If you’re like me, you didn’t install all your smart home devices at once. You probably started with one or two, then added others over time. My first were smart plugs so I could operate a pair of lamps blocked by a heavy piece of furniture. Later came a video doorbell and a smart thermostat. None of it was part of a grand plan, which is probably true for most people. The result is a home of connected devices that don’t necessarily talk to each other.

The problem isn’t the equipment itself but the apps that control it. Each works fine on its own, but together, they can be a hassle. I’ve found myself juggling several apps just to check a camera feed or adjust a light. The good news is there’s a simpler way to bring everything under one roof, and your old iPad can help make it happen.

There are three major smart home ecosystems: Google Home, Amazon Alexa and Apple HomeKit. Google Home covers Nest thermostats, Google cameras and many third-party products. Amazon Alexa links to Echo speakers and a wide range of smart plugs, lights and locks. Apple HomeKit is built into iPads and iPhones through the Home app. There is a newer standard called Matter that helps different systems communicate. It’s not universal yet, but it promises to make smart homes easier to manage.

Start by taking stock of what you already own. Make a list of your smart devices and note which ecosystem they use. You may find several already support Apple Home or Matter. Devices like Philips Hue lights, Ecobee thermostats and some Eve smart plugs integrate easily with Apple’s system. Then open the Home app on your iPad. You’ll find it by typing “Home” in the search bar. Choose Add Accessory, follow the prompts (often scanning a code or using setup instructions), assign each accessory to a room, give it a name like “Living Room Light” and test it. Once you’ve got the basics, set automations like turning lights off when you leave or lowering the thermostat at bedtime.

Before you buy new smart devices, make compatibility a priority. Look for labels that say “Works with Apple Home” or “Supports Matter.” If it works with Matter, it will work with HomeKit. That small detail will save you frustration later.

Now let’s talk about the iPad itself. You don’t need the newest model for this function. Any iPad that runs HomeKit and a recent version of iPadOS will work. Note that HomeKit is not an app; you won’t see it until you connect your first device. That usually means an iPad fifth generation or later or an iPad mini fifth generation or later. If you don’t and you’re buying a new tablet this season, keep an eye on holiday deals. The entry-level iPad may drop to around $260.

Here’s the one big change you need to know. With Apple’s latest home architecture, iPads can no longer serve as full Home Hubs. That means you won’t get remote access, away-from-home automations or HomeKit Secure Video unless you have a dedicated hub. To get full functionality, you’ll need a supported device such as a HomePod, a HomePod mini or an Apple TV 4K (third generation or later).

The HomePod mini is the budget-friendly choice, usually priced around $99, but recent deal history shows it dropping as low as $80 during the holidays. The Apple TV 4K, starting near $129, doubles as a streaming device and a home hub. Either one will restore the automation and remote-control features that an iPad alone can’t provide. And with a new version of the HomePod mini expected soon, watch for discounts as Apple clears inventory.

Once you’ve decided to repurpose your iPad, wipe it clean. Sign out of your Apple ID, erase the device and set it up again with a new Apple ID. Keep it plugged in, mount it if you like, and position it somewhere central. Adjust the settings so the screen stays on or locks less often. Keep the operating system up to date for security.

With a little setup, your old tablet becomes the command center of your home. Instead of sending that older iPad to be dismantled for parts and materials, give it a new purpose and make your home a little smarter.

Leslie Meredith has been writing about technology for more than a decade. As a mom of four, value, usefulness and online safety take priority. Have a question? Email Leslie at asklesliemeredith@gmail.com.