20 Easy Ways To Make Money Online With Your Smartphone

Last updated on March 12, 2024 by Editorial Team

Would you like to discover ways to make money online with your smartphone? Well, you’ve landed at the right place.

In today’s digitally-driven world, our smartphones have become powerful tools not just for communication and entertainment but also for making extra income.

Whether you’re looking to earn some extra cash on the side or seeking to build a sustainable income stream, the opportunities are vast and varied.

From completing simple tasks to utilizing your skills and creativity, there are numerous avenues to explore right from the palm of your hand.

In this blog post, we’ll unveil 20 easy and practical ways you can leverage your smartphone to generate income, allowing you to take control of your financial future with convenience and flexibility.

So, if you’re ready to unlock the earning potential of your smartphone, let’s dive in!

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20 Top Ways to Make Money With Your Smartphone

Below we show you the top 20 simple ways to make a side income using your smartphone.

1. Offer Freelance Writing Services.

Do you have a knack for words? Well, the rise of online content demand for both businesses and individuals has facilitated the search for skilled writers to craft engaging articles, blog posts, website copy, and more.

You can capitalize on your writing skills by pitching your services to clients across various industries. Provide quality content tailored to their specific needs and target audiences.

There are abundant opportunities to showcase your talent and generate income if you have the nessesary skills in your field.

Start by creating your portfolio on various freelance platforms like Upwork, Fiverr or Guru that help you delve into the world of freelance writing.

2. Participate in Online Surveys

Taking surveys using a smartphone is a popular way for earning extra cash.

Here’s how it works:

You start by signing up on survey platforms like Swagbucks, InboxDollars, Mobrog, Survey Junkie, Opinion Outpost, Prizerebel, LifePoints, Toluna, PaidViewpoint among others.
Provide some basic information and receive notifications for available surveys.
Earn rewards redeemed for cash, gift cards or other incentives, depending on the platform, length of the survey, complexity of the questions and the demographics of the participant.
Cashout your earnings through PayPal, direct deposits, gift cards, or cryptocurrency depending on the options provided by the survey platform.

While taking surveys using a phone can be a convenient way to earn extra money, it’s important to approach it realistically, as earnings are modest and may not replace full-time income. Also, be cautious of scams and fraudulent platforms which may exploit you.

3. Sell Your Photos on Stock Photography Websites

Do you know that you can earn money by selling your photos? Stock photography platforms like Foap, Shutterstock, Freepik, Adobestock, Canva, Alamy, 500px and iStock Photo make this easier for you.

To get started, produce high-quality photos and images, register on your platform of choice then upload them. When people download your photos, pay a subscription or royalty, you earn money depending on the platform’s payment structure.

Here are some tips to help you increase the chances of users buying your photos:

Individual photographs outsell group shots.
Wide-angle shots are more appealing than close-ups.
Averted gaze is preferable to direct eye contact with the camera.
Candid shots outsell posed ones.
Unidentified subjects tend to have higher sales.

4. Test Websites and Apps for Usability.

Usability testing is a win-win opportunity for testers and companies seeking valuable feedback. If you are looking to make extra income or even pursue it as a full-time gig, here’s how you can do it:

Sign up for testing platforms like UserTesting, TryMyUI, Userlytics, and Userfeel.
Receive testing assignments and perform specific tasks, such as navigating websites, completing purchases, or testing app features.
Perform then submit your thoughts, opinions and feedback, highlighting any usability issues encountered.
Get paid depending on the platform and the complexity of the assignment.

Compensation can range from a few dollars to more substantial amounts for longer or more specialized tests.

Consistently delivering high-quality feedback can lead to more testing opportunities and better-paying gigs.

5. Complete Paid Micro Jobs

There are a variety of trustworthy micro job websites which provide a platform where you get paid to do short tasks. Some of them are:

Clickworker
Amazon Mechanical Turk
Remotasks
Swagbucks
Microworkers
TaskRabbit
JustAnswer
Gigbucks
Airtasker
Appen

Tasks can range from answering short questions to watching videos, photo annotation and image labeling. They can be completed in your spare time, making them an excellent way to earn extra money. All you need is a smartphone with internet connection and a microphone.

You may earn as little as a few cents to even $10 per task.

6. Food Delivery Apps

You can make quite good money when you register to deliver food orders made by shoppers on a mobile application. All you need is a valid driver’s license, a vehicle and your smartphone.

On the app, shoppers browse menus, place orders, and have food delivered directly to their doorstep from local restaurants or food establishments with just a few taps on their smartphone.

Popular examples of food delivery apps include Uber Eats, Instacart, DoorDash, Grubhub, Glovo and Postmates. Users can track their orders in real-time and often have the option to customize their meals or schedule deliveries for later.

Earnings ranges from $10 to $20 per hour.

7. Get Paid To Text or Chat

Do you know that you can earn money by engaging in text-based communication with others? That is right. Various apps and platforms pay you to chat or text. The best part is you can do it in your free time. All you need is your smartphone.

The most popular apps to join are: RentAFriend, Steady App, Premium.Chat, IMGR, Papa, Ginger, Phrendly, Talkspace, McMoney and Hummr.

You will typically do tasks such as texting companionship, customer service, online tutoring, language practice, adult chat and more.

Some of these platforms pay you per minute or hour spent on texting. Some even offer payment per text message.

8. Answer Questions on Q&A Apps and Sites

Another way to make money with your smartphone is to answer questions on Q&A apps and sites. If you’re knowledgeable in a particular field, you can sign up to a variety of platforms where you can get paid for your expertise.

You can join platforms like JustAnswer, 1Q App, Wonder, Chegg, Studypool, AskWonder, FixYa, Helpowl, 6ya, Qureka, Brainbaazi, Qunami, Taskbucks, eQuiz, Trivia Earn, BlastOff Trivia among others.

Keep in mind that the earning potential on these platforms can vary based on factors such as your expertise, the demand for answers in your field, and the platform’s payment structure.

9. Blogging

Blogging offers a great way to earn extra income online. Starting a blog requires minimal upfront cost. Just keep in mind that you got to give it time and be patient.

You can generate income with your blog through various way such as selling advertising space, affiliate marketing, or creating your own products or services.

If you are patient and determined enough, blogging can even lead to quitting your 9 to 5 job and working full-time from anywhere with a stable internet connection. The cool thing about blogging is that you get to choose your own hours and can write about any topic you can imagine.

10. Join Micro-Investment Apps

Micro-investment apps on smartphones offer various ways to make money. They allow users to invest small amounts into stocks, ETFs, or other investment vehicles with the potential to earn returns over time.

Apps that stands out as the most popular for micro investing are Robinhood, Acorns, Stash, SoFi, Fundrise, Moneybox, Pearler, Wealthyhood, Plum, Chip, Wealthify and Nutmeg.

Some of these apps offer dividend reinvestment which allow users to reinvest dividends into additional shares.

Some apps also offer referral programs, where users can earn money or free stocks by referring friends and family. Cashback rewards can be earned when purchases are made through affiliated retailers.

Additional opportunities to earn extra money or incentives include promotions, bonuses or milestones for new users.

11. Mobile Research Apps and Sites

A mobile research app offers you incentives for installing the app and allowing it to run in the background on your devices.

Some these low-maintenance, low-overhead apps essentially pay you for doing nothing. Just install the app and let it run in the background.

They typically operate by collecting anonymized data from users’ devices, which is then aggregated and used for market research, analytics, or other purposes.Some well known mobile research apps are:

Nielsen Mobile App
MobileXpression Panel
Evidation
Honeygain
Pawns.app
National Consumer Panel
Ipsos iSay
Permission Research
MOBROG
POGO
Caden

You are incentivized to participate through rewards, such as gift cards, cash, or other prizes. Just be sure to review the terms and conditions of these apps carefully and understand how your data will be used and protected.

12. Join Cash Back Apps

Cashback apps like Dosh, Fetch Rewards, Ibotta, NCP Mobile, Rakuten, Swagbucks, Checkout 51, Upside and Shopkick work by offering you rewards or refunds in the form of cash or points when you make purchases through the app.

All you do is typically link your credit or debit cards to the app, which tracks your spending and awards cashback based on predetermined offers or percentages.

The app earns money through partnerships with retailers, who pay a commission for directing customers to their stores. You can then redeem your accumulated cashback for various rewards, such as gift cards, PayPal transfers, or charitable donations.

13. Get Paid To Walk

Paid to walk are fitness and health-related apps that encourage active participation in physical activities like walking, running, swimming, shopping, and jogging.

The apps use motion sensors on smartphones to track physical activity and reward you with points, coins, or cash for completing challenges.

A list of the most well known paid-to-walk apps you can join include: Sweatcoin, Walking Money, LifeCoin, StepBet, Cashwalk, Runtopia, PK Rewards, Evidation, Charity Miles, Cash for Steps, Fit For Bucks, Winwalk, One Million Steps, BetterPoints, Field Agent, Gigwalk, Miles and Optimity.

Rewards can be redeemed for gift cards, PayPal transfers, or other incentives. Some apps also offer sponsored walks or challenges.

14. Create And Sell Digital Products Or Courses

Creating and selling of digital products like software, games, photos, PDFs, eBooks, audio and video files, courses, themes and plugins is a great way to earn some extra cash using your smartphone.

You can promote your products through your website, social media channels, or online marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, Etsy, Gumroad, Udemy, Payhip, Creative Market and Teachable.

Selling digital products has several advantages, making it an appealing option as a side hustle.

15. Offer Graphic Design Services

As a graphic designer, your work involves creating visual content for clients, including logos, banners, and marketing materials.

You can use various design tools and software like Canva, Sketchbook, Logo Maker, Pantone Studio, Adobe Photoshop Express, Procreate, Behance, Desygner, PhotoPad, BeFunky Photo Editor, Infinite Design, Picsart and more.

With a strong sense of aesthetics and creativity, you can showcase your portfolio online and attract clients from diverse industries.

As a beginner, you can expect to earn around $15 to $100 per hour. With more experience and a strong portfolio, you can potentially earn even more per hour.

16. Sell Handmade Crafts Or Products On Etsy Or Other Marketplaces

Selling handmade crafts or goods online through platforms like Etsy, Craigslist, eBay, and Artfire can be a profitable way to reach a wider audience without the expenses of printing or renting a booth.

Start by creating an account on the marketplace, list your items, and set fair prices based on materials, time, and shipping costs.

Be sure to research similar items to set fair prices. You can give it a try without quitting your day job. Expect sales to roll in as people discover your amazing creations!

17. Start A Youtube Channel

YouTube offers numerous ways to earn money from your content. You can create videos on any topic and monetize your channel through partnerships with brands, selling advertising space, or using affiliate marketing.

Other ways to earn money without ads include offering exclusive content or merchandise in exchange for donations, or creating a Patreon account for fans to pledge monthly payments.

18. Become A Voiceover Artist For Videos Or Commercials

Making money as a voiceover artist can be a rewarding endeavor. Here are steps you can take to get started:

Practice reading aloud to help familiarize yourself with the sound of your own voice and identify ways to improve.
Record voice-over demo reels and showcase your talents on voiceover marketplaces like Voices.com, Voice123, upwork or Fiverr.
Invest in a home studio and professional materials.
Network with advertising agencies and media outlets.
Continuously seek feedback and take voiceover classes or vocal training workshops to refine your skills.
Expand your skills into commercial voiceovers, narration, audiobooks, video games, and animations.
Continue to hone your skills.

You can promote your services through social media, networking events, and industry forums. Research industry standards and set competitive rates to attract clients while building your reputation.

19. Get Paid To Play Games

Getting paid to play games is a dream for many people, and it’s certainly possible, although it often requires dedication, skill, and sometimes a bit of luck.

Platforms like Twitch, YouTube Gaming and Facebook Gaming allow gamers to livestream their gameplay sessions to an audience.

If you can attract a large and engaged viewership, you can monetize your streams through subscriptions, donations, sponsorships, and advertisements.

Remember to promote your stream on social media and other online platforms to attract viewers.

20. Sell Unused Gift Cards Online

If you’ve got an unused gift card taking up space in your wallet, you’re not alone. A recent study found that American consumers have unredeemed gift cards translating to a value of as much as $23 billion of unspent money in unused and lost gift cards

While it’s great to get a present from a loved one, it’s not so great when the present is something you can’t use. But what if there was a way to turn that unwanted gift card into cash?

Believe it or not, there is! You can sell your unused gift cards for cash on websites like Cardpool, Raise, CardCash, Gift Me and GiftCardSwapping.

You’ll likely get a fraction of the card’s value. But it’s better than letting the card go to waste.

In Conclusion

Smartphones have totally changed the game when it comes to making money online. There are several ways to make money using your smartphone, from freelance work to taking paid surveys, graphic design and participating in affiliate marketing.

With the 20 tips I’ve shared, you’ve got a ton of easy ways to cash in on your phone’s potential. Whether you’re into freelancing gigs or setting up passive income streams, there’s something here for everyone.

Keep exploring these opportunities, stay up-to-date on what’s hot, and watch your side hustle game level up.