11 Simple Ways to Make Money Using Just Your Phone

Hey!! If you’re reading this, you might be like me: laptop + mouse kinda gal. But when my friend Kir—a vegan nutrition and triathlete coach in her early 50s—told me one of her goals this year is to build income from her phone only, my curiosity was piqued. This isn’t just about side hustling; it’s about creating Phone Freedom. So whether you’re in your car, on your couch, or pacing while dinner’s cooking, here are 11 ways you can turn screen time into pay time.

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1. Offer Micro‑Services on Task Apps (It Adds Up!)

If you’ve got a little time and a service to offer (even if it’s just walking someone’s golden doodle), there are apps that connect you to paying gigs.

Try this:

• Sign up on TaskRabbit for local gigs
• Join Rover to offer pet sitting or dog walking
• Use Gigwalk for small “microjobs”
• List errands or delivery services in your neighborhood group

2. Earn Cash Back with Receipt Scanning Apps

You’re already shopping – might as well earn a little something for it! These apps give you money or points just for uploading receipts.

Try this:

• Fetch Rewards – snap and earn points
• Ibotta – cash back for specific items
• Receipt Hog – rewards for any receipt
• Shopkick – get rewards just for walking into stores

3. Sell Your Stuff (Without Leaving the Couch)

Decluttering your space can also fill your wallet. Snap a pic, write a short description, and let your stuff find a new home.

Try this:

• Use Facebook Marketplace for local sales
• Post clothes and shoes on Poshmark or Depop
• Sell books or gear through Mercari or eBay
• Even unused kitchen gadgets or home decor can be resold

4. Become a Freelance Side Hustler on the Go

You don’t need a full home office to freelance. With your phone and some smart apps, you can land gigs and deliver results on the fly.

Try this:

• Offer writing or social media services on Fiverr
• Pitch coaching services in niche Facebook groups
• Use Canva mobile to design client posts or graphics

5. Start a Print‑on‑Demand Biz from Your Pocket

Create digital designs or sayings, upload to a POD service, and get paid every time someone buys. No inventory, no packing—just profit.

Try this:

• Use Printify or TeeSpring to launch products
• Design using Canva on your phone
• Create motivational slogans related to your niche
• Link to your shop in your Instagram bio or linktree

6. Get Paid for Your Opinions (Yep, Really)

Companies will pay you for your feedback, ideas, and thoughts—just answer a few questions or test a product.

Try this:

• Join UserTesting to give feedback on websites
• Answer surveys via InboxDollars or Swagbucks
• Test new apps on Respondent or dscout
• Participate in virtual focus groups

7. Teach or Tutor Through Mobile Apps

If you know something others want to learn, teach it! All you need is a phone camera, some confidence, and a way to share your expertise.

Try this:

• Offer nutrition or coaching sessions via Zoom mobile
• List services on Outschool or Superprof
• Record mini-courses with Thinkific or Podia
• Do Q&As via Instagram Stories or live coaching

8. Make Passive Income with Affiliate Links

Once set up, affiliate links can keep earning even when you’re not actively working. Share links to products you love and earn a commission.

Try this:

• Sign up for Amazon Associates
• Use Awin or LTK (Like to Know It)
• Recommend tools or supplements in your coaching niche
• Post links in IG stories, blog bios, or email newsletters

9. Flip Thrift Finds Using Resale Apps

If you love thrifting or spotting gems at garage sales, turn that talent into profit. Buy low, clean it up, resell for a tidy sum.

Try this:

• List unique items on eBay or Etsy
• Sell fitness finds on Facebook Marketplace
• Flip sneakers or gear on GOAT or StockX
• Look for seasonal resale trends (holiday décor, workout sets)

10. Monetize Your Social Media Habits

Scroll with a purpose! If you’re already sharing content or building a following, it’s time to turn likes into dollars.

Try this:

• Partner with brands for sponsored posts
• Join influencer networks like AspireIQ or Influence.co
• Sell digital downloads (like meal plans or workout guides)
• Add affiliate links to your Instagram or TikTok bios

11. Turn Your Screen Time into Side Hustle Time

Even your “mindless scroll” moments can become income earners with apps that reward your attention.

Try this:

• Earn points on Mistplay (for gamers)
• Watch short videos with Swagbucks LIVE
• Try InboxDollars TV while folding laundry
• Stack apps to maximize passive earning time

Wrapping Up: My Take & Kir’s Goal

Okay, real talk? This phone-only biz life isn’t my dream setup. I still love my cozy chair, clicky keyboard, and a hot coffee beside my laptop. BUT… watching Kir go all-in on her Phone Freedom plan has been pretty dang inspiring. She’s in her early 50s, chasing income from wherever she is—between training sessions, coaching clients, or traveling for races.

The biggest lesson? There’s more than one way to work smart. Whether you’re running a business from your phone or sticking with your laptop HQ, the goal is the same: building a life (and income!) that works for YOU.

Here are some more great articles that you might love!

• 9 Money‑Making Ideas for Women Starting Over Midlife
• 9 Ways To Make Money As A Blogger
• 11 Clever Ways I Make Money Online With My Crafting Hobby (Yes, It All Adds Up!)

Some of the photos you see here were created with AI tools instead of traditional stock photography. I love using AI because it lets me design images that feel more real – age-appropriate, body positive, and inclusive of women from all different backgrounds. It gives me the freedom to create visuals that truly reflect the amazing entrepreneurs I write for!

Source: https://marketingartfully.com/11-simple-ways-to-make-money-using-just-your-phone/