Pi Network Complete Guide: Everything You Need to Know from Mining to Trading

What is Pi Coin? A Must-Read for Beginners

Pi Network is a mobile blockchain project that allows ordinary users to mine easily on their phones without requiring specialized equipment or technical background. Founded in 2019 by two Stanford PhDs, the goal is clear — to bring cryptocurrency into the everyday lives of ordinary people.

Unlike Bitcoin, which requires expensive mining rigs and massive electricity consumption, Pi only needs you to verify your identity once a day through the mobile app. This innovative approach makes Pi one of the easiest cryptocurrencies to get started with, especially suitable for crypto newcomers.

As a social-based cryptocurrency project, Pi Network emphasizes creating real utility and broad accessibility rather than short-term market hype. This philosophy is particularly attractive to beginners who want to learn blockchain technology through practical participation without risking significant financial investment.

Who Are the Founders of Pi? Why Can They Create Such a Mysterious Project

Pi Network was founded by two individuals: Dr. Nicolas Kokkalis and Dr. Chengdiao Fan, both PhDs from Stanford University.

Dr. Nicolas Kokkalis — CTO, PhD in Electrical Engineering, Postdoctoral Researcher in Computer Science, specializing in distributed systems and human-computer interaction. His mission is to enable ordinary people to access cryptocurrency.

Dr. Chengdiao Fan — Product Director, PhD in Anthropology, leveraging her deep understanding of human behavior and social computing to build a more inclusive ecosystem.

The core intention of these founders is: to make blockchain technology no longer an elite toy, but something that everyone worldwide can participate in and benefit from.

Pi Network vs Pi Coin: Don’t Get Confused

Pi Network is the overall ecosystem and mobile crypto project, while Pi Coin is the native digital currency that powers this network.

Simply put: Pi Network provides infrastructure, applications, and community structure, allowing users to mine Pi on their phones. Unlike traditional cryptocurrencies that require expensive hardware, ordinary people (“pioneers”) can participate in mining using a lightweight mobile app that employs the Stellar consensus protocol instead of energy-intensive proof-of-work like Bitcoin.

Important Reminder: Pi Coin and Pi Network DeFi tokens are two different projects, with different functionalities and listing statuses on exchanges.

Core Features of Pi Network

1. Mobile-First Mining Model

Pi Network enables users to mine cryptocurrency directly on their phones without draining battery or requiring special hardware. This democratizes crypto mining — as long as you have a phone, you can participate, regardless of wealth or background.

2. Four User Roles Supporting the Ecosystem

• Pioneers: Ordinary users who verify their identity daily to mine Pi
• Contributors: Build security circles (trust 5 people) to add an extra layer of validation
• Ambassadors: Invite new users to grow the community
• Node Operators: Run validation software on computers to maintain network infrastructure

3. Stellar Consensus Protocol (SCP) Is the Smart Choice

Compared to Bitcoin’s energy-consuming proof-of-work, Pi uses the Stellar consensus protocol, which offers several advantages:

• Low Energy Consumption: Can be mined on phones without heavy computation
• High Scalability: Capable of handling larger transaction volumes
• True Decentralization: Maintains decentralization through federated Byzantine agreement while ensuring network security

4. Security Circles — Trust-Based Network Protection

Pi employs a unique trust layer — security circles. Users verify whether their contacts are real. This helps to:

• Prevent fake accounts and fraud
• Build a global trust graph
• Ensure security without costly computational power

5. Zero Barriers to Entry

Most crypto projects require upfront investment, but Pi is different. Free to join means people worldwide who are traditionally excluded from crypto now have a chance.

Why Is Pi Network Worth Paying Attention To

True Accessibility for All

Pi Network brings crypto mining to everyone via a mobile app. Unlike traditional cryptocurrencies that need specialized hardware, as long as you have a smartphone, you can participate regardless of your technical skills or financial resources.

No Hardware Investment Needed

One of the most attractive features: users don’t need to buy expensive mining equipment. This directly removes the significant financial barrier associated with Bitcoin and other traditional cryptos.

Low Power Consumption Is Truly Eco-Friendly

Pi’s consensus algorithm consumes far less electricity than Bitcoin’s proof-of-work system. Instead of solving energy-intensive math puzzles, Pi relies on trust relationships among users to secure the network. This eco-friendly approach reduces energy use and maintains security through the trust graph verification system.

Financial Inclusion Is the Ultimate Goal

The network’s design could empower regions with limited banking infrastructure by providing a decentralized financial system gateway. This is especially important for developing countries where traditional banking services are unavailable.

User Experience Is Extremely Friendly

Pi’s app is as easy to use as other mobile apps. Users only need to log in for a few seconds daily to mine, without draining battery or data. This foolproof operation is a blessing for newcomers intimidated by complex traditional crypto platforms.

KYC Ensures Security

Pi’s identity verification process (KYC) prevents fake accounts and ensures one person, one account. The network uses machine learning, user validation, and community trust circles to maintain ecosystem integrity, offering security that surpasses many other crypto projects.

Broad Development Prospects

Since the mainnet launched, Pi Network supports developers building innovative decentralized applications (dApps). This offers growth opportunities for the entire ecosystem and could spark a wave of blockchain-based innovations.

How Does Pi Network Work

Pi Network uses the Stellar consensus protocol instead of energy-intensive proof-of-work, making cryptocurrency more accessible and environmentally friendly.

Users participate by establishing “trust circles” — nominating 3 to 5 trusted contacts. This creates a network of validated members, forming a global trust graph that protects the network and verifies transactions without large-scale computational resources.

Mining rewards are given for different contributions: daily login and identity verification earn basic rewards; expanding trust circles yields additional benefits; running full nodes also earns rewards. Since December 2021, Pi has operated in a “closed” mainnet mode, requiring KYC verification to transfer mined Pi onto the blockchain. The plan is to transition to an “open” network stage, enabling full external connectivity.

How to Use Pi Coins

Pi Coin is the native cryptocurrency of the Pi Network ecosystem, earned through mobile mining, designed for a series of transactions within the platform. Users earn Pi by daily app login, expanding trust circles, and contributing to network security.

These coins can be used for peer-to-peer transfers, buying and selling goods and services on Pi-supported markets. Developers are encouraged to create apps accepting Pi as payment, ranging from e-commerce to digital services. The network also hosts periodic hackathons to support such development.

Although Pi is currently running on a closed mainnet (requiring KYC to transfer coins to the blockchain), the project plans to expand usability and liquidity during the open network phase.

Pi Network Token Economics Explained

Pi Network’s token economy is designed to promote community ownership and ecosystem sustainability, as outlined in the March 2019 white paper.

Total Supply and Distribution

Pi’s maximum supply is 10 billion tokens, with an 80/20 split: 80% to the community, 20% to the Pi core team.

Community Allocation (80%)

The community receives 8 billion Pi, divided into three parts:

1. Mining Rewards (6.5 billion Pi): The largest portion, rewarding active users past and future. About 3 billion Pi are expected to be mined before mainnet, but due to KYC, this may decrease to 1-2 billion. Remaining supply is allocated via new mainnet mining, with annual limits decreasing over time for sustainability.

2. Community & Ecosystem Development (1 billion Pi): Managed by the future Pi Foundation, funding community activities, developer grants, and network growth initiatives. Supports dApp development and ecosystem improvements.

3. Liquidity Fund (500 million Pi): Reserved to provide liquidity within the Pi ecosystem, ensuring smooth trading for pioneers and developers.

Core Team Allocation (2 billion Pi)

The Pi core team receives 2 billion Pi as compensation for development and network maintenance. This portion is gradually released based on community mining progress, with potential additional lock-up conditions.

Mining Reward Structure

Pi uses a decreasing reward system to incentivize early participation and ensure long-term sustainability:

• Annual limits decrease each year: Mining rewards diminish annually
• Flexible timing: Supply limits are calculated daily or even shorter periods based on lock-up ratios and remaining supply
• Multiple contribution rewards: Besides basic mining, pioneers can earn extra through app usage, node operation, and Pi locking

How to Trade Pi Coins

Now that Pi Network has transitioned to the open mainnet, Pi coins are listed on major exchanges, making selling Pi straightforward.

Step 1: Complete KYC and Migration

Ensure you’ve completed identity verification (KYC) and successfully migrated Pi from the closed mainnet. Only verified and migrated Pi can be transferred to external exchanges.

Step 2: Choose an Exchange

Many major crypto exchanges now support Pi trading. When selecting an exchange, consider security, trading fees, and available trading pairs.

Step 3: Transfer Coins to Exchange Wallet

To sell Pi, transfer coins from your Pi Wallet to the exchange wallet:

• Open Pi Wallet (via Pi Browser or mobile app)
• Select “Send”
• Copy the deposit address from the exchange
• Enter this address in Pi Wallet and confirm transfer amount
• Confirm transaction

Step 4: Place Sell Orders

Once Pi arrives at the exchange:

• Go to trading section, select trading pair (e.g., PI/USDT)
• Choose market order (sell immediately at current price) or limit order (set your desired sell price)
• Enter amount of Pi to sell
• Confirm order

Step 5: Withdraw Funds

After selling Pi:

• Keep funds on the exchange for future trading
• Convert to other cryptocurrencies
• Use exchange’s fiat withdrawal to transfer to your bank account

Always protect your account with strong passwords and two-factor authentication, and double-check all transfers before confirming.

What Does the Future Hold for Pi Network

Pi Network is transitioning from the current closed phase to the open network stage, which will be a key milestone. This will enable external connections with other blockchains and exchanges, allowing Pi coins to be traded and used freely outside the Pi ecosystem.

Growth strategies include ongoing hackathon projects to expand Pi-driven applications, supporting innovations in markets, gaming, and financial services. According to the roadmap, Pi aims to become a global payment system, widely accepted for everyday goods and services, with plans to expand node operation, develop cross-chain functionality, and establish strategic partnerships with traditional businesses to accept Pi payments.

With millions of users already accumulated and a focus on real-world utility rather than speculation, Pi Network is poised to become an important player in mainstream crypto adoption once the mainnet is fully launched.

Is Pi Network Legitimate or a Scam?

As crypto scams proliferate, many newcomers ask: “Is Pi Network real or a scam?” Objectively, Pi Network exhibits several features that distinguish it from scams:

Evidence of Legitimacy:

1. Founders are verifiable: The project was founded by Stanford PhDs, with professional profiles and academic backgrounds that can be independently verified.

2. Steady development approach: Unlike scams promising overnight riches, Pi Network follows a cautious, multi-year development roadmap.

3. No investment required: Pi Network does not ask users to invest money, setting it apart from Ponzi schemes requiring upfront capital.

4. KYC identity verification: Implementing identity checks demonstrates compliance with regulations.

5. Mainnet launch and exchange listings: Successfully transitioning to mainnet and listing on reputable exchanges are milestones most scams cannot achieve.

6. Continuous technological development: Ongoing improvements and ecosystem expansion over years show genuine commitment.

Common doubts and our perspective:

1. Long development cycle: Some complain about the lengthy process, but complex blockchain projects naturally take years to build secure infrastructure.

2. Value hard to define: Before exchange listing, Pi lacked a fixed market value, leading to speculation. Now, with trading on legitimate exchanges, prices are transparent.

3. Mining mechanism doubts: Concerns about mobile mining are common, but Pi uses the Stellar consensus protocol, not traditional proof-of-work.

The transition to open mainnet and exchange listings greatly enhance Pi Network’s credibility in the crypto space. Like all digital assets, users should do their homework and act cautiously, but objective evidence indicates Pi is a legitimate blockchain project with real development and increasing practical utility.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Pi Network launched?

Pi Network initially launched its mobile app in 2019, and in December 2021, it launched the closed mainnet. Since then, the network has transitioned to the open mainnet, supporting broader usage and trading.

What is the current price of Pi?

According to the latest data (January 9, 2026), PI is approximately $0.21, with a 24-hour increase of +0.94%. Market cap is about $1.75 billion, circulating supply is 8.38 billion, and max supply is 10 billion.

Prices fluctuate daily; check crypto tracking sites or exchanges for real-time info.

Can Pi be sold?

Yes. Pi can now be sold on various exchanges. After completing KYC and migrating to the open mainnet, you can transfer Pi to exchanges and place sell orders.

Does Pi have real value?

Yes. Pi currently has real market value on crypto exchanges and is actively traded. Its value is determined by market supply and demand, fluctuating daily. Besides trading value, Pi also has practical utility within its ecosystem.

When will Pi be tradable?

Pi is already listed on multiple exchanges. After completing necessary KYC verification and mainnet migration, users can transfer Pi to exchanges and trade at market or set prices.

Is Pi Network legal?

Yes. Pi Network is a legitimate crypto project developed by verified Stanford graduates. It follows a multi-year development roadmap, successfully transitioned to mainnet, and is listed on exchanges, all indicating legality.

What is the difference between Pi Network and Pi Coin?

Pi Network is a complete blockchain ecosystem and platform, while Pi Coin is the native cryptocurrency powering this network. Similar to Ethereum (network) and Ether (currency).

How is Pi mined?

Pi is mined via the mobile app using the Stellar consensus protocol, not energy-intensive proof-of-work. Users “mine” by verifying activity daily and establishing trust circles with other validators, forming a trust network to secure the network.

Final Words

Pi Network represents a unique crypto philosophy that prioritizes accessibility, community growth, and real-world value over speculation. By enabling mobile mining and building a community ecosystem, Pi opens the door for millions who might otherwise be excluded from the crypto revolution.

With the transition to the open mainnet and exchange listings, Pi Coin is beginning to realize its vision of widespread adoption. Whether you want to participate in mining, trading, or simply explore innovative blockchain projects, Pi Network offers an interesting case study — demonstrating how cryptocurrency can be rethought for mainstream acceptance.