Pi Network Guide
The original mobile mining app with 50+ million users worldwide.
Pi Network pioneered the concept of mining crypto from your smartphone. Started in 2019 by Stanford graduates, it has grown into one of the largest crypto communities.
📋 Quick Facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Launch | March 2019 |
| Founders | Stanford PhDs (Dr. Nicolas Kokkalis, Dr. Chengdiao Fan) |
| Users | 50+ million |
| Daily Effort | ~30 seconds |
| Cost | Free |
| Status | Mainnet migration ongoing |
🚀 Getting Started
Step 1: Download the App
Available on both platforms:
- iOS: App Store → Search "Pi Network"
- Android: Google Play → Search "Pi Network"
Step 2: Create Account
- Open the app
- Choose "Continue with phone number"
- Enter your phone number
- Verify with SMS code
- Create username and password
Step 3: Enter Invitation Code
When prompted, enter an invitation code to get a bonus mining rate.
Tip: Using an invitation code gives you a 25% boost to your base mining rate from the start.
Step 4: Start Mining
Tap the lightning bolt button to start your first mining session. That's it—you're now mining Pi!
⚡ Mining Rate Explained
Your mining rate depends on several factors:
| Factor | Effect |
|---|---|
| Base Rate | Decreases as user count grows |
| Security Circle | +0.2 per member (max 5) |
| Referral Team | +25% of each referral's rate |
| Lockup Bonus | Boost for committing tokens |
Base Rate History
- 2019: ~3.14 Pi/hour
- 2021: ~0.4 Pi/hour
- 2024: ~0.1 Pi/hour (varies)
Key insight: Earlier you start, higher your lifetime accumulation.
🔒 Security Circle
The Security Circle is Pi's trust network. Add 3-5 trusted real people to maximize your mining.
How to Build
- Tap the shield icon in the app
- Add contacts who also use Pi
- They must add you back for it to count
Best Practices
- ✅ Add real people you know
- ✅ Family and close friends work best
- ❌ Don't add strangers from groups
- ❌ Avoid "security circle exchange" schemes
Why it matters: Your security circle vouches for you during mainnet verification.
📱 Daily Routine
Time required: 30 seconds
- Open Pi app
- Tap lightning button
- (Optional) Watch ad for bonus
- Done for 24 hours
Pro tip: Set a daily reminder at the same time. Consistency is key—missing days resets your streak bonus.
🪪 KYC Verification
To migrate your Pi to mainnet, KYC is mandatory.
What You Need
- Government-issued ID (passport recommended)
- Selfie/liveness check
- Patience (queue can be long)
Tips for Success
- Use passport if possible (highest success rate)
- Ensure good lighting for photos
- Follow instructions exactly
- Be patient—resubmit if rejected
Current Status
KYC is processed in waves. Check your app regularly for when your slot becomes available.
💰 Mainnet & Value
Current Status (2025)
- Enclosed Mainnet: Live since 2022
- Open Mainnet: Gradual rollout
- Trading: Limited on some exchanges
Realistic Expectations
| Scenario | Notes |
|---|---|
| Optimistic | Pi gains utility, value increases |
| Moderate | Limited adoption, low but stable value |
| Pessimistic | Fails to gain traction |
Our take: The large community gives Pi better odds than most, but nothing is guaranteed. Treat accumulated Pi as a lottery ticket, not savings.
⚠️ Before You Start
Pros
- ✅ Completely free
- ✅ Minimal daily effort
- ✅ Massive, active community
- ✅ Legitimate team background
Cons
- ⏳ Long wait for value realization
- 📋 KYC required (privacy concern for some)
- ❓ Token value uncertain
- 🔄 Requires daily consistency
🎯 Maximize Your Pi
- Never miss a day — Consistency compounds
- Complete your security circle — +100% potential boost
- Verify early — Don't wait for KYC deadline
- Consider lockup — Extra boost for committed tokens
- Stay informed — Follow official announcements only
🔗 Official Resources
- App: iOS App Store / Google Play
- Website: minepi.com
- Social: Follow only verified accounts
⚠️ Scam Warning: Pi Network has NO ICO, NO token sale. Anyone asking for money or private keys is a scammer.
🐋 Our Verdict
Worth your 30 seconds? Yes.
Pi Network represents the best risk/reward ratio in mobile mining. The time investment is minimal, the community is massive, and the team is legitimate.
Whether Pi ultimately has significant value remains to be seen, but the opportunity cost of participation is near zero.