Introduction
Turning an old Android tablet into a smart display is a fantastic way to breathe new life into a device that might otherwise gather dust. Instead of tossing it out, you can transform it into a handy assistant for your home. This repurposing can save money and reduce electronic waste. Plus, it’s a fun project that can make your daily routines smoother.
Key Takeaways:
- Transforming an old Android tablet into a smart display is a fun, eco-friendly project that saves money and reduces electronic waste.
- With simple steps like resetting, updating, and adding apps, your tablet can become a cool hub for smart home control and daily info.
Getting Started
Check Device Compatibility
Before diving in, make sure your tablet meets the basic requirements. It should run at least Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or newer. The device needs a decent processor and at least 1GB of RAM to handle the smart display functions without lagging. If your tablet is too old, it might not support the necessary apps or updates.
Perform a Factory Reset
To start fresh, perform a factory reset on your tablet. This wipes all data and settings, giving you a clean slate. Here’s how:
- Go to Settings.
- Scroll down and tap System.
- Select Reset options.
- Tap Erase all data (factory reset).
- Confirm by tapping Reset tablet.
This process might take a few minutes. Once done, your tablet will reboot as if it’s brand new.
Update Software
After the reset, ensure your tablet’s software is up-to-date. Updated software ensures better performance and security. To check for updates:
- Open Settings.
- Scroll to System.
- Tap System update.
- Follow the prompts to download and install any available updates.
Keeping the software current is crucial for a smooth smart display experience.
Setting Up Google Assistant
Log into Google Account
First things first, you'll need to log into your Google account on the tablet. Here's how:
- Power on the tablet and connect to Wi-Fi.
- Open the Settings app.
- Scroll down and tap Accounts.
- Select Add Account and choose Google.
- Enter your Google email and password, then follow the on-screen instructions.
Install Necessary Apps
To get the most out of your smart display, you'll need a few key apps:
- Google Home: Manages your smart devices.
- Google Assistant: Powers voice commands.
- Google Photos: For photo slideshows.
Download these from the Google Play Store:
- Open the Play Store app.
- Use the search bar to find each app.
- Tap Install for each one.
Enable Google Assistant
Turning on Google Assistant is a breeze:
- Open the Google Assistant app.
- Tap your profile picture or initial in the top right.
- Select Assistant Settings.
- Tap Assistant and then Voice Match.
- Toggle on Hey Google detection and follow the prompts to train your voice.
Customizing the Home Screen
Leverage Widgets
Widgets can make your home screen super useful:
- Long-press on an empty space on the home screen.
- Tap Widgets.
- Browse through the list and find ones you like, such as Weather, Calendar, or News.
- Drag and drop the widget to your desired location on the home screen.
- Resize the widget by long-pressing it and adjusting the borders.
Set Up Action Blocks
Action Blocks let you create custom shortcuts for common tasks:
- Download the Action Blocks app from the Play Store.
- Open the app and tap Create Action Block.
- Choose a predefined action or create a custom one.
- Follow the prompts to set up the action.
- Name your Action Block and choose an icon.
- Add the Action Block to your home screen by long-pressing on an empty space, selecting Widgets, and dragging the Action Block widget to your home screen.
Enhancing the Smart Display Experience
Use a Photo Slideshow
Turning your tablet into a photo slideshow is a great way to keep your favorite memories front and center. Start by opening the Google Photos app. If you don't have it, download it from the Play Store. Once inside, tap on the menu icon and select "Settings." Look for the "Photo Frame" option and tap it. Here, you can choose which albums or photos you want to display. After selecting your photos, go back to the home screen. Your tablet should now show a beautiful slideshow whenever it's idle.
Complete the Setup with a Stand or Wall Mount
To make your smart display more functional, consider using a stand or wall mount. A stand can be as simple as a tablet holder you already have or a more sophisticated one with adjustable angles. If you prefer a wall mount, ensure it's secure and at a comfortable viewing height. Some mounts even come with built-in cable management to keep things tidy. Whether you choose a stand or a wall mount, this setup will make your smart display look sleek and professional.
Advanced Features
Ambient Mode
Ambient Mode transforms your tablet into a smart display that shows useful information when idle. To enable it, open the Google Assistant app and tap on your profile picture. Go to "Assistant settings" and find the "Ambient Mode" option. Turn it on and customize what you want to see, like weather updates, calendar events, or reminders. This feature makes your tablet even more useful by keeping you informed without needing to touch it.
Integrate with Smart Home Devices
Connecting your tablet to other smart home devices can create a seamless experience. Start by opening the Google Home app and tapping the "+" icon to add a device. Follow the prompts to connect things like smart lights, thermostats, or security cameras. Once connected, you can control these devices using voice commands through Google Assistant. Imagine saying, "Hey Google, turn off the lights," and watching it happen instantly. This integration makes managing your smart home easier and more convenient.
Wrapping Things Up
Transforming an old tablet into a smart display is a fantastic way to save money and reduce waste while adding convenience to daily life. With some simple steps like resetting, updating, and installing key apps, your device can become a hub for info and smart home control. Widgets and Action Blocks make customization a breeze, while photo slideshows and ambient mode add a personal touch. Mounting the tablet or using a stand enhances functionality and aesthetics. This project not only breathes new life into outdated tech but also makes for an enjoyable, practical DIY adventure.
Understanding the Smart Display Feature
This feature transforms your Android tablet into a smart display. It allows you to access Google Assistant, control smart home devices, view calendar events, play music, watch videos, and display photos. The tablet becomes a hub for information and entertainment, enhancing its utility beyond standard tablet functions.
What You Need and Device Compatibility
To turn your Android tablet into a smart display, your device needs to meet specific requirements. First, your tablet must run on Android 8.0 (Oreo) or higher. Older versions won't support the necessary features. Second, ensure your tablet has Google Assistant installed. This app is crucial for transforming your device into a smart display.
Next, check for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities. These connections are essential for linking with other smart devices and accessing the internet. A front-facing camera and microphone are also necessary for video calls and voice commands. Without these, some smart display functions won't work.
Battery life matters too. A tablet with at least 6-8 hours of battery life ensures uninterrupted usage. A stable internet connection is vital. Smart displays rely heavily on internet access for updates, streaming, and smart home controls.
Lastly, make sure your tablet has at least 2GB of RAM. This memory capacity helps run multiple apps smoothly. Storage space of at least 16GB is recommended for downloading apps and updates.
In summary, check your Android version, Google Assistant, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, camera, microphone, battery life, internet connection, RAM, and storage. Meeting these requirements ensures your tablet can function effectively as a smart display.
Steps to Set Up Your Smart Display
- Update your tablet to the latest Android version.
- Download the Google Home app from the Play Store.
- Open the Google Home app.
- Tap the "+" icon in the top left corner.
- Select "Set up device."
- Choose "New devices."
- Pick your home or create a new one.
- Wait for the app to find your tablet.
- Select your tablet from the list.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.
- Enable "Ambient Mode" in the Google Home app settings.
- Customize your display preferences like photos, weather, and news.
- Place your tablet on a stand or dock.
- Plug in the charger to keep it powered.
- Enjoy your new smart display!
Tips for Effective Use
Home Assistant: Use your tablet as a control hub for smart lights, thermostats, and security cameras. Install apps like Google Home or SmartThings to manage everything from one place.
Kitchen Helper: Mount the tablet on a wall or stand. Access recipes, set timers, or watch cooking videos. Apps like Yummly or Tasty can make cooking more fun.
Digital Photo Frame: Display your favorite photos using apps like Google Photos. Set it to slideshow mode and enjoy a rotating gallery of memories.
Entertainment Center: Stream movies, shows, or music. Apps like Netflix, Spotify, or YouTube turn your tablet into a mini TV or stereo.
Office Companion: Keep your schedule, emails, and to-do lists at your fingertips. Apps like Google Calendar, Gmail, or Microsoft To-Do help you stay organized.
Kids' Corner: Set up a dedicated space for children with educational apps and games. Use apps like Khan Academy Kids or ABCmouse to make learning fun.
Weather Station: Keep track of the weather with apps like Weather Channel or AccuWeather. Place the tablet where you can easily check the forecast before heading out.
News Hub: Stay updated with the latest news. Apps like BBC News, CNN, or Flipboard provide real-time updates and articles.
Virtual Assistant: Use voice commands to control the tablet. Apps like Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa can help with reminders, questions, or controlling smart devices.
Fitness Tracker: Follow workout routines or track your progress. Apps like Fitbit, MyFitnessPal, or YouTube for workout videos can keep you motivated.
Bedside Clock: Turn the tablet into a stylish clock with alarm features. Apps like Alarm Clock for Me or Timely offer customizable clock faces and alarms.
Interactive Calendar: Sync your calendar and keep it visible. Apps like Google Calendar or Microsoft Outlook ensure you never miss an appointment.
Reading Nook: Use your tablet as an e-reader. Apps like Kindle, Google Play Books, or Libby provide access to thousands of books and magazines.
Virtual Meetings: Join video calls or conferences. Apps like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet make remote communication easy.
Security Monitor: Keep an eye on your home with security camera apps. Apps like Nest, Ring, or Arlo let you monitor live feeds and receive alerts.
Art Display: Showcase digital art or paintings. Apps like ArtStation or DeviantArt can turn your tablet into a mini art gallery.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Screen freezing can often be fixed by restarting the device. Hold the power button until the restart option appears, then select it. If the tablet doesn't respond, hold the power button for about 10 seconds to force a shutdown.
Battery draining quickly might be due to background apps. Go to settings, find battery usage, and close or uninstall apps using too much power. Lowering screen brightness and turning off Wi-Fi or Bluetooth when not needed can also help.
Wi-Fi connection issues can be resolved by restarting the router and the tablet. If the problem persists, forget the network in your tablet's Wi-Fi settings and reconnect by entering the password again.
Slow performance often results from too many apps running. Close unused apps and clear the cache by going to settings, storage, and selecting cached data. If the tablet is still slow, consider uninstalling apps you no longer use.
App crashes can be fixed by updating the app through the Google Play Store. If the app is already updated, try clearing its cache and data in settings, apps, and selecting the specific app.
Bluetooth not pairing might require restarting both devices. Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on both devices and try pairing again. If issues persist, forget the device in Bluetooth settings and reconnect.
Overheating can be reduced by avoiding heavy usage while charging. Remove any case that might trap heat and ensure the tablet is in a cool environment. If overheating continues, check for software updates that might address the issue.
Storage full messages can be managed by deleting unused apps, photos, and videos. Move files to cloud storage or an external SD card if supported. Clearing cached data in settings can also free up space.
Touchscreen unresponsive issues can sometimes be fixed by cleaning the screen with a soft, dry cloth. Restarting the tablet can also help. If the problem continues, check for software updates or consider a factory reset as a last resort.
Sound problems might be due to volume settings. Check the volume levels and ensure the device isn't in silent mode. If using headphones, try a different pair to rule out hardware issues.
Keeping Your Data Safe
Using your Android tablet as a smart display raises some security and privacy concerns. User data is often collected to improve services, but you should know how it's handled. Google Assistant and other smart features might store voice commands and personal preferences. To maintain privacy, disable voice recording in settings. Regularly update your device to patch vulnerabilities. Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication for accounts. Review app permissions and limit access to sensitive information. Turn off the microphone and camera when not in use. Encrypt your device to protect stored data. Be cautious with third-party apps and only download from trusted sources.
Comparing Other Smart Display Options
Pros:
- Cost-Effective: Using an existing Android tablet saves money compared to buying a dedicated smart display like Google Nest Hub or Amazon Echo Show.
- Customization: Android tablets allow more customization options, including different apps and widgets.
- Portability: Tablets can be easily moved around the house, unlike fixed smart displays.
- Multi-Functionality: Tablets can serve multiple purposes beyond being a smart display, such as browsing the web or watching videos.
Cons:
- Integration: Dedicated smart displays often have better integration with smart home devices.
- Voice Control: Devices like Google Nest Hub or Amazon Echo Show have more advanced voice control features.
- Audio Quality: Smart displays usually have better speakers for music and voice commands.
- User Interface: Dedicated smart displays offer a more streamlined and user-friendly interface for smart home controls.
Alternatives:
- Google Nest Hub: Offers seamless integration with Google services and smart home devices.
- Amazon Echo Show: Provides excellent voice control with Alexa and good smart home integration.
- Lenovo Smart Display: Combines Google Assistant with a high-quality display and good audio.
- Facebook Portal: Focuses on video calling with Messenger and WhatsApp, along with smart display features.
Screen freezing can often be fixed by restarting the device. Hold the power button until the restart option appears, then select it. If the tablet doesn't respond, hold the power button for about 10 seconds to force a shutdown.
Battery draining quickly might be due to background apps. Go to settings, find battery usage, and close or uninstall apps using too much power. Lowering screen brightness and turning off Wi-Fi or Bluetooth when not needed can also help.
Wi-Fi connection issues can be resolved by restarting the router and the tablet. If the problem persists, forget the network in your tablet's Wi-Fi settings and reconnect by entering the password again.
Slow performance often results from too many apps running. Close unused apps and clear the cache by going to settings, storage, and selecting cached data. If the tablet is still slow, consider uninstalling apps you no longer use.
App crashes can be fixed by updating the app through the Google Play Store. If the app is already updated, try clearing its cache and data in settings, apps, and selecting the specific app.
Bluetooth not pairing might require restarting both devices. Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on both devices and try pairing again. If issues persist, forget the device in Bluetooth settings and reconnect.
Overheating can be reduced by avoiding heavy usage while charging. Remove any case that might trap heat and ensure the tablet is in a cool environment. If overheating continues, check for software updates that might address the issue.
Storage full messages can be managed by deleting unused apps, photos, and videos. Move files to cloud storage or an external SD card if supported. Clearing cached data in settings can also free up space.
Touchscreen unresponsive issues can sometimes be fixed by cleaning the screen with a soft, dry cloth. Restarting the tablet can also help. If the problem continues, check for software updates or consider a factory reset as a last resort.
Sound problems might be due to volume settings. Check the volume levels and ensure the device isn't in silent mode. If using headphones, try a different pair to rule out hardware issues.
Making Your Tablet Smarter
Turning your Android tablet into a smart display is easier than you think. By using apps like Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa, you can transform your device into a hub for smart home control, entertainment, and more. Just download the app, follow the setup instructions, and you’re good to go.
Adding a stand or dock can make your setup even more convenient. This way, your tablet stays in one place, always ready for your voice commands.
Don’t forget to explore other apps that can enhance your experience. There are plenty of options out there to make your tablet even more versatile.
So, grab your tablet, install the right apps, and start enjoying the benefits of a smart display. It’s a simple way to get more out of a device you already own.
How can I turn my old tablet into a monitor?
Use a USB cable to connect your tablet to your PC. Open the app on your devices and select the option "Extend desktop to this display." Select the “Connect” option on your Android tablet to establish the connection between your PC and the tablet.
Can I use my tablet as a Google Hub?
You have the option to add your Pixel Tablet to your home when you first set up Hub Mode. If you skip this step, you can add your device to the Google Home app later. To dock your Pixel Tablet or use Hub Mode, you need a Charging Speaker Dock.
What apps do I need to turn my tablet into a smart display?
Apps like Google Home, Spacedesk, or Duet Display can help transform your tablet into a smart display. Download and install these apps on both your tablet and your main device.
Is it possible to use my tablet as a second screen for my laptop?
Absolutely! Apps like Spacedesk or Duet Display allow you to use your tablet as a second screen. Just install the app on both devices and follow the setup instructions.
Can I control smart home devices with my tablet?
Yes, you can control smart home devices using your tablet. Install the Google Home app or similar smart home apps, and link your devices to manage them directly from your tablet.
Do I need any special accessories to turn my tablet into a smart display?
While not always necessary, a tablet stand or dock can make it easier to use your tablet as a smart display. For Google Hub functionality, a Charging Speaker Dock is required.
