What is PI Network?

PI Network is a cryptocurrency project launched in 2019 by a group of Stanford graduates. Its goal is to make crypto mining easy and accessible to everyone - even people who don’t have expensive computers or technical knowledge.

Instead of needing massive energy and mining rigs like Bitcoin, PI Network lets you mine coins directly from your smartphone with minimal battery usage.

Their vision is to build a “peer-to-peer decentralized ecosystem” where millions of users can use PI coins for real-world goods, services, and transactions.

Resources

White paper

Official website

How Does PI Network Work?

Mobile Mining

• You download the PI Network app (available on iOS and Android).
• You "mine" PI by logging into the app and tapping a lightning button once every 24 hours.
• Mining doesn’t actually drain your phone’s battery - it’s more like “proof of engagement” rather than “proof of work” (like Bitcoin uses).

Security Circles

• To strengthen the network’s trust and decentralization, you build a "security circle" by inviting trusted friends to your network.
• A stronger circle = a faster mining rate.

KYC Verification

• To move your mined PI coins to the real Mainnet, you must pass KYC (Know Your Customer) verification.
• KYC confirms you’re a real human (to prevent bots and fake accounts).

Mainnet Launch

• PI Network is currently transitioning users’ balances from the “test environment” to the live Mainnet.
• Once fully launched, users will be able to send, receive, trade, and use PI coins like any other cryptocurrency.

Future Ecosystem

• The plan is to enable PI holders to use their coins in a marketplace - buying products, paying for services, or trading PI for other crypto and fiat currencies.

How to Start Mining PI Network on Your Phone (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Download the PI Network App

• Go to the Google Play Store (Android) or the Apple App Store (iOS).
• Search for “PI Network” (official app by “SocialChain Inc.”).
• Download and install it - it’s free!

Step 2: Create Your Account

• Open the app and sign up using your Facebook account or your phone number.
• Choose a username (carefully - you can’t change it later!).
• Set a secure password.

Step 3: Enter an Invitation Code

• Invitation codes are required to join.
• You can get one from a friend who’s already mining, or you can find open invite codes online.
• This step connects you to the community and improves the network’s security.

Step 4: Start Mining!

• Once registered, you’ll see a “lightning bolt” button on your home screen.
• Tap the lightning bolt to start a 24-hour mining session.
• You must open the app and tap the button once every 24 hours to continue mining. (If you forget, your mining will stop until you tap again - but no penalties.)

Step 5: Build Your Earning Team (Optional but Recommended)

• Invite friends and family to join PI Network using your code.
• When your team members are active, your mining speed increases.
• You’re building a “security circle,” which helps the network grow securely.

Step 6: Complete KYC (Later Step)

• Before you can transfer mined PI coins to the Mainnet (real blockchain), you’ll need to verify your identity (KYC).
• PI Network will notify you when it’s your turn to complete KYC.

Is PI Network a Real Cryptocurrency or a Scam?

PI Network is a real cryptocurrency project - but it’s still in development. It’s not a scam, but it’s also not fully live or tradable like Bitcoin or Ethereum yet.

How to Earn More PI Coins Daily

Log In Every Day: Tap the lightning button in the app every 24 hours to keep mining. You must log in daily; otherwise, you won’t be able to mine more coins for that day. Tip: Set a reminder so you don’t miss your daily tap.

Increase Your Mining Rate with Security Circles: Invite trusted friends and family to join PI Network. As your network grows and you build a security circle, you can increase your mining rate. More trusted people = higher mining speed for you and your referrals.

Join Active Mining Teams: Mining team: The more people you invite who are actively mining, the better your rewards. Some teams focus on high levels of engagement, which can lead to increased mining rates. Check in with your team to stay engaged - teams that work together often see bigger boosts.

Upgrade Your Mining Rate (Boosts & Active Participation): You can earn more PI coins by using the app actively and taking part in special events. PI Network sometimes offers boosts or special events where you can earn more coins temporarily. Check the app for new opportunities like these!

Complete KYC Verification (Later Step): Completing KYC (Know Your Customer) verifies your identity and allows you to move your coins to the mainnet once it’s live. Being verified also prevents any cheating or duplicate accounts, so it keeps the community clean and trustworthy. Tip: Do it as soon as you’re eligible, and ensure all details are correct for smooth verification.

Maintain a Good Reputation: Don’t spam or invite random people — the system may flag suspicious activity. The app rewards trusted users, so it’s important to build relationships and invite only those who will engage.

Look for New Updates & Features: PI Network is evolving, and updates often come with new ways to earn or increased mining speeds. Stay up-to-date with new features in the app to ensure you’re not missing out on earning potential.

History of PI Network Founders

Dr. Nicolas Kokkalis (Lead Founder): Dr. Kokkalis holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Stanford University, specializing in distributed systems and blockchain technology. Before founding PI Network, he worked on distributed computing and cryptocurrency projects. His work focuses on building scalable systems and innovative solutions for the digital world.

Dr. Chengdiao Fan (Co-Founder): Dr. Fan has a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Stanford University, with a focus on mobile and social computing. She has expertise in social networks and mobile technology, which she used to bring the idea of accessible mobile mining to life.

Stanford Team: The PI Network’s core team includes experts from various fields, including computer science, engineering, and economics, all working to push the boundaries of blockchain scalability and cryptocurrency adoption.