How to Mine with Your Phone: The Complete Guide and Honest Review for 2025

What is mobile mining? Basic understanding

Cryptocurrency mining using smartphones refers to performing cryptographic computations on mobile devices (CPU or GPU) to earn digital assets. Unlike traditional mining that requires expensive ASIC chips or GPU miners, mobile mining only needs an app installation, allowing the device’s processor to validate transactions on the blockchain network. After completing calculations, users can receive corresponding cryptocurrency rewards.

Why will mobile mining remain popular in 2025?

Since 2023, mobile mining has experienced explosive growth. Several key drivers behind this phenomenon include:

First, the widespread availability of the internet has significantly improved, making capable smartphones common even in developing countries. Second, numerous new projects have emerged—such as Pi Network, Bee Network, Electroneum—that lower participation barriers, enabling ordinary users to start without professional knowledge. Third, the popularity of the Web3 ecosystem has increased interest in decentralized systems, with mobile mining serving as an entry point to understand this field.

For many beginners, mobile mining is a zero-risk experimental platform—no real money investment needed to obtain tokens and experience the cryptocurrency ecosystem.

What coins can be mined with a phone? Analysis of options

Not all cryptocurrencies are suitable for mining on mobile devices. The main options include:

Monero (XMR) — One of the few coins optimized for CPU mining. Its RandomX algorithm makes it feasible on phones.

Electroneum (ETN) — Designed specifically for mobile devices from inception. It is the first cryptocurrency to incorporate “simulated mining” features.

Pi Network (PI) — Does not rely on real computation but distributes tokens based on user engagement. Over 50 million users have installed the app.

Bee Network — A competitor to Pi, using social network models to attract users.

DuinoCoin, Verus Coin — Niche but active community CPU-mined coins.

TON — A network associated with Telegram, where mobile users can participate via staking or running light nodes.

Large coins like Bitcoin and Ethereum cannot be mined directly on phones due to high difficulty and computational costs exceeding rewards.

How does mobile mining work? A brief technical overview

The core principle of mobile mining is the same as on computers: devices perform cryptographic calculations to solve mathematical puzzles used to verify blockchain transactions. Successfully solving these puzzles grants miners a portion of block rewards.

Two main modes:

Local mining — The phone runs actual CPU processes to compute hashes. For example, MinerGate allows direct CPU mining.

Simulated or pseudo-mining — Apps simulate the mining process, with rewards based on user activity, reputation, and daily check-ins. Pi Network is an example.

Most of the time, users connect to mining pools—a network aggregating multiple miners’ computing power. Pooling increases the chances of finding valid blocks, with rewards distributed proportionally to contribution.

What happens during mobile mining? Effects on the device

When an app starts mining, smartphones undergo a series of changes:

Full CPU utilization — The CPU runs at near-maximum frequency, executing complex mathematical operations, leading to a sharp increase in power consumption.

Temperature rise — Without active cooling systems (most phones only have passive cooling), chip temperatures quickly climb. Hotter environments or cases exacerbate overheating risks. Overheating triggers throttling or automatic shutdowns to protect hardware.

Battery degradation — Continuous charge-discharge cycles severely impact battery lifespan. Just a few months of intensive mining can reduce capacity by 15%-30%, significantly shortening battery life.

System slowdown — Other apps competing for CPU resources cause slow page loads, UI lag, and in severe cases, frequent freezes or reboots.

Hardware aging — Long-term high temperatures and loads accelerate wear on the motherboard, power chips, and even the screen. Budget devices are especially vulnerable.

Hidden background processes — Some malicious apps continue mining even when the screen is off, keeping the device in an active state and greatly shortening its lifespan.

Therefore, mobile mining not only yields minimal profits but also can significantly damage device health.

How powerful are modern phones for mining?

Although limited, current flagship phones have considerable computing power. Devices with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 or Apple A17 Pro chips have CPU performance comparable to entry-level PCs.

However, profitability remains limited. A phone with a hash rate of 1-2 H/s, running 24/7, would earn only a few cents per day. For most users, this is negligible.

Nevertheless, for beginners testing, learning blockchain basics, or participating in emerging projects, mobile mining still has some value.

Comparison of main mobile mining methods

In-app direct mining

Common apps include: MinerGate, CryptoTab, Electroneum, AntPool Mobile, StormGain Cloud Miner.

Some offer real CPU mining; others distribute rewards based on activity.

Cloud mining alternatives

Instead of using the phone’s processing power directly, users rent remote server resources. StormGain Cloud Miner is typical: users click a button every 4 hours to earn BTC rewards without occupying device resources.

Withdrawals usually go to crypto wallets (Trust Wallet, MetaMask, Binance, etc.). Minimum withdrawal amounts range from $1 to $10, but withdrawal fees are often high, and processing times are long.

Which mining apps are worth using in 2025?

MinerGate Mobile Miner — Supports real algorithms, compatible with Monero, Bytecoin, AEON, and others. Requires a relatively powerful phone; earnings are low but genuine.

CryptoTab Browser — Claims “browser mining,” but rewards are based on activity rather than real computation. Often criticized for low returns and opaque payout rules.

Pi Network — A mining project with over 50 million downloads worldwide. Not yet open for public trading but expected to list on major exchanges soon.

Bee Network — Pi’s alternative, distributing tokens based on activity and invitations.

StormGain Cloud Miner — Offers “cloud” BTC mining, with no burden on the device.

Efficiency and profitability vary greatly. MinerGate requires high-end phones with limited returns. CryptoTab is criticized for low payouts and opaque rules. Pi Network has not yet launched trading, but if successful, its tokens could reach $1-$10.

Is zero-investment mobile mining feasible?

This mode assumes users do not spend money on devices, subscriptions, or cloud resources, but earn cryptocurrencies by “clicking” or participating in the ecosystem.

Common zero-investment projects:

• Pi Network — Daily button clicks to participate in network building
• Bee Network — Similar to Pi, emphasizing community expansion
• StormGain Cloud Miner — Daily check-ins to earn BTC

Advantages: completely risk-free. Disadvantages: very low income, entirely dependent on the project’s long-term commitment.

Key points to prevent mobile mining scams

Source is critical — Download only from official channels (Google Play, App Store). These platforms perform basic malware checks. Avoid unknown websites offering APK files, as they often contain viruses or data theft scripts.

Check reviews before downloading — Look at app ratings, user comments, and developer history. If an app claiming to easily earn Bitcoin has low ratings or many complaints (especially about withdrawals or account freezes), it’s a red flag.

Beware of false promises — High-yield VIP accounts or “accelerator” tools often lack economic basis. Many scam apps are variants of this—users pay for fake features, while developers profit. These are typical Ponzi schemes.

Enable two-factor authentication — Turn on 2FA for all linked crypto wallets, exchanges, and services. Even if passwords are leaked, this layer can prevent account theft.

Security tools are essential — Install antivirus software on Android devices at minimum. VPNs can also be useful, especially when connecting to public WiFi.

How much can you realistically earn? Expected income range

Most users earn between $0.01 and $0.30 per day, depending on the app, device performance, and time invested.

Example: A Galaxy S22 Ultra mining about 0.0004 XMR daily on MinerGate, worth approximately $0.08 at July 2025 prices.

Pi and Bee tokens are not yet listed on exchanges, so precise valuation is unavailable. If trading begins, Pi could reach $1-$10, benefiting early participants.

Overview of risks and hazards of mobile mining

Device lifespan shortened — Continuous high load accelerates battery degradation by 30%-50%.

Overheating dangers — Especially in summer or with cases.

Security vulnerabilities — Some apps secretly collect user data, enable hidden mining, or embed malicious code.

Financial scams — Many fake apps promise quick riches but never deliver.

For safety, choose apps with established histories and user bases, use old or spare devices, be cautious during setup, and monitor official news and community feedback. Any offers sounding too good to be true are likely scams. If an app promises dozens of dollars daily, requires no investment, but refuses to reveal how it works or how to withdraw, it’s safest to avoid it.

Summary: Is mobile mining still worth trying in 2025?

For beginners — It can be considered as a free way to get acquainted with the crypto world.

For experienced users — Not recommended; profits are too low, and risks (device wear, scams) too high.

Recommendations:

• Prioritize reputable apps
• Use idle or old devices instead of main phones
• Start with zero-cost projects
• Regularly check user feedback and official updates
• Immediately close any promising but exaggerated claims

Frequently Asked Questions

Can mobile mining really make money?

Yes, but the amounts are tiny. Monthly earnings typically range from a few cents to a few dollars, depending on the app, device, activity, and coin. Mostly used as a learning tool rather than a source of income.

Which mining app is most reliable?

MinerGate, CryptoTab, StormGain Cloud Miner, Pi Network, and Bee Network are relatively well-known options. But no app guarantees high profits. Always read reviews, check withdrawal rules, and developer reputation.

Is installing these apps safe?

Safety depends on the source and the app itself. Install only from official stores, review user feedback, and avoid granting unnecessary permissions. Some scam apps may steal data or run hidden mining processes.

Which coins can be mined on mobile?

Mainly Monero (XMR), Electroneum (ETN), Pi Network (PI), Bee Network, DuinoCoin, and cloud-mined Bitcoin via platforms like StormGain. Direct mining of Bitcoin and Ethereum on phones is not feasible.

Do I need to pay to start?

Most popular projects support zero-investment participation. Some apps include paid features or VIP subscriptions claiming to accelerate earnings. Be cautious: paying may not be worth it and could be part of a scam.

Is long-term mining harmful to phones?

Yes, especially over extended periods. CPU loads cause overheating, battery rapid degradation, and hardware aging. If you must try, use old devices.

Can I withdraw the coins I earn?

Yes, but it depends on the platform. MinerGate and CryptoTab allow withdrawals to wallets, usually with minimum limits and fees. Pi Network currently has no official withdrawal mechanism—tokens are still in testing.