10 Remote Jobs That Only Require Your Smartphone

Work From Home

Looking for a simple way to earn extra money from home—without a computer or fancy equipment? Youre in the right place! Whether youre a student, stay-at-home parent, or just want a flexible side hustle, there are plenty of remote jobs that only require your smartphone. In this guide, Ill walk you through 10 beginner-friendly smartphone jobs, how they work, what you can expect to earn, and honest tips to help you get started safely.

Table of Contents

1. Online Surveys

How It Works

Online survey apps pay you to share your opinions on products, ads, and brands. You answer questions using your phone, and earn points or cash for each completed survey.

Earning Expectations

Most surveys pay $0.50“$3 each. Some apps offer bonuses or higher-paying surveys for specific demographics. Realistically, you can earn $10“$50/month in your spare time.

Time Commitment

Surveys take 5“20 minutes each. You can do them while watching TV or waiting in line.

Requirements & Startup Costs

  • Smartphone with internet access
  • Email address
  • No upfront costs

Pros & Cons

  • Pros: Flexible, easy, no experience needed
  • Cons: Low pay, some apps have high payout minimums

Beginner Tips

  • Sign up for multiple apps (e.g., Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, InboxDollars) to get more surveys.
  • Be honest—fake answers can get your account flagged.

Real-World Example

Sarah, a college student, uses her phone to answer surveys between classes. She cashes out $25 in Amazon gift cards each month, which helps with textbooks.

Scam Warning

Never pay to join a survey site. Legit apps are always free.

2. Microtask Apps

How It Works

Microtask platforms pay you to complete small online jobs—like data entry, categorizing photos, or transcribing short audio clips—all from your phone.

Earning Expectations

Tasks typically pay $0.05“$1 each. With consistency, you can make $20“$100/month.

Time Commitment

Tasks take 1“10 minutes. Work as much or as little as you want.

Requirements & Startup Costs

  • Smartphone and internet
  • No costs to start

Pros & Cons

  • Pros: Variety, quick payouts, flexible
  • Cons: Some tasks can be repetitive or competitive

Beginner Tips

  • Try apps like Amazon Mechanical Turk (via browser), Clickworker, and Appen.
  • Check task instructions carefully to avoid rejections.

Real-World Example

Mike earns extra cash on Clickworker by tagging images and verifying addresses during his commute on public transit.

3. Cashback and Receipt Apps

How It Works

These apps pay you to scan receipts or shop through their links. You earn cashback or points for everyday purchases.

Earning Expectations

Most users earn $5“$30/month, depending on shopping habits.

Time Commitment

Just a few minutes per week to scan receipts or activate offers.

Requirements & Startup Costs

  • Smartphone camera
  • No costs

Pros & Cons

  • Pros: Passive, works with regular shopping
  • Cons: Earnings are slow if you dont shop often

Beginner Tips

  • Try Ibotta, Fetch Rewards, and Rakuten.
  • Always scan receipts right after shopping to avoid missing out.

Real-World Example

Lisa, a mom of two, uses Fetch Rewards to scan grocery receipts and earns enough for a free coffee every week.

4. User Testing

How It Works

Companies pay you to test websites or apps and give feedback. You record your screen and voice as you complete simple tasks.

Earning Expectations

Tests pay $4“$10 each, sometimes more. Most people get a few tests per week.

Time Commitment

Each test takes 10“20 minutes.

Requirements & Startup Costs

  • Smartphone with microphone
  • No costs

Pros & Cons

  • Pros: Higher pay per task, interesting work
  • Cons: Not always steady work, need to speak clearly

Beginner Tips

  • Sign up for UserTesting, TryMyUI, or Userlytics.
  • Complete your profile to get more test invites.

Real-World Example

James earns $30/month testing apps in the evenings, sharing his honest feedback for extra spending money.

5. Gig Economy Delivery

How It Works

Use your phone to accept delivery gigs—food, groceries, or packages—through apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Instacart.

Earning Expectations

Average pay is $10“$25/hour, but varies by location and demand.

Time Commitment

Work whenever you want. Some people do a few hours a week; others make it a full-time job.

Requirements & Startup Costs

  • Smartphone
  • Car, bike, or scooter (depending on app)
  • Background check (free or small fee)

Pros & Cons

  • Pros: High earning potential, flexible hours
  • Cons: Wear and tear on vehicle, must be comfortable with local travel

Beginner Tips

  • Work during peak meal times for more orders and higher tips.
  • Track your expenses for tax deductions.

Real-World Example

Maria delivers groceries with Instacart on weekends, making $100“$200 extra each month.

6. Selling Smartphone Photos

How It Works

Upload your best smartphone photos to stock photo apps. You earn money each time someone downloads your image.

Earning Expectations

Photos typically earn $0.25“$5 per download. Some users make $50“$200/month with a large portfolio.

Time Commitment

Take and upload photos in your free time.

Requirements & Startup Costs

  • Smartphone with a decent camera
  • No costs, but optional editing apps can help

Pros & Cons

  • Pros: Passive income, creative
  • Cons: Takes time to build up earnings, competitive

Beginner Tips

  • Try Foap, Shutterstock Contributor, or EyeEm.
  • Upload high-quality, well-lit images with clear subjects.

Real-World Example

Alex, a dog owner, sells cute pet photos on Foap and earns enough for monthly dog treats.

7. Market Research & Mystery Shopping

How It Works

Brands pay you to visit stores, check displays, or try services—then report your experience using your phone.

Earning Expectations

Typical pay is $5“$25 per assignment, plus reimbursement for purchases.

Time Commitment

Each shop takes 15“45 minutes, including reporting.

Requirements & Startup Costs

  • Smartphone
  • Transportation (for in-person shops)
  • No upfront fees

Pros & Cons

  • Pros: Fun, get paid to shop or eat out
  • Cons: Some assignments are location-specific

Beginner Tips

  • Check out Field Agent, Mobee, and iSecretShop.
  • Follow instructions closely to ensure payment.

Real-World Example

Emily uses Field Agent to earn $10“$30/month by checking product displays at stores she already visits.

8. Freelance Chat Support

How It Works

Some companies hire remote chat agents to answer customer questions via text or app chat—no calls required.

Earning Expectations

Pay ranges from $10“$18/hour, depending on the company and your speed.

Time Commitment

Shifts are usually 2“8 hours, but some platforms offer flexible schedules.

Requirements & Startup Costs

  • Smartphone with a reliable internet connection
  • Typing skills
  • No fees

Pros & Cons

  • Pros: Steady pay, work from anywhere
  • Cons: May require set hours, can be repetitive

Beginner Tips

  • Look for jobs on sites like The Chat Shop, ModSquad, or Upwork.
  • Practice fast, accurate typing on your phone.

Real-World Example

Jacob works part-time as a chat agent, answering customer questions for an online retailer during his evenings at home.

9. Social Media Moderation

How It Works

Moderators review posts, comments, or messages to keep online communities safe and friendly. Most platforms let you do this from your phone.

Earning Expectations

Pay varies: $10“$20/hour for contract work, or volunteer roles for experience.

Time Commitment

Shifts range from 1“8 hours, or flexible part-time gigs.

Requirements & Startup Costs

  • Smartphone
  • Attention to detail
  • No fees

Pros & Cons

  • Pros: Work from anywhere, helps build online work experience
  • Cons: Some content can be unpleasant, may require training

Beginner Tips

  • Apply on ModSquad, LiveWorld, or directly with brands social pages.
  • Start with volunteer or part-time roles to gain experience.

Real-World Example

Priya moderates a Facebook group for a parenting brand, earning $200/month while her kids nap.

10. Language Tutoring & Conversation Apps

How It Works

Use your phone to chat or video call with people learning your native language. You help them practice, and get paid by the minute or hour.

Earning Expectations

Most apps pay $10“$20/hour. Pay may be higher if you have teaching credentials.

Time Commitment

Flexible—work as many or as few hours as you want.

Requirements & Startup Costs

  • Smartphone with camera and mic
  • Fluent in your native language
  • No fees for most apps

Pros & Cons

  • Pros: Meet people worldwide, conversational and fun
  • Cons: May require patience, some platforms have strict rules

Beginner Tips

  • Try Cambly, PalFish, or Preply.
  • Be friendly and patient—students may be nervous.

Real-World Example

Sophia chats with English learners on Cambly for an hour each night, earning $60/week from her phone.

FAQ

  • Are these smartphone jobs legit?
    Yes, but always research apps before joining. Stick