Mobile mining in 2025: Complete guide and practical analysis

Introduction: Why Start Paying Attention to Mobile Mining Now

Mobile mining will still be a gateway for beginners entering the cryptocurrency space in 2025. Unlike traditional ASIC miners or GPU farms, this method has extremely low barriers—just a smartphone and an app are enough to start participating in digital asset acquisition. But what truths are hidden behind this low threshold? This guide will analyze this phenomenon in depth.

Why Mobile Mining Exploded in 2023-2024

Since 2023, the popularity of mobile mining has surged sharply, driven mainly by:

1. Device Penetration: Over 6 billion smartphone users worldwide, many equipped with relatively powerful processors
2. Web3 Wave: The spread of blockchain and decentralization concepts has prompted more people to “try it out”
3. Project Clusters: “Light mining” projects like Pi Network, Bee Network, etc., attracted hundreds of millions of users
4. Economic Pressure: Some users see it as an additional income source, despite modest returns

Currently, mobile mining has evolved into two modes: real computational mining and simulated reward mechanisms.

What Coins Can Be Mined on Mobile Devices

Not all cryptocurrencies are suitable for mobile devices. Practical options include:

Real Computing:

• Monero (XMR): Based on the RandomX algorithm, CPU-friendly, the only choice with actual output on mobile
• Electroneum (ETN): The first cryptocurrency designed for mobile, though its vitality has declined
• DuinoCoin: Niche but active community, CPU mining friendly

Token Distribution:

• Pi Network (PI): Over 50 million users, not yet listed on exchanges but soon to be launched on mainstream exchanges
• Bee Network: A “clone” of Pi, using social referral mode

Ecological Participation:

• TON (The Open Network): Tied to Telegram, profits through staking rather than direct mining

How Mobile Mining Works

Underlying Logic

When a phone participates in mobile mining, its processor continuously performs cryptographic hash calculations to validate blockchain transactions. Successful computations result in the device receiving a share of the block rewards.

There are two types of operation:

1. Real Computational Mining Processors directly participate in SHA-256 or RandomX calculations (e.g., MinerGate), consuming real computing resources.

2. Pseudo-Mining / Points Mode Apps simulate the mining process, with rewards generated based on user activity and invitation chains (e.g., Pi Network).

Most projects adopt pool modes, aggregating multiple devices’ computing power to improve stability.

What Actually Happens on the Device

After enabling mobile mining, your device will experience:

Processor Stress: CPU runs at full speed for extended periods, with power consumption soaring, especially on older or mid-range models

Temperature Crisis: Due to passive cooling, internal temperature may rise to 65-75°C, triggering hardware protection mechanisms that cause throttling or forced shutdowns

Battery Damage: Frequent charge/discharge cycles accelerate chemical degradation, with capacity dropping 20-40% within 3-6 months

System Lag: Other apps compete for resources occupied by mining processes, leading to noticeable sluggishness in scrolling and loading

Hardware Aging: Long-term high-temperature operation significantly shortens the lifespan of system boards, power modules, screens, and other components

Be especially cautious of ghost processes running in the background—some malicious software continue mining even after closing the app.

The Mining Potential of Modern Smartphones

Flagship chips (Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, A18 Pro) have single-core performance approaching entry-level desktop computers, theoretically reaching 2-5 H/s (hash rate).

Realistic earnings: Even running at full load 24/7, a high-end phone can earn only about $0.05-0.15 per day, translating to $1.50-4.50 per month.

For testing or learning about the crypto ecosystem, this figure is acceptable; but if expecting real income, it’s essentially “chicken feed.”

Existing Mobile Mining Methods

App-Based Mining

Common software includes:

Cloud Mining Alternatives

Users don’t rely on their phone’s performance but rent remote server power. For example, StormGain allows users to click daily to earn BTC, with the load handled entirely by the service provider. Withdrawals usually support mainstream wallets (Trust Wallet, MetaMask, etc.), with minimum amounts from $1 to $10, but often with high fees.

Cost-Free Mining Participation Schemes

If you want to participate without any investment:

• Pi Network: Daily clicks, participation in verification to earn tokens
• Bee Network: Same model emphasizing invitation effects
• StormGain: One-click profit every 4 hours

Risks: The long-term sustainability of these projects is unknown, and their main income comes from new user deposits or ad revenue.

Recognizing and Avoiding Fraud Traps

Red Flags

❌ Promising dozens of dollars daily without investment
❌ Low app ratings, complaints about “unable to withdraw”
❌ Heavy promotion of VIP upgrades, accelerators, and paid features
❌ No clear withdrawal mechanism or indefinite delays
❌ APK downloads bypass official app stores

Protective Measures

✅ Only download from Google Play and App Store—at least basic review in place
✅ Deeply check user reviews—pay attention to withdrawal feedback
✅ Verify developer identity—search for other works and forum discussions
✅ Enable two-factor authentication—for all linked wallets and exchanges
✅ Use a dedicated password manager—to prevent cross-account leaks
✅ Consider VPN protection—more secure on public Wi-Fi

Real Income Levels and Expectations

Actual Data:

A Galaxy S22 Ultra mining XMR with MinerGate yields about 0.0004 per day, which at the July 2025 exchange rate is roughly $0.08. Monthly income is less than $2.40.

For Pi and Bee: Since tokens are not fully tradable yet, expected earnings are still speculative—optimistically, if Pi launches at $1-10, early users might earn $5-50 per month; pessimistically, they could lose their investment.

Conclusion: Participation can be for entertainment, but don’t expect it to replace work income.

Costs and Concerns of Mobile Mining

Suggestion: Use old, unused phones as “dedicated mining devices” rather than main devices.

Is It Still Worth Entering in 2025?

For Beginners: ✅ You can give it a try
As a gateway to understanding blockchain, exploring with zero risk is fine.

For Experienced Users: ❌ Not recommended
Low return on investment, high risk-to-reward imbalance.

Practical Tips:

1. Choose apps with top rankings and over a million downloads
2. Don’t install mining apps on your main phone
3. Set spending limits (participate but never recharge)
4. Check device temperature and battery health weekly
5. Be wary of any “accelerator” sales pitches

Quick FAQs

Q: Can I really make money?
A: Yes, but very little—$0.5-5 per month, depending on device and project choice.

Q: Which app is most reliable?
A: MinerGate, CryptoTab, StormGain have the longest history, but none guarantee high earnings. Pi Network has the most users but is not fully cashable yet.

Q: Are these apps safe?
A: Downloaded from official channels, risks are lower, but beware of data collection and background mining.

Q: What coins can be mined?
A: Mainly Monero, Electroneum, DuinoCoin; big coins like Bitcoin and Ethereum are impossible.

Q: Do I have to spend money?
A: Most mainstream apps allow participation with zero investment, but paid accelerators are often traps.

Q: How much damage does it do to the phone?
A: Battery life declines 20-40% within 3-6 months; long-term use affects overall lifespan. Old models are acceptable, new ones not recommended.

Q: Can I withdraw?
A: Yes, but minimum thresholds (usually $1-10) apply, with high fees. Pi Network currently has no complete withdrawal channel.