How to make money from your phone

You already know how your wireless carrier makes money from you, but do you know how to make money from your phone? Whether you’re resolved to pay down debt this year or just want to travel more, there’s a good chance you could use some more cash in your pocket to achieve those goals. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to use your phone to get some extra scratch, start a side hustle or maybe even launch a new career.

Earn money on your phone by selling stuff you don’t need

The easiest way to make money is by selling something, and it has never been easier to sell stuff online than it is today. All you need is your phone and the right app and you’ll be making money while you make room in your closet, kitchen, or garage. We call that a twofer.

Sell clothes online

That jacket you haven’t worn since college? Someone four states away could probably use it. There are many user-friendly apps specifically designed for selling clothes online. They may take a small percentage of each sale, but they also provide shipping labels, manage communications with your buyers, and even have built-in features to help ensure you get top dollar for that vintage pair of boots you outgrew in 2014.

Sell old items

Old clothes are one thing, but you’ve probably got other stuff collecting dust around your home. Books you’ll never read again, that watch that reminds you of your ex, the pour-over kit your aunt bought you even though you never liked coffee…you don’t need them anymore, but someone else would love them. Apps make snapping a few photos and listing your unused items easier than ever. 

Ways to make money on your phone for creative people

You know how to make money from your phone by selling stuff, but maybe you want to flex those creative muscles and earn money by providing a service or entertainment for others. Well as you may have guessed, there are apps for that too.

Sell photos from your phone

Most of today’s smartphones are equipped with quality cameras capable of capturing breathtaking images on the go. Whether photography is a full-time hobby of yours or you just discovered you’re really good at taking pictures of sunsets, you can monetize the photos you capture online. Just sign up for a stock image hosting site, like iStock, upload your photos and earn royalties any time a photo you took is licensed for use. Say cheese…earn cheddar. 

Become a content creator

Becoming a content creator on social apps like Instagram, TikTok or YouTube takes time, energy and a certain set of skills, but all it really takes to get started is a smartphone and some ambition. In time, you could turn your passion into a side hustle by becoming a brand ambassador, sharing affiliate links or creating bespoke content for companies to use on their channels. Whether you’re good at cooking, styling clothing, analyzing sports or reviewing the latest romcoms, creating high-quality content that resonates with a niche audience can lead to paid opportunities doing something you love.

Sign up for a gig job

You can easily monetize your special skills or experience with a range of gig jobs online. Become a math tutor, do some copy editing on the side, or offer your web design skills to a small business in need of a site revamp. There are multiple apps that can help you find quick gigs or freelance work. After you decide what kind of work you want to do, research which platforms make the most sense and be sure to review the requirements and compensation terms. Then get that bag. 

Other ideas to make money on your phone

If you’ve already sold everything you’re willing to part with and don’t want a side gig, there are still a few other ways for you to make money from your phone, including stuff you’re probably already doing. 

Use cashback apps

Yep, you can get paid to buy stuff…kinda. There are several apps that offer rewards for purchases like gas, dining out or even groceries. Also, other apps offer cashback rewards for stuff you’re probably already buying regularly, and your bank or credit cards may have cashback incentives as well.

Fill out consumer surveys

It’s common for consumer research companies to recruit people online to fill out surveys in exchange for compensation. Use your phone to search for active surveys, take a few minutes to fill them out and make a little extra money from pretty much anywhere.

Find paid research studies

Similar to consumer surveys, there are also research companies out there willing to pay for feedback on certain products or services. For example, you could get a free toothbrush and maybe a few bucks in exchange for reviewing your experience with it. There are also studies that involve doing certain activities, like watching a video, completing a simulation or even sleeping. Use your phone to locate research studies happening near you, or even ones you can complete remotely.

Use phone investment apps

If you’re interested in potentially making a lot of money over a short period of time, consider downloading an investment app on your phone. Keep in mind, investing does involve a certain amount of risk, so this isn’t the easiest way to make guaranteed money. The apps themselves can be user-friendly though and there are several resources available online to help you educate yourself on investing.

How to save money on your phone

Now you know how to make money from your phone, but there are also ways to save the money you already have when it comes to your phone. If your phone is paid off and unlocked, you can bring it to Mint Mobile and get our introductory plan for new customers for $15/mo* for three months ($45 total, equivalent to $15/mo) on the nation’s largest 5G network. Then the leftover money you aren’t giving to an overpriced wireless carrier anymore is essentially money you made right? We call that Mint math.
If you’re paying too much for your phone right now, let us show you why Mint Mobile is the way to go.

_{*New activation and upfront payment for 3-month plan req’d. Taxes and fees extra. Addt’l restrictions apply. Unlimited customers using >40/GB will experience lower speeds. Video streams at ~480p.}