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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)



Disclaimer: Pi is NOT free money.

Pi is NOT free money. It is a long-term project whose success depends on the collective contributions of its members. Pi is dedicated to helping everyday people participate in a utilities-based ecosystem on blockchain fueled by a cryptocurrency without the need for traditional intermediaries. If you are looking for quick money, look elsewhere.



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See all Official Pi FAQ General questions Registration Login / Logout Teams Node Verification (KYC) Vrednost Pi-a Earnings Payout Scam?

Can minors under the age of 18 do KYC?

At this time, minors (persons under 18 years old) do not have the right to submit a KYC application. Buth...

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Upon entering the KYC app, before the Pioneer fills out their application, there will be a section where he will be asked to enter his date of birth. Once this action confirms that the Pioneer is a minor, his KYC Grace period timer should soon be paused. The timer will resume counting down when the KYC requirements are met, i.e., when the Pioneer turns 18 years old or when the KYC app provides a parental consent mechanism (in the near future).

FFF / 004
Official Pi FAQ

What is Pi?

Pi Network is essentially a globally accessible online blockchain ecosystem that makes use of “Pi” – a new cryptocurrency for and by everyday people that you can “mine” on your phone for free with simplicity.

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Cryptocurrencies are a new form of digital money maintained and secured by a community, instead of by governments or banks. Today, you can mine Pi by making diverse contributions to the ecosystem, namely, helping to secure the blockchain, grow Pi’s trusted network, run a Node, and engage with the Pi app ecosystem. While most cryptocurrencies (like Bitcoin) have been very hard for everyday people to use and access, Pi puts the power of cryptocurrency into the palm of your hand.

AAA / 001
Official Pi FAQ

Is Pi real? There is some confusing commentary on Pi online.

Pi is a genuine effort by a team of Stanford graduates to give everyday people greater access to cryptocurrency.

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Pi’s core team is led by a team of early innovators in blockchain and social computing, with PhDs from Stanford University. No one can guarantee that the project will succeed. However, the Core Team is committed to working their hardest along with all Pioneers to make our shared dreams a reality, while maintaining the highest standards of integrity.

Furthermore, the app is free. You never have to spend fiat money out of your pocket in this app. The app was vetted and approved by Google Play and the Apple App stores. The Google Play store alone shows millions of downloads.

In fact, the network uses a native, decentralized KYC process to identify and verify that the members have only one account and to prevent bots or fake accounts from trying to game the system.

You can learn more about the “Core Team” on the Team page on the Pi Network website.

MMM / 001
Official Pi FAQ

How does the Pi app work?

The Pi app allows you to mine Pi cryptocurrency by making diverse contributions to the network. The more you contribute, the more Pi you mine. The app is also the home for your Pi account where you can stay tuned on the network updates and interact with fellow members of the Pi community.

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To start mining Pi, check in every 24 hours and hit the lightning button. Once you are mining, you can boost your hourly rate by inviting trusted friends and family to join the community. After 3 days of mining, you can boost your mining rate further by building your security circle, which contributes to the overall security of the network. There are additional ways to mine Pi through Pi lockups, app engagement, and Node operations. Please refer here for details.

HHH / 001
Official Pi FAQ

How can the mining of Pi crypto be free? Are you using my phone resources?

Allowing Pioneers to mine Pi cryptocurrency for free is a conscious network choice in service of ensuring accessibility to cryptocurrency to people regardless of their financial background. In fact, 65% of the entire Pi supply will be available for mining by Pioneers for free, which is a substantial share for the community in the blockchain space.

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Pi Network does NOT use your phone’s resources – hardware, network, or anything else. The main Pi app and the Pi Browser app uses as much phone battery just as any other regular app. Please refer to the next answer to understand why Pi mining does not consume your phone resources.

AAA / 004
Official Pi FAQ

Do I need to leave the app open to mine? Does the app drain my battery or data?

You do not need to leave the app open to mine. Pi does not affect your phone’s performance, drain your battery, nor use your network data any more than other regular apps. Once you hit the lightning button that initiates a new mining session and confirms your security circle, you can even close the app and you will continue to mine Pi. However, making diverse contributions to the network, such as using Pi apps, running computer nodes or inviting friends, will boost your mining rate. Any mobile usage of Pi apps will not consume more energy or resources than other regular mobile apps.

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So how can you mine a cryptocurrency without draining your battery or data? Instead of burning energy, as proof of work cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin do, Pi secures its ledger when members vouch for each other as trustworthy. For more information, please refer to another FAQ – How can Pi be mined on mobile phones without energy consumption typically known in “crypto mining”?

AAA / 002

What is Pi NODE?

A Pi Node is a computer in the Pi Network that runs the Pi Node software and contributes to the decentralized infrastructure of the network.

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Unlike simple Pi mining apps on mobile devices, Pi Nodes participate in the consensus algorithm, helping to validate transactions and secure the network. Nodes are essential for maintaining the integrity and efficiency of the Pi blockchain by verifying transactions and adding them to the distributed ledger.

Here are some key points about Pi Nodes:

  • Decentralization: Pi Nodes help achieve a decentralized network by distributing the task of transaction validation across multiple independent computers.
  • Consensus: They play a crucial role in reaching consensus within the network, ensuring that all transactions are legitimate and agreed upon by the majority of nodes.
  • Security: By contributing to the consensus mechanism, Pi Nodes enhance the overall security of the network, making it resistant to fraud and attacks.
  • Rewards: Node operators can earn Pi tokens as rewards for their contribution to maintaining and securing the network.
  • Requirements: Running a Pi Node requires a computer with reliable internet access, and it must be capable of running the Pi Node software consistently.

In essence, Pi Nodes are vital components of the Pi Network, enabling it to function as a secure, decentralized cryptocurrency platform.

EEE / 001

What is Pi SUPERNODE?

SuperNodes are the backbone of Pi’s Blockchain. They are responsible for reaching a consensus based on the algorithm to write the right transaction on the Pi ledger, in addition to all the responsibilities that a node performs.

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They’re also responsible for making sure other SuperNodes and Nodes get the latest state of the blockchain. SuperNodes also utilize the node interface and are initially selected by the Core Team. They need to be connected to the network 24/7 and have a reliable internet connection.

Here are some key points about Pi Supernodes:

  • Consensus Leaders: Supernodes lead the consensus process by validating transactions and blocks, ensuring that they are legitimate and consistent with the network's rules.
  • Network Stability: They help maintain network stability and efficiency by handling a larger volume of transactions and ensuring that blocks are propagated quickly and reliably across the network.
  • High Performance: Supernodes typically require more robust hardware and reliable internet connections to handle their increased workload and responsibilities.
  • Decentralization: By distributing the task of transaction validation among multiple Supernodes, the Pi Network achieves greater decentralization, reducing the risk of central points of failure.
  • Rewards: Operators of Supernodes are rewarded with Pi tokens for their contribution to the network's security and efficiency, incentivizing them to maintain high standards of performance.

In summary, Pi Supernodes are essential for the robust operation of the Pi Network, ensuring that transactions are validated efficiently and securely, and contributing to the overall decentralization and reliability of the network.

EEE / 005
Official Pi FAQ

Why was the mining rate higher in the past?

Earlier members mined at a higher rate to reward their contributions to and leap of faith in the network when the network was small and young.

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Pi aims to be the world’s most widely used and distributed cryptocurrency. To achieve that goal, Pi needed to bootstrap its network in the beginning, and therefore, incentivized its earliest members to make contributions that would set it on a path to success (e.g., securing and growing the network). The Pre-Mainnet mining mechanism began at 3.14 Pi/h and halved whenever the network increased in size by a factor of 10x without a definite max supply, starting at 1,000 Engaged Pioneers. This occurred five times before the Mainnet Phase launched on December 28, 2021 when a new mining mechanism along with a clear supply model was introduced.

Starting March 1, 2022, the declining rewards issuance formula based on the supply model took effect, adjusting the systemwide base mining rate based on a monthly supply limit defined by the formula and replacing the milestone-based halving explained above. Generally, the mining rate declines month over month due to the limit of supply, the growing network size and Pioneer mining activity. This formula helps ensure that Pioneer mining rewards are within the total supply limit of 65 billion allocated for mining rewards as announced in the new chapters of the whitepaper drafts released in December 2021. This declining rewards issuance formula along with the new mining mechanism (which went into effect on March 14, 2022) balances the network’s need for growth, accessibility, longevity, and scarcity. Additionally, it right-sizes the Pioneers’ rewards for contribution to the network.

HHH / 002

Do I need to verify my phone number?

Yes, verifying your phone number in the Pi Network is generally required for several reasons:

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  • Security: Phone number verification helps to ensure that each account is associated with a real person, reducing the likelihood of fraudulent accounts and bots.
  • Identity Confirmation: It aids in confirming the identity of users, which is essential for maintaining the integrity of the network and ensuring that mining rewards are distributed fairly.
  • Account Recovery: Having a verified phone number can help with account recovery if you lose access to your account or need to reset your password.
  • KYC (Know Your Customer): Pi Network may implement KYC procedures, where verifying your phone number can be a step towards verifying your identity fully.

Verifying your phone number is a straightforward process within the Pi Network app and contributes to the security and legitimacy of the network.

BBB / 001

Do I need to verify my Facebook account?

Verifying your Facebook account on the Pi Network is optional but can be beneficial for a few reasons:

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  • Account Recovery: Linking your Facebook account can make it easier to recover your Pi Network account if you forget your password or lose access to your phone number.
  • Additional Security: It adds another layer of verification, helping to prove that you are a real person and not a bot or duplicate account.
  • Networking: Connecting your Facebook account can help you find and invite friends to join your Pi Network referral team, potentially increasing your mining rate.
  • Identity Verification: While phone number verification is more commonly used for identity confirmation, Facebook verification can serve as an additional method to ensure the authenticity of users.

However, if you are concerned about privacy, you can choose to verify your account using just your phone number and avoid linking your Facebook account. The primary requirement is phone number verification, but linking your Facebook account is a useful additional step.

BBB / 002
Official Pi FAQ

What is the Ambassador role? How does the Referral Team work?

Pi Network Ambassadors are Pioneers who help grow the network and distribute Pi cryptocurrency widely by referring other people to join the network as Pioneers.

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Accessibility is a core value of Pi, and Pi’s vision is to build the world’s most inclusive peer-to-peer ecosystem and online experience, fueled by Pi, the world’s most widely distributed cryptocurrency. Therefore, anyone who contributes to network growth and Pi distribution by introducing others into the Pi Network will receive Pi rewards in the form of higher mining rate.

You become an Ambassador when new members join your Referral Team by using your invitation code (also your Pi username) when they sign up for Pi Network.You earn a 25% bonus on your base mining rate for each person you invite to the network and is mining concurrently with you at a given point in time. There is no limit to the number of new Pioneers you can invite, and therefore, no limit to Referral team rewards. A new member can only be added to one inviter’s Referral Team, because each member only joins Pi once using one inviter’s invitation code, but each member then can create their own referral team with new members. In other words, unlike the Security Circles where people can be added into multiple members’ circles based on trust, Referral Teams are fixed based on who invited whom. Each invitee in the world can only be claimed by one inviter.

There are four roles for Pioneers in the Pi ecosystem: Pioneer, Contributor, Ambassador, and Node. To view your roles, first tap the ≡ icon in the top left of the mining app. Then, tap “Roles".

DDD / 001
Official Pi FAQ

What are Pi Security Circles and the Security Circle Mining Reward?

Security Circles are groups of trusted people built by each Pioneer. You can add as many trusted Pioneers as you can to your Security Circle.

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Your Security Circle mining reward increases for each new Pioneer added to your Security Circle, but caps at 5 members. This means that each member of your Security Circle gives you a 20% bonus (up to a 100% maximum) on your base mining rate as long as they remain active. The Security Circles are so central to the security of the Pi blockchain (as explained below) that the Security Circle reward raises the individual Pioneer mining rate by itself as well as by boosting any Referral Team, nodes, or app usage reward that applies to the Pioneer.

DDD / 004
Official Pi FAQ

What is, and how do I become a Pi Contributor?

Pi Network Contributors are Pioneers who contribute to the network’s security by adding other trusted Pioneers to their Security Circles.

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In aggregate, these Security Circles help build a global trust graph that is used by the Pi consensus algorithm to secure the Pi blockchain. In other words, when Pioneers point to other Pioneers they trust, then it helps create a trusted social network that the Pi Nodes running the Pi blockchain can rely on to secure the blockchain. For this reason, it is important that you only add Pioneers to the security circle whom you personally trust.

Pi’s Contributor role becomes unlocked after you’ve finished 3 mining sessions as a Pioneer. After 3 days of mining, you will see a new icon of the security circle on the home screen of the app which you can click to start.

There are four roles for Pioneers in the Pi ecosystem: Pioneer, Contributor, Ambassador, and Node. To view your roles, first tap the ≡ icon in the top left of the mining app. Then, tap “Roles.”

DDD / 002

Do I need to log out of the Pi Mining application? (SIGN OUT)

Logging out of the Pi Mining application is generally not necessary under normal circumstances. The Pi Network app is designed to be user-friendly and secure, allowing you to remain logged in for continuous access to your account and uninterrupted mining.

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However, there are specific situations where logging out might be recommended: Device Sharing, Lost or Stolen Device, Using a Public or Shared Device, Security Concerns, Switching Devices ...

In general, you do not need to log out of the Pi Mining application for regular use. It's designed to keep you logged in to maintain continuous mining and access to your account. Just ensure that your device is secure and that you follow good security practices, such as using a strong password and enabling any available security features.

CCC / 001

Why is the Security circle important?

The Security Circle in the Pi Network is a crucial feature designed to enhance the overall security and trustworthiness of the network.

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Here’s why it’s important:

  • Enhanced Security: Security Circles help create a more secure network by allowing users to add trusted members. This mutual trust among users reduces the risk of fraudulent activities and malicious nodes within the network.
  • Preventing Fraud: By relying on a network of verified, trusted users, Security Circles help ensure that the participants in the network are real people, not bots or fake accounts. This verification mechanism adds an extra layer of protection against fraudulent activities.
  • Decentralization: Security Circles contribute to the decentralization of the Pi Network. Instead of relying on a central authority to validate transactions, the network depends on individual users vouching for one another, which aligns with the principles of blockchain technology.
  • Increased Mining Rate: Being part of a Security Circle can increase your mining rate. When you add trusted members to your Security Circle, you help secure the network, and in return, you can earn Pi at a faster rate.
  • Community Trust: Security Circles foster a sense of community and trust within the network. By adding people you know and trust to your circle, you contribute to a more reliable and trustworthy ecosystem.

In summary, the Security Circle is a vital aspect of the Pi Network that enhances security, prevents fraud, promotes decentralization, increases mining rates, and builds community trust. It helps ensure that the network remains secure and that the users involved are real, contributing to the overall health and integrity of the Pi Network.

DDD / 003
Official Pi FAQ

Why is the Pi Referral Team program NOT multi-level marketing?

Pi Network Contributors are Pioneers who contribute to the network’s security by adding other trusted Pioneers to their Security Circles.

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It is not exploitative of the newer members being referred because the Referral Team mining bonus is an equal split between referrer and referee, i.e. both of them mine the same 25% bonus when both are concurrently mining.

There is no fiat money involved in the referral program. New members do not have to pay the referrer any money or pay the project any money to join. Pi is free to be mined by anyone.

The referral bonus only applies to 1 level of referral relationship. This means that the referral-grandchild’s behavior doesn’t affect at all the mining of referral-grandparents.

MMM / 002
Official Pi FAQ

How can Pi be mined on mobile phones without energy consumption typically known in “crypto mining”?

Pi achieves this by using a different type of consensus algorithm in its blockchain, rather than the widely known Proof of Work (POW) algorithm that consumes a lot of energy. Pi’s consensus algorithm is adapted from the Stellar Consensus Protocol (SCP) and an algorithm called Federated Byzantine Agreement (FBA), which do not require energy consumption to reach consensus in order to secure a ledger. This type of consensus algorithm requires the nodes to form quorums and exchange messages with each other based on a trust graph composed of individual quorum slices to come to a “consensus” on what the next block should be.

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Mining is making contributions to the consensus algorithm to secure the ledger in blockchain for rewards. While POW mining requires nodes to “work” to solve mathematical puzzles to help the algorithm reach consensus and incidentally consume a lot of energy, Pi mining requires a distributed trust graph. The security circles of each individual mobile miners will aggregate into a global trust graph that will feed the consensus algorithm of the Pi blockchain. Therefore, each mobile miner is mining Pi by contributing to the intersectionality, security and feasibility of the consensus algorithm of the Pi blockchain in order to secure the Pi ledger.

While POW miners’ contribution to those blockchains is the energy, Pi mobile miners’ contribution to Pi Blockchain is their trust relationships and the active confirming of such relationships. The heavy lifting of running the consensus algorithm based on the trust graph that the mobile phones are creating is still falling into computer nodes. In fact, the Pi Testnet already has more than 10K such computer nodes that will be soon migrated to the Pi Mainnet, placing Pi into a good path into creating a very decentralized blockchain network.

AAA / 006

What is the value of Pi?

As of now, Pi does not have a monetary value that is recognized on traditional cryptocurrency exchanges. This is primarily because Pi is still in its development and testing phases, specifically in the Testnet stage.

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Here are some key points regarding the value of Pi:

  • Current Stage: Pi is in the Testnet phase, meaning it is not yet fully launched on the Mainnet where it can be traded freely on cryptocurrency exchanges. Until it reaches the Mainnet, Pi will not have an official market value.
  • Potential Future Value: The value of Pi in the future will depend on several factors, including adoption by users, functionality of the network, integration with other financial systems, and overall demand and supply dynamics in the market.
  • Internal Economy: Within the Pi Network app, there might be some forms of barter or exchanges happening between users for goods and services, but these are not standardized and do not represent an official market value.
  • Mainnet Launch: The official value of Pi will be determined when the Pi Network transitions to the Mainnet and is listed on cryptocurrency exchanges. At that point, market forces will determine its value based on trading activity.
  • Speculation and Hope: Many users are mining Pi in anticipation of its future value. However, it's important to note that there is no guarantee of its future value, and any investment of time or resources should be made with this understanding.

In summary, while Pi does not currently have an official market value, its future value will depend on the successful launch of the Mainnet and adoption by the broader cryptocurrency community.

GGG / 001
Official Pi FAQ

Can I transfer my Pi? What is the timeline for transferring Pi?

The network went through three major phases: Bootstrap (3/14,2019 – 3/14,2020), Testnet (3/14,2020 – 12/28,2021) and Mainnet (12/28,2021 – the Present). During the first two phases, transfer of Pi was generally not available across the whole network.

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In the Mainnet phase composed of two periods—Enclosed and Open Network periods— mainnet migration and transferability became available for individual Pioneers based on the following procedures.

Unverified and unmigrated Pi in the mobile mining app is not transferable. Once you pass identity verification through the KYC (Know Your Customer) process in the Pi KYC app, and thus show that you are who you say you are (which prevents bad actors from accumulating Pi from unverified accounts), you can migrate your mobile-mined Pi balance onto the Mainnet blockchain. Once your Pi balance is migrated to Mainnet, you can send or receive your Pi to and from other Pioneers or to and from a Pi app in return for their goods or services. For how you can use your Mainnet Pi on the Pi ecosystem, see here.

KKK / 001

What is the goal of the Pi Project?

PI is currently in the Closed Mainnet phase. The project is still under development. The plan is to form the Pi ecosystem this year and enable exchange for the majority of the Pi network.

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The main goal is to create a cryptocurrency that is not governed by states and banks. The PI Network has already enabled migrated Pioneers to exchange mined Pi Coins for real products. Currently, transfers (migration) of real Pi are being made to the Mainnet wallets of Pioneers who have done KYC and have no other obstacles for it. With their "free" Pi they can already send their Pi to other KYC Pioneers (P2P) and thus exchange for goods and services.

AAA / 005

When will Pi be worth something? When can I turn Pi into "real" money?

As of now, the Pi Network team has not provided a specific date for the Open Mainnet launch. The timing depends on the successful completion of ongoing development, testing, and regulatory compliance processes.

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The monetary value of Pi will be established once the Pi Network transitions to the Open Mainnet. This move will allow Pi to be listed on cryptocurrency exchanges where it can be traded for other cryptocurrencies or fiat money. As of now, the Pi Network team has not provided a specific date for the Open Mainnet launch. The timing depends on the successful completion of ongoing development, testing, and regulatory compliance processes. It is predicted that this will happen by the end of 2024.

Even before the Open Mainnet launch, some users may use Pi in barter transactions within the Pi community to exchange for goods and services, though this is informal and not equivalent to trading for fiat money. The monetary value of Pi will be determined by user adoption, ecosystem development, and market demand once it is listed on exchanges.

KKK / 002
Official Pi FAQ

Can I mine from more than one device? How does Pi Network prevent fake accounts, bots, etc. from mining Pi?

No, you cannot mine from more than one device. Pioneers are only allowed one Pi account per person.

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Pi uses a multi-pronged strategy to safeguard against fake accounts and bots. First, the network uses a combination of third party checks (e.g., recaptcha) and natively developed machine learning algorithms to identify bots. Such checks are usually invisible to most Pioneers.

Second, Security Circles, which are integral to the functioning of Pi’s consensus algorithm, also make it easy to detect fake accounts. Fake accounts will not have enough real people pointing at them via Security Circles. At best, fake accounts would be pointing at each other with very few incoming pointers from the rest of the network. This anomaly is easy to detect with computer algorithms.

Third, Pi’s native, decentralized KYC solution helps validate the identity of Pioneers before they are eligible to migrate their mined mobile Pi balance onto the Mainnet blockchain. In other words, only accounts validated as belonging to distinct real individuals will be honored on the Mainnet blockchain. KYC also acts as a final system check against bots and fake accounts. That is, even if all other methods missed out on some “bot” accounts, this Pioneer validation process will further eliminate them because bot owners will not be able to prove bots to be real people with real names and government-issued identity cards.

AAA / 003

What Is The Relationship Between The Pi Node Software And The Pi Network Mobile Application?

Nodes and mobile apps are not mutually exclusive but complementary to each other. You will log into the Node software through your Mobile app account, which means both desktop and mobile apps are pointing to the same Pi account.

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As Pi policy, one person will only be allowed to have one Pi account, and as of now, one account should run only one node. Mobile mining can only be started from the mobile app, while the desktop Pi App interface of the node will allow you to check balances, chat and watch any media content on the homescreen. Whether an account has a node or not does not affect any functionality in the mobile app.

EEE / 002

What is "KYC"?

KYC or “Know Your Customer” is a procedure to first identify and then verify user identities. Pi Network utilizes a proprietary KYC solution to scalably verify the identity of millions of Pioneers all over the world to onboard them to the Mainnet blockchain and ecosystem.

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Over the past year, the Pi KYC software has been continuously updated to allow more and more Pioneers to apply, address many different corner cases in the application process, and verify identities of millions of Pioneers to prepare them for their Mainnet migration, while safeguarding the integrity of the network. The KYC progress of the whole network will remain a top priority of the community including the Core Team, Validators and Pioneers, and one of the two primary goals of the Enclosed Network period in the Mainnet Phase.

FFF / 001
Official Pi FAQ

How do I mine more Pi coins?

Pi Network’s mining mechanism is simple and meritocratic: The more you contribute to the network in diverse ways, the higher your mining rate is. Please refer to the updated chapters of the whitepaper draft released in December 2021 (December Whitepaper) for details.

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In addition to mining everyday, you can boost your individual mining rate by doing one or more of the activities below. Keep in mind that the mining stops along with all types of mining rewards when a mining session is no longer active (that is, after the end of a 24-hour mining session and before you start another mining session on the app). Therefore, it’s best to set an app notification to remind you when it is time to start a new mining session.

  • Completing your Security Circle to maximize Security Circle rewards. Pi’s consensus algorithm relies on a global trust graph, which is aggregated from the millions of intertwining Security Circles of individual Pioneers. Thus, a Pioneer is given an additional mining boost for each new valid Security Circle connection, up to 5 such connections. Each Security Circle member who remains active adds a boost of 20% of the base rate (up to a maximum of 100%).
  • Inviting your friends to mine Pi to increase Referral Team rewards. Inviting more people to join your Referral Team by sending them your invitation code (your Pi username) and mining concurrently as they mine increases your mining rate rewards. Each member who is concurrently active adds a bonus of 25% of the base rate to your hourly mining rewards. There is no limit to the number of members you can add to your Referral Team. This Referral Team rewards recognize Pioneers’ contribution to the growth of the network and the wide distribution of Pi.
  • Reminding your existing Referral Team to mine, so that you can maximize the concurrency of your mining together that boosts your mining rate.
  • Setting and commiting to a lockup configuration or increasing your current lockup commitment. This helps stabilize the Pi ecosystem with long term engagement.
  • Using apps on the Pi Browser directory to increase App Usage rewards. This helps the network create utilities and build the ecosystem.
  • Running a Node to increase Node Rewards. The Node Bonus rewards are open to any Pioneer with a computer connected to the internet, and are computed based on the reliability and accessibility of the Node you are running. Node rewards also apply to running nodes on the Testnet. Community nodes can run on the Mainnet during the Open Mainnet period (more information on the whitepaper draft linked above).
AAA / 007

What Impact Will The Node Have On My Device? Will It Drain My CPU And Battery?

If you do not turn on the Node or SuperNode part, then the impact is minimal, very little CPU, memory or network traffic should be consumed, making it accessible to everyone.

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Turning on the Node or SuperNode functionality will be using CPU, memory, hard drive and network resources. Over the course of Testnet, we will be collecting data to more clearly determine the impact of running the Nodes on specific devices.

EEE / 003

How can I apply for KYC?

Downloading the Pi Browser is required to apply for KYC. You can access KYC through the Pi KYC app in the Pi Browser. Make sure to have your relevant identification documents ready!

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Pioneers are encouraged to directly check your KYC eligibility on the KYC app in the Pi Browser.

Newly created accounts will not be able to immediately apply for KYC verification, until after mining for 30 sessions (no need to be consecutive).

A very small proportion of accounts, identified by the algorithms as highly likely fake accounts or accounts that have violations, will not be eligible to KYC. If such account owners think that there is a mistake by the algorithms, they should submit their username for further investigation and potential proof of otherwise by filling in this form here. Depending on what we receive, we can investigate further.

FFF / 002
Official Pi FAQ

How do we create and use the Pi Wallet? And can we use an external wallet to hold our Pi in the future?

Pi Network has a native noncustodial Pi Wallet app on the Pi Browser. Create your Wallet by downloading the Pi Browser app from the Google Play Store or iOS App Store and logging into your account on the Browser through your Pi mining app.

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Then you can access and follow the instructions on the “wallet.pi” page within the Pi Browser. Detailed video instructions on how to create and use a Pi Wallet can be found here.

You are the sole owner of your Wallet’s private key in the form of a passphrase, which is generated locally on your phone and never comes to Pi’s servers. Your public key is also disclosed to you in the wallet creation process, and is supposed to be publicly visible like on any other blockchain. Make sure to store your Wallet passphrase (equivalent to your private key) in a secure location, and don’t share it with anyone else. Due to its noncustodial nature, the Wallet will not be recoverable from Pi Network’s servers. Once you complete KYC and your Pi Transferable Balance is migrated to the Mainnet blockchain, you may lose all of your Wallet’s Pi if you lose this passphrase.

The Pi balance visible on the Pi app (your mobile balance) may not be in the Pi Wallet yet. The mobile balance becomes transferable to your Mainnet Wallet after you pass KYC (identity verification) and complete the Mainnet Checklist in the Pi app. More and more of your mobile balance becomes transferable as your Security Circle members (and at a later stage your Referral Team members) pass KYC. KYC verification makes sure that the Pi you’ve mined along with these bonuses come from verified, real individuals.

In the Enclosed Network period of Mainnet, your Wallet can be used to send or receive Pi peer to peer or through apps within Pi Network’s app ecosystem. In the following Open Network period, external connectivity will be allowed, so the Pi Wallet will be open to holding any types of crypto assets and external wallets can access Pi blockchain.

For more information, refer to the updated Roadmap chapter of the whitepaper draft here.

KKK / 003

Will there be a Reward for running a Pi Node?

One of the goals of Pi’s Testnet is to determine what, if any, rewards there should be for running a Node.

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While we collect the relevant data needed to determine the most appropriate incentive mechanism, there will be no mining rewards for Testnet Nodes.

EEE / 004
Official Pi FAQ

How can I use my Pi on the Mainnet?

Pi Network is building a peer-to-peer ecosystem including marketplaces where our members will be able to directly spend Pi to buy goods and services. Once Pioneers are able to pass KYC verification and migrate their mobile Pi balance to Mainnet, this option will be available.

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When Pi apps transition from Testnet to Mainnet, this option will be scaled and diversified across the ecosystem. Pi Mainnet Enclosed Period restricts the use of Pi to such scenarios in the enclosed environment where the Mainnet blockchain is guarded by a firewall that prevents any external connectivities. Refer to the whitepaper draft here for the reasoning and importance of the Enclosed Network period.

In the Open Network period of the Mainnet phase, Pi Mainnet Blockchain’s firewall will be removed, where external apps and organizations will be able to connect and transact with the Pi Mainnet blockchain. For more information, refer to the updated Roadmap chapter of the whitepaper draft here.

GGG / 002
Official Pi FAQ

What is the utility of Pi?

Pi’s utility will be backed by the time, attention, goods, and services offered by other members of the network in exchange for Pi.

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By pooling our attention, goods and services around a common currency, Pi’s members are building the network together. Because this is a network supported by blockchain technology, the network can help its members reduce their costs and prevent slippage that typically goes to banks, technology giants (e.g., Facebook, Amazon) and other intermediaries. Today, we are laying the infrastructure for this digital currency and for a utilities-driven app ecosystem by distributing the currency, building the community, developing the technology to ensure its security and designing new types of online social experience.

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KYC Tentative Approval: What does it mean?

The Tentative KYC program, which does not apply to the majority of the network, requires additional verification checks before the Pioneer can fully pass KYC.

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Tentative KYC approval does not equal full KYC approval, and thus will not yet unlock functionalities (e.g. becoming a Validator, or migrating to the Mainnet) requiring full KYC approval until the additional checks confirm its full KYC approval. However, tentative KYC approval gets the account much closer to full approval.

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Official Pi FAQ

Are there countries or regions restricted from accessing Pi?

Yes. Pi Network’s vision is to build an inclusive peer-to-peer ecosystem and online experience, fueled by the Pi cryptocurrency.

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Therefore, Pi Network is making a personal communications service available to all Pioneers where permitted under applicable laws and regulations. Additionally, Pi Network is providing cryptocurrency transactions to all Pioneers where permitted. Please keep in mind that these laws and regulations change frequently due to changes in technology, policy and political events. For additional information, you may wish to visit the Office of Foreign Assets Control Regulations’ website.

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What should I do?

  • After installing the Pi app and registering, your first mining cycle is started.
  • After its expiration (24 hours), the lightning icon turns white, so you need to touch it and start a new cycle, and so every day.
  • However, from day one you should share your CODE with others in order for them to join. They automatically appear in your Referral Team. They speed up your mining the most (number of Pi/h), but only if they are active.
  • In your Referral Team, you see members who are inactive, so you need to remind them to touch lightning again. You tap PING INACTIVE 🙂
  • After the third cycle, an icon (shield) appears. This is the Security Circle. Add those you trust to that circle from your Referral Team or from your phone book. The best family, relatives, friends... 5 of them are enough for a 100% mining acceleration to appear next to the "shield" (which is the maximum). 20% for each member. But you can put more than 5 in the Safety Circle if you want.
  • Every day after the end of the cycle, start a new mining cycle.
  • That's the most important thing for now. You'll learn the rest on official Pi Network channels or in chat rooms in the Pi Chat app.