Mobile cryptocurrency mining means using your phone’s processing power to participate in blockchain networks, but contrary to popular belief, this method is more educational than real income-generating. Many users are attracted to this idea due to the ease of access to mining applications and consider it an easy way to enter the world of cryptocurrency.
In practice, however, hardware limitations, high energy consumption, and platform security policies have made the profitability of mobile mining almost negligible. Expert reports also show that most applications either work based on cloud mining and simulation or have been removed from official stores due to security risks. The main question is: is this method still worth trying or should we look for more serious alternatives?
What is mobile cryptocurrency mining?
Mobile cryptocurrency mining involves using the phone’s processor and, in some cases, the phone’s graphics card to solve blockchain equations and verify transactions, but the limited processing power of these devices means that the output is very small in practice.
Simply put, a mobile phone can simulate what powerful ASIC devices or large-scale GPU rigs do, but its speed and power are not enough to compete with the network. For this reason, most mobile mining applications are either purely demonstration and educational or act as an intermediary for cloud mining.
Methods of mining cryptocurrency with a phone
Methods of mining cryptocurrency with a phone include three main models: real mining with a mobile processor, cloud mining on company servers, and pseudo-mining or simulation, which is more educational.
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- Real Mining
In this method, the phone’s processor directly enters the solution of blockchain equations. Mobile hashrates are at best a few hashes per second (H/s), while ASIC devices have a processing power of hundreds of trillions of hashes per second (TH/s). This difference makes it practically impossible to mine Bitcoin or Ethereum with a mobile phone. In addition, the device overheats, drains the battery quickly, and wears out components. - Cloud Mining
In cloud mining, the main processing is done on the company’s servers, and the mobile application is only a management interface. Apps like StormGain or ECOS offer this model. Its advantage is that it does not put pressure on the user’s hardware, but the risk of fraud is high; many cloud services in Iran are practically unreliable due to sanctions or blocking. - Simulated Mining
A prime example is Pi Network, which has over 35 million users but its tokens are not yet tradable. In this model, the user receives points by pressing a button daily. The hardware consumption is low, but the real value of these tokens is still a matter of serious debate among experts.
In short, all three methods are mostly educational or promotional and are not financially comparable to professional mining.
The best mobile cryptocurrency mining applications
Mobile mining applications fall into three general categories: real, cloud, and simulation. Below, we introduce five well-known applications, each of which has created a different experience for users.
- Pi Network
This project was launched in 2019 and has attracted more than 35 million active users by 2025. Its main advantage is very low hardware consumption and free access, but its big challenge is the economic value of the tokens; because they are not yet listed on reputable exchanges. For this reason, many experts consider Pi Network more of a social and educational project than a real way to earn money. - MinerGate was one of the first mobile cryptocurrency mining apps and had over 3.5 million users. The app allowed mining multiple currencies and was therefore very popular. However, accusations of abusing users’ processing power and eventually its official shutdown in 2023 damaged its reputation. Today, MinerGate can no longer be considered a reliable option.
- CryptoTab Browser
CryptoTab is a web browser with cloud mining capabilities that has over 20 million users. Easy to use and the ability to sync between mobile and desktop are its positive features, but to increase profits, the user must attract affiliates, which has led many to consider it similar to network marketing. Also, high internet consumption is another disadvantage of CryptoTab. So this app is not bad for testing, but it is not recommended for sustainable income. - StormGain
StormGain is a combination of a cryptocurrency exchange and a cloud mining service that offers users free Bitcoin mining. Its strength is that the processing is not done on the phone, so the hardware is not damaged. However, the income ceiling is very low; according to official data, a user can only mine about $ 0.34 per day in 2025. This shows that StormGain is more of a promotional tool to attract exchange customers than a real way to earn money. - Electroneum
With over a million downloads on Google Play, Electroneum is another popular mobile mining app. The app is optimized for CPU usage and has a simple interface that attracts novice users. However, the amount of reward that is given to the user is very limited, and its native cryptocurrency does not have a high market value. Therefore, Electroneum is more of an educational tool than a profitable method.
Advantages of Mobile Cryptocurrency Mining
Although mobile cryptocurrency mining has serious limitations, several key advantages have made it attractive to novice users. - Easy Access
The most important advantage of this method is its simplicity and the lack of the need for expensive equipment. The user can have a basic experience of mining by installing an application. This feature has made mobile mining the starting point for many people in the blockchain world. - Educational Aspect
Mobile mining is an educational opportunity for the user to familiarize themselves with the basic concepts of blockchain, transactions, and the mining process. This learning is especially valuable for beginners, even if there is no specific financial benefit. - Passive income, although insignificant
Applications such as Pi Network or StormGain offer rewards in the form of tokens or Bitcoin. Although the amount of these rewards is very small, the feeling of participating in the network and receiving real rewards is attractive to many. - Experiment without financial risk
Since many of these apps are free, users can try mining without any initial investment. This feature creates an opportunity to learn without worrying about financial loss. - Access to global user communities
Some apps, such as Pi Network or CryptoTab, have large user communities that users can participate in. This social presence allows for the exchange of experiences and collective learning.
Is mobile mining financially profitable?
Due to the low processing power of phones, mobile cryptocurrency mining does not have significant financial returns. For example, in 2025, the StormGain app will allow users to mine about 0.000003 Bitcoins per day, which is equivalent to approximately $0.34 per day; a figure that does not even cover the cost of the internet used. This huge difference between the power of mobile phones and professional equipment such as ASICs has made the monthly income from this method practically worthless, and the only logical way to achieve profit is to turn to more reliable methods such as buying Bitcoin. On the other hand, hardware depreciation and high energy consumption of the phone cause losses many times more than the potential income. The experience of Iranian users has shown that the battery and performance of the device are severely damaged after a while. For this reason, experts emphasize that mobile mining is only an educational experience and not a real way to earn money; because even if a reward is paid, its net profit will be negative.
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Better Alternatives to Mobile Mining
Since mobile mining is practically unprofitable, users can turn to alternative methods that have higher returns and lower risks.
Cloud Mining:
In this method, the user rents processing power from companies instead of using personal hardware. The advantage is that there is no need for equipment, but the risk of fraud is high and choosing a reputable service is very important.
Staking:
One of the safest ways to earn passive income. In this model, the user locks their tokens in the network and receives rewards in return. Energy consumption is very low, but it requires initial capital.
GPU or ASIC Mining:
This method requires a lot of capital, but it has a much higher return than mobile. Especially for currencies like Bitcoin or Litecoin, this is the only truly profitable mining model.
Cryptocurrency Trading:
Active buying and selling of cryptocurrencies can be profitable, but it is risky and requires high knowledge and experience in market analysis.
Due to the low processing power of phones, digital currency mining with mobile phones does not have significant financial returns; for example, in 2025 the StormGain application allows users to mine about 0.000003 Bitcoins per day, which is equivalent to approximately $0.34 per day, a figure that does not even cover the cost of the Internet used. This huge difference between mobile power and professional equipment such as ASICs has made the monthly income from this method practically worthless, and the only logical way to achieve profit is to use more reliable methods such as buying Bitcoin through a reputable cryptocurrency exchange.
