Cryptocurrency Mining on Smartphones: The Complete Guide for Beginners in 2025

What is mobile mining?

Mobile mining is the process of obtaining digital assets by utilizing the computing power of a smartphone. Unlike traditional mining, which requires purchasing expensive ASIC equipment or graphics cards, this method is based on installing a mobile application that leverages the device’s CPU resources to perform cryptographic tasks. For the computations performed, the user receives rewards in the form of cryptocurrency tokens.

Why has interest in Bitcoin mining on phones increased in 2024-2025?

The explosive growth of mobile mining popularity has been driven by several converging factors:

1. Equipment availability
Modern smartphones have become more powerful and affordable. Even budget devices are now capable of performing basic calculations for cryptocurrency mining.

2. Wave of new projects
Apps like Pi Network (more than 50 million downloads), Bee Network, and others have simplified entry for the mass audience. They introduced the concept of mining without requiring technical knowledge.

3. Decentralization trend
Growing interest in Web3 and cryptocurrencies among ordinary users has made mobile mining a new entry point into the ecosystem. Many see it as a way to gain experience without risking large sums of money.

4. Alternative to traditional investments
For users in developing countries, Bitcoin mining on a phone has become an attractive way to earn without initial capital.

Which coins can be realistically mined on a smartphone?

Not all cryptocurrencies are equally suitable for mobile mining. Here are the most practical options:

( Monero )Monero, XMR###
Optimized for CPU mining thanks to the RandomX algorithm. It is one of the few major coins still accessible for smartphones. With 24/7 operation of a flagship device, you can mine approximately ~0.0004 XMR per day (as of July 2025, roughly $0.08).

( Electroneum )Electroneum, ETN###
Specifically designed for mobile audiences. Positioned as the first cryptocurrency with integrated mobile mining. The system is more battery-friendly than Monero mining.

( Alternative projects

• Pi Network )PI### — uses a mechanism similar to “simulated” mining, where tokens are awarded for activity in the network rather than actual computations
• Bee Network — social model where earnings depend on the size of your network and daily activity
• DuinoCoin — CPU mining with a low entry threshold

Major coins like Bitcoin and Ethereum require such power that mining on a phone becomes economically unfeasible.

How does the mining process work on mobile devices?

( How it works

A smartphone acts as a computational node. The app connects the device to a mining pool — a network of other users pooling their resources to increase chances of success. When the device finds a cryptographic solution, it receives a share of the reward proportional to its contribution to the total computations.

There are two main approaches:

• Direct mining — the phone directly performs hashing )MinerGate, Monero mining apps###
• Cloud mining — the app manages remote servers, and the user simply presses a button to receive payouts (StormGain Cloud Miner)

( What happens to your device?

Active mining puts serious stress on the smartphone:

Heat generation
The CPU runs at maximum frequency, generating significant heat. Most smartphones have passive cooling )without fans###, so the temperature can quickly exceed safe limits, especially in hot climates or if the device is in a case. This may lead to automatic performance throttling or shutdowns for self-protection.

Battery degradation
Frequent full charge/discharge cycles accelerate battery wear. After 2-3 months of intensive mining, battery capacity can decrease by 20-40%. Older devices are even more affected.

Performance slowdown
Other apps run slower as most CPU resources are dedicated to mining. You may notice delays in browser loading, sluggish messaging apps, or freezes when switching between applications.

Component wear
System board, power management chips, charging ports — all undergo accelerated aging. This is especially critical for budget models not designed for prolonged loads.

Hidden mining processes
Some apps continue mining in the background even when the screen is off, keeping the device constantly active and hot.

Types of mobile mining: what to choose?

( Apps for direct mining

MinerGate Mobile Miner — supports real algorithms )Monero, Bytecoin, AEON###. Requires a powerful phone, offers modest but honest earnings.

CryptoTab Browser — a browser with built-in mining feature. In practice, a browser-based mining app with rewards for activity.

Electroneum Official App — focuses on low-load mining with energy-saving system.

( Cloud mining

StormGain Cloud Miner — does not use your phone’s resources. You press a button every 4 hours and receive Bitcoin accruals. An ideal option for those who want to avoid device wear but are willing to participate in the system.

) Social projects

Pi Network — 50+ million users. Daily button presses, participation in the network. Tokens are not yet traded publicly, but the project is preparing for listing on major exchanges ###projected price: $1-10 per token###.

Bee Network — similar to Pi with an even more integrated referral system. Earnings depend on the size of your network.

How much can you realistically earn?

Real figures (July 2025):

• MinerGate with flagship device: $0.05-0.15 per day
• CryptoTab: $0.01-0.05 per day (highly dependent on browser traffic)
• StormGain: $0.02-0.10 per day
• Pi Network/Bee Network: $0-0.10 per day (depends on network size and activity)

Total: most users earn $1-5 per month. This is more a way to get acquainted with the crypto world than a source of income.

Projects like Pi Network do not have a fixed valuation since their tokens are not yet traded on open markets. However, if Pi’s price reaches the projected $1-10, even small accumulations could become promising.

Bitcoin mining on a phone: why does it not work directly?

Bitcoin uses the Proof-of-Work (PoW) algorithm with astronomical difficulty. Mining BTC requires specialized ASIC chips. A smartphone cannot compete with even a single ASIC miner. That’s why mobile apps either mine simpler coins (Monero), offer cloud mining (renting remote ASIC resources), or simulate mining through reward systems.

How to avoid scams?

The mobile mining market is flooded with fake apps. Practical tips:

Source of installation
Download only from Google Play or App Store. Avoid APK files from unknown sites — they often contain viruses and hidden scripts for data theft.

Review analysis
If an app promises (per day effortlessly, but has a 2.5-star rating and hundreds of complaints about withdrawal issues — it’s a red flag. Read recent reviews, look for info on withdrawals and account bans.

VIP and accelerators — a trap
Apps offering to buy VIP access or “accelerators” for real money often operate as pyramid schemes. Users pay, developers profit, but earnings are absent.

Enable 2FA everywhere
Activate two-factor authentication on all crypto wallets, exchanges, and services. This reduces hacking risks even if passwords leak.

Antivirus and VPN
On Android, install reliable antivirus software. When connecting to public Wi-Fi, use a VPN to protect data transmission.

Golden rule
If an offer sounds too good to be true — it probably is. Avoid such apps.

What is the real harm to the device?

Battery
Daily 8-hour mining accelerates battery degradation by 15-30%. After a year or two, the device may require battery replacement.

CPU and cooling system
Constant thermal cycling )heating-cooling$10 causes microcracks in solder joints. This can lead to device failure even if it looks fine externally.

Overall performance
Even after stopping mining, the smartphone may run slower due to accumulated wear.

Recommendation
Use an old or spare smartphone for mining, not your main device.

Is it worth mining on a phone in 2025?

For beginners: YES
It’s a way to get acquainted with cryptocurrencies, blockchain, and the Web3 ecosystem without financial risks. The low entry barrier and zero investments make it an ideal starting point.

For experienced users: NO
Profitability is negligible, and risks (device wear, time, scams) are real. It’s better to spend this energy on trading or investing.

Practical tips:

• Choose reputable apps with positive reviews
• Start with projects that require no monetary investment (Pi Network, Bee Network)
• Do not use your main smartphone
• Read recent reviews and official developer news
• Remember: honest income is always slow

Frequently Asked Questions

Is real earning possible?
Yes, but limited. From (to )per month — a realistic goal for most apps. It’s not a replacement for main income, but a supplement.

Which app to choose?
MinerGate and StormGain are considered the most reliable. Pi Network is popular, but tokens are not fully traded yet. Always check current reviews.

Are apps safe for security?
Trust only official app stores $1 Google Play, App Store$5 . Some apps steal data or include hidden mining.

Which coins to mine?
Monero (XMR) — the most practical choice for direct mining. Pi Network and Bee Network — for passive earning.

Are investments needed?
No. Most apps offer free mining. Paid features rarely pay off.

Is it harmful to the phone?
Yes, especially with prolonged use. Battery, CPU, and cooling system suffer. Use a spare device.

How to withdraw earned coins?
MinerGate and CryptoTab allow withdrawal to crypto wallets. Pi Network currently has no full withdrawal system — the project is still launching.