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6 ways you could be using your tablet but aren’t

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a person using a tablet as a second screen

Tablets are one of the most versatile pieces of technology we own, but are you really getting the most out of yours? Sure, you can use it for browsing or streaming, but beyond that it’s easy to overlook the potential these devices have.



1 Turn it into a second monitor

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Have you ever wished you had a little more screen space while working? Why not use a tablet instead of investing in an expensive external monitor? When set up right, your tablet can act as a second display, giving you extra space to check email, compare documents, or even lay out your creative work.

To make this work, apps like Duet Display or Splashtop Wired XDisplay let you extend or mirror your computer screen onto your tablet. After installation, just connect the tablet via USB or Wi-Fi and voilà – you have an immediate setup of two monitors. It’s ideal for increasing productivity without cluttering your desk with additional hardware.


Not only is this setup handy for work, but it’s also a lifesaver when you’re on the go. Imagine working from a coffee shop or hotel room with two screens – using your tablet as a second monitor gives you the flexibility to stay productive even when you’re away from your main setup.

2 Use it as a digital recipe book

Paprika application showing the recipe

Cooking up a storm in the kitchen but struggling to keep track of recipes on your phone’s small screen? Your tablet is the perfect solution. With a larger display and portability, it’s perfect for keeping your favorite recipes while whipping up meals.


Recipe organizing apps like Paprika or Yummly let you save your recipes, create shopping lists, and even scale ingredients based on portion sizes. All you have to do is prop the tablet on a stand or attach it to the fridge with a magnetic holder, and you have a dedicated digital recipe book.

This setup also works great for watching video tutorials – imagine having a clear view of every cooking step on a screen big enough to see the details. And because your tablet is more durable and less likely to be used for other activities while cooking, it’s less prone to distraction than your phone.

3 Turn it into a Smart Home Hub

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tablet with smart home control
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If you have a smart home set up, you can turn your tablet into a smart home hub. Instead of reaching for your phone or relying on individual remote controls, you can easily manage everything from lights to security cameras with your tablet.


By downloading apps like Apple Home, Google Home or SmartThings, you can connect your tablet to the smart home ecosystem. Once set up, you’ll have one dashboard to control your lights, thermostat, locks and more – all from a larger, more convenient screen. You can even create automation routines like dimming the lights and playing music when you settle down for the evening.

For best results, consider using an older tablet for this task. Mount it on the wall or place it on a stand in a central location such as the kitchen or living room where it is easily accessible.

4 Make it your favorite eBook reader

tablet screen showing e-reader
John Awa-abuon/MakeUseOf


Sure, there are dedicated e-readers like the Kindle, but if you already have a tablet, you’re one step away from a great reading experience. With apps like Kindle, Apple Books or Libby, your tablet has access to a virtually endless library of books, magazines and even audiobooks – all in one place.

The beauty of using a tablet as an e-book reader is the versatility. With one tap, you can switch between reading and listening, adjust text size, and even change screen brightness or color tone to reduce eye strain. Tablets also allow you to read in full color, which is ideal for graphic novels, illustrated books or magazines where visuals play a big role.

To optimize your reading experience, consider enabling “Night Mode” for late-night sessions. You can also use apps that allow offline access, so you’ll never be without your favorite book even when you’re offline. And of course, a simple case or stand can turn your tablet into a hands-free reading companion, whether in bed, on the couch or on the go.


5 Use it as a photo frame

Frameo Wi-Fi picture frame
Christian Cawley/MakeUseOf

Rather than letting your tablet collect dust when not in use, why not turn it into a digital photo frame? This is one of the easiest and most visually rewarding ways to transform your tablet into a dynamic display of your favorite memories.

With Google Photos, you can turn your tablet into a slideshow of your favorite pictures. You can create albums, set transitions, and even add captions to add context to your photos. All you have to do is place the tablet on a stand or attach it to a prominent place like a bookcase or desk and you have a digital gallery.


The great thing about using a tablet is that you can swap photos at any time or even connect it to cloud services for live updates from family members or friends. So instead of a static frame, you’ll have a constantly refreshing display that brings your best moments to life – without having to print a single photo.

6 Turn it into a digital notebook

image showing the Notes app open on a tablet
John Awa-abuon/MakeUseOf

If you like to take notes, sketch ideas or keep a journal, your tablet can be a fantastic tool to get rid of paper. Thanks to note-taking applications such as OneNote, GoodNotes or Notability, you can turn your tablet into a digital notebook that you always have at hand.


With a stylus like the Apple Pencil or Samsung S Pen, you can jot down notes, annotate documents, or sketch ideas just like you would with pen and paper—but with the added benefit of digitally organizing everything. You can create separate notebooks for different projects, sync notes between devices, and even search your manuscript if the app supports it.

Note on Notability

This setup is perfect for students, professionals, or anyone who prefers the tactile experience of typing but wants the convenience of digital storage. Plus, the tablet’s flexibility means you can write, draw or record voice memos all in one place, making it much more versatile than a traditional laptop. So whether you’re brainstorming or just keeping a to-do list, your tablet will help you stay organized and creative without unnecessary paper.


Tablets are often thought of as secondary devices, used mainly for entertainment or casual browsing, but they have the potential to do so much more. With a little creativity, you can unlock new ways to use your tablet that will not only make your life easier, but also help you get more value from the devices you already own.

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