Your old tablet has several practical paths forward
An old tablet that no longer fits your needs does not have to become clutter. You can sell it for cash, donate it to someone who will use it, repurpose it for a specific task in your home, or recycle it responsibly. The best choice depends on the tablet's condition, how much effort you want to spend, and whether you need money or would rather help someone else.
A tablet in working order typically has resale value. One that is broken or too slow to use can still be recycled for its materials. Even a device you consider worthless may have a second life as a kitchen display, security camera, or media player in another room of your house.
Key Takeaways
- Working tablets sell on Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or Swappa for $30 to $200 depending on age, brand, and condition.
- Donation to schools, libraries, senior centers, or nonprofits avoids the work of selling and may may have access to for a tax deduction.
- Repurposing an old tablet as a bedside display, kitchen recipe viewer, or security monitor costs nothing and keeps it out of landfill.
- Recycling through manufacturer programs or certified e-waste handlers ensures the device is broken down safely rather than sent overseas.
- Wipe all personal data before selling, donating, or giving away the tablet, using the factory reset option in Settings.
Selling a working tablet for cash
If your tablet powers on, holds a charge, and the screen is not cracked, you have a resale market. Price depends on the brand, model, storage size, and how old it is. An iPad from two or three years ago typically sells for $100 to $250. Android tablets and older models usually bring $30 to $100.
Facebook Marketplace is the fastest route for local sales. List the tablet with clear photos of the front, back, and sides, note the exact model and storage capacity, and describe any scratches or wear. Buyers in your area can pick it up within days, and you avoid shipping. Set a price 10 to 15 percent below what you see for the same model on other platforms — local buyers expect a discount for convenience.
eBay reaches a national audience and handles payment through their system, which protects both you and the buyer. Shipping costs $10 to $20 depending on weight and distance. List the tablet as "Used" or "Refurbished" and be specific about condition: note any dents, scratches, or software issues. eBay takes a 12.9 percent cut of the sale price plus a small listing fee.
Swappa is a marketplace built for electronics. It specializes in phones and tablets, so buyers there know what to expect. Swappa handles payment and takes a 10 percent commission. Shipping is your responsibility, but the site has a strong reputation for honest listings and buyer protection.
Before you list, factory reset the tablet to erase your accounts, photos, and personal data. Go to Settings, find the Reset or Restore option, and choose "Erase all data" or "Factory Reset." This step is not optional — a buyer who can access your email or photos is a serious privacy breach.
Donating to schools, libraries, and nonprofits
Schools and libraries often accept tablet donations for classroom use or lending programs. Contact the principal's office or the head librarian directly — do not assume they want it. Ask whether they take used devices, what condition they need, and whether they can pick it up or if you need to drop it off.
Senior centers and retirement communities sometimes distribute tablets to residents who cannot afford them. Call ahead and ask whether they have a donation program. Some centers teach digital literacy classes and use donated devices as teaching tools.
Nonprofits that serve low-income families, refugees, or people with disabilities may accept tablets. Organizations like World Computer Exchange, Computers for Communities, and local food banks sometimes run device programs. Search "[your city] nonprofit tablet donation" to find groups in your area.
When you donate, factory reset the tablet first, just as you would before selling. Provide the charger and any cables. Ask the organization whether they need documentation of the donation for your tax records — some nonprofits provide a receipt you can use on your tax return, though you cannot claim a specific dollar value without a professional appraisal.
Repurposing an old tablet in your home
A tablet that is too slow for everyday use can still serve a single, specific purpose. Older devices often run fine when they are not juggling multiple apps and updates.
Kitchen display: Mount a tablet on the wall or prop it on a stand to display recipes, timers, or a digital calendar. Apps like Paprika or BigOven let you pull up recipes hands-free while cooking. Leave it plugged in and set it to stay awake while plugged in, so the screen does not lock.
Bedside clock and alarm: Use an app like Timely or Alarmy to turn the tablet into a large, straightforward-to-read bedside clock. Set it to dim at night and brighten in the morning. This works especially well for people who have trouble reading small phone screens.
Security camera: Apps like Alfred or Manything turn an old tablet into a motion-detecting security camera. Mount it in a corner of a room or pointed at an entryway, and you can check the feed from your phone. This costs nothing beyond the app (many are free) and works on older hardware.
Media player: Use the tablet to stream music or podcasts in a room where you do not want to use your phone. Apps like Spotify, Audible, or Plex run smoothly on older tablets. Leave it plugged in and set the brightness to a comfortable level.
E-reader: read the Kindle or Apple Books app and use the tablet as a large-screen e-reader. The bigger screen is easier on the eyes than a phone, and older tablets handle reading apps without lag.
Recycling through manufacturers and e-waste programs
If the tablet is broken, too old to sell, or you do not want to deal with resale, recycling is the responsible option. Tablets contain materials like aluminum, copper, and rare earth metals that can be recovered. They also contain toxic materials like lead and mercury that should not end up in a landfill.
Apple runs a trade-in and recycling program called Apple Trade In. You can mail in an iPad or get a quote for trade-in value. If the device has no value, Apple recycles it for free. Visit apple.com/trade-in to start.
Samsung and other Android manufacturers often have similar programs. Check the manufacturer's website for a "recycling" or "trade-in" link. Some offer a small credit toward a new purchase if the device still has value.
Best Buy accepts tablets for recycling at any store, free of charge. You can also mail devices to them. Visit bestbuy.com/site/services/recycling to find a location or arrange shipping.
Local e-waste programs: Many cities and counties run free e-waste collection days or have drop-off centers. Search "[your county] e-waste recycling" or call your local solid waste department. These programs may support the tablet is handled by certified recyclers who follow environmental standards, rather than being shipped overseas where materials are extracted unsafely.
Before recycling, factory reset the tablet to erase your data. Even though the device will be dismantled, erasing your information is a final safeguard.
Preparing your tablet before you let it go
The single most important step is erasing your personal data. Do this whether you are selling, donating, or recycling.
On an iPad, go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. You will be asked to confirm. The process takes 10 to 30 minutes and removes all your accounts, photos, messages, and apps.
On an Android tablet, go to Settings > System > Reset Options > Erase All Data (or Factory Reset). The exact path varies by manufacturer, but the option is always in Settings under a Reset or System section. Confirm the action and wait for the process to finish.
After the reset, the tablet will restart and show the initial setup screen, as if it were brand new. This is the correct state to hand off to someone else or send for recycling.
If you are selling the tablet, take photos before you reset it — show the home screen, the back, and any wear or damage. Once you reset, you cannot show the condition of the software or apps.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can I expect to get if I sell my old tablet?
Price depends on the brand, model, age, and condition. An iPad from two to three years ago typically sells for $100 to $250. Older iPads and most Android tablets bring $30 to $100. A tablet with a cracked screen or that does not hold a charge may not sell at all. Check completed listings on Facebook Marketplace or eBay for your exact model to see what buyers are actually paying.
Is it safe to donate a tablet without wiping it first?
No. A factory reset is essential before you hand the tablet to anyone. Without it, the new user can access your email, photos, passwords, and payment information. Always reset the device to its factory state, which removes all your data and accounts. This takes 10 to 30 minutes and is the only safe way to pass on the device.
Can I get a tax deduction for donating a tablet?
You may be able to deduct the donation if you give it to a may have access to nonprofit organization. Ask the organization for a donation receipt that states what you gave them. You cannot claim a specific dollar value without a professional appraisal, but you can deduct the fair market value of the device. Keep records and consult a tax professional about whether your donation qualifies.
What should I do if my tablet is broken and will not turn on?
A tablet that will not power on cannot be sold or repurposed, so recycling is the best option. Take it to a Best Buy, a local e-waste collection event, or a manufacturer recycling program. Do not throw it in the trash — tablets contain materials that need to be recovered and toxic substances that should not enter a landfill.
Can I use an old tablet as a second screen for my computer?
Yes, but it requires an app. On iPad, you can use Apple's official Sidecar feature if your iPad and Mac are recent enough. On Android, apps like Spacedesk or Duet Display let you use the tablet as an extended display. These apps work on older tablets and can give an older device a useful second life.