Mobile mining in 2025: reality and myths

Introduction: What You Need to Know First

Mining with a phone is an attempt to earn cryptocurrency rewards using the smartphone’s computing power. Unlike traditional methods, it is accessible: no need to purchase ASIC equipment or expensive farms. Instead, you install an app that uses the device’s (CPU) processor for mathematical calculations to earn rewards.

However, it’s important to understand right away: interest in this method is growing among beginners, but experienced market participants are skeptical. In 2025, the relevance of mobile mining largely depends on your expectations and understanding of the risks.

Why Mobile Mining Became a Mass Phenomenon

The popularity of phone mining began around 2023–2024, influenced by several factors. The global spread of high-performance smartphones in developing countries created a large audience. At the same time, projects aimed at mobile users appeared: Pi Network attracted over 50 million participants, Bee Network offered a similar social model, and Electroneum developed a specialized protocol for smartphones.

For many, mining on a phone seems like a way to enter the crypto ecosystem without financial risks, gaining initial tokens and experience interacting with blockchain.

Mining Mechanics: How It Works in Practice

On a technical level, the process is similar to classical mining: the smartphone solves cryptographic problems to confirm transactions on the blockchain. There are two main approaches:

Direct mining — the device directly uses its (processor), e.g., MinerGate, which works with Monero(. The smartphone connects to a mining pool, where its power is combined with other devices to increase efficiency.

Simulated mining — the app imitates mining, and rewards are given for activity, status verification, and inviting friends )Pi Network, Bee Network(.

Device Load: What Happens Inside

During mining, the smartphone experiences significant loads. The processor runs at maximum capacity, consuming energy more intensively than usual. Most modern phones have passive cooling — without fans — so component temperatures quickly reach critical levels. In hot climates or when using a case, the risk of overheating increases, which can lead to reduced performance or automatic shutdown.

The battery degrades faster: its capacity can drop by 15–30% over several months of intensive use. Other apps run slower, and the interface becomes less responsive. Long-term use accelerates wear on the system board, power microchips, and even the screen.

Particularly dangerous are background processes that some apps run covertly — they continue mining even with the screen off, keeping the smartphone under constant tension.

Which Coins Are Available for Mobile Mining

On a phone, you can realistically mine a limited set of cryptocurrencies:

• Monero )XMR( — optimized for CPU mining thanks to the RandomX algorithm. Remains popular in mobile environments.
• Electroneum )ETN( — designed specifically for smartphones, the first to introduce the mobile mining concept.
• Pi Network )PI( — does not use real calculations but distributes tokens to network participants.
• Bee Network — social platform with a reward system for activity.
• DuinoCoin — less known but active alternative.
• Cloud Bitcoin — via services like StormGain )you don’t actually mine, but receive micro-payments for activity(.

Bitcoin and Ethereum cannot be mined directly — their complexity requires specialized hardware.

Phone Performance: Real Numbers

Flagship devices with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 or Apple A17 Pro chips demonstrate competitive performance compared to budget PCs. However, profitability remains minimal. Running a smartphone 24/7 with a hash rate of 1–2 H/s )hashes per second( yields a few cents per day. For example, a flagship Galaxy S22 Ultra mining with MinerGate earns about 0.0004 XMR per day, which in July 2025 is roughly $0.08.

Types of Mobile Mining Apps

Direct mining apps: MinerGate Mobile Miner, AntPool Mobile — use the device’s processor for real calculations.

Cloud platforms: StormGain Cloud Miner — you do not use your phone’s resources; just press a button every 4 hours and receive micro earnings in Bitcoin.

Social reward systems: Pi Network, Bee Network — mining is simulated; income depends on activity and invitations.

Browser solutions: CryptoTab Browser — a browser with mining features )actually works through a reward system for usage$1 .

Withdrawals are usually sent to crypto wallets or exchanges, with minimum thresholds ranging from ($10). Users often face high fees and delays.

Mining Without Investment: How Real Is It

Most popular apps truly do not require money upfront. Pi Network, Bee Network, and StormGain operate based on daily activity. The advantage is zero financial risk. The downside is that earnings are minimal and entirely depend on developers’ long-term plans.

Paid VIP subscriptions promising to accelerate mining are often part of scams. If a promise of high income requires payment — that’s a red flag.

Financial Reality: How Much Can You Earn

On average, users earn from $0.01 to $0.30 per day — varying depending on device, app, and time spent. Over a month, this amounts to roughly $0.30–$9. For comparison: the electricity cost for charging a smartphone often exceeds the earned income.

Projects like Pi have no confirmed valuation yet, as tokens are not traded openly. However, if the platform launches successfully, the rate could be $1–$10, making early participation promising. It’s more gambling than guaranteed earning.

How to Avoid Scams

Source of installation: only download apps from Google Play and the App Store. APK files from unknown sites often contain viruses.

Check the developer: read reviews, ratings, update history. If an app claims to generate income effortlessly but has low ratings and complaints about withdrawal issues — it’s a scam.

Red flags: promises of high earnings, requiring payment for VIP access, lack of transparent withdrawal info, hidden conditions.

Account security: use two-factor authentication (2FA) on all wallets and exchanges. This protects against hacking even if passwords leak.

Antivirus and network: install antivirus software on Android. When connecting to public Wi-Fi, use a VPN to secure your connection.

Problems and Risks

• Accelerated wear: batteries degrade 30–50% faster, reducing device lifespan.
• Overheating: especially critical in summer or on budget models.
• Security: some apps collect data, include hidden mining, or infect devices with malware.
• Financial scams: dozens of fake apps do not pay despite promises.

Is Mining with a Phone Worth It in 2025

For beginners: yes, as a risk-free way to get acquainted with the crypto world and obtain initial tokens.

For experienced users: no. The income is too low relative to device wear and electricity consumption.

Participation tips:

• Choose reputable apps with good reputation.
• Do not use your main phone — take an old or spare device.
• Start with apps that do not require investment.
• Monitor reviews and official developer news.
• Do not pay for accelerators or VIP access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I really make money?
Yes, but minimally. From a few cents to a couple of dollars per month — more as a way to get familiar with crypto than a source of income.

Which app is the most reliable?
MinerGate, CryptoTab, StormGain Cloud Miner, Pi Network, and Bee Network are considered verified. But none guarantees high profits. Always check withdrawal conditions and reputation.

Is it safe?
Depends on the source. Install only from official stores, check reviews. Scam apps may steal data or include hidden mining.

Does mining harm the phone?
Yes, prolonged use accelerates battery and component wear. It’s recommended to use an old device.

Are monetary investments needed?
Most projects operate without upfront money. Avoid paid subscriptions — often part of scams.

Will I get coins?
Yes, but with minimum withdrawal thresholds ($1–$10) and possible fees. Some platforms like Pi still do not support withdrawals.