Making money no longer requires a laptop or a big upfront investment. If you’re wondering how to make money from your phone, it comes down to how much time and skill you can commit.
This guide covers 28 proven ways to earn money using just your phone in 2026, from quick options like surveys and app testing to scalable ideas like Print on Demand and freelancing.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you make a purchase through those links. This comes at no additional cost to you.
Key takeaways
- Your mobile phone can be a real income tool, as long as you know where to dedicate your time.
- A good strategy is to start with low-barrier options like surveys, user testing, or cashback apps, then move into scalable income streams.
- Methods like Print on Demand, freelancing, and content creation offer higher earning potential over time.
- Consistency and stacking income streams matter more than finding one perfect app.
How to make money from your phone
With around 7.21 billion smartphones in use worldwide and over 94% of internet access happening on mobile devices, phones are no longer just for communication. This shift has unlocked more ways than ever to turn screen time into extra cash.
Here are the 28 most popular ways to explore how to make money with your phone.
1. Print on Demand (POD)
Print on Demand empowers small businesses to sell custom products without holding inventory or paying upfront. With Printify’s mobile app (available on iOS and Android), you can create designs, add them to products, and sell online directly from your phone.
Orders are printed and shipped only after a customer buys, reducing the risk of unsold stock while building a scalable income stream.
Follow these steps to get started with Printify:
- Create a Printify account and log in.
- Connect your online store with Printify.
- Browse our Catalog for a custom product that fits your niche.
- Upload and customize your design using the Product Creator.
- Preview your product with mockups and make final adjustments.
- Order a sample or list it online and start selling.
Check out our guide on starting a POD business for tips and best practices.
2. Freelancing from your phone
Many freelance gigs are perfectly doable on mobile. Content creation, graphic design, short-form video editing, virtual assistance, translation, and social media management are examples of roles that can be done remotely.
You can find clients through freelance marketplaces and creative platforms like Fiverr or Upwork. Choose a clear niche that matches your skills to stand out. A focused portfolio and clear pricing help attract clients and turn freelance work into steady extra income.
3. Selling new or used products online
Selling products online is one of the easiest ways to make money with your phone, whether you’re listing unused items or sourcing products to resell. Clothing, accessories, and home goods work especially well since they’re easy to browse and buy on mobile.
Platforms like Amazon, Shopify, and Facebook Marketplace let you manage listings, upload photos, reply to buyers, and track sales directly from your phone.
Start by selling items you already own to test demand, then scale by posting new listings consistently to earn extra income in your free time.
Printify integrates with popular eCommerce platforms for automatic fulfillment. Once your store is connected, Printify handles everything from production to shipping, so you can focus on growing sales from your phone.
4. Dropshipping using mobile tools
Dropshipping focuses on selling ready-made products rather than custom designs. With mobile-friendly store builders and supplier apps, you can manage product listings, pricing, and customer orders directly from your phone.
Orders are fulfilled by third-party suppliers, making this a low-risk way to run an online store and make money online with minimal startup costs. Our guide on how to start a dropshipping business is a great place to start.
5. Selling digital products
This is a scalable way to earn money from your phone, especially if you already have unused digital assets. Digital art like illustrations and font designs are popular products that you can upload once and sell repeatedly.
The initial effort you put in can create long-term passive income since digital products don’t involve inventory. Platforms like Creative Market and Creative Fabrica make it easy to start selling from your mobile phone.
6. Affiliate marketing
If you already recommend products to friends or post links online, you’re halfway to affiliate marketing. As an affiliate marketer, you earn commissions by promoting products without creating or shipping anything yourself.
Using your phone, you can share affiliate links through social media, messaging apps, or content platforms. Focus on products you genuinely use, stay transparent with your audience, and build income over time by doing what you already enjoy.
7. Making money on social media
Turn your doomscrolling into a reason to make extra money. From creating content and earning ad revenue to landing brand deals and selling products directly on the platform, social media offers plenty of ways to monetize your time online.
You can also use social media to drive traffic to your online store, increasing visibility and potential sales.
US sellers can partner with Printify and launch a TikTok Shop store selling custom products with low starting costs.
8. User-generated content for brands
User-generated content (UGC) involves creating authentic photos, videos, or reviews that brands can use in their marketing. With 93% of marketers saying UGC performs better than traditional branded content, brands are actively looking for creators who can produce mobile-first content.
The best part? You don’t need a large audience to start. Brands care more about content quality and authenticity than follower count, making this an accessible way to earn money using just your phone.
9. Online surveys and microtasks
Looking for the quickest ways to make money on your phone? Online survey apps and microtasks are a practical place to start. They require no special skills and can be completed during your spare time.
Many online survey and task apps, such as Survey Junkie and TaskVerse, have paid surveys you can do from your phone. This can involve answering questions, reviewing products, or watching videos that match your demographic.
While these small tasks pay only a few bucks, using multiple apps consistently can help you earn extra cash with minimal effort.
10. Playing games for rewards
If you’re already glued to your phone, you might as well get paid to play games. Some apps reward users for completing levels, testing new releases, or watching ads. You can earn points that can be redeemed for cash or gift cards.
This won’t replace a full-time income, but it’s an easy way to make extra cash during your downtime. Treat it as a bonus activity you stack alongside other money-making apps rather than a primary income source.
11. Selling photos and videos
Selling photos and videos is an easy way to earn cash from images you’ve already captured, like pictures taken during a holiday. Your content can be licensed multiple times, helping you generate passive income over time.
Getting started is simple, especially if you already have a smartphone with a good camera. Take a few good shots and upload your best ones to stock photo websites like Shutterstock or similar marketplaces that pay contributors.
12. User testing
User testing pays you to give feedback on digital experiences like websites, apps, prototypes, ads, and digital products. Using your phone, you can test apps, explore new features, and help companies improve their designs.
Many platforms also combine testing websites with short tasks or opportunities to take surveys. With low entry barriers and flexible schedules, this is an accessible way to make extra cash from your phone.
13. Remote customer support jobs
Remote customer support roles let you assist customers through chat, email, or messaging tools – all from your phone. As long as you have a stable internet connection and can be available during scheduled shifts, this is a good way to earn cash.
It’s the perfect fit for people who communicate well and want a flexible, phone-friendly income stream.
14. Online tutoring and teaching
Here’s another way to make extra money if your phone has a decent camera and microphone. Online tutoring lets you earn money by teaching one-on-one or group sessions.
Beyond live sessions, you can turn your knowledge into online courses. Creating lessons upfront takes effort, but once published, courses can sell repeatedly and generate passive income while you focus on other income streams.
Create group sessions or bundle deals so you can teach multiple students at once and earn more money in less time.
15. Social media management
Run and grow social media accounts for businesses, creators, or brands. Common tasks include scheduling posts, replying to messages, and tracking engagement to build a consistent social media presence.
Most of the work can be done through mobile apps, making it easy to manage multiple clients from your phone. With clear workflows and planning tools, you can get paid while working on your own schedule.
16. Gig economy jobs
Gig economy jobs let you earn money from your phone by completing simple tasks booked through mobile apps. These include errands or one-off tasks rather than ongoing commitments.
It’s a flexible option if you want to earn spare cash quickly, have control over your availability, and find work that fits around your existing schedule.
If you want to find gig work without relying on apps, promote your services on social media, like local Facebook groups. Sharing what you offer locally can help attract clients within your area.
17. Delivery and rideshare apps
Apps like Uber and Lyft are among the most common ways to make money using your phone, especially if you have access to a car, bike, or scooter. You can accept trips or deliveries and track earnings directly from a mobile app.
While the work is time and location-dependent, it offers flexibility and quick payouts, making it a practical option to fit around your own schedule.
18. Podcasting from your phone
Podcasting is a low-cost way to share ideas, stories, or expertise using your phone. With basic recording apps and a quiet space, you can publish episodes without breaking the bank.
As your audience grows, podcasts can be monetized through sponsorships, ads, or listener support.
19. Mobile blogging or newsletter writing
If you’re looking for a way to earn cash without leaving your house or buying extra equipment, this is a solid option. Mobile-friendly writing apps make it easy to draft posts, edit content, and publish on the go.
You can monetize through subscriptions, ads, affiliate links, or sponsored content. Alternatively, repurpose your content for social media or use it to promote your POD store and make more money.
20. Creating clips and short-form content
Short-form videos deliver the highest ROI, meaning there’s strong demand for creators who can produce them. Creating clips for platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, or YouTube Shorts can open doors to ad revenue, brand deals, affiliate promotions, or paid content creation for businesses.
You can start with just a smartphone, basic editing apps, and a clear content angle – with no upfront costs. With consistency, short-form content can grow into a reliable income stream and, over time, even a full-time job.
21. Selling handmade or craft goods
Artisans can turn their creative skills into income by accepting commissions online, sharing work on social platforms, and managing sales from a phone without running a physical shop. This approach helps you save money on rent, inventory, and overhead.
22. Cashback and rewards apps
This method doesn’t always earn you money, but it can definitely help you save. When you spend money with partner merchants, you can earn rewards or receive a percentage of your purchase back through cashback apps, especially when shopping online.
Cashback rewards may be small per transaction, but they add up over time.
23. Passive income apps
Apps for data-sharing and bandwidth-sharing can help you earn money while your phone is idle. Once set up, they run in the background and generate small amounts of income with little to no active work.
To get the most out of these tools, use a spare device when possible and monitor your battery and data usage. Since payouts are modest, they work best as a low-effort supplement to other ways of earning from your phone.
24. Investing from your phone
Investing is easier than ever thanks to the many investment apps designed for mobile use. These platforms make it easy to track markets, manage portfolios, and automate contributions from anywhere.
You won’t see instant income, and there’s always some risk involved. However, starting small and staying consistent can help you build long-term value. Take time to research different investing apps and understand your options before getting started.
25. Mobile consulting or coaching
Consulting or coaching involves helping others achieve specific goals for a fee. Sessions can be run through calls, video meetings, or messaging apps – all from your mobile device.
Your rates and income potential depend on your experience, expertise, and any certifications you hold. As you build a steady client base, you can earn a full-time income through your phone with this business idea.
26. Remote microjobs and agency work
Unlike gig economy jobs that require travel, these roles can be done entirely from home. The work usually involves completing tasks like content moderation, data tagging, research, and basic admin work.
Many agencies bundle smaller tasks into ongoing projects, which can lead to more consistent income. This option suits people who prefer structured work while still having flexible hours.
27. Market research panels
Market research panels pay you for sharing opinions about products, services, or ads. After signing up, you’re invited to studies you can complete on your phone, like questionnaires, short interviews, or feedback sessions. Some panels offer one-off tasks, while others invite you back regularly.
It’s an easy, low-pressure option if you enjoy giving feedback and want a flexible way to earn money in your spare time.
28. Flipping digital assets
Flipping digital assets means buying or building online properties, improving their value, and selling them for a profit. These can include domain names, social media pages, and other digital properties with existing traffic or followers.
You might secure an expired or trending domain, grow an account’s audience, or optimize a small digital project, then sell it to someone who wants a faster start. While it takes research and patience, this approach can still be managed entirely from your phone.
FAQ
Making $500 a day from your phone is possible, but it rarely happens overnight. Start with scalable options like Print on Demand, freelancing, consulting, affiliate marketing, or short-form content creation.
Most people reach this level by building skills, growing an audience or client base, and combining multiple income streams over time.
Most people who make $100 a day do it by stacking several gigs. This means focusing on one main income source while running smaller or passive options in the background during your free time from your phone.
Consistency and time management matter more than finding one perfect app.
Certain types of phone apps pay real money, depending on how you use them. Survey and task apps pay for small jobs, freelance apps pay for services, and selling apps pay when you make a sale. Payments are typically sent to your bank account, PayPal, or issued as gift cards.
The easiest apps to make money on are survey, microtask, or cashback apps because they require very little setup. The trade-off is lower pay.
Apps for freelancing, selling products, or content creation take more effort upfront, but they offer better earning potential over time.
Ready to turn your phone into a money-making machine?
That device in your pocket can do more than scroll social media or check messages. It can bring in extra cash or grow into a reliable income stream that helps cover basic expenses.Whether you start with simple tasks or scalable ideas like Print on Demand or content creation, the key is to stay consistent. With the right approach, your phone can become a flexible way to earn money on your own time.
