If you've recently upgraded to a new Android tablet, don't be quick to discard your old one. Even if it doesn't fetch a high resale price, there are plenty of creative ways to repurpose it and extend its usefulness. And if you're still considering which new tablet to buy, check out this guide to help you make the right choice.

These suggestions apply broadly to Android tablets made by various manufacturers (Samsung, Google, Xiaomi, LG, and others).

Turn It Into an Android Alarm Clock

Put the old tablet in your bedroom and convert it into an Android alarm clock that also shows the weather. Download an alarm clock app if you don't want to use the basic one that came with the old device. Customize the alarm to wake you up on workdays and let you sleep in on weekends.

You could also install a weather alert app to wake you up if there's an emergency. Such tools are especially important in regions prone to tornados, hurricanes, and other extreme weather events. A weather alert app can be a lifesaver if you don't hear the outdoor weather sirens.

Display an Interactive Calendar and To-Do List

Put the old tablet in the living room and use it as a calendar or to-do list. Use Google Calendar or another task management app to keep household members up to date and on schedule.

Create a Digital Photo Frame

An old Android tablet works great as a digital photo frame. Set it up to display a slideshow from Google Photos, Flickr, or another photo-sharing service and display those photos around your home.

Another option is to load the old tablet with photos and give it to a less tech-savvy loved one as a present. The old tablet also works great as a mirror if the tablet has a front-facing camera.

Get Help in the Kitchen

Mount the old tablet in your kitchen and use an app to display recipes while you cook. If you're busy cleaning up, use the old tablet to entertain yourself with movies while you load the dishwasher.

You could also stream radio from apps like Pandora. Radio apps work in the background, even on most older-model tablets, so you can look up that pecan pie recipe while dancing to your favorite tunes.

Control Your Smart Home

Android has been doing a lot of work on home automation and now supports apps to automate lights, thermostats, and other smart devices. You can use your old Android tablet as a central hub to control your home without having to find your phone or another device.

Use an Android Tablet as a Universal Streaming Remote

Many streaming devices come with a companion app that lets you control them from a mobile device. There are also universal remote apps for Roku, Fire TV, and other streaming devices in the Google Play Store. Repurpose your tablet as a universal remote that won't get lost in the couch cushions.

With an app-based tablet remote, you have a single remote for your streaming devices. The controls are more flexible and offer more options than a traditional remote. For example, you can control your media from any room because most of these remotes work over Wi-Fi.

Read E-Books

An old Android tablet can make a fantastic e-book reader, and it doesn't require much setup to make the switch. Most e-book readers are based on Android, and the e-reader apps that power them are freely available from the Play Store. Download your favorite e-book reader and grab some free books to get started.

Donate or Recycle It

You don't necessarily need to keep your tablet to do something useful with it. Charities like Cell Phones For Soldiers and Rainforest Connection can put your tablet to work again while doing some good.

Never throw a phone or tablet in the trash. These devices contain chemicals that harm the environment. The EPA has a list of locations where you can drop off electronics for recycling.

Android Tablet Mounting Tips

If you turn your tablet into a clock or a digital picture frame, get a stand for it or mount it on your wall. If you have a cradle for the tablet, place the tablet in the cradle and set it on a shelf. For a wall mount, use the same mounting hardware used to display collectible plates. Make sure there's room to plug the device into the charger wherever you decide to put it.