Old Tablets Are Perfect For Kids - Just Do This First

If you think you're ready to buy an iPad for your kids, you might first consider another option, especially if you have an old tablet lying around. Before handing over that tablet to your child, though, you should take some time to completely wipe it and configure a few other items first. Used hardware like this can hold a treasure trove of data you wouldn't want them to get their hands on, including saved credit cards and social media logins. Leaving that information on the device is a disaster waiting to happen (think accidental purchases or weird messages sent to your contacts). That's why a full factory reset is your best move here.

A reset clears out every single app, photo, credit card, file, and saved password, and it gives you a blank canvas that you can control. Just be sure to back up any important data on there before you do the wipe. To do this on an iPad, head to the general settings, find the transfer or reset options, and choose to erase all content and settings. Android tablets follow a similar path, typically hiding its reset options button at the bottom of the general management menu. 

Essentially, hitting that reset button returns the tablet to its original out-of-the-box state like it was when you first bought it, leaving it with no sign of you using it. And beyond wiping out your old data, it clears up space for any new games and apps you choose to put onto the tablet for your kiddo.

With a totally wiped device, the real setup work begins. Don't just log back in with an adult account and download a few random games; that isn't enough to create a secure and inviting digital environment for your kids. Both Apple and Google offer a ton of tools designed specifically for configuring kids' accounts, though it's worth noting that iPads have some limitations, including fewer options for finding third-party apps (including those that might suit your children).

As you're running through the initial setup, create a dedicated child profile instead of a standard adult account. Apple's Family Sharing lets parents set up a kid-specific Apple ID that automatically applies age restrictions across the entire OS. Likewise, Google Family Link does the exact same thing for Android, letting parents control app downloads, approve screen time, and monitor all kinds of activity from their smartphone. These tools are free and robust, and are definitely nice to have for parenting in the digital age.

Once you've got the kids' account up and running, you can load it up with age-appropriate apps and games, and even some streaming platforms if you're comfortable with that. Take some time to decide how tight you want to lock down the web browser, too, including limiting the sites your kids can access and how long they can surf. Setting up these boundaries lets your kids enjoy the tablet with fewer chances of bumping into the myriad horrors of the internet.

Software boundaries are great, but locking down the system permissions and the hardware is what actually keeps things safe for your kids. First up, kill those in-app purchases immediately; mobile games are packed with sneaky microtransactions, and it only takes a couple of minutes to rack up a giant bill. But by forcing the OS to ask for a password for every single download or purchase, you eliminate the risk of getting a shocking credit card bill each month.

Next, dial in the daily screen time limits. Both iOS and Android sport great tools for setting usage limits and downtimes. As a parent, you can tweak these limits whenever you want, granting more time for long road trips, for example, or dialing it back on a holiday when you have family coming over. You should also give your settings a quick test to make sure you can't reach things you don't want your kids to, like the settings, app store, or inappropriate content on the internet.

Finally, you might want to consider putting a heavy-duty case on the tablet. Look for thick foam or rubber cases, especially those with raised edges, as they'll do the best at absorbing impacts from drops and throws. A hefty case combined with strict software rules makes the tablet you hand your kid as safe as possible. Plus, it gives your old tablet a second life.