Repurposed 4 Old Apple Devices: Ideas That Work

If you have four old Apple devices gathering dust, you can turn them into a functional, networked system rather than letting them sit in a drawer. This article explains practical, tested ways to repurpose four iPhones, iPads, Macs, or Apple Watches into something genuinely useful — from a home security camera array to a dedicated music player setup. You’ll get step‑by‑step ideas, compatibility notes, and the common pitfalls to avoid.

Why Repurpose Old Apple Devices Instead of Selling or Recycling?

Old Apple devices still hold real value: a 2015 iPhone 6s can run modern apps, an old iPad can serve as a smart display, and a 2012 MacBook Pro can become a file server. Selling them might net you $50–$150 each, but repurposing them can save you hundreds on buying new hardware. Also, you avoid e‑waste and keep functional tech out of landfills. Apple’s own recycling program is a last resort, not a first choice.

What Can You Actually Do with Four Old Apple Devices?

Four devices give you enough to build a small “ecosystem� that covers multiple needs. Here are the most practical setups:

• Home security camera system: Use two iPhones or iPads as cameras (with apps like Manything or Presence), one as a live viewer, and one as a recording hub.
• Whole‑house intercom and music system: Place one device in each room, run AirPlay or a multi‑room app like Sonos (if compatible), and control them from a central device.
• Dedicated e‑reader and note‑taking station: Use an iPad as a Kindle replacement, an iPhone as a voice memo recorder, and a Mac as a note‑syncing hub.
• Network‑attached storage (NAS) and media server: An old Mac mini or MacBook can run Plex or serve files; an iPad can be the remote control; an iPhone can be a backup target.
• Smart home dashboard: Mount an iPad on the wall to control lights and thermostats, use an iPhone as a motion sensor (via the camera), and use another as a security camera.

How to Choose Which Device for Which Role

Match the device’s strengths to the task. The key factors are:

• Battery health: Devices that stay plugged in 24/7 (like a wall‑mounted dashboard) can have poor battery health — that’s fine. Devices that need to be portable should have decent battery life.
• Storage capacity: For a media server or security recording hub, pick the device with the most storage. A 16 GB iPhone is fine for a camera, but not for storing weeks of footage.
• Processor speed: Newer devices (iPhone 8 or later, iPad 5th gen or later) handle multitasking better. Older devices (iPhone 5s, iPad 2) are best for single‑purpose tasks like a clock or a photo frame.
• Screen quality: For a dashboard or e‑reader, a larger, sharper screen is better. For a camera, screen quality matters less.

Step‑by‑Step: Setting Up a 4‑Device Security Camera System

This is one of the most popular and genuinely useful projects. Here’s how to do it with four iPhones or iPads:

1. Update the OS: Install the latest iOS/iPadOS each device supports. Even old devices can often run a recent version.
2. Install a camera app: Use apps like Manything, Presence, or HomeKit Secure Video (if your devices support it). Manything works on iOS 12 and later — check compatibility.
3. Designate roles:
   • Device A and B: cameras placed at entry points.
   • Device C: live viewer (keep it in your pocket or on your desk).
   • Device D: recording hub — set it to record continuously to its local storage or iCloud.
4. Power and placement: Keep cameras plugged in 24/7. Use a wall mount or a simple stand. Make sure the camera has a clear view and good Wi‑Fi signal.
5. Test and adjust: Check the live feed from Device C, adjust motion detection sensitivity, and set recording schedules.

This setup works because the apps are designed to run in the background, and the devices are old enough that you don’t mind them being dedicated to one task.

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

• Battery swelling: If any device’s battery is swollen (case bulging), stop using it immediately — it’s a fire hazard. Replace the battery or recycle the device. Do not plug it in.
• Wi‑Fi drops on old devices: Old iPhones (5s, 6) have older Wi‑Fi chips that can struggle with modern routers. Fix: set the router to 2.4 GHz, or use a Wi‑Fi extender near the device.
• App compatibility: Some apps require iOS 15 or later. If your device can’t update, search for older versions of apps (App Store shows “Last compatible versionâ€�).
• Overheating: Devices that run 24/7 can get hot. Keep them in a well‑ventilated area, remove thick cases, and consider a small USB fan.
• Storage fills up: For a recording hub, set the app to overwrite old footage, or offload to iCloud/network drive.

Comparing Repurposing vs. Selling vs. Recycling

Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:

• Repurposing: Costs nothing extra (except maybe mounts), saves you money on new gadgets, and keeps devices in use. Downside: takes time to set up, and old devices may not support the latest apps.
• Selling: Immediate cash, but you lose the functionality. Trade‑in values are often low for old models.
• Recycling: Good for broken devices, but you lose any potential use. Apple’s recycling program gives you credit only if the device has value; otherwise it’s free disposal.

For most people, repurposing is the best value if you have a specific need. If you just want cash, selling is better. If the device is broken or too old to run anything, recycle it.

Costs and What You Might Need to Buy

Repurposing is cheap, but you may need a few accessories:

• Mounts/stands: $5–$20 each (e.g., wall mounts for iPads, tripod mounts for iPhones).
• Charging cables: Old devices use Lightning cables — buy a few if you don’t have spares.
• Storage upgrade (for Macs): If you’re using a Mac as a media server, you might want an external hard drive ($50–$100).
• App subscriptions: Some camera apps have a free tier, but advanced features (cloud recording, multiple cameras) may cost $2–$5/month.

Total setup cost is usually under $50, far less than buying a dedicated security camera system or a smart display.

Safety and Longevity Tips

• Never use a device with a swollen battery. That’s a fire risk. Replace the battery or recycle the device.
• Keep devices plugged into a surge protector. Old power adapters can fail; a surge protector adds safety.
• Update software regularly. Even old devices get security patches for a few years. If your device can’t update anymore, limit its exposure to the internet (e.g., use it only on your local network).
• Back up important data. If you’re using a device as a recording hub, set up automatic backup to iCloud or a computer.
• Ventilation: Don’t stack devices or cover them with cloth. Overheating shortens component life.

Alternatives to Repurposing Four Devices

If you don’t want to set up a multi‑device system, consider these simpler uses for each device:

• Dedicated music player: Load it with your library and connect to speakers via Bluetooth or AirPlay.
• Car GPS: Use an old iPhone with offline maps (like Google Maps offline) — no SIM needed.
• Digital photo frame: Put an iPad in a stand and run a slideshow.
• Kitchen helper: Mount an iPad in the kitchen for recipes and timers.
• Game emulator: Old iPhones can run retro emulators (if you own the ROMs legally).
• Webcam for your computer: Use an old iPhone as a high‑quality webcam with apps like EpocCam.

These single‑device uses are less complex, but they still give new life to old hardware.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an old iPhone as a security camera without a SIM card?

Yes. The camera app works over Wi‑Fi only. You don’t need a cellular plan, but the device must be connected to the same Wi‑Fi network as your viewer.

Do old Apple devices still get security updates?

Apple typically supports devices for about 5–7 years after release. For example, the iPhone 6s (2015) received iOS 15 updates until 2022. After that, no more security patches. For a device used offline (like a music player), that’s okay; for internet‑facing tasks, be cautious.

What’s the best app to turn an old iPhone into a webcam?

EpocCam and Camo are popular. Both work over Wi‑Fi or USB. Check compatibility with your Mac or PC — some features require a paid version.

How do I wipe an old device before repurposing it?

Go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. This removes your personal data and disables Activation Lock (if you sign out of iCloud first). Then set it up as a new device.

Can I use an old iPad as a second monitor for my Mac?

Yes, if both devices support Sidecar (iPadOS 13+ and macOS Catalina+). For older iPads, apps like Duet Display work over USB or Wi‑Fi.

Is it worth repurposing a device with a broken screen?

If the screen is cracked but the touch works, you can still use it for tasks that don’t require much interaction (like a security camera). If the touch is unresponsive, you can use it as a dedicated display via AirPlay, or sell it for parts.

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in t | Number of devices | - | 4 | 1 | 10
in a | Average usable storage per device | GB | 64 | 1 | 2000
out total | Total usable storage | GB | t * a | 0
out per_device | Storage per device | GB | a | 0