In today's digital age, your smartphone isn't just for communication and entertainment - it can be a powerful tool to earn extra cash.
20 Legitimate Ways to Make Money with Your Smartphone
Whether you're looking to supplement your income or start a side hustle, here are 20 legitimate ways to make money using your smartphone.
1. Take Online Surveys
Companies are always seeking consumer opinions. Apps like Survey Junkie and Swagbucks allow you to earn money or gift cards by completing surveys on your phone. While you won't get rich, it's an easy way to make some extra cash during your downtime. Check out our guide on 12 Legit Paid Online Survey Sites in 2025 for more options.
Potential monthly earnings: $20 - $100
2. Sell Your Photos
If you have a knack for photography, you can sell your smartphone photos on stock photo websites. Apps like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, and EyeEm allow you to upload and sell your photos directly from your phone. For a comprehensive list, see our article on 33 Best Places To Sell Photos Online in 2025.
Potential monthly earnings: $50 - $500 (varies greatly based on quality and quantity of photos)
3. Become a Mobile Freelancer
Platforms like Fiverr and Upwork have mobile apps that let you offer your services, communicate with clients, and manage your freelance business on the go. Whether you're a writer, designer, or virtual assistant, you can find gigs that suit your skills. For writing opportunities, check out our guide on 35+ Sites to Get Paid for Beginner Writers in 2025.
Potential monthly earnings: $200 - $2,000+ (depends on skills and time invested)
4. Participate in Microtasks
Apps like Amazon Mechanical Turk and Appen offer small tasks that can be completed quickly on your smartphone. These might include data entry, image tagging, or transcription work. Learn more about microtasks on the Amazon Mechanical Turk website.
Potential monthly earnings: $50 - $300
5. Rent Out Your Parking Space
If you have an unused parking space, you can rent it out using apps like JustPark or Neighbor. This is especially lucrative if you live in a busy urban area. Find out more about how this works on the JustPark website.
Potential monthly earnings: $50 - $300 (depends on location and demand)
6. Deliver Food or Groceries
Apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Instacart allow you to make money by delivering food and groceries to people in your area. You can choose your own hours and work as much or as little as you want. Learn more about becoming a delivery driver on the Uber Eats website.
Potential monthly earnings: $200 - $1,000+ (depends on hours worked and location)
7. Rent Out Your Car
If your car sits idle for long periods, consider renting it out through apps like Turo or Getaround. You can earn passive income while someone else uses your vehicle. Explore this option further on the Turo car listing page.
Potential monthly earnings: $300 - $1,000+ (depends on your car and location)
8. Sell Your Unused Items
Clear out your clutter and make money at the same time. Apps like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Mercari make it easy to list and sell items directly from your smartphone. For tips on what sells best, check out our guide on 15 Best Things to Sell Fast on Facebook Marketplace.
Potential monthly earnings: $100 - $500+ (varies based on items sold)
9. Get Paid to Walk
Believe it or not, you can get paid to walk! Apps like Sweatcoin and Achievement reward you for your daily steps, turning your regular walking routine into a money-making activity.
Potential monthly earnings: $5 - $50
10. Be a Virtual Assistant
Many businesses need help with tasks like scheduling, email management, and social media posting. Platforms like Fancy Hands and Zirtual allow you to offer your services as a virtual assistant, all manageable from your smartphone. Learn more about virtual assistant opportunities in our guide on 9 Remote Jobs That Are Always Hiring.
Potential monthly earnings: $500 - $2,000+ (depends on hours worked and skills)
11. Transcribe Audio
If you're a fast typer, you can make money transcribing audio files. Apps like Rev and TranscribeMe offer flexible transcription work that you can do on your phone. For more information, check out our article on 14 Best Transcription Jobs for Beginners & Pros.
Potential monthly earnings: $100 - $1,000 (depends on typing speed and hours worked)
12. Become a Mystery Shopper
Apps like Gigwalk pay you to visit stores, check prices, and review products. It's a great way to earn money while you're out running errands. Learn more about mystery shopping on the Mystery Shopping Professionals Association website.
Potential monthly earnings: $100 - $500
13. Rent Out Your Storage Space
If you have extra space in your home, garage, or attic, you can rent it out for storage using apps like Neighbor or StoreAtMyHouse. Find out more about how this works on the Neighbor host page.
Potential monthly earnings: $50 - $400 (depends on space size and location)
14. Tutor Online
Platforms like VIPKid and Skooli allow you to tutor students in various subjects, all from your smartphone. This is especially great for those with teaching experience or expertise in a particular field. For more online teaching opportunities, check out our guide on 7 Best Online English Teaching Platforms.
Potential monthly earnings: $200 - $2,000+ (depends on hours and subject)
15. Create and Sell Digital Products
Use your smartphone to create and sell digital products like e-books, printables, or digital art. Platforms like Etsy and Gumroad make it easy to set up an online store.
Potential monthly earnings: $100 - $1,000+ (varies greatly based on products and marketing)
16. Participate in Market Research
Apps like Respondent and User Testing pay you for participating in market research studies or testing new products and websites. Explore opportunities on the Respondent participant page.
Potential monthly earnings: $50 - $300
17. Sell Your Skills on Fiverr
Fiverr's mobile app allows you to offer a wide range of services, from graphic design to voice-over work, all manageable from your smartphone. For tips on maximizing your earnings on Fiverr, check out our guide on 15 Highest-Paying Freelance Jobs.
Potential monthly earnings: $100 - $2,000+ (depends on skills and gigs completed)
18. Trade Cryptocurrency
While it comes with risks, trading cryptocurrency can be done entirely from your smartphone using apps like Coinbase or Binance. Always do thorough research and never invest more than you can afford to lose. Learn about cryptocurrency basics on the Coinbase Learn hub.
Potential monthly earnings: Highly variable and risky; can range from losses to significant gains
19. Start a YouTube Channel
You can film, edit, and upload videos to YouTube entirely from your smartphone. While it takes time to build an audience, successful YouTubers can earn money through ad revenue and sponsorships. Get started with the YouTube Creator Academy.
Potential monthly earnings: $0 - $1,000+ (varies greatly based on views and content)
20. Use Cashback Apps
While not directly earning money, cashback apps like Rakuten and Ibotta can help you save money on your everyday purchases. Over time, these savings can add up to a significant amount. Explore more options in our guide on Top 5 Cashback Apps to Make Money in 2025.
Potential monthly savings: $10 - $100 (depends on your shopping habits)
Final words
Remember, while these methods can help you earn extra money, they shouldn't be considered get-rich-quick schemes. Consistent effort and smart financial planning are key to maximizing your earnings. If you're looking for more ways to save money and increase your income, check out our guide on how to save money now.
Lastly, always be cautious of scams and protect your personal information when using money-making apps. Stick to reputable platforms and never pay to start working. With dedication and smart use of your smartphone, you can create a steady stream of extra income.
