You probably have an old tablet, like an iPad, in a drawer or cabinet. But if you’re a smart home fan, it’s simple and easy to give the technology new life as a smart home hub. Repurposing an old tablet allows for convenient, centralized control of your smart home devices without the need for additional expensive equipment. This guide will walk you through the process of selecting and setting up your old tablet, choosing the right mount or stand, and installing the necessary apps to turn your tablet into a fully functional smart home hub.
1. Select a Tablet
The initial stage of forming your smart home hub is to decide on the tablet. A significant factor to consider is the smart home platform you use at home, as this will determine which tablet will work best for your setup. For instance, an Amazon Fire Tablet cannot control Apple HomeKit devices. With this tablet, you won’t be able to access Siri, and there isn’t an app available to manage HomeKit devices. Compatibility is key to ensuring smooth operation and comprehensive control over your smart home devices.To keep it straightforward, any Apple iPad works well for Apple HomeKit and Amazon Alexa. Naturally, Amazon’s tablet excels with Alexa-powered devices, allowing seamless integration and management. An Android tablet is the ideal choice for a Google Home setup, providing robust support for Google Assistant and related devices. Ensure your chosen tablet is in good working condition, with a functional screen and the latest operating system update. A necessary component is a power cord and adapter because if the old tablet doesn’t hold a charge well, it’s a minor issue if you can keep it plugged in constantly. The tablet doesn’t need a functioning front or rear-facing camera for this purpose, as the primary role will be to control smart home devices.
2. Discover a Wall Mount or Stand
After selecting a tablet that aligns with your smart home, it’s time to choose its location. Deciding between a wall mount and a stand involves considering convenience, aesthetics, and accessibility. There are two primary methods for positioning your tablet as a smart home hub, each with its unique advantages and drawbacks. One method involves using a mount to secure the tablet on the wall. Many universal mounts can hold any device with a 4.7- to 12.9-inch screen and allow full 360-degree rotation for vertical or horizontal use. This flexibility is excellent for adapting to different spaces and user preferences.Mounting your tablet on the wall requires drilling holes, which may not be ideal for renters and apartment dwellers. You must also consider the proximity to a power outlet, as the tablet will need to stay charged or constantly powered on. Managing the visible power cord can be another challenge, but creative solutions like cord covers or strategic placement can help reduce visual clutter. Alternatively, using a tablet stand offers a practical solution without the need to drill holes. Stands can accommodate virtually any tablet and come in various colors, allowing placement in either landscape or portrait orientation while providing a spot for the charging cord.A stand offers the significant advantage of not placing your tablet on a wall, enabling placement in high-traffic areas like kitchens, bedrooms, or living rooms, where it can be easily accessed by everyone. With stands, you can often find clever ways to hide the power cord behind furniture or other out-of-the-way locations. The downside is that a tablet on a stand might not be as universally accessible as a wall-mounted option and could be harder for guests and family to use. However, the trade-off can be worth it for the increased flexibility in placement and ease of installation.
3. Download a Smart Home Manager App
You likely have an old tablet, such as an iPad, stashed away in a drawer or cabinet. Instead of letting it gather dust, you can easily breathe new life into it by transforming it into a smart home hub. For smart home enthusiasts, repurposing an old tablet offers an efficient, centralized solution for managing your smart home devices without the need to invest in costly new equipment. This comprehensive guide will lead you through the steps required to select and set up your old tablet for this new role. We’ll cover how to choose the perfect mount or stand that best suits your home’s aesthetics and ergonomics, ensuring the tablet is both functional and easily accessible. Additionally, we will delve into installing the essential apps that will enable your tablet to seamlessly control various smart home devices—from lights to thermostats, and even security systems. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a fully operational smart home hub that not only saves money but also enhances your home automation experience.