Tired of scrolling for hours and getting nothing out of it? Your phone doesn’t just have to be for TikToks and texts—it can actually make you money. Whether you’re stuck in a waiting room, binge-watching Netflix, or killing time between tasks, there are apps that pay you to play games, take surveys, test products, and more.
In this guide, I’ll break down the most effective (and legit) ways to earn cash directly from your phone. These aren’t gimmicks or points systems that go nowhere—just real money-making tools that anyone can use.
Ready to turn screen time into income? Let’s get into it.
12 Ways to Make Money from Your Phone
What many people don’t realize is there are ways to make money from your phone with lesser-known mobile apps. So if you wanted to earn some extra cash or save some money, check out these 12 mobile apps to put some extra cash in your pockets:
1. Use TikTok to discover trending ways to make money
Believe it or not, TikTok is one of the best places to find side hustle ideas that actually work. The app is packed with creators sharing how they make money online—from flipping furniture and doing voiceover work, to testing apps and earning through affiliate marketing.
Just download the app for free here, start searching terms like “side hustle,” “how to make money online,” or “extra income,” and let the algorithm do the rest. The more you engage, the better your feed will get at showing fresh, creative ways to earn.
It’s not just entertainment, TikTok can be a launchpad for your next income stream.
2. Get paid to test apps and complete tasks (easy money)
Testerup is a wildly underrated app where you can earn real money by testing new games, apps, and completing simple tasks on your phone. It sounds too good to be true, but it’s legit, and users are cashing out serious rewards.
Here’s how it works: you sign up, choose from a list of available offers (like testing a game to level 5 or trying out a new app), and get paid when you complete them. Some tasks pay over $50 if you go all in.
The more you use it, the more high-paying tasks unlock. It’s free to join, and if you’re already scrolling your phone mindlessly, why not turn that time into something profitable?
3. Earn quick cash with Freecash (one of the highest-paying apps)
If you want fast and easy money, Freecash is one of the best apps out there. You can earn cash by completing simple tasks like trying out apps, taking surveys, or playing games.
What makes Freecash stand out is how fast you can cash out. Many users hit the payout threshold on their first day, and you can get paid via PayPal, Bitcoin, or gift cards. Some tasks pay $5 to $20 each and only take a few minutes.
Whether you’re killing time on your phone or just want some extra money on the side, this app delivers real results. Try it and see how fast you can earn.
4. Win real cash playing Bingo (yes, it actually pays)
Bingo Cash turns a classic game into a money-making opportunity. It’s a skill-based bingo app where you compete in head-to-head matches or tournaments for real cash prizes. If you like games that challenge your brain while giving you the thrill of winning, this one’s for you.
There are no annoying ads, no bots, and the payouts are legit. You can win actual money by beating other players in fast-paced bingo games. The more you play and win, the more you earn, and cashing out is easy via PayPal or direct deposit.
It’s free to try, and you can start playing within minutes. You’d be surprised how fun and addicting it is to win real cash just for playing bingo on your phone.
5. Get rewarded for discovering new music with VYBS
If you’re always on the lookout for new songs and love supporting up-and-coming artists, VYBS pays you to do exactly that. It’s a music discovery app where you earn money for listening to tracks and giving feedback.
The more active you are, rating songs, building playlists, and sharing what you like, the more you earn. Payments go out via PayPal, and the app is free to download. It’s like getting paid to do what you already do when you’re chilling or driving.
If you’re a music lover looking to make some passive cash, VYBS is a no-brainer.
6. Earn real cash for everyday activities (plus a $5 bonus)
InboxDollars is a longtime favorite for turning spare time into extra money. You can get paid to take surveys, watch videos, play games, read emails, and even shop online.
They offer a $5 sign-up bonus just for creating an account, and many of the tasks only take a few minutes. Unlike point-based systems, InboxDollars shows your earnings in actual dollars, so you know exactly what you’re making.
If you’re already scrolling on your phone, why not earn a little cash while you’re at it?
7. Sell your photos on stock photo websites
If you have a talent for photography and an eye for detail, you can make money by selling your photos on stock photo websites.
These websites allow you to upload your photos and sell them to businesses and individuals who need them for their marketing and design projects.
To get started, you will need to sign up for a stock photo website like Shutterstock or iStock. You can use your phone to take and edit photos, and then upload them to the website.
Each time one of your photos is downloaded, you will earn a royalty. This is a great way to make money from your phone if you have a passion for photography and enjoy taking photos of a variety of subjects.
8. Play Solitaire for cash prizes (it’s skill-based, not luck)
If you’ve ever killed time playing Solitaire, now you can actually make money doing it. Solitaire Cash is a fast-paced, competitive version of the classic card game where you can win real cash by outscoring other players.
It’s not gambling, there’s no randomness involved. Everyone gets the same deck, and winners are based on skill, not luck. You can play free games to practice, then enter tournaments where real money is on the line. Some users report earning $50 to $100 in their first few days.
Cash out is smooth through PayPal, and there are no annoying ads or gimmicks. Just a clean, rewarding way to turn downtime into extra income.
9. Get paid for simple tasks like surveys, games, and offers
Kashkick is one of the easiest ways to earn extra money right from your phone. You get paid for doing simple things like answering surveys, trying out apps, watching videos, and signing up for services you probably already use.
Payouts go straight to your PayPal, and they tend to be higher than what you’ll find on most similar apps. You can start earning immediately, and there’s no confusing point system, just real dollars added to your account.
If you’ve got a few minutes to kill while watching TV or on a break, this is one of the most straightforward ways to make your time count.
10. Get paid for sharing your opinion (fast and flexible)
Survey Junkie is one of the most trusted survey platforms out there. You earn real money just for giving your honest opinion on products, ads, and brands you already use.
It’s super simple: answer a few profile questions, get matched with surveys, and start earning. You can cash out via PayPal, bank transfer, or gift cards. Some surveys pay up to $40 depending on your profile, and you can do them anytime, whether you’re on the couch or waiting in line.
If you want a no-stress way to earn extra cash during downtime, Survey Junkie is a solid pick.
11. Compete in fast-paced games to win real money
Blitz Win Cash lets you play fun, skill-based games like bubble shooters, match-3 puzzles, and more—except with a twist: you can win real cash.
Games are quick, addicting, and you’re matched against players of similar skill levels. You can start with practice rounds, then jump into cash tournaments once you’re ready. Some users walk away with $20 to $100 just from a few games.
There are no bots, no ads, and payouts go straight to PayPal. If you like a little friendly competition and want to turn game time into payday, Blitz Win Cash is one of the best apps out there right now.
12. Get paid just for keeping this app installed
Nielsen Mobile Panel pays you to do… nothing, really. Just install the app, let it run in the background, and earn passive income while you use your phone like normal.
It collects anonymous data about your internet habits (nothing personal or invasive), and in return, they pay you around $60 a year. It’s set-it-and-forget-it money. You also get entered into monthly sweepstakes for a shot at thousands more in cash prizes.
If you’re looking for true passive income, this is about as easy as it gets.
Start Earning From Your Phone
Making money from your phone isn’t just possible—it’s easier than ever. Whether you’re looking to fill spare time with paid surveys, turn gaming into cash, or build a side hustle from scratch, there’s an app or platform that fits your style.
The key is to start with one or two options that feel right for you and build from there. You don’t need to do everything at once—just stay consistent, test what works, and watch your extra income grow.
Your phone is already in your hand. Why not let it work for you?
Thanks for the list on ways to make money on your phone. Just a tip for anyone else. The best app is Swagbucks. Between the paid emails and the surveys you can earn a little everyday. Before you know it you will have enough points to exchange for a gift card of your choice. This is a no brainer….
Swagbucks rocks — thanks for sharing your experience on how the app works and how it does really pay!
from india i cant get more mone in a day..which i got that too low on swagbucks..give some tips for earning more SB on swagbucks
You can try switching your default browser to Swagbucks. Just by doing this you can accrue around $50 a month passively.
Hi, I am doing survey type task from last few months. I choose survey carrier as my 2nd opportunity. I am inspired reading your article. You have mentioned all the necessary key information which I looking for. I am following another platform named dailyonlinesurvey.
Thanks for an article 🙂 You have quite good ideas, but I noticed that you did not mentioned passive income app Honeygain that I personally use 🙂 So, it makes me around $30 per month so not that fast but you earn it just by leaving this app running on my devices background‚ Basically this is an app that lets you sell your unused internet traffic via it. Plus, you can always use extra $5 coupon secret5 to reach their $20 minimum payment faster