10 Legit Ways To Make Money From Your Phone

Updated on July 22, 2025

Wondering how to make money from your phone? We’ve got you covered.

From paid surveys to gig apps, here are 10 legit ways to make money from your phone – all flexible, fast, and beginner-friendly.

1. Take online surveys on your phone

One of the most accessible ways to make money from your phone is by answering paid online surveys. Brands rely on real user input to improve their products, so they partner with survey apps that pay everyday people to provide feedback. You don’t need special skills, just a mobile device and some free time.

The process is simple: sign up, fill out your profile, and start answering. To earn more, be honest and consistent. Popular survey apps use profile data to match you with better surveys, and those with accurate matches usually pay more. While some platforms pay weekly, others offer quicker options.

For example, some users prefer apps like JumpTask, which lets you get paid to take surveys directly from your mobile phone, with the benefit of daily payouts and no complicated withdrawals.

It’s not a full-time income, but taking paid surveys is a reliable way to earn extra cash in your free time, just from your phone.

2. Try mobile-friendly freelance gigs

Freelancing isn’t just for laptop users anymore. If you have a mobile phone and a stable internet connection, there are plenty of ways to earn cash from your phone, such as offering services on the go. Many platforms support mobile-friendly interfaces or even have dedicated apps.

Some great options that require minimal setup include:

Transcribing audio files
Writing short articles or product descriptions
Creating content for social media accounts
Offering social media management to small business owners
Becoming a customer service representative or a social media manager
Providing virtual assistance services

Writing, in particular, is one of the easiest ways to get started. You can even get paid to write articles and blog posts directly from your phone, without needing fancy tools or a computer.

Traveling, commuting, or working between tasks, freelance jobs offer a reliable way to earn money on your own hours.

3. Earn money testing apps and websites

If you enjoy trying out new apps, user testing is a practical way to make money from your phone. Companies want real people to test their websites and apps before launching to the public. Your job is to navigate, point out issues, and share feedback.

Most platforms now support testing websites directly on a mobile phone, so there’s no need for a desktop setup. You’ll be completing user tests while speaking your thoughts out loud, helping developers understand the user experience.

To improve your success rate:

Provide thoughtful, honest user feedback
Follow task instructions closely
Be consistent to increase your approval ratings
Join numerous websites to access more paid tests

Some platforms let you test products for money using only your smartphone, making this an easy option for earning during breaks or your spare time.

4. Sell photos and videos taken with your phone

You don’t need a fancy camera to start selling your content – your mobile phone can be a money-making machine. Many stock photo websites now accept high-quality images and videos taken on smartphones.

You can upload your work to platforms like:

Adobe Stock
Shutterstock
iStock
Other stock photo websites that accept mobile submissions

The most in-demand content includes:

Lifestyle moments (e.g., cooking, working out, commuting)
Travel photography and scenery
People in natural, candid settings

To boost your chances of making a sale:

Use natural light whenever possible
Shoot in high resolution
Focus on authentic, relatable subjects
Edit lightly using apps

It’s a simple way to make money selling pictures while doing something creative in your downtime.

5. Use cashback and reward apps for passive income

Want a low-effort way to make money from your phone? Cash back apps and receipt-scanning tools let you earn rewards or extra money for purchases you’re already making. It's one of the easiest ways to generate passive income.

Popular cash back apps often reward you for:

Uploading receipts from grocery stores or pharmacies
Clicking through their platform before shopping online

Some apps use point systems, where you exchange points for gift cards or cash. Others offer direct payouts through PayPal or bank deposit. Either way, it’s money back in your pocket.

The best part? Once you’re set up, the earnings happen in the background. Just keep shopping like normal and watch your extra cash grow. It may not replace a job, but it’s a smart, hands-off way to generate income over time.

Want an easy place to start?

JumpTask offers simple question-based tasks, surveys, and quizzes that pay fast. No experience needed.

6. Complete microtasks and earn instantly

Microtasking is one of the fastest-growing ways to earn cash using your phone. These tiny, repetitive jobs, like tagging photos, checking search results, or reviewing short videos, take just a few minutes each and can be done entirely on your smartphone.

Some users turn to microtasking to make money fast, while others use it for steady, bite-sized income. Platforms that support crypto-based payouts, like JumpTask, even allow you to earn instantly without needing a bank account.

To maximize results, aim for accuracy and speed. Tasks with high approval ratings often unlock better-paying gigs. It also helps to check apps regularly, as new opportunities can disappear fast.

If you're new to this space, a solid grasp of how microtasking works can give you a strong head start. It's an efficient, flexible way to earn extra money with just your phone and no upfront investment.

7. Play games that pay real rewards

If you enjoy playing games on your phone, why not turn that habit into a way to make money? Plenty of legit mobile games offer real rewards, not just sweepstakes entries or virtual points, but actual payouts.

Most of these apps pay in the form of:

Gift cards for major retailers
Direct PayPal transfers
Cryptocurrency

To stay safe, avoid apps that sound too good to be true or promise massive earnings with no proof. Instead, look for mobile games with verified user reviews and solid payment histories. Many reliable platforms clearly outline their reward structure, minimum withdrawal amounts, and supported payout methods.

Players who consistently earn money this way usually choose games with skill-based mechanics or competitive challenges, where progress ties directly to rewards. If you're looking for places to get paid to play games, focus on apps that are transparent and payout-friendly.

8. Start a simple dropshipping business from your phone

Starting a business doesn’t require warehouses or warehouses of inventory anymore. With the right tools, you can run an ecommerce store entirely from your mobile phone. Dropshipping is one of the easiest ways to make money from your phone because you never handle the products yourself.

Everything from online store setup to order management can be done using smartphone apps. To keep things manageable, use automation tools that handle:

Inventory updates
Order fulfillment
Basic customer service replies

When getting started, stick with niche products that don’t often run out of stock. Items like accessories, pet gear, or hobby-related goods are easy to market and ship. A good ecommerce platform will sync with your supplier, so you don’t have to micromanage orders.

Dropshipping can offer flexible income and a great way to generate passive income, especially if you’re willing to test products, tweak listings, and market through social media accounts using your phone.

To make even more, consider selling digital products on Etsy or selling clothes on places like Facebook Marketplace.

Social media isn’t just for scrolling – it’s a legit way to make money from your phone. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram now offer built-in monetization through tools like the TikTok Creator Fund, YouTube Shorts revenue sharing, or Instagram Reels bonuses.

Beyond platform payouts, creators often earn money through:

Sponsored posts and brand collaborations
Sharing affiliate links or unique referral links
Tip jars or donation tools built into the app

You don’t need a studio setup. You can film, edit, and post engaging content with a good phone. The key is to stay consistent and find your niche – tutorials, reviews, or daily life clips.

To grow faster:

Post regularly using trending formats
Engage with your followers
Repurpose content across multiple accounts and platforms

Content creation can start small but scale quickly, offering both extra money and long-term passive income potential.

10. Offer local services through mobile gig apps

If you prefer real-world work but want the flexibility of using just your phone, mobile gig apps can help you connect with local clients. From dog walking to grocery delivery, plenty of platforms let you earn on your own terms.

Most of these apps allow you to:

Browse and accept gigs
Track routes with in-app navigation
Chat with clients and receive payments
Manage your schedule using your mobile device

Popular categories that are always in demand include:

Pet care (dog walking, pet sitting)
Delivery services (food, groceries, packages)
Home help (cleaning, furniture assembly, yard work)

Apps like Rover, TaskRabbit, and DoorDash make it easy to find jobs, track your work, and get paid. You might be after a quick side hustle or aiming for steady extra income – either way, these gig apps offer a reliable way to make money from your phone in your local area.

Why more people are choosing to make money from their phone

More people are choosing to make money from their phones because it fits seamlessly into modern life. With mobile-optimized platforms and gig apps, anyone can earn without a laptop or office setup. A phone is often all you need to start working – from a coffee shop, your couch, or even while commuting. There’s no need for complex tools or high upfront costs, making it especially appealing for those seeking flexible income, quick results, and the ability to work using just your phone.

FAQs

Survey apps, gig apps, and freelance work are among the most common ways how to make money from your phone. Look for platforms with verified payouts, strong reviews, and mobile-optimized features.

It depends on your time and tasks. Most people earn $5–$50 daily using mobile apps for paid surveys, user testing, or completing tasks. Consistency and using multiple platforms help increase daily earnings.

Yes! Many platforms let you manage your ecommerce store, update listings, and track orders from a smartphone app. With the right ecommerce platform, you can handle everything, from product sourcing to customer service, on your mobile device.

Absolutely. Some platforms reward users for watching videos and giving feedback. While payouts are small, it’s a simple way to make money from your phone during your downtime, especially when combined with other tasks.

Yes, playing video games on certain mobile apps can earn real rewards like gift cards or PayPal cash. To earn money playing games, choose apps with verified payout histories and avoid sweepstakes-based platforms.

Start by creating engaging videos using your phone. Monetize through sponsored posts, tips, or affiliate links. With consistency, content creation can turn into real extra income, all using just your phone.

Monika Ivanauskaite

Content Manager

Meet Monika, your go-to person for turning side-hustle ambitions into real income. As a content manager at JumpTask, she makes digital earning opportunities easy to understand and follow. With a Communication degree from Vilnius Tech and studies in International Communication at Hanze, Monika knows how to turn tricky money earning topics into practical tips. She’s been where you are and knows how hard it can be to start. That’s why her advice is always honest and clear. No empty promises, just real ways to make money online.