Mobile mining in 2025: reality and prospects

The essence of the phenomenon: what is mobile mining

The technique of extracting crypto assets from portable devices represents a fundamentally different approach to traditional mining. Unlike investing in ASIC equipment or graphics cards, users only need to install a special app that utilizes the processing resources of their mobile device’s CPU. Rewards are credited in the form of digital assets, attracting millions of newcomers eager to explore the crypto environment without financial risks.

How interest in portable device mining is growing

The period 2023–2024 has been marked by an explosive demand for mobile mining solutions. Several factors contributed to this. First, a range of applications providing easy access without complex requirements has become widespread—these solutions gained popularity due to their attractive interfaces and ease of entry. The second catalyst was the global proliferation of new-generation smartphones with powerful processors, even in budget segments. The third factor is cultural: interest in decentralized ecosystems and the Web3 narrative. Additionally, mobile mining is positioned as a more democratic alternative to resource-intensive approaches.

Which coins are available for home mining

A limited list of assets can be mined on portable devices:

• Monero (XMR) — optimized for CPU calculations thanks to the RandomX algorithm, leading in mobile mining convenience
• Electroneum (ETN) — specially designed considering mobile limitations, first to implement a mining simulation system on smartphones
• Pi Network (PI) — a model without real computations, based on distributing tokens for activity within the ecosystem
• Bee Network — a social platform with invitation mechanics and rewards for participation
• TON — integrated with the Telegram ecosystem, open for participation via staking and nodes on mobile devices
• Additional options — Verus Coin, DuinoCoin, and other niche projects focused on CPU mining

How it works: the mining process

The essence of the process is that the device performs complex mathematical calculations to solve cryptographic problems. These calculations are necessary to validate transactions and add new blocks to the distributed ledger (blockchain). When the task is completed, the smartphone receives a share of the reward for the created block—either by working as part of a pool (a collective of multiple participants) or through individual solo mining.

There are two main approaches:

1. Direct processing — the device uses its own processor for hashing (e.g., MinerGate)
2. Simulation system — the app credits rewards for activity, while actual computations are performed on remote servers (e.g., Pi Network)

Most users connect to pools—groups of miners distributing rewards proportionally to each participant’s contribution.

Device load: what happens during continuous mining

Mining apps operate very differently from regular smartphone use. The processor runs at full capacity, continuously processing data. This causes increased heat generation—the temperature of internal components can quickly rise to critical levels, especially in hot climates or when using protective cases that hinder cooling.

Impact on battery: the battery discharges significantly faster. Continuous mining can degrade capacity by 15–30% over several months, substantially reducing battery life.

System slowdown: other apps respond more slowly as computational resources are occupied. Web pages load longer, interfaces become less responsive, and freezes may occur.

Accelerated component wear: constant load shortens the lifespan of the motherboard and power microchips, and can even damage the display with prolonged use. Budget models are most affected.

Hidden background processes: some apps continue mining even when the screen is off, turning the smartphone into a constantly active device. This greatly increases the risk of hardware failure.

In summary—mobile mining is not just a low-yield activity but also a serious test for the device, capable of reducing its operational lifespan several times.

Capabilities of modern smartphones

Despite limitations, flagship models (Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, Apple A17 Pro) show quite competitive results compared to budget PCs. However, actual profitability remains minimal: with 1–2 H/s, the daily earnings are just a few cents. Nevertheless, for educational purposes, testing new ecosystems, or initial acquaintance with crypto culture, mobile mining remains relevant.

Forms of mining organization

Direct mining via mobile apps

The most well-known platforms: MinerGate, CryptoTab, Electroneum, AntPool Mobile, StormGain Cloud Miner. Some perform actual calculations, others credit rewards for activity.

Cloud mining model

An alternative where the smartphone is not burdened with computations. The user connects to remote servers and earns income from their work. Example — StormGain Cloud Miner, where you need to press a button once every 4 hours. Withdrawals are made to crypto wallets. Many apps set a minimum threshold—$1$10 or higher. Complaints about high fees and long wait times are common.

Popular tools ranking

In 2025, the leading solutions are:

• MinerGate Mobile Miner — real algorithms, support for Monero, Bytecoin, AEON
• CryptoTab Browser — browser with integrated mining feature (essentially—rewards for activity)
• Pi Network — over 50 million users, awaiting listing on major exchanges
• Bee Network — similar to Pi with invitation and team system
• StormGain Cloud Miner — cloud Bitcoin mining without device load

Efficiency varies greatly. MinerGate requires a powerful device and provides noticeable, though modest, income. CryptoTab faces criticism for opaque reward calculations. Pi Network is not yet publicly traded, but developers are preparing for listing.

Mining without financial investments

The concept involves zero expenses on equipment, subscriptions, or cloud services. Rewards are credited through daily actions or distribution systems:

• Pi Network — daily clicks and participation
• Bee Network — similar scheme with the ability to attract partners
• StormGain Cloud Miner — daily Bitcoin credits

Advantage — complete absence of financial risk. Disadvantage — tiny income and dependence on the developers’ long-term strategy.

Protection against fraudulent projects

Digital security when choosing mobile solutions requires caution:

• Download only from official channels — Google Play, App Store
• Carefully review ratings, user comments, developer info
• Reject offers to buy VIP status or accelerators without clear justification
• Enable two-factor authentication on all wallets and accounts
• Use antivirus software, and VPN if necessary

Red flags: promises of dozens of dollars per day, lack of transparency in withdrawals, low ratings with complaints about account freezes, requests for investments to “accelerate” earnings. Any offer that sounds unrealistic is almost certainly such.

Actual earnings amounts

In practice, users earn $0.01–$0.30 per day, depending on the device, chosen app, and usage time. For example: a smartphone with a powerful processor mining Monero via MinerGate can yield about 0.0004 XMR per day, roughly $0.08. Projects like Pi or Bee currently lack open valuation since their tokens are not traded. However, if Pi successfully enters the market, its rate could reach $1–$10, making early participation promising.

Threats and challenges

• Hardware degradation: batteries wear out 30–50% faster than normal
• Overheating: higher risk in hot climates and budget models
• Cyber threats: some apps collect data, include hidden computations, or contain malware
• Financial scams: many fake apps promise quick income but do not pay

Is it worth starting mobile mining

For beginners in the crypto sphere — advisable: it’s a way to get acquainted without financial costs. For experienced traders — not advisable: earnings are negligible, and risks are high.

Practical tips:

• Use only verified apps
• Don’t overload your main device — use an old one
• Start with projects without paid subscriptions
• Regularly check reviews and official information from the team