{"id":129812,"date":"2023-11-24T14:59:10","date_gmt":"2023-11-24T14:59:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/?post_type=definition&p=129812"},"modified":"2024-02-26T18:58:34","modified_gmt":"2024-02-26T18:58:34","slug":"cloud-mining","status":"publish","type":"definition","link":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/cloud-mining","title":{"rendered":"Cloud Mining"},"content":{"rendered":"
Cloud mining is the process of mining<\/a> cryptocurrencies<\/a> like Bitcoin<\/a> using rented computing power from service providers<\/a>.<\/p>\n Unlike solo mining, which requires an upfront investment in hardware<\/a> mining gear, cloud miners can lease these resources for a small fee.<\/p>\n In return, the investor shares in the crypto incentives the company generates every time a block<\/a> is added to the network<\/a>.<\/p>\n This approach allows users to participate in crypto mining<\/a> operations remotely, eliminating the complexities of running a mining rig<\/a> 24\/7 and the associated costs.<\/p>\n Due to the total lack of control of the mining process and rewards, cloud mining is often targeted at rookie miners.<\/p>\n There are numerous advantages to cloud mining. Firstly, it makes crypto mining more accessible. Anyone with a cloud mining contract with the service provider can earn crypto rewards.<\/p>\n In addition, cloud mining is also cheaper and simpler to set up \u2013 especially for investors with little to no technical knowledge.<\/p>\n To get started, users only need to register with a cloud mining operator (often a third-party provider), select how much hash power<\/a> (computing resource) they want to acquire, specify the crypto asset, and proceed.<\/p>\n From every successful mining operation, the block reward is then shared by both the user and the mining firm based on an agreed-upon sharing formula.<\/p>\n Cryptocurrency mining often requires significant time and resources for validating transactions. Often, the fastest mining rig to solve a complex cryptographic<\/a> puzzle is the one that gets the associated block reward.<\/p>\n However, with the escalating mining difficulty, obtaining block rewards for major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin largely depends on the power of the hardware at your disposal. The cost of these hardware devices can amount to millions of dollars.<\/p>\n Cloud mining provides a solution, allowing retail and hobby miners to validate transactions on their preferred blockchain networks<\/a> without incurring massive financial investments.<\/p>\n Below are the steps of the cloud mining process.<\/p>\n The first step is to choose a cloud mining platform<\/a> to use. With numerous options available, it can take time to identify the most suitable one.<\/p>\n However, several factors must be considered when selecting a cloud mining firm. These include:<\/p>\n The contracts are crucial as they will serve as the foundation of your relationship with the cloud mining company.<\/p>\n Additionally, visiting the company’s website<\/a> and verifying its regulatory status in the operating region is considered best practice.<\/p>\n This step holds significant importance. Crypto wallets<\/a> store digital assets<\/a> generated through the cloud mining process.<\/p>\n However, the choice of a crypto wallet should align with the specific asset being mined. Given this, only create a Bitcoin crypto wallet if the anticipated block rewards are in BTC.<\/p>\n This principle extends to Litecoin<\/a>, Bitcoin Cash<\/a>, and any other virtual asset a cloud mining company allows you to validate remotely.<\/p>\n After completing the registration and onboarding process, the subsequent step is to choose a mining package.<\/p>\n The cost of these packages typically hinges on the selected hash power and the chosen crypto asset. Consequently, opting for a high hash power to mine BTC, for instance, can result in a significant cost ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars.<\/p>\n Selecting a package that aligns with your comfort level is the best approach.<\/p>\n The next step involves making payment for the selected mining package. Since crypto assets are mined remotely, most cloud mining service providers often opt for crypto payments.<\/p>\n However, a select few may provide a fiat payment option for a more inclusive experience. Choose your preferred method and complete the necessary payments to activate the package.<\/p>\n Once the payment is made, the mining process will commence automatically. The cloud mining company configures the needed hardware, maintains it, and allocates your processing hash power toward mining new crypto assets.<\/p>\n The final process is the block rewards distribution. The distribution of crypto rewards is often done pro rata, meaning the amount of hash power a user rents determines how much of the block reward they earn from the mining pool.<\/p>\n These rewards are then forwarded directly to the user’s crypto wallet, where the digital assets can then be withdrawn for use.<\/p>\n Cloud mining comes in two distinct forms: hosted and leased cloud mining.<\/p>\n This is the most common cloud mining model. This model allows customers to purchase or lease mining equipment and set it up at the service provider’s facility.<\/p>\n The customer can customize the full operation of the hardware, while the service provider is tasked with maintaining this equipment and ensuring it works optimally.<\/p>\n Hosted mining reduces the overhead costs of running a mining operation as the cloud mining company handles the entire operational side. This enables customers to retain complete control over equipment optimization and resulting benefits.<\/p>\n An alternative option is the leased cloud mining model, where a user leases a specific amount of computing resources, otherwise known as the hash power.<\/p>\n This model provides the advantage of not having to cover the costs associated with hardware purchase, maintenance, or power. However, the block rewards earned are predominantly influenced by the hash power the customer acquires.<\/p>\n Unlike the hosted model, leased cloud mining does not grant direct control over the earned block rewards, as they are distributed between the cloud mining firm and the user.<\/p>\n Cloud mining offers several notable benefits, especially for those seeking passive income from crypto assets. Here are some of the key advantages:<\/p>\nTechopedia Explains<\/h3>\n
How Does Cloud Mining Work?<\/span><\/h2>\n
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1. Select a Cloud Mining Firm<\/h3>\n
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2. Create a Crypto Wallet<\/h3>\n
3. Select a Mining Package<\/h3>\n
4. Make Payment<\/h3>\n
5. Commence Mining<\/h3>\n
6. Get Mining Rewards<\/h3>\n
Types of Cloud Mining<\/span><\/h2>\n
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Advantages of Cloud Mining<\/span><\/h2>\n