10 Best Money Lockscreen Apps (Turn Your Phone Unlocks Into CASH) [2025]

You know what’s crazy? Last month I made $47 just by unlocking my phone. Yeah, seriously. My friend Jason kept bragging about making money from these lockscreen apps, and I thought he was full of it. But after trying a few myself, I get why he wouldn’t shut up about them.

Sure, I’m not retiring on this money anytime soon, but hey – it’s basically free cash for something I do like a hundred times a day anyway. And since a bunch of you have been DMing me asking which apps actually work (and which ones are total scams), I figured it was time to break it all down.

So grab a coffee, and let me show you exactly how to turn your mind-numbing phone-checking habit into a little extra pocket money.

What Are Money Lockscreen Apps?

Okay, so here’s the deal – you know how you usually swipe your phone open and see your boring old lock screen? These apps basically replace that with ads or news articles, and they pay you for looking at them.

I know, I was skeptical too. Like, how is this even a thing?

But it turns out lots of companies are willing to pay for those few seconds of your attention when you check your phone. Each time you unlock your screen, you earn a tiny bit of money. It adds up, especially if you’re like me and check your phone way too much (my screen time stats are… let’s not talk about it).

Just a heads up though – if you’ve got an iPhone, you’re out of luck. Apple’s pretty strict about what can mess with their lock screens, so these apps are Android-only. Sorry, Apple fans!

Top 10 Money Lockscreen Apps

1. S’mores

Looking for guaranteed daily earnings? This Android-only app offers a steady $0.10 per day without requiring any surveys. S’mores users can expect to earn around $3 per month with minimal effort, with rewards paid out in gift cards.

The service is currently available only in the United States.

2. ScreenLift Rewards

Customization meets earning potential in this innovative platform that lets you earn points (called “Lifts”) for unlocking your phone. ScreenLift Rewards users can redeem their earnings through PayPal or gift cards, with $1 awarded for every 1,500 points earned.

The service is exclusive to Android devices in the US market.

3. Fronto (Now MintScreen)

Want to earn while staying informed? Get rewarded for reading articles, downloading apps, and unlocking your phone. Fronto, now known as MintScreen, offers potential earnings of approximately $20 per month, making it one of the higher-paying options available. The service is currently only available for Android users in the United States.

4. Slidejoy

Simplicity is the key feature of this lock screen reward system, which uses tailored ads and a straightforward swipe-to-unlock feature for daily rewards. Slidejoy’s monthly earnings typically range from $5-15 depending on usage.

While designed for Android devices, it’s worth noting that the service may no longer be functional.

5. Adme

For those who prefer direct cash rewards, here’s a straightforward system with a low payout threshold of $10.

Adme users can expect to earn between $10-15 per month through this Android-exclusive platform, available only to users in the United States.

6. Whaff Locker

Social butterflies will appreciate these multiple earning opportunities through viewing ads, downloading apps, and referring friends.

Whaff Locker offers average earnings around $10 per month and is available for Android users worldwide.

7. Mode Earn

Music lovers rejoice! This versatile earning platform stands out by paying you to listen to music and unlock your phone.

Mode Earn’s earnings vary based on usage, and the service is exclusively available for Android devices.

8. BillsBoard Lockscreen App

Stay informed while earning with this news-focused platform that displays current stories and ads with minimal interaction required.

BillsBoard users can earn small monthly amounts redeemable via PayPal or gift cards on their Android devices.

9. SurveyCow Lockscreen Rewards

Share your opinions and earn rewards with micro-surveys right on your lock screen.

SurveyCow offers “Beef Points” with a minimum payout of $10, available exclusively for Android users.

10. MooCash

Simplicity meets efficiency in this straightforward earning platform where swiping left on ads earns you coins.

MooCash features a low payout threshold with earnings redeemable through PayPal or gift cards, available for Android devices.

The Good and The Bad

Look, I’ve been testing these lock screen apps for a while now, and I’ll be straight with you – they’re not going to make you rich, but they’re not totally worthless either.

After a few months of unlocking my phone about 50 times a day (yeah, I counted), I’ve got a pretty good handle on what works and what doesn’t. Here’s the real deal:

Pros

• Passive income with minimal effort
• Additional security features like personalized lock screens
• Variety of redemption options (cash, gift cards, etc.)

Cons

• Limited earnings (not a replacement for primary income)
• Compatibility issues (Android-only)
• Some apps may no longer be functional

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Since posting about these apps on my social media, my DMs have been flooded with questions. Like, seriously flooded. Instead of copying and pasting the same replies over and over (my thumb was getting tired!), I figured I’d answer the most common ones right here…

Are these apps legitimate? 

I get the skepticism – I was super suspicious at first too. But yeah, they’re legitimate. I’ve personally cashed out multiple times (got the PayPal transactions to prove it). Just keep your expectations in check. We’re talking coffee money here, not quit-your-job money. Each app has different payout thresholds, but I’ve never had an issue getting paid once I hit them.

Can I use multiple apps at once? 

You can, but from my experience, don’t go overboard. I tried running five at once and my phone turned into a sluggish mess. Start with one or two, see how your phone handles it. I’ve found that running three max is the sweet spot – enough to maximize earnings without making your phone hate you. Also, some apps don’t play nice with each other, so you might need to experiment.

Do these apps drain battery life? 

A: Honestly? You’ll notice a small hit to your battery life, but it’s not as bad as you might think. I’d say I lose maybe an extra 10-15% per day with two apps running. If you’re already making it through the day with your normal usage, you’ll probably be fine. Just keep your charger handy for the first few days while you test things out. I actually bought a small power bank just to be safe, but I rarely need it.

Why aren’t these available on iPhone?

Trust me, my iPhone friends ask me this all the time. It’s because Apple has super strict rules about what apps can do with their lock screen. Android is more flexible, which is why all these apps are Android-only. Sorry, iPhone gang – you’ll have to borrow an Android device or find other ways to make some side cash.

How long until I can actually cash out?

This depends on which app you’re using and how often you unlock your phone. With S’mores, I hit my first payout ($5) in about six weeks. MintScreen was faster – I cashed out $10 in just under a month. Just remember that most apps have minimum payout thresholds, usually between $5 and $10. They do this to make sure it’s worth their processing fees.

The Bottom Line

After three months of testing these apps, here’s what I’ve learned: They’re worth it if you’re cool with playing the long game.

No, you won’t get rich (I made about enough for my weekly coffee runs and Netflix subscription), but it’s literally free money for something you’re already doing.

If you’re just starting out, I’d say grab S’mores first. It’s the least annoying one, and you know exactly what you’re getting every day.

Once you’re comfortable with that, maybe try ScreenLift or MintScreen. Just don’t go installing all ten at once like I did (my poor phone was so slow that week).

By the way, my wife thought I was nuts when I first started this experiment. Now she’s the one asking me which apps to download!

Drop a comment below if you’ve tried any of these – I’m super curious to hear if your experience was anything like mine.

Did you actually stick with it? Make enough for a fancy dinner? Rage-quit after a week? Let me know!

Quick reminder: Don’t get sketchy knockoff versions of these apps – stick to the Play Store. Trust me, I learned that one the hard way… 😅