Your old tablet has several practical paths forward
An old tablet that no longer fits your needs doesn't have to become clutter or electronic waste. You can donate it to someone who will use it, sell it for cash, recycle it responsibly, or repurpose it for a specific task around your home. The best choice depends on the tablet's condition, whether it still powers on, and what you want to get out of it—whether that's a tax deduction, quick money, or the satisfaction of keeping it out of a landfill.
Before you do anything, back up any personal data still on the device and perform a factory reset. This wipes your photos, passwords, browsing history, and any apps you installed. The steps vary by brand and operating system, but the goal is the same: leave the tablet in a clean state so the next person or recycler gets a blank device.
Key Takeaways
- Always perform a factory reset and remove your personal data before giving away, selling, or recycling a tablet.
- Donation to schools, libraries, senior centers, or nonprofits is a good option if the tablet still works and you want a tax deduction.
- Selling online through Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or Swappa reaches buyers quickly, though you'll pay a small fee and handle shipping.
- Recycling programs run by manufacturers, retailers, and municipal waste services handle tablets safely and recover materials responsibly.
- Repurposing a tablet as a kitchen display, bedside clock, or home security monitor gives it a second life without leaving your home.
Donate it to a school, library, or nonprofit
Schools and libraries often accept working tablets for classroom use, after-school programs, or lending libraries. Senior centers and community centers may use them for digital literacy classes or recreational activities. Nonprofits that serve low-income families, refugees, or people experiencing homelessness sometimes distribute tablets to help with job searching, education, or communication.
Contact the organization directly before dropping off a tablet. Ask whether they accept donations, what condition they require (does it need to hold a charge, does the screen have to be perfect), and whether they need any accessories like chargers or cases. Some organizations have formal donation processes and may ask you to fill out a form. If you itemize deductions on your taxes, ask for a receipt—you can deduct the fair market value of the donation, though you'll need to research what similar used tablets sell for.
Local schools and libraries are your fastest bet because you can walk in and ask. For nonprofits, search "[your city] nonprofit donations" or call 211 (a referral service in most U.S. areas) and ask which organizations near you accept electronics.
Sell it online for cash
Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Swappa, and Craigslist all have active markets for used tablets. Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist let you list locally and avoid shipping, though you'll meet strangers and handle payment in person. eBay and Swappa handle payment through their platforms, which protects both buyer and seller, but you pay a commission (typically 10 to 15 percent) and cover shipping costs.
Before listing, research what similar tablets in your condition are selling for. Price it competitively—a tablet that's a few years old and has visible wear will sell for less than one that looks nearly new. Be honest about the condition: note any scratches, dents, battery health, or software issues. Include the original charger if you have it; tablets without chargers sell for noticeably less.
On Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, meet in a public place during daylight and bring someone with you. Test the tablet with the buyer so they can confirm it powers on and the screen works. On eBay or Swappa, pack the tablet carefully with padding, use tracked shipping, and take photos of the device before you seal the box—this protects you if a buyer claims it arrived damaged.
Recycle it through a manufacturer or retailer program
Apple, Samsung, Amazon, and other tablet makers run trade-in or recycling programs. Apple's trade-in program offers store credit if the tablet is in good condition; if it's damaged or very old, Apple will recycle it for free. Samsung has a similar program. Amazon accepts Fire tablets for recycling through their program.
Best Buy accepts tablets and other electronics for recycling at any store, with no purchase required. Some locations offer a small payment for working devices. Staples also runs a recycling program for electronics. These retailers handle data destruction and material recovery in-house or through certified e-waste processors.
Check the manufacturer's website or call your local retailer to confirm what they accept and whether you need to make an appointment. Some programs require you to ship the device; others let you drop it off in-store. If you mail it, the program usually provides a prepaid shipping label.
Repurpose it as a home device
An older tablet can become a dedicated tool for a specific task, freeing you from using your phone or laptop for that job. Mount it in your kitchen as a recipe display or video player while you cook. Set it on your nightstand as a bedside clock and weather display. Use it as a digital photo frame in a living room or hallway by installing a photo frame app and loading it with family pictures.
Some people use old tablets as home security monitors by installing a security camera app and positioning the tablet to watch a room or entryway. Others set them up as smart home control panels to manage lights, thermostats, and locks. If you have a child, an older tablet can become a dedicated device for educational apps or reading without the distraction of a phone.
To repurpose a tablet, install only the apps you need and disable notifications from everything else. This keeps the device focused on its single job and extends battery life. If the battery no longer holds a charge, you can leave the tablet plugged in permanently—many tablets are designed to stay on a charger without damage.
Understand data security before you hand it over
A factory reset removes your personal files, but it's not foolproof on every device. On iPads, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. On Android tablets, go to Settings > System > Reset Options > Erase All Data. Both processes take several minutes and will ask you to confirm.
If the tablet won't power on or the screen is broken, you have a problem: you can't perform a reset. In this case, recycling through a certified e-waste processor is your safest option because they have tools to destroy storage drives. Do not donate or sell a tablet you cannot reset.
After the reset, the tablet will restart and ask for a setup password or account login, just like a new device. This is normal and expected. The next owner will set up their own account.
Decide based on condition and your priorities
| Condition | Best Option | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Works perfectly, minimal wear | Sell online | You'll recover the most money and reach buyers quickly. |
| Works, visible scratches or dents | Donate or sell locally | Donation gives you a tax deduction; local sale avoids shipping costs. |
| Powers on, battery weak or screen issues | Donate to nonprofit or recycle | Organizations may repair it; recycling ensures safe material recovery. |
| Won't power on or screen is broken | Recycle through certified program | You cannot reset it safely, so recycling is the responsible choice. |
| Any condition, want to keep using it | Repurpose at home | Extend its life and reduce waste by giving it a new job. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sell a tablet if the battery doesn't hold a charge?
Yes, but disclose it clearly in your listing and price it lower. Many buyers will purchase a tablet with a weak battery if they plan to use it plugged in or replace the battery themselves. Be honest about how long it holds a charge—say "battery lasts 30 minutes" rather than "battery issue"—so the buyer knows what they're getting.
What if I forgot my password and can't reset the tablet?
Contact the manufacturer's support line with proof of purchase. Apple, Samsung, and others can help you regain access or perform a remote reset if you can verify ownership. If you can't prove ownership, the tablet cannot be reset, and you should recycle it through a certified e-waste program rather than donate or sell it.
Do I need to include the original charger when I donate or sell?
For donations, ask the organization whether they need a charger. Many have chargers already or can source them cheaply. For sales, including the original charger increases the price you can ask and makes the tablet when ready usable. If you don't have the original, a third-party charger that fits the tablet's port works fine and costs $10 to $30.
Will recycling a tablet really keep it out of a landfill?
Certified e-waste recyclers disassemble tablets and separate materials—glass, plastic, metals, and rare earth elements—for reuse or safe disposal. Landfilling electronics is illegal in many states because the materials can leach toxins into soil and water. Recycling through a certified program ensures the tablet is handled responsibly.
Can I donate a tablet that's a few years old?
Yes, as long as it powers on and the screen works. Schools and nonprofits often use older tablets for educational apps and basic tasks. Age matters less than functionality. Call ahead to confirm the organization accepts that model and operating system version.