January 10, 2025
7
mins read
Many aim to make extra money, and your smartphone could be the key to unlocking new opportunities. With 7.5 billion people projected to own a mobile phone by 2025, according to Statista, transforming your device into a money-making tool has never been easier.
Image via Statista
The best part? They require little to no upfront investment, making them accessible to anyone with a phone and an internet connection. To help you get started, here are 11 smart and legit ways to make money from your phone in 2025.
Starting a mobile-friendly online store is one of the most popular ways to make money from your phone in 2025. Platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce have free mobile apps to create and launch your e-commerce store. Alternatively, if you’re dealing with handmade, vintage (at least 20 years old), custom-made, or self-sourced products, you can sell them on Etsy in minutes. And you manage everything from your smartphone.
Mobile shopping is booming, with global e-commerce sales expected to hit $6.9 trillion by 2025.
Image via eMarketer
You can use apps like Canva to design product images, social media for marketing, and PayPal for seamless payments.
Did you know you can earn up to $9,500 from selling printables on Etsy?
You read that right!
Selling digital products is a fantastic way to make money from your phone.
The best part? Digital goods don’t require shipping or ongoing production costs. And with platforms like Etsy, Gumroad, or Creative Market, simply list your creations, sit back, and make money from your phone. You can earn from creating:
Think of it as monetizing your expertise or passion.
Apps like Canva and Procreate make creating professional designs directly from your phone easy. You can also use print-on-demand mobile apps like Printify, Gooten, or Teespring to help you create and sell custom products.
Social media has evolved beyond mere entertainment; it has become a powerful channel to help make money from your phone in 2025. You can monetize your social media by:
Brands are constantly looking for creators to partner with for sponsored posts. With the influencer marketing industry expected to grow to $22.2 billion in 2025, the demand for content creators continues to rise. There’ll be more opportunities to create and monetize your social media presence and tap into this growing market.
Image via Statista
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One of the most underrated ways to earn extra money from your phone is by completing user tests and surveys. Businesses and platforms like UserTesting, Swagbucks, or Survey Junkie pay users to share opinions on websites, apps, and offerings and provide feedback on usability and user experience.
Most surveys take 10-20 minutes and pay $1-$5, while user tests can earn you $10-$20 per session. While this won’t replace a full-time job or make you rich, it’s an excellent way to earn extra money in your spare time.
And it’s as simple as downloading the app, completing a profile, and voila! You can start receiving opportunities right on your phone.
If you love taking pictures, you can make money from your phone by selling your photos online. Platforms like Foap, Shutterstock, and Adobe Stock allow you to upload pictures directly from your smartphone and sell them to businesses, bloggers, and marketers.
High-quality lifestyle, travel, urban landscape, everyday life, and nature shots are always in demand, and you can earn repeatedly from the same photo whenever people download the images.
The good news is that smartphone cameras are getting better each year. You don’t need professional gear to monetize your creativity and make money from your phone.
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Sometimes, decluttering your home can be a simple way to make money from your phone. Get rid of things you no longer need and sell them on apps like eBay, Depop, Facebook Marketplace, and more.
Your unwanted items, such as used clothes, electronics, furniture, or collectibles, could become someone else's treasures. So, take clear photos, write honest descriptions, and set fair prices to attract buyers.
Besides, 33% of consumers in the U.S. have bought things recently from resale websites!
Image via Statista
It’s a quick way to make extra cash, give your belongings a second life, and save space.
Why not get paid to shop? Cash-back apps like Rakuten, Ibotta, and Honey let you earn money on purchases you’re already making. Just shop through the app, and a percentage of your spending is returned to you.
For instance, Rakuten offers 20% cash back for shopping at Vitamix through their app or website.
Image via Rakuten
It’s one of the easiest ways to make money from your phone in 2025 because it requires zero effort. Over time, cash-back rewards can add up to hundreds of dollars, making this an excellent way to save and earn extra money passively.
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Affiliate marketing allows you to make money from your phone online with little to no upfront cost.
Just share affiliate links to offerings and earn a commission every time someone purchases through your link. For example, the Amazon Associates program pays up to 10% commissions, and you can promote the products via social media, professional networks, blogs, or even email. You can also create quick product reviews or tutorials that link back to affiliate products — an easy way to make money from your phone
Plus, apps like ClickMagick, ThirstyAffiliates, and Bitly help you manage and track your links from your phone. The more people click your link, the more you earn!
Apps like Mistplay, Gamehag, and Rewarded Play reward you for completing tasks, leveling up, or winning competitions in mobile games.
Can you really make money playing games on your phone? And what other opportunities are there in mobile gaming?
If you enjoy playing games, why not turn it into an opportunity to make money from your phone in 2025?
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Watching short video ads on platforms like AdWallet and InboxDollars is an easy way to earn extra money. With regular participation, your earnings can quickly add up over time. It’s a simple, no-effort way to maximize your screen time.
For instance, signing up on InboxDollars earns you $5, easy money!
Image via InboxDollars
While the payouts are small, watching ads requires zero effort. Some platforms even offer bonus rewards for taking short surveys or referring friends. It’s an easy, no-skills-needed way to make money from your phone in 2025; this is a great place to start.
If you’re skilled at writing, designing, or organizing, freelancing is one of the top ways to make money from your phone in 2025. Apps like Fiverr, Upwork, and TaskRabbit let you complete quick jobs or offer services like graphic design, virtual assistance, and content writing.
You can also handle microtasks like data entry or transcription with platforms like Clickworker or Amazon MTurk.
How to make money from your phone as a freelancer?
As a freelancer, you can conveniently manage and collaborate on your projects with your clients on your phone. Slightly over 76 million Americans did freelance in 2024, earning flexible income from their phones. That number is expected to hike to almost 80 million in 2025
Whether a 10-minute task or a longer project, freelancing offers endless opportunities to earn extra money and build a side hustle on your own terms.
Your smartphone isn’t just for scrolling or entertainment. With some creativity and effort, there are plenty of legitimate and smart ways to make money from your mobile phone in 2025. The possibilities are endless, whether you’re looking for quick wins or long-term side hustles.
They can seamlessly align with your interests and lifestyle; you don’t need fancy tools or large investments to begin. Ensure that any apps you use are safe, protect your personal information, and aren’t scams. How to make money online with a smartphone is to use trusted apps and sources for the best experience.
So, start exploring and turn your phone into a money-making machine!
Also Read:
1. Is it possible to earn money with just a phone?
It’s possible to earn money using just your phone, including e-commerce, digital product sales, surveys, and more.
2. How do you make passive income from your phone?
You can make passive income through activities like affiliate marketing, selling digital products, and earning cash back on purchases.
3. Are these methods beginner-friendly?
Many of these methods are beginner-friendly and require minimal upfront investment, making them accessible to a broad audience, even if you’re not tech-savvy.
4. How to make money with my phone without investment?
You can make money without any investment by participating in surveys, watching ads, and selling unused items.
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