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If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s really possible to earn some extra cash just by using your phone, yes it is absolutely possible! The thing is, most people carry around a tiny computer in their pocket, but don’t realise all the ways it can help them make money. From getting paid for your opinion to more creative ventures, there’s a surprising range of options and you can start today.
Here’s a quick list of 9 ways to earn extra cash from your phone. Full explanations follow in the post.
Survey & Microtasks
- Prime Opinion (Sign Up and get $1)
- Qmee (Join & Get 50p Bonus)
- Branded Surveys (Join & Get 100 Points)
- Swagbucks
Cashback
- Custard (Join & Get £2)
- Rakuten (Join & Get £25 Cashback (When You Spend £50)
- Quidco (Join & Get £20)
- TopCashback (Join & Get £20)
Get Paid To Share Your Unused Bandwidth
Reselling
Get Paid For Walking
Play Games
Get Paid To Scan Your Receipts
Sell Photos & Videos
Content Creation
- TikTok
- YouTube
Here are 9 practical ways to make extra money from your phone – starting with the best apps to try, followed by simple ways to earn with them.
1. Survey & Microtasks
Some of the easiest ways to get started involve small, quick tasks you can do in a few minutes.
Apps to try:
Prime Opinion
Qmee
Swagbucks
You can learn more Swagbucks Review: Different Ways to Earn Extra Money Online
Branded Surveys
Ways to earn:
- Completing surveys
- Testing websites and apps
- Watching short videos
- Performing tiny online tasks (e.g. visiting a website for 15 seconds)
These jobs won’t replace a full-time income, but they’re perfect for filling downtime like waiting for an appointment or commuting.
2. Cashback
You probably shop anyway so why not get a little money back while you do it?
Popular apps:
Custard
Rakuten
Quidco
TopCashback
Ways to earn:
- Earning cashback on groceries or online shopping
- Using referral codes for bonus points
- Redeeming gift cards for purchases
It’s essentially free money for buying things you were already planning to buy. You might notice that it adds up faster than you think.
3. Get Paid To Scan Your Receipts
This is a fun twist on cashback as you don’t need to change your shopping, just snap a picture of your receipts.
Apps that pay for receipts:
Fetch
Ibotta
Receipt Hog
Ways to earn:
- Uploading receipts from any store or sometimes specific stores
- Completing mini surveys in the app
- Participating in occasional contests
The thing is, this is one of the simplest ways to earn a few extra dollars without even leaving your couch.
4. Reselling
Turning unwanted items into cash is surprisingly easy and your phone makes it effortless.
Apps to sell:
Vinted
eBay
Poshmark
Depop
Ways to earn:
- Selling clothing, shoes and accessories
- Flipping thrift store finds
- Selling old electronics
- Listing handmade or custom items
The key is spotting items that people want and presenting them well. Photos from your phone are usually enough to make a sale.
5. Sell Photos & Videos
Your phone camera is powerful enough to produce sellable content.
Platforms:
Foap
Adobe Stock
Alamy
Ways to earn:
- Uploading high-quality photos
- Selling short video clips
- Licensing content for commercial use
Even casual photography can earn passive income if you focus on quality and trending subjects.
6. Get Paid For Walking
Yes, really. Some apps reward you simply for moving.
Apps:
WeWard
Sweatcoin
Ways to earn:
- Exchanging earned points for gift cards or cash
- Competing in walking challenges
- Converting steps into discounts on products
It’s a fun way to get healthy while making a little extra money on the side.
7. Play Games
If gaming is your hobby, it could also be your side hustle.
Platforms:
Swagbucks
TesterUp
Freecash
Ways to earn:
- Earning in-game rewards that convert to cash
This is isn’t exactly going to make you a millionaire, if you enjoy playing anyway, this can be a win-win.
8. Get Paid To Share Your Unused Bandwidth
This is a lesser-known method, but it’s surprisingly simple and mostly passive.
Apps and platforms:
Pawns.app
Honeygain
EarnApp
Ways to earn:
- Sharing your internet bandwidth securely
- Letting apps route small amounts of traffic through your connection
- Earning points or cash automatically in the background
Here’s how it works in practice: install the app, leave it running and let your phone quietly earn while you do other things or while you’re sleeping. It’s safe as long as you stick to reputable services.
9. Content Creation
If you enjoy creating videos, photos or posts, your phone is all you need to start building an audience.
Platforms:
- TikTok
- YouTube
Ways to earn:
- UGC content
- Creator funds
- Brand deals
- Affiliate links
- Selling your own products
- Live gifts and subscriptions
You don’t need fancy equipment. Many creators grow using just a phone, especially if you focus on consistency and quality content.
Conclusion
The cool part about all these options is that they can fit around your life. Some are quick and easy for downtime, while others require consistency and creativity to see bigger results. You might try one method at first and realise another suits your style better.
Start small, experiment and let your phone become more than just a scrolling device. With time, you’ll find the ways that work best for you and maybe even create multiple streams of income without leaving your couch or whilst on the go.
The important thing is to pick one or two, get consistent and build from there. Small steps often turn into meaningful earnings faster than you’d expect.
There’s no one “best” way to earn extra money from your phone. Instead, mix and match strategies that feel fun, practical and sustainable. Start today, keep it realistic and watch the results grow.