Remote and digital research formats were increasingly used during the COVID-19 pandemic due to national lockdowns, worldwide travel restrictions, and protective measures. The use of mobile phones for remote data collection provides an inexpensive tool to quickly collect real-time and large-scale data sets. This paper focusses on implementing mobile surveys using the open-access tool of KoboToolbox. After briefly looking at the advantages and challenges of mobile surveys, an experience-based guideline is presented based on practical insights gathered in Benin, Cambodia, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa. Lastly, good practices and lessons learned are shared.