If You Only Have a Phone: Real Ways Students Can Make Money in Summer 2025

Published: June 12, 2025

Think you need a laptop or fancy equipment to make money online? Think again. If you're a student with just a smartphone and a summer ahead, you're already equipped to start earning. In this guide, we’ll explore practical, real-world ways students like you can make money in Summer 2025—using nothing but your phone.

1. Microtask Apps

Apps like Clickworker, Remotasks, and Microworkers allow you to complete small tasks on your phone—such as labeling images, taking surveys, or verifying data. Tasks are short and the pay per task is low, but it adds up over time.

Best Apps:

2. Resell Items on Facebook Marketplace

If you can access local items for free or at low cost (think: old books, clothes, electronics), take pictures and list them for sale directly from your phone. Facebook Marketplace is perfect for this and easy to manage via the app.

3. Create Content on TikTok or Instagram

If you love creating videos, you can start building an audience on platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, or even YouTube Shorts. Monetization can come from affiliate links, sponsorships, or selling your own services. All you need is creativity and consistency.

Tips:

4. Sell Digital Services on Fiverr

You can offer basic services like transcription, translation, or social media content creation—all from your phone. Use voice-to-text, mobile editing apps, and even Canva to deliver work quickly.

Ideas for Mobile Services:

5. Answer Questions on JustAnswer or StudyPool

If you’re good in subjects like math, science, or English, you can make money helping others on platforms like StudyPool. Even if you’re still a student, you can apply and help others for a fee. Some platforms require verification, but many are mobile-friendly.

6. Do Affiliate Marketing

With affiliate marketing, you promote products and earn money when someone buys through your link. Sign up for programs like Amazon Associates or Impact, then create short reviews or posts linking to your product. Post them on TikTok, Instagram, or Quora—all from your phone.

Beginner Tips:

7. Write Articles Using AI Tools

Apps like ChatGPT, Notion AI, and GrammarlyGO allow you to generate or edit content directly from your phone. You can then sell this content to blogs, use it for affiliate marketing, or post it on Medium and earn through their Partner Program.

8. Join Paid Survey Platforms

While this won’t make you rich, sites like InboxDollars, Toluna, and YouGov offer money or gift cards in exchange for completing short surveys. Make it a habit, and you could earn lunch money daily.

9. Mobile Photography

If you’re good at taking pictures with your phone, upload them to stock photo websites like Foap, Shutterstock, or EyeEm. Every time someone downloads your photo, you earn a small commission.

10. Offer Local Services Using Apps

If you're allowed to work locally, use your phone to post flyers or list services such as tutoring, dog walking, or tech help. Apps like TaskRabbit or even WhatsApp groups can help you find clients fast.

Bonus: Use Chatbots or AI for Productivity

Whether it's generating captions, writing email responses, or even managing basic customer service, AI tools on mobile like ChatGPT can help you run your hustle smarter, not harder.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need a computer or a full-time job to make money as a student. In 2025, a smartphone is more than enough to start earning online. Whether it’s by selling services, using apps, or creating content, the opportunities are endless—if you’re willing to act.

Start small, stay consistent, and track what works for you. Your phone isn’t just for scrolling—this summer, make it your money-maker.

Want more ideas? Read this next: Top 5 Affiliate Programs for Beginners to Earn Money in 2025