For so many people, the biggest question isn't how to work remotely… it's how to even start without a computer.
I was just reading this incredibly practical and honest article that completely reframes the possibility. It starts with a reality check—yes, most traditional remote jobs do require a computer—but then it opens up a whole world of legit alternatives you can start with just what's in your pocket.
It’s not about get-rich-quick schemes. It’s about real, actionable ideas across four paths:
Option 1 – Work From Home With Just a Smartphone
There are very few companies that allow you to work entirely from your smartphone. Most are apps rather than traditional jobs, but they can still be worth checking out.
NiceTalk – ESL Tutoring. Get paid to teach non-English speakers conversational English. Entirely app-based. (Note: openings may be limited due to new tutoring laws in China.)
Stepes – Translation app. You can earn around $0.05–$0.14 per word.
TaskHuman – Wellness Coaching. If you’re a practitioner, you can provide one-on-one video coaching through their app.
Cambly (alternative to NiceTalk) – Another tutoring platform where you can connect with students worldwide. Many tutors log in and teach from their phone.
Option 2 – Side Hustles You Can Do With Just a Phone
Even though most remote work requires a computer, side hustles don't always! Some of these won't replace a day job or give you full-time income (at least not right away in most cases), but they may help you start earning a little here and there while you work toward getting a computer.
Social Media Management – Small businesses need help posting on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook. With tools like Canva’s mobile app and the Later app, you could run basic content calendars entirely from your phone. Some freelancers charge $99+ per client monthly doing this for businesses!
Surveys and Micro-Tasks – Apps like OnePulse, CloudResearch, and Prolific offer short surveys and small tasks for quick pay. Don’t expect big money from these, but some users reportedly make $20–$50 a month.
Digital Products – You can design and sell e-books, guides, or printables on Etsy, Gumroad, or Payhip, all managed through your phone. The Canva app makes creation easy.
Reselling – Apps like Poshmark, Mercari, and eBay let you photograph, list, and sell items straight from your phone. This is a great way to declutter and also earn extra cash.
Option 3 – Offer a Service From Your Home
If you don’t want to rely on apps, you can always start a service-based business that you run from your home. These don’t require a computer to get started, but having one will eventually help you market yourself.
Here are some options:
Pet Sitting – Care for pets in your home. Use Rover to find clients!
Babysitting – Offer childcare from home. Rates often start around $15/hr.
Teaching Lessons – Music, art, or craft lessons. Charge $20–$50/hr depending on your skill.
Sewing/Alterations – Hemming and tailoring clothes can bring in steady work.
Tutoring – Academic tutoring, either local students or via word-of-mouth referrals.
Beauty (Hair/Makeup) – Offer salon-style services at home.
Electronics Repair – Fix phones, TVs, or computers from home.
Personal Training – Private training sessions in your home gym or space.
Getting the Word Out About Your Services
The best way to get the word out about a service you are offering is with a computer or at least a smartphone.
If you have social media accounts, you can post that you are offering the service and get friends and family interested. Some of them may agree to share that you're offering a service and spread the word for you!
Another computer and phone-free option is to post an ad in the local paper, create business cards and leave them around town, and post notices about your service on bulletin boards in stores where this is allowed.
Option 4 – Work From Home Jobs That Send You Equipment
Another workaround for not having a computer is to target companies that provide equipment to their remote employees. In many cases, companies will send a laptop and other equipment if they hire you.
Important to remember:
You usually do not own the equipment. If your job ends, you’ll have to return it.
Each company has different rules about it. Some require a refundable deposit, while others just ship everything to you.
These jobs are not always hiring, so availability varies.
Here are a few companies known for supplying equipment:
Apple – Their At-Home Advisor role includes an iMac for work use.
World Travel Holdings – Provides a full setup (computer, monitor, phone, headset) to their home-based workers
Buffer – Offers a laptop and $1,000 for your home office setup.
Progressive – Many remote positions (customer service, sales) come with a company computer.
Files.com – Employees receive a laptop and $1,000 for office gear.
Jobbatical – Supplies necessary equipment, including a computer, for its remote team.
Cro Metrics – Provides a MacBook and noise-canceling headset.
Zapier – Fully remote, provides computer equipment and generous benefits.
Dozuki – Offers a stipend to set up your home office.
Ghost – Sends high-end equipment to remote workers.
Bullhorn – Ships laptops and other needed gear to remote employees in the U.S. and U.K.
If you’re serious about working from home but don’t have your own computer, keeping an eye on these companies can be a smart strategy. This post has more information on all of them.
In Conclusion
So obviously, your options for remote work with no computer are pretty limited. Still, the smartphone options above, side hustles, and potential home services you could offer may help you earn remotely anyway.
But if your goal is steady, long-term online income, you will probably at some point need to gain access to a basic laptop, at minimum.
In the meantime, I hope these ideas can help you get started and bring in some money right away.
The Real Takeaway:What hit me wasn't just the list, but the mindset: start where you are, use what you have. It’s a powerful reminder that the first step to building the life you want isn't about having all the tools, but about using your resourcefulness.
If you've ever felt stuck because you don't have the "right" setup, this read is a massive dose of "let's get started anyway" energy. It changed my perspective on what's possible.
Thoughts? Which path feels most like "you"? A service, a smartphone hustle, or aiming for a company that provides the tech? Drop a comment below!
📖 Full reflection in my latest read (link in bio).
https://buymeacoffee.com/Kabir1989
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