Mobile mining in 2025: What users are really getting

What is Behind the Term “Mining on Your Phone”

Cryptocurrency mining through mobile devices is a way to generate digital assets by utilizing the smartphone’s computing resources instead of specialized equipment. The main difference from traditional approaches is that there is no need to invest in expensive ASIC miners or graphics cards. The user simply installs an app that loads the smartphone’s (CPU) or (GPU) graphics accelerator to perform calculations for cryptocurrency rewards.

Why Has Interest in Mobile Mining Suddenly Increased in Recent Years

The surge in popularity is linked to several factors simultaneously. First, smartphones with powerful hardware have become accessible even in less developed countries. Second, projects aimed at the mass market have appeared: Pi Network, Bee Network, Electroneum — they offer simplified entry and minimal barriers to participation. Third, growing interest in decentralization and Web3 technologies has made mobile mining part of crypto culture.

For many, it is a way to gain initial experience with cryptocurrencies without risking their own capital, unlike cloud investments or professional equipment.

Which Coins Are Suitable for Mining on a Smartphone

Not every cryptocurrency can be mined on a mobile device. The most compatible options:

• Monero (XMR) — optimized for CPU calculations. Its RandomX algorithm makes it attractive for mobile device users.
• Electroneum (ETN) — designed with a focus on smartphones. The first coin to implement integrated “simulated mining” on mobile devices.
• Pi Network (PI) — does not use traditional calculations but distributes tokens for user activity within the ecosystem.
• Bee Network — social platform where coins are awarded for participation and inviting others.
• TON (The Open Network) — associated with Telegram. No direct mining on phones, but users participate via staking and node operation.
• DuinoCoin, Verus Coin — less known coins with active communities and CPU mining.

Mining Mechanics: How It Works in Practice

The process mirrors traditional mining on computers. The device performs complex mathematical operations to solve cryptographic problems necessary to confirm transactions and add blocks to the blockchain.

When the task is solved, the device (if connected to a mining pool or working solo) receives a share of the reward from the created block.

There are two methods:

1. Local mining — the smartphone actually processes hash functions (for example, MinerGate).
2. Conditional or emulated mining — apps like Pi Network simulate the process, paying rewards for activity and daily checks.

Typically, devices join pools — networks of other miners combining computational power for efficiency. Profits are distributed based on each participant’s contribution.

Device Load During Mining

During mining, the smartphone experiences extreme stress. The processor runs near maximum, constantly performing complex calculations. This leads to significant power consumption and heating.

Most modern smartphones use passive cooling without fans. As a result, component temperatures quickly rise to dangerous levels, especially in summer or when in cases. The device may slow down or shut off automatically to protect against overheating.

The battery drains much faster. Intensive charge-discharge cycles reduce its capacity by 15–30% over several months of active use, decreasing battery life.

Other apps start lagging because CPU resources are occupied by mining. Pages load slower, the interface becomes less responsive, and the device may freeze or reboot.

Constant load accelerates component wear: motherboard, power chips, even the screen during continuous activity. This is especially true for older or budget models.

The greatest danger comes from apps that secretly mine in the background even when the screen is off. The device remains constantly under stress, increasing the risk of failure.

Actual Performance of Mobile Devices

Despite limitations, the latest smartphones like Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 or Apple A17 Pro show acceptable performance for CPU mining. However, earnings remain minimal.

Running 24/7 on a device with a hashrate of 1–2 H/s (hashes per second) can yield only a few cents per day. Nevertheless, for learning, testing, or joining new crypto ecosystems, mobile mining remains relevant.

Types of Mobile Mining

Direct Mining Apps

Examples include: MinerGate, CryptoTab, Electroneum, AntPool Mobile, StormGain Cloud Miner. Some perform real calculations, others pay for participation and activity.

Cloud Mining via Remote Servers

An alternative approach where the smartphone’s power is not used. Instead, the user rents computing resources from remote servers. StormGain Cloud Miner is a popular example: press a button every 4 hours and receive rewards without load on the device.

Withdrawals are usually made to crypto wallets (Trust Wallet, MetaMask, etc.). The minimum withdrawal threshold varies from $1 to $10 and higher. Complaints about fees and delays are common.

Verified Apps for 2025

• MinerGate Mobile Miner — supports real algorithms, works with Monero, Bytecoin, AEON.
• CryptoTab Browser — browser with integrated “mining,” though mainly rewards for activity.
• Pi Network — one of the most downloaded projects, over 50 million users.
• Bee Network — similar to Pi, with rewards for activity and invitations.
• StormGain Cloud Miner — cloud BTC mining without device load.

Efficiency heavily depends on the project. MinerGate requires a powerful smartphone and offers modest income. CryptoTab is criticized for low payouts and opaque reward systems. Pi Network is not yet traded but is preparing for listing.

Mining Without Initial Investment

This approach involves no expenses for equipment, subscriptions, or cloud servers. Earnings come from daily clicks or reward systems.

Typical examples:

• Pi Network — daily button press and network participation.
• Bee Network — similar, with team-building options.
• StormGain Cloud Miner — BTC for daily activity.

Advantage: zero financial risk. Disadvantage: low income and dependence on developers’ long-term strategy.

How to Avoid Scammers

• Download only from official stores (Google Play, App Store).
• Check ratings, reviews, and developer history.
• Do not buy VIP accounts or “accelerators” without clear information.
• Enable two-factor authentication on wallets and services.
• Use antivirus and VPN if needed.

Never download APK files from unknown sites — they often contain viruses. Offers of quick earnings with no effort in poorly reputed apps are red flags. Promises of high income via VIP access are usually pyramid schemes.

Actual Earnings Users Make

On average: from $0.01 to $0.30 per day, depending on the project, device specs, and time spent on the app.

Example: a user with Galaxy S22 Ultra mines about 0.0004 XMR daily on MinerGate. At current rates, this is about $0.08.

Projects like Pi or Bee have no fixed value since their tokens are not yet traded publicly. However, if the market launches successfully, Pi’s price could reach $1–$10, making early participation potentially profitable.

Main Challenges and Threats

• Device degradation: constant load reduces battery life by 30–50%.
• Overheating: critical in summer and on budget models.
• Security threats: some apps collect personal data, include hidden mining, or infect with malware.
• Financial scams: many fake apps promise income but do not pay.

It’s important to realize that any offer that sounds too good to be true probably is. If an app promises dozens of dollars without investments, does not explain the reward mechanism, and lacks transparent withdrawal info — avoid it.

Final Recommendations for 2025

For beginners in crypto, mining on a phone can be a useful introduction with no financial risks. For experienced traders, it is ineffective: earnings are minimal, and threats (device wear, scam risk) are significant.

Practical tips:

• Choose apps with a verified reputation.
• Use an old smartphone, not your main device.
• Start with projects that do not require investments.
• Constantly monitor reviews and official developer updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is real income from mobile mining possible?
Yes, but very limited. On average, $0.01–$2 per month depending on device and app. It’s more of an acquaintance with crypto than a stable income.

Which service is most reliable?
Most proven: MinerGate, CryptoTab, StormGain Cloud Miner, Pi Network, Bee Network. None guarantees high income. Always check withdrawal conditions and reputation.

Is installing such apps dangerous?
Security depends on the source. Install only from official stores, check ratings, and avoid excessive permissions. Malicious apps steal data or include hidden mining.

Which coins does mobile mining support?
Main: Monero (XMR), Electroneum (ETN), Pi Network (PI), Bee Network, DuinoCoin. Cloud services allow mining of Bitcoin. Large cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum are not mined directly due to high difficulty.

Are initial investments needed?
No, most projects offer mining without initial capital. But paid features and VIP access exist. Be cautious: paid subscriptions are often not justified.

Does mining harm the smartphone?
Yes, especially with prolonged use. Load causes overheating, accelerates battery wear, and can shorten overall device lifespan. It’s recommended to use an old device.

Can I withdraw earned coins?
Yes, but depends on the platform. Some set minimums and fees. MinerGate and CryptoTab allow withdrawals to wallets. Pi Network currently does not have a full withdrawal system — tokens are in the launch phase.