The Current State of Mobile Mining | Complete Analysis for 2025

Introduction: What Is Mobile Mining Exactly?

Mobile mining refers to the method of using smart devices’ computing power to acquire cryptocurrency assets. Compared to traditional ASIC miners or GPU farms, this approach is extremely low-cost—you only need to install an app that allows your phone’s CPU or GPU to participate in calculations and earn rewards. It sounds simple, but the story behind it is far more complex than it appears.

Why Will the Mining Boom of 2024-2025 Explode?

In the past two years, mobile mining has transformed from a niche hobby into a mainstream topic. This is no coincidence:

The proliferation of the internet and smartphones has enabled billions of people worldwide to participate. No need for expensive hardware investments, lowering the barrier to entry. The emergence of new projects (like Pi Network attracting over 50 million users, followed by Bee Network) has created new hotspots for participation. The promotion of Web3 concepts has made mining a “gateway” into the crypto world.

For many newcomers, this is a low-risk (or even zero-risk) learning path.

What Coins Can Be Mined on Mobile Devices?

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

Monero (XMR) — One of the few coins optimized for CPU mining, with the RandomX algorithm making it mobile-friendly.

Electroneum (ETN) — Designed specifically for mobile devices, and the industry’s first project to introduce “simulated mining” mechanisms.

Pi Network — This project doesn’t perform real calculations but distributes tokens based on user activity and network contribution.

Bee Network — Similar to Pi, using social mining with invitations and activity to earn rewards.

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

Other options — Niche coins like DuinoCoin, Verus Coin, and others also have active mobile mining communities.

It’s important to note that mainstream coins like Bitcoin and Ethereum are too difficult to mine directly on phones.

Deep Dive: How Does Mobile Mining Actually Work?

Mobile mining operates in two completely different modes:

Real Mining Mode — The device’s CPU genuinely solves mathematical problems. For example, apps like MinerGate make the phone’s processor continuously compute hashes to verify blockchain transactions. After successfully completing calculations, your device earns corresponding rewards. Usually, these devices join mining pools, sharing computing resources and splitting rewards.

Virtual/Activity Rewards Mode — Like Pi Network, where no real calculations are performed. The app simply prompts you to tap a button daily, distributing tokens based on your network reputation, activity level, and invitation contributions.

The economic logic of these two modes is entirely different, and the returns vary greatly.

How Does Mobile Mining Affect Your Device?

Recognizing this is crucial: mobile mining has tangible costs.

Full CPU utilization — Running the processor at high load for extended periods generates a lot of heat. Mobile cooling systems are passive (no fans), and in hot climates or with phone cases, temperatures can quickly reach dangerous levels.

Rapid battery degradation — Frequent charging and discharging cycles can reduce battery capacity by 15-30% within months, directly impacting your phone’s battery life.

System slowdown — When mining consumes significant CPU resources, other apps become noticeably sluggish. You’ll notice slow web browsing, lagging apps, or even system crashes and reboots.

Accelerated hardware aging — Long-term high temperatures and loads speed up aging of internal components, especially circuit boards, power chips, and even screens. Budget devices are most affected.

Hidden background mining threats — Some malicious apps secretly mine in the background, even when the screen is off. This keeps the device under constant high load, greatly shortening its lifespan.

In summary: mobile mining may seem cost-free, but in reality, it’s using your hardware’s lifespan to earn meager gains.

What Level of Mining Power Can Phones Achieve?

Modern flagship phones (like those with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 or Apple A17 Pro chips) have impressive single-core performance. Theoretically, they can produce around 1-2 H/s (hashes per second).

But the reality is sobering: even such devices mining 24/7 only earn a few cents per day. Older or mid-range phones earn even less.

However, from a learning and experience perspective, mobile mining still has value—especially if you want to explore a new ecosystem.

Comparison of Popular Mining Apps Today

MinerGate — Supports multiple algorithms, capable of real mining of Monero and other coins. Requires decent device performance; earnings are relatively modest but tangible.

CryptoTab Browser — Essentially a browser with activity rewards, not true mining. Often criticized for very low earnings and opaque payout mechanisms.

Pi Network — The largest project (over 50 million users), earning tokens by simple daily taps. The tokens are not yet tradable, but the team promises support for trading once mainnet launches.

Bee Network — Pi’s competitor, using a team-building model where activity and invitations determine earnings.

StormGain Cloud Miner — Offers “cloud mining” experience; you just tap a button every 4 hours to earn Bitcoin rewards, without using your phone’s resources.

The profitability of these apps varies greatly. MinerGate is closest to real mining; Pi and Bee are more like participation incentives in new ecosystems.

The Reality of Zero-Investment Mining

Many are attracted by promises of “zero investment, no cost.” Such apps do exist:

You don’t pay for hardware. No VIP subscriptions needed. Just open the app daily and tap to accumulate tokens.

The advantage is clear—zero risk, free exploration of the crypto ecosystem. But the disadvantages are equally obvious: very low income, entirely dependent on the project’s long-term operation. If the project changes rules or runs away, your accumulated tokens could become worthless.

Scam Prevention Guide: How to Identify and Avoid Risks

Fraud is rampant in this field.

Source of installation is critical — Only download from official app stores (iOS App Store, Google Play). These platforms have basic review mechanisms, though not foolproof. APKs from unknown sites often contain viruses or malicious scripts.

Check ratings and reviews — If an app promises “dozens of dollars daily” but has 1-2 star ratings and complaints about withdrawal issues or account locks, it’s a red flag.

Beware of “accelerators” and “VIP services” — Many scam apps lure you into paying real money for “premium features” to “speed up mining.” This is usually pure fraud—economically nonsensical.

This is a typical Ponzi scheme structure — New users pay subscription fees, which are used to pay old users’ “profits.” As long as new users keep joining, the scheme can sustain itself, but it will eventually collapse.

Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) — Activate 2FA on all your wallets and exchanges linked to these apps to protect your assets even if passwords are leaked.

Install antivirus software — Especially on Android, reliable security apps can prevent malware intrusion.

Use VPNs to protect your connection — When on public WiFi, VPNs can prevent data interception.

Most importantly: trust your instincts — If an app’s promises sound too good to be true, it probably is. Genuine mobile mining yields tiny returns; any app claiming to make you hundreds of dollars daily should be viewed with suspicion.

Actual Income Data

In reality, how much can most users earn daily? According to platform statistics:

Typically between $0.01 and $0.30 per day, depending on the app, device performance, time invested, and chosen coin.

For example, mining Monero on MinerGate with a Galaxy S series flagship for 24 hours yields about 0.0004 XMR, which at the July 2025 price is roughly $0.08. Over a month, that’s about $2-3.

Tokens from Pi and Bee are not yet listed on public exchanges, so their value is uncertain. If Pi’s trading market launches and the token price is between $1 and $10, early participants could see significant returns.

Key Issues and Risks Not to Ignore

Device wear and tear — Continuous high load shortens battery lifespan by 30-50%.

Overheating — Especially in summer or with thick cases, overheating can cause automatic throttling or shutdowns.

Security risks — Some apps may collect personal data, perform hidden mining, or embed malware.

Fraudulent apps — Hundreds of fake apps claim to help you make quick money but do nothing.

To avoid these traps, the core advice is: only test with old or spare phones; carefully vet app reputation and developer background; be skeptical of “get rich quick” promises; stay updated with official news and user feedback.

Should You Try Mobile Mining in 2025?

If you’re a beginner — Yes, it’s worth trying. It’s a zero-cost way to learn about the crypto ecosystem and explore different projects.

If you’re experienced — Probably not necessary. Real earnings are too low, and risks (device wear, scams) outweigh the tiny gains.

Core recommendations:

• Choose well-known, highly-rated apps with many users
• Use an old or spare device, not your main phone
• Start with zero-investment projects, learn gradually before exploring other options
• Regularly check official developer updates and community feedback
• Don’t expect this to become a significant income source

Common Questions Answered

Can mobile mining really make money?
Yes, but very little. Usually a few dollars per month, at most a dozen. More importantly, it’s about learning and experience, not financial gains.

Which app is most trustworthy?
MinerGate, CryptoTab, StormGain Cloud Miner, Pi Network, and Bee Network are relatively well-known. But “most trustworthy” is an exaggeration—each has pros and cons, and all carry scam risks.

Will installing these apps damage my phone?
It depends on the app and usage. Official apps are generally safe, but beware of hidden mining apps. Don’t mine 24/7; give your device rest.

What coins can be mined on phones?
Mainly Monero, Electroneum, Pi Network, Bee Network, DuinoCoin, and some small coins. Bitcoin and Ethereum are too difficult to mine directly on phones unless via cloud mining services.

Do I have to pay to start?
No. Most popular projects support zero-investment participation. But if you see things like VIP upgrades or accelerators requiring payment, it’s usually a scam.

Will it harm my phone?
Yes. Long-term full CPU load causes high temperatures, rapid battery wear, and shortens device lifespan. If you want to try, use an old phone.

Can I withdraw the coins mined?
Depends on the app. MinerGate and CryptoTab allow withdrawal to wallets, but usually with minimum thresholds and fees. Pi Network can’t withdraw real money yet; you must wait until the project launches trading.