How to Make Money on My Phone: Top Methods for 2024

Learning how to make money on your phone is no longer a futuristic fantasy—it’s a tangible reality for millions worldwide. Whether you’re aiming to supplement your income, save for a specific goal, or even build a full-fledged online business, your smartphone can be a powerful tool. The flexibility and accessibility of mobile devices have unlocked a plethora of opportunities to earn cash from anywhere, at any time.

Let’s explore proven and popular methods to make money on your phone right now.

1. Launch a Print-on-Demand Business

A mockup showing potential earnings of 14.13 per month by selling 7 t-shirts daily at each through a print-on-demand store, illustrating the profitability of online retail.

Are you brimming with creative ideas? Transform your artistic talents into a revenue stream by starting a print-on-demand (POD) store. This method allows you to sell custom-designed products without the traditional hassles of inventory management or shipping logistics. Platforms like Printify empower entrepreneurs to create and sell a wide array of unique items, from personalized mugs and stylish t-shirts to bespoke phone cases and home décor—all without any upfront investment in stock.

How Print-on-Demand Works:

Design Creation: Use your phone or computer to create unique designs. These can be anything from graphics and illustrations to quotes and patterns.
Product Setup: Integrate your designs with a POD platform like Printify and choose the products you want to sell (t-shirts, mugs, phone cases, etc.).
Store Integration: Connect your Printify store with an e-commerce platform like Shopify, Etsy, or WooCommerce.
Sales and Fulfillment: When a customer purchases an item, Printify automatically handles production, printing, and shipping directly to the customer. You only pay when a sale is made.

Key Benefits of Print-on-Demand:

No Inventory: You don’t need to purchase or store any products.
Low Risk: Zero upfront investment means minimal financial risk.
Wide Product Range: Offer a diverse catalog of customizable products.
Scalability: Easily scale your business as demand grows.
Global Reach: Sell to customers worldwide.

Pro Tip: To get started, explore resources on how to build a successful print-on-demand business and compare platforms like Printify vs Gelato to find the best fit for your needs.

Start Designing Now

2. Leverage Affiliate Marketing

A list outlining the benefits of the Printify Affiliate Program, highlighting free signup, unlimited earning potential, and comprehensive support, aimed at attracting marketers.

Do you enjoy sharing your favorite products and services with others? Affiliate marketing is a lucrative way to make money on your phone by promoting products you genuinely believe in. As an affiliate marketer, you earn a commission for every sale generated through your unique referral link. Think of those popular “Amazon favorites” or “must-have gadgets” posts you see across social media—many of these are driven by affiliate marketing.

This method is particularly effective if you have an active social media presence, a blog, or an email list. By sharing your authentic recommendations, you can tap into your network’s purchasing power and earn passive income.

How to Get Started with Affiliate Marketing:

Choose a Niche: Select a product category or industry that aligns with your interests and audience.
Join Affiliate Programs: Sign up for affiliate programs offered by companies whose products you want to promote. Many e-commerce platforms and individual brands have affiliate programs.
Get Your Referral Link: Once approved, you’ll receive a unique affiliate link for each product or program.
Promote Products: Share your referral links through your social media channels, blog posts, videos, emails, or even directly with friends and family.
Earn Commissions: When someone makes a purchase through your link, you earn a percentage of the sale as commission.

Printify’s Affiliate Program is a great example, offering a 5% commission on all sales generated through your referral link, with monthly payouts and no cap on earnings.

Become a Printify Affiliate Today

For more ideas, explore other strategies on how to make money without a traditional job.

3. Participate in Paid Online Surveys

Companies are constantly seeking consumer insights to improve their products and services. You can get paid for sharing your opinions by completing online surveys on your phone. Numerous platforms and apps connect you with market research studies and reward you for your participation.

Popular survey sites and apps include Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, Toluna, and User Interviews. While the earnings per survey are typically modest, they can accumulate over time and provide a convenient way to earn extra cash during your downtime.

Tips for Maximizing Survey Earnings:

Sign Up for Multiple Platforms: Increase your survey opportunities by joining several reputable survey sites.
Complete Your Profile Thoroughly: Accurate profile information helps match you with relevant surveys, improving your chances of qualification.
Be Consistent: Regularly check for new surveys and complete them promptly.
Manage Expectations: Survey earnings are generally not substantial, but they offer a low-effort way to earn small amounts of money.

4. Earn by Playing Mobile Games

A person engrossed in playing a mobile game on their smartphone, highlighting the potential for earning money through gaming apps.

Believe it or not, your gaming hobby can actually make you money on your phone. Many companies and platforms reward users for playing games, reaching milestones, or completing specific in-game tasks.

Ways to Earn Money Playing Games:

Play-to-Earn Games: Some mobile games offer in-game rewards, cryptocurrencies, or NFTs (non-fungible tokens) that can be exchanged for real money or gift cards.
Gaming Reward Apps: Platforms like Swagbucks offer points redeemable for cash or gift cards for playing specific mobile games.
Game Testing: Some companies pay gamers to test new mobile games and provide feedback.
Streaming and Content Creation: Expand beyond mobile gaming by streaming your gameplay on platforms like Twitch or YouTube. You can monetize your content through ads, donations, and sponsorships. Creating walkthrough videos and game guides can also attract viewers and boost your earnings.

Important Note: While gaming can be a fun way to earn extra cash, always verify the legitimacy of gaming apps and platforms before investing your time and effort. Be wary of schemes that promise unrealistically high payouts.

5. Declutter and Sell Unused Items

Do you have clothes you no longer wear, gadgets gathering dust, or household items you no longer need? Turn your clutter into cash by selling your unused items online using your phone.

Mobile apps and online marketplaces have made it incredibly easy to sell second-hand goods. Platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Poshmark (for clothing), and Mercari offer user-friendly interfaces for listing and selling items directly from your phone.

Tips for Successful Selling:

Take High-Quality Photos: Clear and well-lit photos are crucial for attracting buyers.
Write Detailed Descriptions: Provide accurate descriptions of the item’s condition, features, and any relevant details.
Price Competitively: Research similar items to determine a fair and attractive price.
Offer Good Customer Service: Respond promptly to inquiries and be professional in your interactions.
Utilize Multiple Platforms: Increase your visibility by listing items on several relevant marketplaces.

6. Watch Videos and Earn

A woman wearing headphones and smiling while watching videos on her phone, illustrating the ease of making money by watching online content.

If you spend time watching videos online anyway, why not get paid for it? Several platforms offer rewards for watching videos, advertisements, trailers, and other types of video content.

Websites like Swagbucks and InboxDollars provide points or cash for completing tasks, including watching videos. While the payout per video is small, it’s a simple and passive way to make money on your phone during your downtime, commutes, or while relaxing at home.

Maximize Your Video-Watching Earnings:

Combine with Other Activities: Watch videos while doing other tasks like commuting, waiting in line, or during breaks.
Explore Different Platforms: Check out various websites and apps that offer paid video watching to find the best options.
Be Consistent: Regular video watching, even for short periods, can accumulate earnings over time.

7. Participate in User Testing

Help shape the future of digital products and earn money by participating in user testing on your phone. Companies need feedback on their websites and mobile apps to improve user experience and functionality. User testing platforms connect you with opportunities to test websites and apps remotely and provide your valuable insights.

Platforms like UserTesting and Testbirds pay you for completing testing sessions, which typically involve navigating a website or app, performing specific tasks, and providing verbal or written feedback on your experience.

Benefits of User Testing:

Contribute to Product Improvement: Your feedback directly impacts the development of better digital products.
Flexible Schedule: User testing sessions are often available on-demand, allowing you to participate at your convenience.
Varied Tasks: Test different websites and apps across various industries, keeping the work interesting.
Good Hourly Rate: User testing can pay relatively well per hour compared to other micro-task options.

8. Offer Freelance Services

Freelancing offers immense flexibility and earning potential, and you can manage many freelance gigs directly from your phone. The gig economy is booming, and businesses are constantly seeking remote talent for a wide range of services.

Leverage your skills and experience to offer freelance services such as virtual assistance, social media management, writing, graphic design, web development, and more.

Popular Freelance Platforms:

Fiverr: A global marketplace for freelance services, from quick gigs to larger projects.
Upwork: Connects freelancers with clients seeking various skills, from short-term tasks to long-term contracts.
Freelancer: Another large platform with a wide range of freelance job opportunities.

Tips for Freelancing Success:

Identify Your Skills: Determine your strengths and the services you can offer.
Create a Strong Profile: Showcase your skills, experience, and portfolio on freelance platforms.
Set Competitive Rates: Research market rates for your services and price yourself competitively.
Network and Market Yourself: Actively seek out clients and promote your services.
Provide Excellent Service: Build a positive reputation by delivering high-quality work and exceeding client expectations.

9. Sell Your Photos and Videos Online

A smiling man wearing sunglasses taking photos with his phone, illustrating the concept of selling mobile photography on stock photo platforms.

If you have a knack for photography or videography, monetize your creativity by selling your high-quality photos and videos on stock photo websites. Stock photography is in high demand for websites, marketing materials, and various commercial uses.

Platforms like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, and Getty Images are popular marketplaces for stock photos and videos. You can upload your content and earn royalties each time someone licenses your work.

Tips for Stock Photography Success:

Focus on High Quality: Ensure your photos are well-composed, properly lit, and technically sound.
Shoot in Demand Niches: Research trending topics and in-demand visual styles.
Build a Portfolio: Create a diverse and compelling portfolio showcasing your best work.
Keyword Optimization: Use relevant keywords when uploading your images to improve searchability.
Upload to Multiple Platforms: Increase your exposure and earning potential by distributing your photos across multiple stock photo sites.

10. Become a Content Creator

Do you have a passion for a particular topic and enjoy sharing your knowledge with others? Becoming a content creator can be a fulfilling and potentially lucrative path to make money on your phone. Platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok offer vast audiences and various monetization opportunities.

Content Creation Strategies:

Choose Your Platform: Select the platform(s) that best suit your content style and target audience.
Develop Engaging Content: Create videos, posts, or articles that are informative, entertaining, or valuable to your audience.
Build an Audience: Consistently create and promote your content to grow your follower base.
Monetization Methods:
- Advertising: Once you meet platform requirements (e.g., YouTube Partner Program), you can monetize your content through ads.
- Sponsorships: Partner with brands that align with your niche for sponsored posts, product reviews, or collaborations.
- Selling Products/Services: Promote your own ebooks, online courses, merchandise, or digital products to your audience.
- Affiliate Marketing: Integrate affiliate links into your content to earn commissions on product recommendations.

Pro Tip: Explore specific strategies for platforms like getting paid with Reels on Instagram to maximize your content creation earnings.

11. Provide Customer Support Services

Many companies outsource their customer support operations, creating opportunities to work as a customer service representative remotely from your phone. You can handle customer inquiries, resolve issues, and provide assistance through calls, chats, or emails.

Companies like Alorica and Arise specialize in customer experience outsourcing and frequently hire remote customer support agents.

Benefits of Remote Customer Support:

Flexibility: Work from anywhere with an internet connection and a phone.
Variety of Industries: Opportunities exist across diverse industries and companies.
Skill Development: Enhance your communication, problem-solving, and customer service skills.
Potential for Advancement: Some roles offer opportunities for career growth within customer support organizations.

12. Teach Online and Tutor Students

A woman using her phone to record an instructional video for an online class, demonstrating the accessibility of mobile devices for online education.

If you possess expertise in a particular subject, from academics and languages to music and coding, you can make money on your phone by teaching others online. Online tutoring is in high demand, with students of all ages seeking remote instruction.

Platforms like Preply and Wyzant connect tutors with students seeking online lessons. You can set your own rates, schedule, and teach subjects you are passionate about.

Getting Started with Online Tutoring:

Identify Your Expertise: Determine the subjects you are qualified and comfortable teaching.
Create a Tutor Profile: Showcase your qualifications, experience, and teaching approach on tutoring platforms.
Set Your Rates: Research market rates for tutoring in your subject area and set competitive pricing.
Utilize Online Tools: Use video conferencing apps and online whiteboards to conduct engaging and effective tutoring sessions.
Seek Student Reviews: Positive reviews and testimonials can help build your reputation and attract more students.

13. Manage Social Media Accounts for Businesses

Small businesses often need help managing their social media presence. If you are proficient in social media platforms and understand content strategies, you can earn money by becoming a social media manager and working from your phone.

Your responsibilities may include creating and scheduling posts, engaging with followers, analyzing content performance, and managing social media advertising campaigns. Tools like Hootsuite and Buffer allow you to manage multiple social media accounts efficiently from your phone.

Skills for Social Media Management:

Platform Expertise: Deep understanding of various social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.) and their algorithms.
Content Creation: Ability to create engaging and visually appealing content (text, images, videos).
Community Engagement: Skills in interacting with followers, responding to comments and messages, and building a community.
Analytics and Reporting: Ability to track social media performance, analyze data, and provide reports to clients.
Time Management and Organization: Ability to manage multiple accounts and tasks efficiently.

Pro Tip: Explore resources on how to make money on Pinterest and other social media platforms to specialize your social media management services.

14. Explore Investing Opportunities

A man wearing glasses looking at his phone and smiling while checking investment apps, representing the accessibility of mobile investing platforms.

While investing inherently involves market risks and requires research, mobile apps have made it more accessible than ever to invest and grow your money from your phone. Investing apps allow you to invest in stocks, cryptocurrency, and other assets, often with options for fractional shares and automatic monthly deposits.

If you have savings to spare, consider exploring investment apps like Mintos, Robinhood, Coinbase, and Fundrise to manage your portfolio and potentially grow your wealth over time.

Important Considerations for Mobile Investing:

Research and Education: Thoroughly research investment options and understand the risks involved before investing.
Start Small: Begin with small investments to learn and gain experience.
Diversification: Diversify your investments across different asset classes to mitigate risk.
Long-Term Perspective: Investing is generally a long-term strategy; avoid impulsive decisions based on short-term market fluctuations.
Invest Responsibly: Only invest money you can afford to lose and never invest based on pressure or unrealistic promises.

Conclusion: Your Phone – A Pocket-Sized Income Generator

Learning how to make money on your phone opens up a world of possibilities in today’s digital age. From starting a print-on-demand store and leveraging affiliate marketing to participating in surveys and offering freelance services, your smartphone can be a versatile tool for generating income.

The key to success is to identify methods that align with your skills, interests, and available time. Explore these options, experiment with different approaches, and start turning your mobile device into a powerful income-generating asset today. Remember to stay informed, adapt to evolving trends, and consistently seek opportunities to enhance your phone-based earning strategies.