How to Make Money Using Your Phone

A smartphone offers many ways to earn income, catering to various skill sets and time commitments. This article explores diverse methods for earning money using a phone, from quick tasks to leveraging specialized skills.

Quick Earnings from Surveys and Small Tasks

Earning small amounts of money through short, often repetitive tasks is accessible directly from a smartphone, with micro-task applications and survey platforms connecting users with quick tasks. Popular examples include survey apps like Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, and Eureka, which often provide cash or gift cards for sharing opinions.

The process involves downloading the app, setting up a user profile, and browsing available tasks or surveys. Once selected, users complete the required actions, and earnings accrue within the app. Payouts commonly occur through PayPal, direct bank transfers, or various gift cards.

While individual tasks typically offer low pay, often ranging from a few cents to a few dollars, consistent engagement can result in meaningful supplemental income.

Utilizing Gig Economy Platforms

The gig economy, facilitated by smartphone applications, offers opportunities to earn money by providing various services, connecting individuals directly with consumers seeking on-demand services. Common services include food delivery through apps like DoorDash and Grubhub, ride-sharing via Uber and Lyft, grocery shopping with platforms such as Instacart, and other services like pet care or handyman tasks through apps like Rover or TaskRabbit.

Becoming a gig worker involves signing up through the app, which may include background checks and verification of necessary documents. Once approved, workers can set their availability, accept service requests dispatched through their phone, and utilize the device for navigation, communication with clients, and tracking payments. Payments are typically processed through the app, with options for weekly direct deposits or instant payouts, sometimes subject to a small fee.

Gig workers are independent contractors responsible for their own taxes, including self-employment taxes for Social Security and Medicare. This means paying both employer and employee portions, totaling 15.3% of net earnings.

Tracking business-related expenses is important, as these can reduce taxable income. Common deductible expenses include vehicle costs like fuel, maintenance, and insurance, or the standard IRS mileage rate (70 cents per mile in 2025). Other deductions include a percentage of cell phone bills if used for business, and supplies necessary for tasks.

Keeping meticulous records of all income and expenses is crucial for accurate tax filing, typically on Schedule C and Schedule SE with Form 1040. If net earnings from self-employment are $400 or more, a tax return must be filed. Additionally, if $1,000 or more in taxes is expected for the year, quarterly estimated tax payments are generally required to avoid penalties.

Selling and Reselling via Mobile Marketplaces

Smartphones offer a direct way to earn money by selling physical items through mobile marketplaces, including personal, unused possessions or reselling for profit. Popular mobile marketplace applications include eBay, Poshmark, Mercari, Facebook Marketplace, and OfferUp, each catering to different types of items and audiences.

The selling process begins with using the phone’s camera for clear, well-lit photos from multiple angles. Crafting a detailed and honest description, including condition and any flaws, is important for attracting buyers. Sellers then list the item, communicate with interested buyers through in-app messaging, and arrange for payment and delivery or pickup. Payment processing often occurs within the app, or buyers may pay cash for local transactions.

Platforms typically charge fees. For instance, Poshmark charges a flat fee of $2.95 for sales under $15 and a 20% commission for sales of $15 or more. eBay’s fees range from 12% to 15.55% of the total transaction amount, including item price, shipping, and tax, plus a fixed fee per order. These fees vary by item category and impact profitability.

Income from reselling for profit is generally considered business income and is subject to self-employment taxes, similar to gig economy earnings. Selling personal items at a loss or for less than their original purchase price is typically not taxable.

Leveraging Your Skills and Creating Content

Higher-earning opportunities can be managed from a smartphone by leveraging existing skills or building an audience through content creation. Freelancing allows professionals like writers, graphic designers, virtual assistants, or tutors to find and manage work through mobile-friendly platforms such as Upwork or Fiverr. These platforms enable client communication, project management, and payment processing directly from a mobile device. Payment structures can vary, including hourly rates or per-project fees.

Content creation offers another income avenue, utilizing the phone’s camera and mobile editing tools. Individuals can create videos for TikTok and YouTube, photos for Instagram, or blogs. Monetization opportunities include ad revenue, sponsorships, affiliate marketing, and direct sales. For instance, YouTube creators can monetize through ad sharing after meeting eligibility criteria (1,000 subscribers and 4,000 hours of watch time).

Income from freelancing and content creation is also considered self-employment income. As with gig work, individuals must report earnings and pay self-employment taxes if net earnings are $400 or more, typically using Schedule C and Schedule SE. Quarterly estimated tax payments are mandatory if estimated tax liability is $1,000 or more. Business expenses, such as phone and internet bills, software subscriptions, and equipment, can be deducted to reduce taxable income.