Pi Coin has been a major talking point among crypto enthusiasts and newcomers alike, sparking lively debates and dominating communities on social media. As one of the most popular mobile-mined cryptocurrencies, it promises mass adoption through easy accessibility—but also faces skepticism. With so many claims, rumors, and conflicting information, it’s time to dig deep into the real story: what’s going on with Pi Coin right now, and what does the future likely hold for this ambitious project?
Pi Coin is the native cryptocurrency of the Pi Network, a project initiated in 2019 by a group of Stanford graduates. Their vision was to make cryptocurrency mining accessible to everyone using smartphone technology, drastically reducing the barrier to entry found with traditional Proof-of-Work coins like Bitcoin. Instead of needing expensive, energy-intensive hardware, users can mine Pi simply by logging into a mobile app and pressing a button every 24 hours.
This approach quickly made Pi Network incredibly popular, especially in regions with limited access to high-end technology or stable internet. The concept gained millions of users worldwide who were eager to get in early on what some consider the next big thing in digital currency—at virtually no financial risk.
The founders of Pi Network—Dr. Nicolas Kokkalis, Dr. Chengdiao Fan, and Vincent McPhillip—wanted to address three pressing issues:
Pi began as a beta launch in March 2019, growing rapidly in Asia, Africa, and South America, where barriers to other cryptocurrencies are higher. In its early phases, Pi operated as an IOU system: coins are mined and recorded in the app, but until the project’s mainnet launches fully and KYC (Know Your Customer) procedures are met, users can’t transfer or trade their tokens.
Over the years, the development team has gradually implemented their roadmap, introducing KYC verification, preliminary mainnet launches, and ecosystem DApp development. Yet, the pace has sometimes led to impatience and rumor-mongering in the Pi community.
Pi Network allows users to mine new coins by validating their identity, checking in once per day, and building a trustworthy network of invitees. The mining does not drain battery or use device resources. Instead, it acknowledges that you are a real human and member of an expanding social circle.
Rather than using energy-heavy Proof-of-Work (PoW) or Proof-of-Stake (PoS), Pi implements the Stellar Consensus Protocol (SCP)—focusing on security circles of trusted individuals (your own contacts) for transaction validation. This social-driven consensus forms a network of trust, designed to mitigate Sybil attacks (fake accounts).
Pi’s mainnet went live in December 2021 but with limitations. Coins are “locked” until holders complete KYC; those who pass can transfer their coins within the Pi app’s closed ecosystem. Users are still waiting for an “open mainnet” phase, which would allow full blockchain transparency and trading on exchanges.
Pi Coin’s revolutionary approach offers several unique advantages:
As of now, the Pi Network operates in a closed mainnet phase. What does this mean? Users with KYC-approved accounts can transfer Pi within the app ecosystem—buying and selling goods on the Pi marketplace, using DApps, or peer-to-peer with other users. However, Pi is not yet tradable on official cryptocurrency exchanges. This is a key distinction: prices you see online are speculative and not authorized by the Pi team.
Developers continue to expand the network’s KYC access to users around the globe, with millions having now completed the process. Progress toward the open mainnet—including full blockchain transparency and integration with external wallets and exchanges—remains the most anticipated event in the Pi community.
Developers are encouraged to build applications on the Pi Network, with projects ranging from e-commerce stores to job platforms and social apps. All transactions within the app ecosystem use Pi as payment, offering a glimpse of real-world utility. But as it stands, Pi’s use is confined to its closed-loop environment.
Many third-party and over-the-counter (OTC) marketplaces attempt to “trade” Pi Coin at various prices, but these are not officially recognized by the Pi core team. Such transactions are risky, as they often involve trust-based deals without any blockchain guarantee. The official open mainnet launch will be the moment that truly determines Pi’s tradable value.
Pi Coin’s strength is its global, grass-roots community. The referral-based growth model has made it one of the most adopted “early-stage” cryptocurrencies in the world. The team’s focus on KYC shows commitment to a real-user base, which is essential for any sustainable blockchain ecosystem.
Without mainnet launch, Pi can’t be listed on credible exchanges. When the time comes—as hinted by project developers—select exchanges may offer the first chance to openly trade Pi. If you’re preparing for this, establishing a reputable account like Bitget Exchange can ensure early access when (and if) Pi Coin is listed.
Holding digital assets securely is crucial. When open mainnet goes live, users will likely be able to withdraw their coins to third-party wallets. Bitget Wallet stands out as one of the most secure and user-friendly Web3 wallets available—perfect for managing new assets, participating in decentralized finance, and storing digital collectibles.
Follow official Pi Network announcements and avoid third-party trading, which carries significant risk.
If you’re eligible, complete the KYC process when available—this ensures you’re eligible to transfer coins in the next network phase.
Explore marketplace DApps, try P2P transactions, and experiment within the Pi app to learn how its economy can work for you.
Have your security protocols in place. When the open mainnet arrives, transfer your coins to a reliable Web3 wallet such as Bitget Wallet to ensure maximum safety.
The story of Pi Coin is far from over. The network is in a unique holding pattern: millions mined but not yet circulating in the broader crypto economy. As the project approaches the next major milestones—expanding KYC, onboarding new developers, launching open mainnet—the stakes are high and excitement is building. Whether Pi Coin can deliver on its promise of inclusive, mobile-first crypto adoption depends on the next moves from its visionary team and dedicated community. Eyes will remain glued to upcoming announcements, as the potential for Pi to shift the crypto landscape remains enormous. For now, caution and patience will serve pioneers best, keeping one finger ready on the pulse of the Pi Network revolution.
I'm EtherLingo, a blockchain decoder bridging English and French. Proficient in analyzing LayerZero's cross-chain technology and the game theory behind DAO voting mechanisms in English, I also explore France's Web3 tax policies and the ecosystem building of Quebec's blockchain innovation hub in fluent French. Having worked on a cross-border carbon trading blockchain platform in Geneva and studied AI-blockchain integrations in Los Angeles, I'll unpack the global blockchain landscape behind technical jargon through a bilingual lens.