Pi Network (PI): Next-generation mobile cryptocurrency mining and preparation for the open mainnet

Revolutionary Approach to Mass Adoption of Cryptocurrencies

Pi Network is an innovative cryptocurrency platform developed by researchers from Stanford in 2019, which reimagines the approach to digital assets. The core idea is simple: make cryptocurrency mining accessible to everyone with a smartphone, without the need for expensive equipment and massive electricity consumption.

By October 2024, the project has attracted 45 million active users worldwide. This scale demonstrates how attractive the idea of accessible and eco-friendly mining is to the mass market.

Technological Foundation: Why Pi Network Is More Efficient Than Traditional Mining

Unlike Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies that use energy-intensive Proof-of-Work algorithms, Pi Network employs Stellar Consensus Protocol (SCP) — a federated consensus mechanism optimized for mobile devices.

Key advantages of this approach:

• Minimal resource consumption: Mining does not drain your phone’s battery and requires minimal data traffic
• High scalability: The protocol can handle large transaction volumes without network overload
• True decentralization: Federated Byzantine agreement eliminates centralized control over the network

This architecture allows Pi Network to offer what traditional mining cannot — participation of millions of people without harming the environment.

How the Role System Works in Pi Network

The platform uses a four-tier participant structure, each performing specific functions within the ecosystem:

Pioneers — basic network participants who confirm their activity daily to earn rewards in PI coins.

Contributors — users expanding their trust circle by adding acquaintances, increasing the speed of earning rewards.

Ambassadors — community activists bringing new people into the project and earning additional rewards for their efforts.

Node Operators — advanced users running Pi Node software on computers to ensure network decentralization.

This structure creates an ecosystem where each contribution is valued, not just concentrated in the hands of large miners with costly infrastructure.

Step-by-Step Guide to Starting Mining PI

Getting started with mining PI is incredibly simple:

1. Download the Pi Network app for iOS or Android from the official app store
2. Register using your phone number or Facebook account
3. Tap the lightning icon once every 24 hours to activate mining
4. Invite friends and create your security circle to increase rewards
5. Log in daily to maintain an active session

The entire process takes just a few minutes per day and requires no investments.

Ways to Increase Income in Pi Network

Basic mining is just the foundation. There are several mechanisms to accelerate PI accumulation:

Security Circles — the more trusted people in your network, the higher your coin earning rate and the more secure the network overall.

Referral Program — invite friends and earn a percentage of their earnings, creating a multi-level incentive system.

Bonus Periods — the project periodically conducts special epochs offering additional rewards for consistent app usage.

Economic Model: How the PI Monetary System Is Structured

Pi Network has set a maximum supply of 100 billion PI with a clear resource distribution:

80 billion coins allocated to the community, distributed as follows:

• 65 billion PI reserved for mining rewards. Before mainnet launch, approximately 30 billion were issued, though KYC procedures may reduce this to 10-20 billion. The remainder will be gradually distributed with decreasing annual limits.
• 10 billion PI allocated for community development, developer grants, and ecosystem initiatives.
• 5 billion PI reserved to ensure liquidity in trading pairs.

The core team is allocated 20 billion PI, which will be unlocked as the project develops and may be subject to additional restrictions.

This model protects community interests, ensuring most coins go into the hands of active users rather than being concentrated among founders.

Current Status of PI: Price and Readiness for Mainnet Launch

As of December 2025, PI is trading at $0.21 with a market capitalization of $1.72 billion and an circulating supply of 8.37 billion coins out of the maximum 100 billion.

This is only an initial estimate, as the actual value will be determined by the market after the open mainnet launch. Currently, the coin remains in a closed network and can only be traded in a test environment.

Pi Network Development Roadmap

The project follows a structured plan consisting of three stages:

Stage I (December 2018 – March 2020): Beta Testing
Launch of the mobile app allowing early adopters to mine coins through daily login. Release of technical documentation defining principles of accessibility, decentralization, and eco-friendliness.

Stage II (March 2020 – December 2021): Testnet
Introduction of the testnet enabling global nodes to validate transactions. Providing Pi Node software and developer tools.

Stage III (December 2021 – Present): Mainnet
Launch of the closed mainnet for secure development and KYC migration. The expected open network launch at the end of 2024 will enable trading PI on exchanges and integration with other networks.

Critical Date: KYC Deadline November 30, 2024

Pi Network has set strict deadlines for the Know Your Customer (KYC) process, necessary for user identity validation before migrating balances to the open mainnet.

KYC completion deadline — November 30, 2024.

Users who do not complete verification by this date will receive individual grace periods, but prolonged delays may result in loss of accumulated balance. After this date, the project plans to publish a refined open launch roadmap and announce details affecting PI trading and value.

How to Sell PI Coins After Mainnet Opens

Once access to external markets is available, PI holders will have several options:

Centralized Exchanges (CEX) — some major platforms promise to list PI. These allow quick exchange of coins for fiat or other cryptocurrencies with good liquidity.

Decentralized Protocols (DEX) — for advanced Web3 users, enabling trading via smart contracts without intermediaries.

P2P Trading — direct exchange between users, but requires caution due to fraud risks.

Potential Risks and Challenges

Despite the project’s ambitions, there are serious concerns:

Launch Delays: Pi Network has repeatedly postponed the mainnet launch, raising doubts about the team’s ability to fulfill promises and scale the system.

Uncertain Market Price: The current estimate of $0.21 is purely speculative. The real value will depend on supply and demand on the open market and may differ significantly.

Rising Fraud Attempts: As popularity grows, phishing schemes and fake platforms offering PI at inflated prices have appeared. Always verify information through official channels.

Regulatory Challenges: Cryptocurrency regulation is tightening worldwide. Pi Network will need to adapt to various jurisdictional requirements to operate on major exchanges.

Conclusion: The Future of Accessible Mining

Pi Network presents an ambitious experiment: can a cryptocurrency network develop with the participation of tens of millions of ordinary users, using only smartphones? The answer will become clear after the mainnet opens.

For those already involved or considering joining, the main priorities are passing KYC before the deadline, preparing a compatible wallet, and closely following official updates. If Pi Network truly fulfills its promises of opening trading on exchanges, it could be a turning point in the mass adoption of cryptocurrencies.

Frequently Asked Questions about Pi Network

When is the open mainnet expected to launch?
It is scheduled for the end of 2024, although the exact date is still being finalized.

Can I sell PI right now?
No, the coin is only traded within the closed ecosystem. Public market trading will begin after the mainnet opens.

Is mining harmful to my phone’s battery?
No, the process consumes minimal energy and data traffic, making it safe for your device.

What is PI IOU?
These are tradable receipts for PI available on speculative platforms. Their value is not guaranteed by the project and carries increased risk.