You Have an Old iPad. Now What?
It’s sitting in a drawer. Or on a shelf. Or in that box of cables and old chargers you keep meaning to sort through. An old iPad that’s too slow for modern apps, too outdated for the latest iOS, and too guilt-inducing to throw away.
Same goes for that old Galaxy Tab or Kindle Fire you got on sale three years ago.
You have four options: sell it, donate it, recycle it, or repurpose it into something useful. Here’s what each one actually looks like — including what you’ll realistically get.
Option 1: Sell It or Trade It In
Apple Trade-In
Apple’s trade-in program accepts old iPads and gives you credit toward a new purchase.
What you’ll get: Honestly, not much for older models. An iPad Air 2 (2014) might get you $25-30 in store credit. A 4th gen iPad might get nothing but free recycling. Check 
apple.com/shop/trade-in for a current estimate.
The process: Online or in-store. Apple sends you a prepaid shipping box or you bring it to an Apple Store. Credit applies to your next purchase.
Best for: iPads that are less than 5-6 years old. Older than that, the trade-in value drops to recycling-only territory.
Amazon Trade-In
Amazon accepts tablets (iPads and Android) and gives you an Amazon gift card.
What you’ll get: Similar or slightly lower than Apple for iPads. The gift card is more flexible than Apple credit since you can use it on anything. They also accept Fire tablets and other Android tablets.
The process: Go to amazon.com/tradein, get a quote, ship the device for free. Gift card issued after inspection.
Samsung Trade-In
If you have a Galaxy Tab, Samsung’s trade-in program offers credit toward a new Samsung device. Check samsung.com/trade-in for current values.
Sell on Swappa, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace
If your tablet is in good condition and less than 8 years old, you’ll get more selling directly than through trade-in programs. Trade-in programs are convenient but lowball you significantly.
Realistic prices (2026):
| Model | Trade-In Value | Direct Sale Value |
|---|---|---|
| iPad Air 2 (2014) | $0-25 | $40-60 |
| iPad 5th gen (2017) | $25-40 | $60-90 |
| iPad 6th gen (2018) | $40-60 | $80-120 |
| iPad mini 4 (2015) | $0-20 | $30-50 |
| iPad Pro 1st gen (2015) | $30-50 | $80-130 |
| Galaxy Tab S4 (2018) | $10-25 | $40-70 |
| Galaxy Tab A (2019) | $5-15 | $25-45 |
Swappa is the easiest platform for selling used electronics. No auction format, just set a price and wait. They verify devices aren’t stolen or carrier-locked.
eBay gets you the widest audience but charges seller fees (12-15%).
Facebook Marketplace is free and local, but you’re meeting strangers. For a $50 tablet, it’s probably not worth the hassle.
Before You Sell: Wipe It
This is non-negotiable. Before handing your tablet to anyone:
iPad:
- Sign out of iCloud: Settings → [Your Name] → Sign Out. This removes activation lock.
- Erase everything: Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPad → Erase All Content and Settings
- Remove from your Apple ID: Go to appleid.apple.com, sign in, find the device, and remove it
Android:
- Remove Google account: Settings → Accounts → Google → Remove Account
- Factory reset: Settings → System → Reset → Factory Data Reset
- Remove from Google devices: Go to myaccount.google.com/device-activity and remove the device
If you skip the iCloud sign-out on an iPad, the buyer gets a locked device and you get an angry message. Do it before you ship.
Option 2: Donate It
If your tablet is too old to sell for a meaningful amount but still works, donating it puts it to use and gets you a tax deduction.
Where to Donate
Human-I-T (human-i-t.org) — Refurbishes and distributes devices to families and individuals who can’t afford them. They accept iPads and Android tablets. This is probably the most impactful option.
World Computer Exchange (worldcomputerexchange.org) — Ships refurbished devices to schools and community centers in developing countries.
Goodwill — Accepts tablets at any Goodwill location. They either resell them in-store or send them to Dell Reconnect for recycling.
Local schools and libraries — Call first. Many have specific needs and minimum device requirements, but some will happily take a tablet for their children’s program or as a kiosk device.
Domestic violence shelters and senior centers — Often need tablets for residents. Call your local organizations directly.
Tax Deduction
If you donate to a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the donation is tax-deductible. Get a receipt. The deductible amount is the fair market value of the device — check eBay’s sold listings for your model to estimate.
Before You Donate: Wipe It
Same as selling — sign out of your accounts, erase all content, and remove the device from your Apple/Google account. Always.
Option 3: Recycle It
If the tablet is too old, broken, or damaged to be useful to anyone, recycle it properly. Tablets contain lithium batteries and toxic materials that shouldn’t go in regular trash.
Free Recycling Options
Apple Recycling — Apple accepts any tablet (including Android) for free recycling at any Apple Store or through their mail-in program. Go to apple.com/recycling.
Best Buy — Drop-offs accepted at any Best Buy location. They take tablets, phones, and most consumer electronics for free.
Staples — Accepts tablets for recycling in-store.
E-waste events — Most counties run periodic electronics recycling events. Check your local government website.
Don’t Throw It in the Trash
Seriously. Lithium batteries in landfills can cause fires. And the rare earth minerals in your tablet’s screen and processor can be recovered and reused. Recycling takes 10 minutes and is free.
Option 4: Repurpose It
This is what we’re all about. Before you sell, donate, or recycle that old tablet, consider whether it can do something useful in your home.
An old iPad or Android tablet that’s “too slow” for games and apps is still perfectly fast enough to:
- Show your family calendar — always-on, always current, on the kitchen wall
- Display your photos — a better digital photo frame than anything you can buy
- Show the weather — forecasts, radar, and alerts at a glance
- Be a second monitor — extra screen space for your desk
- Run a kitchen display — weather, calendar, recipes, and lists in one place
These aren’t theoretical. They take 10-30 minutes to set up, cost $0-15 (maybe a stand), and genuinely get used every day.
The Decision Tree
Here’s how to decide:
Is the tablet less than 6 years old and works well? → Sell it. You’ll get $50-120 direct.
Is it 6-10 years old and works but is slow? → Repurpose it. It’s worth more as a kitchen display or photo frame than the $20 you’d get selling it.
Does it work but you don’t need it? → Donate it. Someone can use it.
Is it broken or won’t turn on? → Recycle it. Apple or Best Buy will take it for free.
Is the battery swollen or the screen is cracked badly? → Recycle it carefully. Don’t put it in regular trash. Take it to an Apple Store or e-waste drop-off.
One Last Thing
Whatever you do, wipe it first. Sign out of your accounts, erase all content, and remove it from your Apple or Google account. This takes 2 minutes and protects your data regardless of where the tablet ends up.
And if you’re on the fence about repurposing? Try the digital photo frame setup first. It takes 5 minutes, costs nothing, and you’ll know within a day whether this old tablet has earned its spot in the house. If it hasn’t, you can still sell or donate it tomorrow.
