23 Ways to Get Paid to Do Nothing Online
Ever wish you could earn money without doing much at all? The truth is, it’s totally possible.
There are real ways people are getting paid to do nothing, or almost nothing, online.
You don’t need any special skills, and you don’t need to quit your job either.
These are easy methods you can use during your free time to make extra money online without stress.
In this post, I’ll show you 23 simple ideas, apps, and websites for earning money that actually pay.
Whether you’re scrolling on your phone, letting your computer run in the background, or just checking emails, you can start building a little income on the side.
If you’ve been wondering about the highest paying side hustles, want to know how to income money online, or just need some side hustle money, these ideas will help.
💡Quick Note: I made $3,647 in a month with Pinterest by using this one simple strategy — and you don’t need a blog or experience to do it. Download the Free Guide Here!
Some even come from apps that pay you just for having them installed.
Related:
- How to Make Money on Pinterest – $12000/Month (Step-by-Step Guide)
- How to Easily Make $250 a Day (Legitimate Side Hustles At Home)
- How to Make Money on Pinterest: 10 Real Strategies for Beginners
1. Install Passive Income Apps
There are apps that pay you just for being installed on your phone or computer.
These apps run quietly in the background and collect anonymous data like browsing habits or internet usage.
You’re not doing anything active, just letting them run while you go about your day.
It’s one of the easiest ways to earn extra money online without lifting a finger.
Popular apps include Nielsen Mobile Panel, Honeygain, and MobileXpression.
Once installed, you’ll start earning points or cash automatically.
Most of them pay through PayPal or gift cards, and some even have monthly sweepstakes for bonus cash.
These apps won’t make you rich, but they’re perfect if you’re looking for true passive income.
Just be sure to install only from trusted sources. Avoid anything that asks for too much access or looks sketchy.
Stick with well-known names, and you can earn side hustle money without effort.
2. Watch Ads and Videos
Believe it or not, you can get paid to watch ads or short videos.
This isn’t active work; you can let videos play while you cook, clean, or scroll through your phone.
Sites like InboxDollars, Swagbucks, and PrizeRebel let you earn rewards for doing this daily.
Most platforms have a playlist of short ads, trailers, or entertainment clips.
You simply click play and let them run. Some sites even offer bonus points for watching a certain number of videos per day. It’s an easy way to make a few extra bucks without needing your full attention.
This method won’t replace your job, but it’s a great option when you’re bored or just want to earn extra money online without doing real work.
💡Quick Note: I made $3,647 in a month with Pinterest by using this one simple strategy — and you don’t need a blog or experience to do it. Download the Free Guide Here!
If you’re someone who usually streams videos anyway, why not get rewarded for it?
3. Get Paid for Your Internet Connection
If you have unlimited Wi-Fi and don’t use all your bandwidth, you can rent it out to apps like Honeygain and PacketStream.
These platforms use your unused internet connection for business data gathering, and in return, they pay you automatically.
You don’t have to do anything once the app is set up. It runs in the background and shares your extra internet bandwidth.
Your identity and data stay protected; they’re just using your unused connection for tasks like search engine testing or ad verification.
This is perfect for people who leave their devices on all day.
You can earn passive side hustle money just for being online.
The more devices or IPs you connect, the more you earn. It’s one of the lesser-known but super legit online money-earning websites.
4. Rent Out Your Unused Storage Space
Got extra space on your hard drive? Apps like Storj and Filecoin pay you for sharing your digital storage space.
These platforms are part of the decentralized cloud storage trend, and you can join in with no experience.
Once you install the app and set your limits, your device will start storing encrypted files for others.
You don’t have to manage anything; the system handles all the technical stuff.
You just earn in crypto or cash, depending on the platform.
This method works best on devices that are always on, like a home computer or laptop.
It’s a hands-off way of getting paid to do nothing while helping the tech world grow at the same time.
5. Earn Cashback Automatically
Cashback apps are one of the easiest ways to earn money online while doing what you’re already doing, shopping.
Apps like Rakuten, Dosh, and TopCashback give you money back for purchases you were going to make anyway.
Once you install the app or browser extension, it tracks your eligible purchases and gives you a percentage back.
Some even work automatically when you link your credit card. No coupons, no searching, just cash back after checkout.
Over time, this adds up to real extra money online with no extra effort.
Some users earn hundreds per year just by being smart about where and how they shop.
If you’re already spending, why not get a little back?
6. Share Your Opinion (Without Thinking Too Hard)
Some platforms want your feedback, but make it super easy.
💡Quick Note: I made $3,647 in a month with Pinterest by using this one simple strategy — and you don’t need a blog or experience to do it. Download the Free Guide Here!
Instead of full surveys, they use swipe polls or quick-response formats. Qmee, Google Opinion Rewards, and AttaPoll are great examples.
You won’t need to spend more than a few seconds answering most questions.
You might be asked to pick between two products, rate a headline, or answer a yes/no question.
It’s fast, easy, and can be done while waiting in line.
This is perfect for those wanting to earn side hustle money without doing anything serious.
While it’s not 100% passive, it’s so easy and brainless that it feels like getting paid to do nothing.
7. Use Lock Screen Apps
Some apps actually pay you to unlock your phone. They display ads or short promotions on your lock screen and reward you every time you unlock your device.
Apps like S’more and Slidejoy are designed for this. You earn points every time you use your phone, even if you don’t click on the ads.
It’s an easy way to earn points throughout the day.
If you’re already unlocking your phone dozens of times per day, this is a clever way to add up small bits of money online with no real effort.
8. Open Emails
Yes, there are apps and sites that pay you to open promotional emails.
It doesn’t take more than a tap or two. Sites like InboxDollars, MyPoints, and InboxPays send sponsored emails that pay you a few cents each.
It’s simple. You sign up, get emails daily, click to read them, and earn.
It’s not going to make you rich, but if you check your inbox every day anyway, why not get paid for it?
This is a super basic form of online income that really feels like doing nothing at all.
Just make sure to use a separate email to keep things organized.
9. Earn Interest With Cash Apps
Some mobile wallets and savings apps pay you interest or rewards just for keeping money in your account.
SoFi, Current, and Aspiration offer bonuses and cash back without requiring any work from you.
The money grows slowly, but it’s completely passive. You don’t need to manage anything.
Just set it up once and let your balance grow.
It’s a smart way to build side hustle money while letting your savings work for you quietly in the background.
10. Invest With Robo-Advisors
If you have a bit of money saved, robo-advisors can help it grow.
Apps like Acorns and Betterment invest your spare change or small deposits for you.
You don’t need to choose stocks or understand the market.
Once you link your bank, Acorns rounds up your purchases and invests the difference.
Over time, that small change turns into real savings. You’re not doing anything but spending like you normally would.
💡Quick Note: I made $3,647 in a month with Pinterest by using this one simple strategy — and you don’t need a blog or experience to do it. Download the Free Guide Here!
While this isn’t completely free to start, it’s a great long-term way to make your money grow on autopilot, one of the most underrated forms of getting paid to do nothing.
11–23. More Super Easy Ways to Earn
Here are more quick ideas that require almost no effort:
- Refer friends to apps or sites like PayPal, Cash App, or Rakuten (earn $5–$30 per referral).
- Get paid to listen to music on sites like Current.us.
- Sell your data anonymously on sites like Datacoup.
- Let ads run on your computer with permission through apps like Hideout.TV.
- Use Bing or Brave browser to earn points for searching the web.
- Earn crypto rewards for doing nothing on apps like Coinbase Earn.
- Host a Wi-Fi hotspot (only if you have strong internet and privacy set up).
- Auto-save your change and earn interest with Chime.
- List an unused parking space on apps like Spacer or JustPark.
- Use apps like Fetch Rewards to scan receipts and earn gift cards.
- Auto-mine small crypto with apps like CryptoTab Browser.
- Let your PC render videos for others on sites like Salad.com.
- Leave reviews or ratings on products/services in exchange for credits or gift cards.
Conclusion
You don’t need to hustle 24/7 or learn tech skills to make money online.
With the right tools, you can start getting paid to do nothing, or close to it.
Whether it’s letting apps run, unlocking your phone, or earning from referrals, there are smart ways to make side hustle money without the stress.
Try a few of these out. You don’t need to use all 23. Even 2–3 of these can bring in steady online income over time.
Just set them up once, and let them work in the background while you focus on life.
FAQs
Q1: Are these methods really legit?
Yes, they are. All the apps and platforms listed here are trusted by thousands of users. They pay out via PayPal, gift cards, or direct deposit. Always read reviews first and avoid anything that asks for a large upfront fee.
Q2: How much can I realistically earn?
Most methods here won’t make you rich, but you can earn anywhere from $10 to $200+ per month by combining a few passive apps and platforms. It adds up over time.
Q3: Do I need special skills?
No skills needed. That’s the beauty of these ideas. If you can install an app or click a link, you’re good to go. It’s great for beginners, students, or anyone looking to earn on the side.
Q4: Are there any risks?
Minor ones. Some apps may access your browsing data or slow down your device slightly. Always use well-known services, and never give out private info like bank passwords.
Q5: What’s the best way to get started?
Pick 2–3 easy ideas—like installing Honeygain, using Rakuten, or joining Swagbucks- and try them for a week. Track your results, and add more over time. Start simple and stay consistent.
