No matter where you are, chances are that you have your phone on your person — you might even have it in your hands, reading this sentence! Once simply a means to stay connected (you remember your Motorola Razr, right?), phones are now so integrated into our lives that it’s hard to imagine leaving home without them. 

Aside from using your phone to play music, organize your life, and engage in social media, did you know you can use it to make money online? Here are the best ways to stack some extra cash just by using your phone.

1. Sell photos 

Whether you’re team Android with a Samsung Galaxy or you’re locked in with the iPhone 15 Max, mobile phones nowadays have remarkably good cameras. If you have an eye for photography, consider snapping shots with your phone and selling them to sites like Foap, Adobe Stock, Shutterstock, or Getty Images for a little extra income. 

Who knows, maybe you’ll see a stock photo you took on a billboard!

2. Complete surveys online

Earn money on the subway, sitting on the couch, or in between periods during a hockey game by taking online surveys on your phone. Sites like SwagBucks, Survey Junkie, or InboxDollars have contracts with companies to conduct surveys for market research, offering their opinions on anything and everything. 

This avenue is definitely more supplementary in terms of income — the payout usually ranges from $.50–$5.00. 

3. Buy and sell as a business

Are you an expert in musical instruments? Vintage watches? A bonafide sneakerhead? 

No matter what where your interests lie, you can make money by finding deals on things like snare drums, 80s Seiko watches, or Adidas Gazelles and flipping them on generalized sites like eBay or specialized sites like Reverb, Chrono24, Poshmark, Grailed — or even by starting your own eCommerce website.

4. Become a freelancer 

If you have experience as a writer, graphic designer, or UX analyst — or if you’re a social media maven — you can monetize your expertise by finding work as a freelancer. And the best part? You can often do it directly from your phone!

Put together a portfolio of your work and upload your resume to sites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Toptal where you can be hired by potential employers looking for a freelancer to add to their team — maybe it could even transition into something full-time. 

5. Rent out your car

Got a set of wheels that you don’t mind lending out? Consider listing your car for rental through Turo or Getaround. Getting started is simple — create an account, get approval, and list your car available for rental. Both services offer insurance for extra peace of mind, and the sign-up process and approval can be completed on your phone.

6. Become a virtual assistant

If you’re organized and don’t mind doing a little administrative work, consider picking up a few hours as a virtual assistant — all on your phone. 

You can find opportunities on digital job boards like Upwork and ZipRecruiter. Tasks can include data entry, booking travel, doing clerical work, managing email accounts, and more. If you’ve been asking yourself how to make money on your phone on the side, becoming a virtual assistant is a great idea.

7. Become a dog walker

Love dogs and have some spare time? Sign up as a dog walker with Rover or Wag! — they have mobile apps that make the process on your phone a breeze. You can set parameters, including your availability and how many dogs you’re willing to walk, and get paid right in the app! 

8. Start a YouTube channel

Ready to become a star on YouTube? All you need is the camera on your phone and a Google account. Sign up, create your channel, and get the camera rolling — play to your passions and consider creating videos about the things you love. 

Once you get established, you can earn revenue from ad streams, affiliate links, and subscriber fees on YouTube Premium. If you’re a beginner, remember that there may be a learning curve — just be patient and persistent.

9. Create a podcast

Nowadays, there’s a podcast for literally everything! If you want to start your own, you can do it right on your phone — simply use the built-in microphone, record directly using Voice Memo (iPhone) or Sound Recorder (Android), and upload it to streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. 

You can sell ads once you increase your listeners, use affiliate links to earn a percentage of sales from a product you promote, and even open yourself up to tips from your listeners! 

10. Become a delivery driver

Okay, so not entirely on your phone, but you can use your device to sign up to become a delivery driver for services like Uber Eats, DoorDash, or Instacart in your free time. 

Signing up is easy — you’ll need to download the app, upload your personal information (driver’s license and car registration), and connect your bank account for direct deposit. Most services will also require you to pass a background check. 

11. Rent out your space

Got an investment property that you’re ready to monetize for some passive income? Or even a spare room in your home? Consider listing your space online and letting that new income stream work for you. 

For short-term rentals, you can list on sites like AirBnb and Vrbo — signing up is easy and you can use the app to communicate directly with renters. For long-term rentals, you can list your place on Zillow or Redfin. 

12. Sign up for cashback programs

Cashback apps, like Ibotta and Rakuten, allow you to put a little extra cash back into your pocket when you go shopping. After signing up (for free, of course!), you can earn cash back on travel, groceries, and online retail shopping. 

Average cashback ranges anywhere from $10–$30 monthly, which can be deposited into your checking account directly (Ibotta), or be disbursed via PayPal (Ibotta or Rakuten). 

13. Tutor online

Can you do algebra in your sleep? Speak a second (or third) language with native proficiency? Could you play “Canon in D” before you could tie your shoes? Believe it or not, these are marketable skills that could earn you some dough as a teacher — you can do it all with Zoom or FaceTime right on your mobile device. 

You can apply via sites like Tutor.com or Skooli, or just promote your services locally! 

14. Become a brand ambassador

If you’re a creator with a substantial social media presence, becoming a brand ambassador could be a no-brainer in terms of making money. The job generally entails working with a brand over multiple campaigns, where you’ll serve as a cheerleader for what they’re doing — and ultimately, getting paid to create content and through affiliate marketing. 

Remember, it helps to champion a brand that you genuinely care about, so be discerning about who you work with! To get started, check out this guide. 

15. Create (and sell) digital products

Songs. Apps. Software. Ebooks. These are all examples of digital products — things that exist virtually — that you can sell from an eCommerce platform for real money. Phones are sophisticated enough to code an app and record music — you could even write a novel if your thumbs have the stamina! 

Play to your strengths — if you’re a developer, you could create a plugin or app. If you’re a writer, pump out some prose. Once you finalize your product, create a storefront using Shopify, Stan, or the App Store, and start making money.

16. Test websites and apps

Did you know that you can get paid to test websites and apps, directly on your phone? Not a bad side hustle when you really think about it! 

With sites like UserTesting and UserPeek, you can earn money by completing tasks on websites — you might watch videos, play games, or test apps, and give your opinion on the experience afterwards. All you need to do is sign up, take an aptitude test, and start reviewing.

17. Rent out your parking space

If you live in a city like New York or San Francisco, you know that thinking about parking can spark thoughts of existential dread and notions of selling your car altogether. If you have access to a parking spot that you don’t need (or only use part-time), why not help assuage someone’s parking panic and rent that space out? 

List your parking spot on Neighbor or Spacer, get paid, and help someone out!

18. Drive for a rideshare app

Another option that doesn’t exist entirely in the virtual space is driving for a rideshare app — but it can be pretty lucrative. Uber and Lyft are everywhere — if you have a license, a vehicle that’s inspected and insured, and a cell phone, you can start almost immediately. 

Setting up your account is simple. Just upload your personal information — including photos of your license, registration, and proof of insurance — and then undergo a background check. Once you’re verified, you can start driving immediately and cash out daily. 

19. Sell your stuff online

It’s been scientifically proven that owning less can make you happier in the long run. Why not cash in on your way to everlasting happiness by selling things you no longer need? Take stock of your belongings, and decide what you want to get rid of — you’ll be amazed at the different niche markets across the internet! 

Type up a listing in Google Docs, snap some photos with your camera, and upload to Decluttr, Craigslist, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or any other online marketplace you like. 

20. Create music and sell it

Music is so subjective — you don’t need a 72 channel Neve console and Rick Rubin at the helm to create something amazing. In the spirit of DIY recording, you can write, record, and distribute everything on your phone! 

Use your phone’s built-in sound recorder to capture intimate takes of an acoustic performance, or use FL Studio or GarageBand (iOS only) to create with virtual instruments. You can upload to streaming services with CDBaby or DistroKid, or post your music on Bandcamp and get paid directly.

21. Curate virtual experiences

Perhaps the most creative option of this list, consider creating and curating virtual experiences for clients or customers using your phone — this can look different from person to person. 

If you’re a yoga or meditation teacher, film guided sessions and sell the content. If you’re a sommelier or chef, you can offer personalized tasting sessions or cooking lessons via Zoom or FaceTime. 

This is a great opportunity to turn your passions into extra money, and an even better opportunity to share your passions with a grateful audience!

Bonus: stretch your money further

When you’re hustling for extra cash, every dollar counts. If you’re not currently using a personal finance management tool, it can be wildly helpful to manage your money with one. 

Whether you want to keep an eye on your incoming paydays, create savings goals, hone in your budget, or keep an eye on investments, Quicken Simplifi has you covered.