It Still Turns On. Now What?
The screen is cracked. Maybe just a hairline fracture in the corner, maybe a full spiderweb across the display. Either way, you’re not going to hand this to a kid or mount it on the kitchen wall. But when you press the power button, the thing still lights up. The touch still mostly works.
So you’ve got a decision to make: fix it, repurpose it, or get rid of it.
First: Is It Worth Repairing?
Probably not. But check the math.
A screen replacement for an iPad Air 2 runs $80-150 at a repair shop. The tablet itself is worth $25-50 working. You’d be spending more on the repair than the device is worth. That’s the math for most old tablets.
The exception: if it’s a newer model (iPad 7th gen or later, Galaxy Tab S6 or newer), repair might make sense. These tablets still have resale value in the $80-200+ range, so a $100-150 screen repair could be worthwhile.
DIY screen replacement kits exist for $20-40 on Amazon and iFixit. You’ll need patience, a heat gun or hair dryer, and about two hours. YouTube has model-specific tutorials. It’s doable, but if you’ve never opened up electronics before, expect frustration and possibly a few extra cracks.
For most old tablets covered on this site (iOS 12-15, Android 8-11), the repair cost exceeds the device value. Skip the repair and look at the options below.
Use It As-Is (With a Cracked Screen)
A cracked screen doesn’t mean a dead tablet. If the touch still works and the display is readable, you can still get real use out of it.
Dedicated music speaker. Connect it to a Bluetooth speaker, open Spotify or YouTube Music, and leave it in the garage or workshop. The cracked screen doesn’t matter when you’re just hitting play and skip. Works especially well with voice control if your tablet supports Google Assistant or Siri.
Security camera. Apps like 
Alfred Camera and 
tinyCam Monitor turn any tablet with a working camera into a networked security camera. Prop it on a shelf pointing at your front door, driveway, or back yard. The screen crack doesn’t affect the camera at all. We cover this setup in more detail in our home security article.
White noise or sleep machine. Download a white noise app, set it to play rain sounds or ocean waves, and put it on a shelf in the baby’s room or the bedroom. The screen stays dim or off. You’ll never look at the crack.
Podcast and audiobook player. Similar to the music setup, but for spoken content. Dedicated devices for podcasts mean you’re not draining your phone battery or getting interrupted by texts mid-episode. Apps like Pocket Casts, Audible, and Libby all work on older devices.
File server or network storage. More of a tinkerer project: install a file manager app, connect external storage via USB-OTG (Android), and use the tablet as a basic network-accessible file server. Not going to replace a NAS, but it gets the job done for occasional use.
Connect an External Display
If the screen is too damaged to use but the tablet still runs, you might be able to bypass the broken screen entirely.
iPads with USB-C (iPad Pro 2018+, iPad Air 4+): These support external display output natively. Connect a USB-C to HDMI adapter and plug into a monitor or TV. You’ll get the full iPad display mirrored on the external screen. Touch still works on the cracked screen for input, or pair a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse.
Older iPads with Lightning: Limited external display support. Most Lightning-to-HDMI adapters only mirror certain apps, not the full home screen. This path is unreliable for older iPads.
Android tablets with USB-C: Many support display output via USB-C to HDMI. Check your specific model. Samsung DeX-compatible tablets (Tab S4 and newer) give you a full desktop-like experience on an external monitor.
Miracast/AirPlay: If the tablet’s WiFi still works, you can wirelessly mirror to a smart TV or Chromecast. This works regardless of screen damage as long as you can still tap the right buttons.
This is a good option if you want to use the tablet as a media player connected to a TV. Even with a shattered screen, it can stream Netflix, YouTube, or Plex to your living room TV.
When Touch Doesn’t Work Anymore
Some cracks damage the digitizer (the touch-sensitive layer under the glass). If you can see the display but taps don’t register, you’re not completely stuck.
USB-OTG mouse (Android): Plug a USB mouse into the tablet using a USB-OTG adapter. You get a mouse cursor on screen and can tap, scroll, and navigate with the mouse instead of touch. Most Android tablets support this. Adapters cost $5-10.
Bluetooth mouse or keyboard: Pair it wirelessly if the tablet’s Bluetooth is still working. This is often the easiest path since it doesn’t require any adapters.
Switch Control (iPad): If the iPad has an existing Bluetooth device paired, Switch Control in Accessibility settings can help navigate even with a non-responsive screen. This is finicky but possible.
Getting Rid of It
You don’t have to keep it. Here’s how to get rid of it responsibly.
Sell for parts. Yes, there’s a market for broken tablets. Repair shops and refurbishers buy them for screens (the LCD underneath might still be fine), batteries, cameras, and logic boards. eBay’s “For Parts/Not Working” category is the main marketplace. Expect $5-20 for older models, more for newer ones. Check our selling guide for platforms.
Donate for materials. Some schools and makerspaces accept broken electronics for teardown and education projects. Kids learning about electronics need something to take apart.
Recycle properly. Don’t throw tablets in the regular trash. The battery is a fire hazard in landfills. Take it to a Best Buy (they accept electronics for free recycling), a local e-waste center, or an 
Apple Store (they’ll recycle any Apple device for free). Our recycle and donate guide covers more options.
ecoATM kiosks. Those green kiosks in malls and grocery stores accept broken tablets for a few dollars. Don’t expect much, but it’s better than the trash can.
A Quick Assessment
Pull the tablet out of the drawer and answer two questions:
- Does the touch screen still work (even partially)?
- Can you still read what’s on the display?
If both: you’ve got a perfectly functional device for any audio purpose, security camera, or dedicated single-app use. The crack is cosmetic.
If touch is dead but display works: pair a mouse or connect an external display. You’ve got a media player.
If neither works but it powers on: sell for parts or recycle.
The worst thing you can do is leave it in the drawer for another year. A cracked tablet is still a computer. It just needs a job that doesn’t require a pretty face.
