Let’s be honest: you unlock your phone over 100 times a day. If you aren’t getting paid for those swipes, you are leaving money on the table. While “Lockscreen Rewards” won’t buy you a private island, they are the easiest way to cover your monthly Spotify or Netflix subscription with zero extra effort.
In this updated 2026 guide, I’ve tested the top contenders to filter out the battery-drainers from the high-earners.
| # | App Name | How You Earn | Payout Method |
| 1 | S’mores | Flat daily rate for lockscreen ads | Amazon & Retail Gift Cards |
| 2 | Freecash | Integrated lockscreen offers & surveys | PayPal, Crypto, Stake |
| 3 | Nielsen Panel | Passive data sharing (no ads) | Cash & Bank Transfer |
| 4 | ScreenLift | Points for custom lockscreen themes | Gift Cards |
| 5 | Mode Mobile | Listen to music + lockscreen ads | PayPal & Electronics |
| 6 | Lock Screen Rewards | Interacting with ads & daily “chests” | USDT (Crypto) & Vouchers |
| 7 | BuzzBreak | Reading trending news on lockscreen | PayPal & Cash Out |
| 8 | Full Lockscreen | News feed interaction + coin rewards | Amazon & Visa Cards |
| 9 | SavvyConnect | VIP market research in the background | Check (Mailed) |
| 10 | CashTree | Swipe-to-earn ad views | Gift Cards & PayPal |
1. S’mores – The Gold Standard of Consistency
S’mores remains the most reliable app in the niche. Unlike other apps that pay based on how many ads you see, S’mores pays a flat daily rate just for having the app installed and active.
- The Workflow: You wake up, unlock your phone, and earn your points for the day. That’s it.
- Pro Tip: Don’t try to “grind” this app. Let it sit in the background and cash out your $5 every few weeks.
2. Freecash (Lockscreen Integration)
Freecash has dominated the GPT (Get-Paid-To) space in 2026. Their Android app now features a lockscreen component that highlights “Featured Offers.”
- Why it’s better: It bridges the gap between passive lockscreen ads and high-paying surveys. You can see a $20 offer on your lockscreen and jump straight into it.
- Payment: Instant withdrawals via PayPal, Bitcoin, or even Stake.
3. Nielsen Computer & Mobile Panel
Technically a “Market Research” app, Nielsen is the king of passive income. It doesn’t show intrusive ads; instead, it rewards you for staying connected while it gathers anonymous data on internet usage.
- Earnings: Up to $60/year per device.
- Privacy Note: They are a giant in the research industry and use high-level encryption to protect your identity.
4. ScreenLift Rewards
ScreenLift allows you to customize your lockscreen with themes. You earn “Lifts” (points) every time you use your phone. What sets this apart is the low payout threshold. You don’t have to wait months to see your first dollar.
5. Mode Mobile (The “Earn-Per-Minute” Model)
Formerly known as Current, Mode Mobile focuses on music and lockscreen interactions. If you spend a lot of time listening to music while your phone is locked, this app “stacks” rewards for both the music play and the lockscreen display.
6. Lock Screen Rewards
This is a rising favorite in 2026 because it introduces Crypto (USDT) payouts. You earn by interacting with daily “chests” and viewing sponsored content upon unlocking.
7. BuzzBreak
If you like staying informed, BuzzBreak is the best choice. It replaces your lockscreen with a news feed. You earn points just for scrolling through the headlines, which can be cashed out via PayPal.
8. Full Lockscreen
Full Lockscreen is unique because it offers “Full Coins” for allowing curated content on your screen. They recently added a feature where you can donate your earnings to charities or cash them out for Visa prepaid cards.
9. SavvyConnect
This is a high-authority app from Luth Research. While it doesn’t show ads, it tracks your digital trends in the background. It is one of the highest-paying apps on this list, often offering $5 per month per device.
10. CashTree
A classic “swipe-to-earn” app. It is simple, lightweight, and doesn’t drain the battery as much as some of the newer, video-heavy apps. It’s a great “filler” app if you want something minimal.
The 2026 Strategy: How to Maximize Earnings
1. The “Stacking” Method
Don’t just use one app. You can often run a lockscreen app (like S’mores) alongside a background data app (like Nielsen).
Warning: Running more than two lockscreen apps simultaneously will noticeably slow down your processor and drain your battery.
2. Optimize Your Battery
To ensure these apps don’t kill your phone, go to Settings > Battery > Battery Optimization and ensure your primary apps are “Optimized,” but allow the reward app to run in the background.
3. Watch for “Ghost” Apps
Many legacy apps like Slidejoy or ScreenPay have either shut down or stopped paying users. Always check the “Latest Review” date in the Google Play Store. If there hasn’t been a positive review in 30 days, stay away.
Is it Worth Your Time?
If you are looking for a career change, no. If you want a passive $10–$15 per month for doing something you already do (unlocking your phone), then yes. It’s the digital equivalent of finding a quarter on the sidewalk every single day.
Ready to start? I recommend starting with S’mores for simplicity or Freecash if you want the highest earning potential.