12 Side Hustles You Can Do From Your Smartphone: Easy Money-Making Apps
Are you looking for ways to make extra money? Your smartphone might be the key.
With just a few taps, you can start earning cash from the comfort of your couch or while on the go.
You can turn your phone into a money-making machine with these 12 side hustles. From taking surveys to selling photos, there are plenty of options to fit your skills and schedule.
Let’s explore some easy ways you can start earning from your phone today.
1) Take Surveys on Swagbucks
Want to make some extra cash using just your phone? Swagbucks might be the answer.
This popular platform lets you earn money by taking surveys right from your smartphone.
It’s super easy to get started.
Just sign up for a free account and you’re ready to go.
You can do surveys whenever you have a few spare minutes.
The surveys cover all sorts of topics.
You might share your opinion on products, services, or current events.
Each survey usually takes between 5 to 20 minutes to complete.
You earn points called “SB” for each survey you finish.
These points can be traded for real money through PayPal or gift cards to popular stores.
The pay for surveys varies.
You might earn anywhere from 25 cents to $5 per survey.
Some special surveys that need video or audio feedback can pay up to $20.
Keep in mind that survey-taking won’t make you rich.
But it’s a simple way to earn a bit of extra cash in your downtime.
Plus, you can do it anywhere you have your phone and an internet connection.
Swagbucks offers other ways to earn too.
You can watch videos, play games, or shop online to rack up more points.
This gives you more options to boost your earnings when you’re not in the mood for surveys.
2) Sell Photos with Foap
Got a smartphone with a decent camera? You can turn your photos into cash with Foap.
This app lets you upload your photos and videos for brands to buy.
It’s pretty simple to get started.
Just sign up for an account and start snapping pics.
Make sure to add good tags and descriptions to your photos.
This helps buyers find them easier.
Foap has something called “Missions” where brands ask for specific types of photos.
These can pay between $100 and $500 for winning shots.
Sometimes brands even send you free stuff to include in the photos.
You don’t need to be a pro photographer to make money on Foap.
If you’ve got an eye for cool shots, you’re good to go.
Think about everyday moments that could make great stock photos.
Keep in mind, not every photo will sell right away.
It’s a numbers game.
The more quality pics you upload, the better your chances of making sales.
Foap can be a fun way to make some extra cash from photos you’re already taking.
Just remember to always follow the app’s rules and respect people’s privacy when snapping pics.
3) Freelance on Fiverr
Want to turn your skills into cash? Fiverr might be the perfect side hustle for you.
It’s a popular platform where you can offer all kinds of services right from your phone.
Fiverr lets you sell just about any skill.
Writing, graphic design, voice overs, programming – you name it.
If you can do it, chances are someone’s willing to pay for it.
Getting started is easy.
Just download the Fiverr app and set up your profile.
Then, create “gigs” showcasing what you can do.
Be clear about your services and pricing.
The cool thing about Fiverr? You can work whenever you want.
Got a free hour between classes? Knock out a quick job.
Waiting at the doctor’s office? Why not make some money?
Millions of Americans are already freelancing.
It’s a great way to boost your income, especially when money’s tight.
Some people even turn their Fiverr gigs into full-time jobs.
One freelancer made $90,000 in a single month on the platform!
Remember, success on Fiverr takes time and effort.
Deliver quality work, communicate well with clients, and keep improving your skills.
With dedication, you could build a thriving side hustle right from your smartphone.
4) Walk Dogs using Rover
Want to get paid for hanging out with dogs? Rover might be the perfect side hustle for you.
This app connects pet owners with dog walkers and sitters.
To get started, sign up on Rover’s website.
You’ll need to be at least 18 years old.
There’s a small fee for a background check, but it’s worth it to join the platform.
Once approved, you can set your own rates and schedule.
You choose which services to offer, like dog walking, pet sitting, or house sitting.
The best part? You can do this gig whenever it fits your schedule.
Take dogs for walks on your lunch break or after work.
Or make extra cash by pet sitting on weekends.
Rover takes a cut of your earnings, but it’s smaller than some other apps.
This means more money in your pocket for each walk or sit.
The app makes it easy to find clients and get paid.
Payments go straight to your bank account, so you don’t have to chase down money.
If you love dogs and want a flexible way to earn extra cash, give Rover a try.
It’s a fun side hustle that keeps you active and lets you spend time with furry friends.
5) Rent Out Your Car on Turo
Want to make money from your car when you’re not using it? Turo lets you rent out your vehicle to others.
It’s like Airbnb for cars.
To get started, list your car on the Turo app.
Take some good photos and set your price.
You can choose when your car is available.
People will book your car through the app.
You meet them to hand over the keys.
When they’re done, you get it back.
Turo offers different insurance plans.
You can earn 60% to 90% of the rental fee, depending on which plan you pick.
Your car needs to be 12 years old or newer to list on Turo.
Keep it clean and in good shape to get good reviews.
This side hustle can be pretty lucrative.
Some people have even turned it into a full business, renting out multiple cars.
Before you start, check your local laws.
Some places have rules about car sharing.
Also, think about wear and tear on your vehicle.
With Turo, you can make money from your car without much effort.
It’s a flexible way to earn extra cash when you’re not using your wheels.
6) Online Tutoring on Chegg Tutors
Want to make money sharing your knowledge? Chegg Tutors might be your ticket.
It’s a platform where you can tutor students in subjects you’re good at, right from your smartphone.
To get started, you’ll need to apply and show off your skills.
Once approved, you can set up your profile and choose when you want to work.
Students will reach out when they need help.
You can chat with them, use a virtual whiteboard, or even do video calls – all through the app.
The cool thing is, you can tutor in lots of different subjects. Chegg Tutors offers help in school and university subjects, so there’s probably something that fits your expertise.
Pay varies, but some tutors report earning around $20 per hour.
Not bad for a side gig you can do from your couch!
Remember, you’ll need to be patient and good at explaining things.
It’s also helpful to have a quiet space for video calls.
This side hustle is great if you like flexible hours.
You can tutor between classes, after work, or on weekends.
It’s up to you!
Just keep in mind that you might need to brush up on some topics.
Students will expect you to know your stuff.
7) Cashback with Ibotta
Want to earn money while doing your regular shopping? Ibotta might be the side hustle for you.
This free smartphone app lets you get cash back on items you purchase.
Getting started is easy.
Just download the app and create an account.
Before you shop, browse through Ibotta’s offers and add the ones you’re interested in to your list.
After shopping, snap a photo of your receipt and upload it to the app.
Ibotta will match your purchases with available offers and credit your account with cash back.
You can earn money on everyday items like groceries, household supplies, and even alcohol.
Some users have turned Ibotta into a lucrative side hustle by working with teams to maximize their earnings.
The app offers various ways to cash out your earnings.
Once you reach the minimum threshold, you can transfer your money to PayPal or convert it to gift cards.
While you won’t get rich quick, Ibotta can be a nice way to pad your wallet.
With regular use, you could earn $5 to $20 per day just by shopping for things you’d buy anyway.
Remember to check the app before each shopping trip to maximize your earnings.
Over time, those small cash back amounts can add up to a decent side income.
8) Create a Podcast
Starting a podcast can be a fun and profitable side hustle using just your smartphone.
You don’t need fancy equipment to get started.
Many phones have good built-in mics that work well for recording.
There are free apps you can use to record and edit your podcast episodes right on your phone.
Some popular options include Anchor, Spreaker, and Podbean.
Pick a topic you’re passionate about.
This could be anything from true crime stories to cooking tips or movie reviews.
The key is to choose something you enjoy talking about.
Plan out your episodes and create a basic outline for each one.
This helps you stay on track while recording.
Don’t worry about being perfect – listeners often prefer a more natural, conversational style.
Once you’ve recorded an episode, use your phone to edit out any mistakes or long pauses.
Add intro music if you want, then upload your finished episode to podcast platforms.
As your podcast grows, you can make money through sponsorships or ads.
Some hosts also offer bonus content to paying subscribers.
Remember to promote your podcast on social media.
Share clips or behind-the-scenes content to get people interested.
With time and effort, your podcast side hustle could turn into a nice extra income stream.
9) Sell Handmade Products on Etsy
Got a crafty side? Turn your hobby into cash by selling handmade items on Etsy.
This popular online marketplace is perfect for creative folks looking to make extra money.
Etsy is all about unique, handcrafted goods.
You can sell anything from jewelry to pottery to custom t-shirts.
The options are endless!
Starting your Etsy shop is easy.
You can do it right from your smartphone.
Just snap some pics of your creations, write catchy descriptions, and set your prices.
One big plus? You don’t need a ton of inventory to get started.
Make a few items and list them.
As orders come in, you can create more.
Researching trends is key to success on Etsy.
Check out what’s popular and see how you can put your own spin on it.
Pricing can be tricky.
Factor in your time, materials, and Etsy fees.
Don’t sell yourself short!
Remember, good photos are crucial.
Use natural light and simple backgrounds to make your products shine.
Customer service matters too.
Respond quickly to messages and be clear about shipping times.
With some effort, your Etsy side hustle could grow into something bigger.
Some sellers even turn it into a six-figure business!
10) Virtual Assistant via Upwork
Want to make money from your phone? Being a virtual assistant (VA) on Upwork could be your next side hustle.
Upwork is a popular platform for finding remote work, including VA gigs.
As a VA, you’ll help busy people with tasks they don’t have time for.
This can include answering emails, scheduling meetings, and managing calendars.
The best part? You can do most of these tasks right from your smartphone.
To get started, create a profile on Upwork.
Highlight your skills and any relevant experience.
Don’t worry if you’re new to this – many clients are open to working with beginners.
Look for VA jobs that fit your schedule.
Upwork has lots of part-time and contract work, perfect for a side hustle.
You can pick jobs that work around your main gig.
Set your rates based on your skills and the tasks involved.
As you gain experience and good reviews, you can increase your rates.
Remember, communication is key.
Be responsive and professional, even when working from your phone.
Good communication can lead to repeat clients and more work.
With practice, you might find yourself earning $500+ per day as a VA.
It’s a flexible way to earn extra cash, all from your smartphone.
11) Invest with Robinhood
Want to try your hand at investing without breaking the bank? Robinhood lets you invest in stocks, ETFs, and even cryptocurrency right from your phone.
You can start with as little as $1 thanks to fractional shares.
This app makes investing easy and fun.
You don’t need to be a Wall Street pro to get started.
Just download the app, link your bank account, and you’re good to go.
Robinhood offers commission-free trades, which means more of your money goes towards your investments.
Plus, you can set up recurring investments to grow your portfolio over time.
Keep an eye on market trends and make trades on the go.
Whether you’re waiting in line or on your lunch break, you can manage your investments anytime, anywhere.
Remember, investing always comes with risks. Start small and learn as you go.
Don’t invest money you can’t afford to lose.
As you get more comfortable, you might find yourself spending more time researching stocks and making strategic moves.
This side hustle could potentially grow into a nice extra income stream over time.
12) Take on Tasks with TaskRabbit
Want to make money using your smartphone? TaskRabbit might be your answer.
This app lets you pick up odd jobs in your area.
You can choose tasks that fit your skills and schedule.
People need help with all sorts of things.
You might assemble furniture, do yard work, or run errands.
TaskRabbit charges a one-time $25 fee to join as a Tasker.
But after that, you keep all your earnings.
No extra fees come out of your pocket.
The pay can be pretty good. Many tasks pay between $20 and $50 per hour.
If you’re handy or have special skills, you might earn even more.
You don’t need fancy qualifications for every job.
Sometimes people just need an extra pair of hands.
But if you have skills like home repair or furniture assembly, you can charge higher rates.
TaskRabbit is flexible.
You pick which jobs you want to do and when.
This makes it great for fitting around your main job or other commitments.
To get started, download the app and set up your profile.
List your skills and the types of tasks you’re willing to do.
Then start browsing available jobs in your area.
Remember, good reviews are key.
Do your best work to build a solid reputation.
This can lead to more jobs and better pay over time.
Benefits Of Smartphone Side Hustles
Smartphone side hustles offer amazing perks.
You can earn extra cash with just your phone and some effort.
Let’s check out the main advantages.
Flexibility And Convenience
With smartphone side hustles, you’re the boss.
You choose when and where to work.
No need to stick to a 9-to-5 schedule.
Want to make money while watching TV? Go for it! Feel like earning cash during your lunch break? You can do that too.
These gigs fit into your life.
You can do them from anywhere – at home, on the bus, or even at the park.
Got a few minutes to spare? Pull out your phone and start earning.
It’s that easy.
Low Startup Costs
Smartphone side hustles are budget-friendly.
You don’t need fancy equipment or a big office.
Your main tool? The phone you already own.
No need to buy expensive stuff.
Many apps for side gigs are free to download.
You can start without spending a dime.
Some hustles might need small investments.
But they’re usually much cheaper than traditional businesses.
You can try different gigs without risking much money.
It’s a great way to find what works for you.
Skill Development
Smartphone side hustles help you learn new skills.
You’ll pick up tricks that can boost your career.
For example, freelance writing gigs can improve your writing skills.
Selling stuff online? You’ll learn about marketing and customer service.
These skills look great on your resume.
They can help you land better jobs in the future.
You’ll also get better at managing your time and money.
These are valuable life skills.
The more you hustle, the more you learn.
It’s like getting paid to improve yourself!
How To Get Started With A Smartphone Side Hustle
Starting a side hustle with your smartphone is easy and fun.
You can begin earning extra cash quickly with just a few simple steps.
Let’s look at how to pick the right gig, set things up, and manage your time.
Choosing The Right Side Hustle
Pick a side hustle that fits your skills and schedule. Taking paid surveys with apps like InboxDollars or Swagbucks is super simple.
If you like driving, try food delivery apps.
For creative types, vlogging or blogging can be great options.
Got a knack for languages? Teaching English online might be perfect for you.
Think about what you enjoy doing.
Your smartphone side hustle should be fun, not a chore.
Try out a few different gigs to see what clicks.
Setting Up Efficiently
Once you’ve picked your side hustle, it’s time to get set up.
Download the apps you’ll need and create your accounts.
For delivery gigs, make sure your car is in good shape.
If you’re teaching or vlogging, find a quiet spot with good lighting for video calls.
Set up a separate email for your side hustle to keep things organized.
Get a good phone stand and maybe a clip-on microphone for better audio.
Keep your phone charged and have a portable charger handy.
You don’t want to miss out on gigs because of a dead battery!
Managing Your Time
Balancing your side hustle with your main job and life can be tricky.
Set a schedule that works for you.
Maybe you do surveys during your lunch break or deliveries on weekends.
Use your phone’s calendar app to block out time for your side hustle.
Set reminders so you don’t forget about gigs or deadlines.
Be realistic about how much time you can commit.
It’s okay to start small and ramp up as you get more comfortable.
Take breaks to avoid burnout.
Your side hustle should be fun and rewarding, not stressful.
If it starts feeling like a drag, it might be time to try something new.