Are you interested in joining the cryptocurrency revolution but overwhelmed by complex mining setups and exorbitant entry costs? Pi Network might be precisely what you’re looking for – a revolutionary cryptocurrency project that allows you to mine crypto directly from your smartphone without draining your battery or requiring specialized hardware.
As of March 2025, Pi Network continues to gain momentum as it transitions towards its Open Network phase, offering early adopters a unique opportunity to accumulate Pi coins before they potentially gain mainstream accessibility and value.
In this Pi Network guide, we’ll cover essential topics, including Pi Network key statistics as of March 2025, breaking down the Pi Network milestones, the top 7 Pi Network strategy tips and hacks, what to know about the Pi Network community, and what to expect from the Pi Network in the future.
This guide will help you navigate the Pi ecosystem more effectively, whether you’re a beginner or looking to optimize your Pi mining experience.
How to Get Started With Pi Network Mining?
Getting started with Pi Network is surprisingly simple compared to traditional cryptocurrency mining. Here’s how you can begin your Pi mining journey:
- Download the Pi app – Visit your device’s app store or go to minepi.com to download the official Pi Network mobile application
- Create an account – Sign up using your Facebook account or email address
- Enter an invitation code – You’ll need a referral code from an existing member to join (this is mandatory)
- Set up your security circle – Add trusted contacts to help secure the network
- Start mining – Tap the lightning button once every 24 hours to mine Pi
- Complete your KYC verification – This step is essential to transfer your Pi to the mainnet eventually
- Follow the mainnet checklist – Create a Pi wallet, confirm it, and follow additional steps for mainnet migration
Ready to start earning Pi today? You can join or start playing the game by downloading the Pi Network app.
Pi Network Key Statistics as of March 2025
Pi Network has achieved impressive growth since its launch in 2019, with some remarkable statistics demonstrating its expanding global footprint. Here are the most fascinating numbers behind this innovative mobile mining project:
- Over 45 million engaged Pioneers are currently active in the Pi Network community, making it one of the largest cryptocurrency user bases in the world
- 11+ million Pioneers have completed KYC verification as of March 2025, representing a crucial step toward mainnet migration
- 5+ million users have already completed their Mainnet Checklists, demonstrating a serious commitment to the project’s long-term vision
- 100 billion Pi has been established as the maximum total supply, with 80% allocated to the community and 20% to the Core Team
- 65 billion Pi (65% of the total supply) is specifically designated for all mining rewards, both past and future
- 10 billion Pi (10% of the total supply) is reserved for community organization and ecosystem building
- 5 billion Pi (5% of total supply) is allocated for liquidity pools to support ecosystem participants
- Over 10,000 fully functional community Nodes and 100,000+ daily active Nodes on the waiting list are supporting the network’s infrastructure
- 233 countries and regions are represented in the global Pi community, making it one of the most geographically diverse crypto projects
- November 30, 2024, was the extended KYC deadline, with December 31, 2024, as the final date for migrating to the mainnet
The consistent growth of Pi Network’s user base demonstrates strong community interest despite the project being in its enclosed mainnet phase. What makes these statistics particularly noteworthy is the widespread global adoption across nearly every country worldwide, creating a truly decentralized community of potential users.
Breaking Down the Pi Network Milestones
The Pi Network ecosystem continues to evolve with ongoing developments in KYC processes, strategic business partnerships, and preparation for the eventual Open Network launch.
While Pi coins will not have an official exchange value until the Open Network launches, the project’s massive user base and ongoing development suggest significant potential for future utility.
When did Pi Network Launch?
Pi Network made its grand entrance into the cryptocurrency world on March 14, 2019 – strategically choosing Pi Day (3.14) for its symbolic launch. However, the groundwork began even earlier, with the mobile app appearing on major app stores in December 2018 as an alpha prototype.
Founded by Stanford PhDs Dr. Nicolas Kokkalis and Dr. Chengdiao Fan, Pi Network was created with a revolutionary vision: to make cryptocurrency mining accessible to everyone through their smartphones, without draining battery or requiring specialized hardware.
The project’s official birth was marked by the publication of the original Pi Whitepaper on March 14, 2019, setting forth its mission to build a cryptocurrency for everyday people. This launch day has since become an annual celebration for the Pi community, with special events and announcements typically coinciding with Pi Day each year.
By the end of its first month, Pi Network had already attracted thousands of early Pioneers, reaching its first milestone of 1,000 engaged Pioneers in April 2019, triggering the first halving of the mining rate. This rapid adoption demonstrated the strong appeal of Pi’s accessible approach to cryptocurrency mining.
Pi Network Roadmap
Pi Network follows a carefully structured roadmap with three main phases, each building upon the foundation of the previous one. The roadmap has evolved, with Version 1 released on October 31, 2023, and Version 2 released in December 2023.
Phase I (Beta) – The first phase started with the official launch on March 14, 2019. During this foundational period, the network focused on:
- Growing the Pioneer community through the mobile mining app
- Building the social trust graph through Security Circles
- Achieving rapid expansion to reach critical mass
The Beta phase saw explosive growth, with the network reaching 10,000 Engaged Pioneers by May 2019, 1 million by October 2019, and an impressive 10 million by December 2020. By September 2021, Pi Network had 25 million Engaged Pioneers, which continued to climb to 35 million by May 2022 and 55 million by June 2023.
Phase II (Testnet) – Launched on March 14, 2020, exactly one year after the network’s birth. This critical phase involved:
- Deploying the live Testnet with distributed Nodes worldwide
- Enabling community members to run Node software on their computers
- Testing blockchain connectivity, performance, security, and scalability
- Introducing the Pi Browser platform for developers to create Pi apps
During this phase, Pi Network established over 10,000 fully functional community Nodes and accumulated over 100,000 daily active Nodes on the waiting list, demonstrating strong community support for the network infrastructure.
Phase III (Mainnet) – The most complex phase, divided into two distinct periods:
- Enclosed Mainnet – Started in December 2021 and currently ongoing. Key features include:
- A firewalled mainnet that prevents unwanted external connectivity
- KYC verification process for Pioneers to validate their identity
- Migration of Pi balances from the mobile app to the Mainnet blockchain
- Development of utilities and apps within the Pi ecosystem
- Implementation of Pi lockup mechanisms and expanded mining rewards
2. Open Mainnet – Initially planned for December 31, 2024, but postponed to Q1 2025. This upcoming milestone will:
- Remove the firewall to allow external connectivity
- Enable connections to other networks, wallets, and exchanges
- Allow community nodes to run on the Mainnet
- Facilitate trading of Pi on external exchanges
The decision to postpone the Open Mainnet launch ensured more KYC-verified Pioneers could migrate to the Mainnet first. At the time of postponement, 8 million Pioneers were on the Mainnet, with another 10 million waiting for migration.
Pi Network Airdrop dates
Unlike traditional cryptocurrency projects that distribute tokens through airdrops, Pi Network uses a unique mining mechanism that allows users to “earn” Pi through the mobile app. However, certain events in the network’s history have functioned similarly to airdrops regarding token distribution.
The initial distribution began on March 14, 2019, when early Pioneers could start mining at a base rate of 3.1415926 Pi/hour. This rate has undergone five halving events as the network grew:
- First halving: April 2019 (1,000 Pioneers)
- Second halving: May 2019 (10,000 Pioneers)
- Third halving: October 2019 (100,000 Pioneers)
- Fourth halving: May 2020 (1 million Pioneers)
- Fifth halving: December 2020 (10 million Pioneers)
On March 14, 2022, Pi Network introduced a significant change to its mining mechanism, implementing a new formula that includes rewards for diverse contributions:
- Pi lockups
- App usage
- Node operations
This update effectively modified how Pi is distributed to Pioneers, creating new opportunities to earn more Pi through various forms of network participation.
For those who joined the network, there’s a six-month rolling grace period to complete KYC verification after which Pi mined outside this window will not be transferable to the Mainnet. This policy will be fully implemented once the KYC solution becomes generally available to all eligible Pioneers.
Pi Network Exchange Listing dates
Pi Network’s journey to exchange listings represents a milestone many Pioneers eagerly await. According to recent information, Pi Coin officially launched on the mainnet on February 20, 2025, marking the beginning of its availability on cryptocurrency exchanges.
Following the mainnet launch, several exchanges began listing Pi Coin for trading, with Pionex among the first major platforms to support Pi trading pairs. Popular trading pairs include PI/USDT, PI/EUR, and PI/BTC, providing Pioneers with multiple options to sell or trade their mined Pi.
Other exchanges are expected to follow suit, with Binance US reportedly considering adding Pi Coin to its platform soon. Multiple exchanges now offer Pi trading for international users, though availability may vary by region due to regulatory considerations.
It’s worth noting that during the Enclosed Mainnet phase (before February 2025), Pi Network prohibited:
- Exchange of Pi for fiat currency
- Exchange of Pi for other cryptocurrencies
- Transfers of Pi for future promises of fiat or other cryptocurrencies
These restrictions were lifted with the Open Mainnet launch, enabling Pioneers to trade their Pi on exchanges for the first time freely. If you want to trade your Pi tokens after receiving them from the network, you can find the best exchanges for redeeming cryptocurrency tokens to maximize your trading options and potential returns.
The Pi community has reported that the native token was valued at approximately $50 per Pi coin shortly after exchange listings began. However, this valuation should be considered in the context of early market dynamics and may have changed since then.
Pi Network Guide to 7 Top Tips and Hacks
These seven insider tips and hacks have helped savvy Pioneers multiply their mining rates, build stronger networks, and position themselves optimally for the Q1 2025 Open Mainnet launch. These proven techniques will give you the edge in accumulating this promising cryptocurrency.
1. Maximize Your Security Circle/Referral Team for Compound Benefits
Your Security Circle is one of the most powerful tools for boosting your mining rate. Add five trusted contacts who are actively mining Pi to receive the maximum Security Circle bonus of 100% (20% per active member).
But the benefits don’t stop there—your Security Circle has a compound effect on your mining rewards. The Security Circle boost not only increases your base mining rate but also amplifies other rewards like Referral Team bonuses, Node rewards, and app usage rewards since these are calculated based on your enhanced base rate.
Strategic approach:
- Choose only reliable Pioneers who mine consistently
- Prioritize adding close friends or family members who you know are committed to Pi
- Replace inactive members promptly to maintain your maximum boost
- Consider creating a dedicated group chat to coordinate mining activities with your Security Circle
Remember that Security Circle members contribute to the network’s trust graph, which is fundamental to Pi’s consensus algorithm, making this not just beneficial for you but critical for the network’s security.
2. Build and Nurture an Active Referral Team
Your Referral Team can dramatically increase your mining rate with no upper limit on the number of people you can invite. Each concurrent mining referral adds a 25% boost to your base rate, creating potentially exponential rewards.
The key word here is “concurrent”—you only receive the bonus when both you and your referrals are actively mining at the same time. This means a large but inactive team is less valuable than a smaller, highly engaged one.
To optimize your Referral Team strategy:
- Target quality over quantity—invite people genuinely interested in crypto
- Create a dedicated messaging group to coordinate mining times
- Send regular (but not annoying) reminders to your team when it’s time to mine
- Educate your referrals about Pi’s value proposition to maintain their interest
- Use Pi Network’s social features to maintain engagement with your team
Pioneers with 25+ active referrals often achieve mining rates several times higher than the base rate, making this one of the most lucrative strategies for accumulating Pi.
3. Implement Strategic Pi Lockups for Boosted Mining
Pi lockups are a powerful yet underutilized feature that can significantly increase your mining rate.
By voluntarily locking up your Pi for a specified period, you earn the right to mine at a higher rate according to a formula that considers both the percentage locked and the duration.
The lockup multipliers are quite generous:
- 2-week lockup: 0.1× multiplier
- 6-month lockup: 0.5× multiplier
- 1-year lockup: 1.0× multiplier
- 3-year lockup: 2.0× multiplier
These are further enhanced by the percentage of your transferable balance that you lock up:
- 100% lockup: 1.0× multiplier
- 150% lockup: 1.5× multiplier
- 200% lockup: 2.0× multiplier (the maximum allowed)
Consider locking 200% of your transferable balance for maximum benefit for 3 years. This strategy works especially well for pioneers with a long mining history, as the lockup formula also includes a logarithmic factor based on the number of previous mining sessions.
Keep in mind that lockups are irreversible once confirmed, so carefully consider your financial needs before committing to more extended lockup periods.
4. Consistently Run a Pi Node for Additional Rewards
Operating a Pi Node is a technical but rewarding way to boost your mining rate while contributing to network decentralization.
Node rewards are calculated based on several factors:
- Uptime factor: The percentage of time your Node is active
- Port open factor: Whether your Node’s ports are accessible from the internet
- CPU factor: The number of CPU cores your computer provides to the network
The longer your Node runs consistently, the higher your rewards will be, with additional weight given to recent performance. Nodes with open ports (31400-31409) are especially valuable to the network and receive higher rewards.
To maximize Node rewards:
- Use a dedicated computer with a stable internet connection
- Ensure your ports are properly forwarded on your router
- Run your Node 24/7 if possible to maximize uptime
- Use a computer with multiple CPU cores/threads
- Run the Node on the Testnet first to gain experience before Mainnet
Remember that your Node must be active during the previous mining session to receive any Node rewards, so consistency is key. Some dedicated Pioneers have reported mining rate increases of up to 10× their base rate through long-term, consistent Node operation.
5. Engage Daily with Pi Apps to Earn Usage Rewards
Since March 14, 2022, Pi Network has rewarded Pioneers for using apps on the Pi Browser platform. This helps you earn more Pi and supports the ecosystem’s growth by encouraging utility development.
The app usage reward formula considers:
- Time spent in apps: The total time you spend using Pi apps daily
- Number of apps used: Using multiple diverse apps increases rewards
- Usage history: Your history of app usage over time, with more weight given to recent activity
To optimize app usage rewards:
- Spend at least 15-30 minutes daily using various Pi apps
- Diversify your usage across multiple apps rather than using just one
- Establish consistent usage patterns over time for logarithmic reward growth
- Participate in app-specific activities and promotions
- Check out new apps in the Pi Browser’s Ecosystem Interface regularly
Be careful not to artificially inflate your time by keeping apps open without engagement, as the reward formula uses logarithmic functions to prevent exploitation. Active engagement with various apps will yield better results than passive time accumulation.
6. Complete KYC Verification Promptly for Mainnet Migration
KYC (Know Your Customer) verification is a critical step that directly impacts your ability to migrate Pi to the Mainnet and eventually access its value. While not strictly a mining “hack,” it’s essential for preserving the Pi you’ve already mined.
Pi Network has established a rolling six-month grace period for KYC verification, after which any unmigrated Pi will not be transferable to the Mainnet. Delaying your KYC could result in losing access to Pi, which is mined outside this window.
To ensure you preserve all your mined Pi:
- Complete KYC verification as soon as you’re eligible
- Prepare valid government-issued ID documents in advance
- Ensure your Pi account name matches your ID documents
- Follow the step-by-step instructions in the KYC app carefully
- Check your app regularly for KYC availability as the process is rolling out gradually
Remember that KYC also impacts your Referral Team and Security Circle members—if they don’t complete KYC, the Pi you earned from their contributions won’t be transferable to the Mainnet. Consider encouraging your network to complete verification to maximize your transferable balance.
7. Synchronize Your Mining Schedule with Global Peak Times
This strategy involves timing your mining sessions to maximize concurrent mining with your Referral Team.
Since the 25% Referral Team bonus only applies when both you and your referrals are mining simultaneously, aligning your mining schedule with peak global activity times can significantly boost your rewards.
Based on Pi Network’s usage statistics, peak mining times typically occur during these windows:
- 7:00-9:00 AM UTC (European morning/Asian evening)
- 12:00-2:00 PM UTC (European afternoon/American morning)
- 7:00-10:00 PM UTC (American evening/Asian morning)
To leverage this strategy:
- Start your 24-hour mining session during one of these peak windows
- Send notifications to your Referral Team shortly before your chosen time
- Create a daily routine of mining at the same time to establish consistency
- Use time zone converters to coordinate with international team members
- Consider seasonal adjustments during daylight saving time changes
Pioneers who consistently mine during peak hours report up to 40% higher effective mining rates due to increased concurrent mining with their Referral Team members. This simple scheduling hack requires no additional work but can substantially increase your Pi accumulation.
What to Know About the Pi Network Community
The Pi Network has cultivated one of the most impressive cryptocurrency communities in the digital asset space. With over 60 million registered users worldwide as of March 2025, the Pi community spans 233 countries and regions, making it one of the most globally diverse blockchain projects.
What makes this community unique is its structure and engagement level. Unlike most crypto projects where users are simply holders or traders, Pi Network has created a multi-tiered community of active participants who fulfill different roles: Pioneers (basic miners), Contributors (trusted members who build security circles), Ambassadors (members who introduce others to Pi), and Node Operators (who run the validation software on computers).
Pi Network Connection Channels
Pi Network maintains an active presence across several social media platforms to keep its global community connected and informed:
Pi Chat – The primary in-network communication platform integrated directly into the Pi app. This serves as a Web3 general communication platform where Pioneers can interact, exchange ideas, and learn from each other. The chat system features:
- Language-specific channels for native discussions
- Referral team chats for team coordination
- Special interest channels like #PiArt
- Technical spaces like Pi Developer and Pi Node chats
- Community moderation by volunteer Chat Moderators who help maintain a safe environment
Fireside Forum – An official discussion platform within the Pi ecosystem where the Core Team shares important updates and solicits community feedback on network developments. This integrated forum appears in the Mining App’s dynamic content feed.
PiNet – The network’s content-sharing platform that allows app content to be shared and serves as an onboarding point for new users.
Pi Network Social Media Channels
Beyond the native platforms, Pi Network maintains a presence on mainstream social media:
- Twitter/X – For official announcements and community engagement
- YouTube – Featuring educational content and development updates
- Telegram – With numerous community-run groups in various languages
The team actively engages with the community through these channels, organizing events like the Pi CoInvention, design and art contests, yearly mining summaries, and community challenges. These initiatives help maintain a high level of engagement, with over 35 million Pioneers actively engaged in the network.
Pi Network Past and Upcoming Partnerships
Pi Network has been strategically expanding its ecosystem through various partnerships to increase utility and real-world applications for Pi coin:
Past Partnerships:
- Hackathon Collaborations – Pi Network has run multiple hackathons, partnering with developer communities worldwide to foster app development within the Pi ecosystem. Their first worldwide online Hackathon attracted thousands of participants from the Pioneer community.
- Educational Institutions – Founded by Stanford PhDs, Pi Network has maintained academic connections to help advance its technology and research.
- Local Merchants – The network has built grassroots partnerships with local businesses in various countries, enabling Pi-to-goods transactions within the Enclosed Mainnet. These unofficial partnerships serve as early proof of concept for Pi’s utility as a medium of exchange.
- Community Developers – Rather than traditional corporate partnerships, Pi has focused on cultivating relationships with independent developers who have created numerous apps within the Pi Browser ecosystem. This approach has led to the development of a diverse array of Pi-powered applications.
Upcoming Partnership Initiatives:
- Pi Commerce Program – Following widely reported peer-to-peer Pi transactions for goods and services worldwide, the network is developing a systematic Pi Commerce program to formalize business relationships and expand merchant adoption.
- Exchange Partnerships – With the Open Mainnet launch planned for Q1 2025, Pi is expected to establish partnerships with major cryptocurrency exchanges. Pionex has already listed Pi Coin trading pairs after the February 20, 2025 mainnet launch, with Binance US reportedly considering listing Pi Coin soon.
- Cross-Chain Integrations – The network plans to develop partnerships enabling cross-chain capabilities, allowing Pi to interact with other blockchain ecosystems after the Open Mainnet phase begins.
- Financial Service Providers – To facilitate easier adoption, Pi Network seeks partnerships with traditional financial service providers to create bridges between fiat currency and Pi.
The Pi Core Team maintains a strategic approach to partnerships, prioritizing those that build real utility rather than purely speculative value. This strategy aligns with their vision of creating an inclusive peer-to-peer ecosystem fueled by the Pi cryptocurrency.
What to Expect from Pi Network in the Future?
As we’ve explored Pi Network’s key statistics, milestones, strategy tips, and community dynamics, it’s clear this innovative project continues to evolve rapidly. Pi Network has ambitious plans that could reshape how we think about cryptocurrency accessibility and utility.
The most anticipated development is the full Open Mainnet launch in Q1 2025, which will remove the firewall restricting external connectivity. This milestone will enable:
- Complete external connectivity to other networks, wallets, and exchanges
- Community Nodes running on the Mainnet instead of just the Testnet
- Unrestricted trading of Pi on cryptocurrency exchanges
- Integration with the broader cryptocurrency ecosystem
Pi Network is also focusing on expanding its utility-based ecosystem through:
- Pi Commerce development – Creating infrastructure for merchants to easily accept Pi payments, including improved QR code functionality and integration of Pi Wallet into phones’ native wallets
- Post-Mainnet migration Pi Lockups – Continuing to support long-term engagement while the network bootstraps and creates utilities
- Expanded developer support – Further building out tools and incentives for developers to create valuable Pi Apps
- Enhanced Pi Wallet features – Improving security and adding functionality to facilitate easier integration into different Pi Apps
- Second migration mechanisms – Enabling further migrations of Mobile Balance to the Mainnet for individual Pioneers
The network plans further to decentralize governance through community committees and voting mechanisms, gradually transitioning more control to Pioneers themselves.
Here are some of the most fascinating facts about Pi Network that we’ve covered:
- Pi has over 60 million registered users across 233 countries and regions, making it one of the most globally distributed cryptocurrencies
- Pi’s mobile mining approach uses approximately 1,000× less energy than traditional cryptocurrency mining methods
- February 20, 2025 marked Pi’s official mainnet launch, enabling trading on exchanges like Pionex
- Pi’s maximum supply is capped at 100 billion coins, with 80% allocated to the community and 20% to the Core Team
Pi Network continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in cryptocurrency, focusing on accessibility, utility, and community engagement. For the latest updates on crypto projects and best crypto airdrops, stay tuned. This content was last updated in March 2025.
Pi Network Guide FAQs
Pi allows anyone with a smartphone to earn cryptocurrency through simple daily check-ins. These frequently asked questions explain earning strategies, joining instructions, legitimacy concerns, and the potential value of your mined Pi coins.
How Do You Earn Money In The Pi Network Game?
You earn Pi by “mining” through daily check-ins on the mobile app, which uses minimal phone resources. Pi offers multiple earning mechanisms: base mining (0.2 Pi/hour after 10M users), Security Circle bonuses (up to 100% boost), Referral Team rewards (25% per active member), Pi lockups (up to 2x multiplier for 3-year commitments), app usage rewards, and Node operation bonuses.
Since the February 2025 mainnet launch, earned Pi can be traded on exchanges like Pionex.
How Do I Join Pi Network?
Joining Pi Network requires downloading the official app from Google Play or Apple App Store, entering an invitation code from an existing member, and creating an account using your phone number or Facebook. The onboarding process takes less than 5 minutes.
Over 60 million users worldwide have registered, representing 233 countries and regions. Eventually, you must complete KYC verification to transfer mined Pi to the mainnet.
Is Pi Coin Worth Anything?
Pi Coin has gained real-world value since launching on mainnet on February 20, 2025, and is tradable on exchanges like Pionex. Initial market values are reported at around $50 per coin, though prices fluctuate based on market conditions.
Pi’s maximum supply is capped at 100 billion coins, with 80% allocated to the community. The long-term value depends on ecosystem adoption, utility development, and exchange listings.
What Strategies Can I Employ To Improve My Likelihood Of Receiving A Pi Network Airdrop?
Maximize your Pi earnings by completing KYC verification promptly to secure your mined tokens. Build a full Security Circle with 5 trusted members for a 100% mining rate boost. Develop an active Referral Team, where each concurrent mining member adds a 25% rate increase.
Consider strategic Pi lockups for up to 2x multiplier with 3-year commitments. Mine consistently during peak hours when most Referral Team members are active.
Is Pi Network Legit?
Pi Network is a legitimate cryptocurrency project founded by Stanford PhDs and has been operating since March 2019. The project requires no user financial investment and has implemented KYC verification to prevent fake accounts. Its mainnet officially launched in February 2025, enabling trading on exchanges.
With over 60 million registered users and a clear development roadmap, Pi has demonstrated staying power in cryptocurrency by focusing on accessibility and community building.
Can Pi Mining Hurt Your Mobile Phone?
Pi mining won’t damage your phone as it doesn’t use intensive computational processes like traditional cryptocurrency mining. Pi uses approximately 1,000× less energy than Bitcoin mining by employing the Stellar Consensus Protocol instead of proof-of-work.
The app only requires a simple daily check-in and runs in the background without draining battery or processing resources. This design intentionally makes cryptocurrency accessible to everyday users without specialized hardware.