing, painting, and sketching. If your tablet supports a stylus, you can achieve precision and pressure sensitivity, making it a great tool for digital art, note-taking, or journaling. Even if your tablet doesn’t have stylus support, you can still use finger-drawing features or a third-party stylus for basic sketches. This repurposed setup is perfect for students, illustrators, or anyone looking to explore digital creativity without the need for an expensive drawing tablet.
Hardware: Sturdy Tablet Stand with Adjustable Tilt, Apple Pencil or Stylus
Android: Autodesk SketchBook, Infinite Painter, Adobe Fresco
iOS: Procreate, Adobe Fresco, Concepts
Repurposing an old tablet for business and entrepreneur is a cost-effective and practical way to enhance productivity, improve customer engagement, and streamline operations. Be it for point-of-sale transactions, security monitoring, video conferencing or digital signage, an old tablet can become a valuable business tool with the right apps and accessories. Instead of letting it sit unused, give it a second life and integrate it into your daily workflow. With endless possibilities, your tablet can continue to add value to your business in innovative and impactful ways
