We’ll all buy a new TV at some point and be faced with the decision of what to do with the old one. You’ll need to dispose of it responsibly at an e-waste center if it’s broken. If it’s still functional, you can try to sell it or repurpose it for other tasks.
You could sell your old TV if you need the extra cash, but you might not get much will need to find someone trustworthy to take it off your hands. Keeping it and using it for other purposes around the house also makes sense. Here are five things you can do with your old TV model instead of selling it.
Computer monitor
Plug and play
Using an old TV as a computer monitor is one of the simplest ways to repurpose it. Your TV will work as a primary or secondary monitor and should work instantly when you plug it into your laptop or PC’s HDMI port. You might need to optimize the resolution or set it to extend or duplicate the primary display if you’re using it as a secondary monitor.
I used a TV as a secondary monitor for years and these are some of the drawbacks you should be aware of.
I used a TV as a secondary monitor for years and these are some of the drawbacks you should be aware of. You’ll need space to fit the TV on your desk and can only realistically view smaller models below 50 inches from closeup. Adjustability is another challenge. Monitors usually offer some height or swivel adjustment, but TVs only have fixed feet that limit their orientation.
Smart home dashboard
All your info in one place
You could use your old TV as a smart home dashboard to display a calendar, to-do list, and other information that will be easily viewed by your family. To do this, you’ll need to download the DAKboard onto your phone. Then open the DAKboard website on your TV’s browser and link it to your phone.
Then you can create custom smart display interfaces for your old TV via the app. You can customize the display background and add the information you want displayed, like the weather and news feeds. Alternatively, you can choose between the various themed templates with attractive designs if you’re looking for a quicker and more user-friendly setup. I prefer having rotating wallpapers and a calendar displaying birthdays and other important dates, so I don’t forget stuff.
Digital photo display
Display your best memories
It’s easy to turn your old TV into a digital photo frame to relive some of your best memories with family and friends. All you’ll need to do is login to your Google account via your TV’s browser and open the Photos app. You can then create custom albums with your stored pictures and use a slideshow to display them.
If you prefer a lower-tech alternative, you can copy the images or albums you like from your PC or phone onto a USB stick. Navigate to your albums via your TV’s interface and play the photos as screensavers. There’s no limit to the photos you can use, and you might prefer famous art, scenery, or cute animals to help you relax.
Gaming Hub
Relax and have fun
I turned my old TV into a retro gaming station. I connected a standard PC controller to my TV via Bluetooth, then downloaded games straight from the app store. These games are lightweight and work without issues with my controller.
If you find these games don’t cut it and want to play something more modern, you can try downloading Nvidia’s GeForce now app to stream games via the internet. This app offers around 5,000 games in its library but requires a fairly modern TV from around 2021 upwards and a fast internet connection to work.
Most old or new consoles will work if you have the right cables and adapters.
You could also try keeping things simple and connecting your old gaming console or spare laptop to your TV to play games. Most old and new consoles will work if you have the right cables and adapters. Laptops will require an HDMI cable, and you can connect a standard controller to play Steam or retro games.
Security Camera Monitor
Keep an eye on things
You’ll be able to watch each feed in large, clear windows instead of a cramped phone display if you use your old TV as a dedicated security camera monitor. Getting it going depends on your old TV and existing camera setup. The easiest method is to connect your NVR or DVR directly to your TV via an HDMI cable.
Some TV brands, like Samsung and Amazon Fire support Ring and other camera apps, which you can install directly to watch your feeds. Other brands, like LG and Sony might not support them, and you’ll need to try alternative methods to get them working. It’s probably easiest to use your phone’s screen mirroring function to cast onto your TV. You can also try enabling Alexa on your smart TV, adding linking your security app account, and using voice commands to access the cameras.
