Browser mining for bitcoin and other cryptocurrency has surged in popularity in recent months in parallel with the public’s interest in crypto coins as a whole.
You may have heard of the Coinhive mining JavaScript pop-up which has appeared on thousands of websites across the web almost overnight, but many people are less familiar with using their browser to mine bitcoin through what are known as microwallets and faucets.
If you’re looking for information and a guide to bitcoin browser mining using this method, or simply want to know what it is, then you’ve come to the right place.
However, if you want to learn more about Coinhive and similar services you can find more details here, including embedded miners that you can test. (Note: If you want to experiment with the miners you’ll need to allow the Coinhive .js download. This does not install anything on your computer and is harmless.)
While Coinhive enables websites to monetise their content by harnessing visitors’ CPU processing power to mine coins, microwallet mining enables you to use your browser to mine cryptocurrency for yourself.
A microwallet is a free web-based portal set up to enable people to aggregate micropayments they receive in cryptocurrency, such as bitcoin and litecoin, often from free bitcoin faucets. (For more on faucets, see our step-by-step guide here).
FreeBitco.in used to offer browser mining but no longer does. However, it offers a weekly lottery which you are entered into every time you claim from the free bitcoin faucet. You can buy additional tickets with your earnings and hope to scoop one of the substantial prizes on offer.
Bear in mind that every time you claim from this faucet you are automatically entered into an hourly lottery as well, with prizes of up to $200 on offer.
There’s also a hi/lo game available where you can take a chance and try to increase your bitcoin stash. This is not advisable way to make a profit though as it is gambling pure and simple.
Viable Options
So, while it is no longer practical to mine bitcoin or litecoin using your home PC, browser mining, either through a microwallet or faucet, offers a viable option for those wishing to experiment while earning some extra coins.
It’s fair to say that you won’t make a fortune in bitcoin using these methods, but it is still possible to earn a small amount of coin which you can add to your other earnings, possibly from faucets or surveys/offers.
It’s worth mentioning that it is still possible to mine certain alt coins on a home PC, such as Monero, Bytecoin and Dash Coin.
MinerGate
One of the most popular methods of doing this is through a free piece of software called MinerGate.
The MinerGate software gives you direct access to a selection of mining pools without needing any technical expertise whatsoever.
As you can see, the GUI is straightforward and you’ll be up-and-running and mining coins in no time at all. For more information on getting started check out our guide to using Minergate.
Monero is already one of the most popular cryptocurrencies out there and who knows, a coin such as Bytecoin may be the next bitcoin in years to come.
Coinbase Wallet Offer
Remember, you’ll need a bitcoin wallet to send your earnings to when you’ve gathered enough coin.
Coinbase is one of the most popular wallet services around. If you use this link to sign up you’ll get $10 worth of free bitcoins when you buy or sell more than $100 of cryptocurrency.
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