What Is Pi Network?

2025.05.25 sergio

What is Pi Network?

Pi Network is a revolutionary cryptocurrency project developed by a group of Stanford graduates aiming to make crypto mining accessible to the general public. Unlike traditional cryptocurrencies that require high-powered and energy-intensive mining rigs, Pi Network allows users to mine PI tokens right from their smartphones without draining battery life or using excessive computational power.

Launched in March 2019 by Dr. Nicolas Kokkalis, Dr. Chengdiao Fan, and Vincent McPhillip, the core vision of Pi Network is to create a decentralized digital currency that is secure, scalable, and user-friendly. The project targets mass adoption by making mining available to everyday users through a mobile app.

How Does Pi Network Work?

Pi Network operates on a consensus algorithm known as Stellar Consensus Protocol (SCP). Rather than using Proof-of-Work (PoW) like Bitcoin or Proof-of-Stake (PoS) like Ethereum 2.0, SCP allows users to reach consensus by validating trusted nodes in their security circles. This enables lightweight and eco-friendly mining.

Users, known as “Pioneers,” simply press a button every 24 hours to confirm they are active participants. Mining rates vary based on referral activity and participation in the app's security circle. The Pi app also includes social features, educational content, and utility tools, fostering a community-driven environment.

Key Roles in Pi Network:

Pioneers: Active daily users
Contributors: Users who build a network of trusted members
Ambassadors: Users who invite others
Nodes: Users who run the Pi software on their computers

Why is Pi Network So Popular?

Pi Network's explosive growth can be attributed to several unique factors:

Mobile Mining Accessibility
Unlike Bitcoin or Ethereum, Pi Network can be mined without consuming electricity or requiring expensive hardware. This made it appealing to users in developing countries and everyday consumers worldwide.
Referral-Based Growth
The app promotes a referral system that incentivizes users to bring in new members. This virality helped the app spread rapidly across social media and messaging platforms.
Promise of Value
While PI tokens were initially not listed on any exchanges, the promise that one day PI would hold real-world value intrigued early adopters. Over 50 million users joined the network before the mainnet went live.
Strong Community
Pi Network has cultivated a large and passionate global community. Its developers regularly update the community and maintain transparency about the project’s progress.

What Does Pi Network Open Mainnet Mean?

After years of being in the enclosed mainnet phase, Pi Network officially transitioned to the Open Network period of Mainnet on February 20, 2025, at 8:00 AM UTC.

This marks a major milestone, as it signals the completion of critical testing phases and the beginning of real-world utility. It means the Pi ecosystem is now mature enough to operate independently, with no limitations on peer-to-peer transactions, external integrations, and exchange listings.

The Open Mainnet launch means that Pi Network will now function like any other public blockchain. Anyone can interact with the blockchain, check transactions, build applications, and trade PI tokens freely.

For users, this transition unlocks a new era:

You own your PI and can transfer it without restrictions.
PI can be traded on supported exchanges
DApps can now be built on the Pi Network, opening a decentralized app ecosystem.

Implications of the Open Mainnet Launch

Real Token Utility
PI can now be used to pay for goods and services within the Pi ecosystem. Merchants can accept PI as a form of payment, and decentralized applications (DApps) can use it as their native currency.
Exchange Listings
Pi Network is now listed on Ourbit App, where users can buy and sell PI tokens. This is the first major step toward liquidity for long-term holders.
Smart Contract Capabilities
Developers can now deploy smart contracts on the Pi blockchain, enabling use cases like decentralized finance (DeFi), NFT marketplaces, and Web3 gaming.
Marketplace Growth
With the community now able to transact freely, Pi’s peer-to-peer marketplace will likely flourish, boosting the token’s real-world utility.

What are Critical Risks for Pi Network?

While the Open Mainnet is a huge milestone, there are still risks to consider:

Speculative Hype
Despite its community backing, PI’s value could be driven more by hype than actual utility in the early days of trading. Users should be cautious of volatility.
Unregulated Exchanges
Although Ourbit has listed PI, it's crucial for users to conduct due diligence before trading. Not all exchanges are created equal, and many are unregulated.
Token Unlock Concerns
With the mainnet opening, there’s potential for large token unlocks that could increase selling pressure, depending on how the distribution is handled.
Regulatory Uncertainty
Cryptocurrencies continue to face regulatory scrutiny globally. How Pi Network navigates different jurisdictions will be critical to its long-term success.

How to Buy Pi Network (PI) Token?

Now that PI has been officially listed, you can buy it on the Ourbit App. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Download the Ourbit App from the official website or app store.
Create an account and verify your identity (KYC).
Deposit funds (usually USDT, BTC, or ETH).
Search for “PI” in the trading section.
Place a buy order and store your PI in a secure wallet.

Ourbit is currently one of the few legitimate platforms that supports live trading of PI. Make sure to double-check URLs and avoid phishing attempts.

Pi Network FAQ

How much is Pi Network worth?

At its all-time high, PI reached $2.99. It also hit an all-time low of $0.407. As of now, it is trading about 70.80% below its peak and 114.33% above its lowest price. These figures indicate strong price swings and speculative interest around its recent launch.

Pi Network Price Prediction 2025–2030

Price predictions in crypto are always speculative, but here are three possible scenarios:

Conservative: If PI builds a strong ecosystem and gains moderate adoption, it could trade between $5–$10 by 2025–2027.
Moderate: With full DApp integration and exchange listings, PI could range between $10–$25.
Aggressive: If Pi becomes widely used as a payment method and enters major exchanges like Binance or Coinbase, PI could potentially hit $50+.

By 2030, much depends on regulation, developer interest, and real-world usage.

How to Mine and Use Pi Network?

Mining PI is still possible via the Pi Network mobile app. While the rate has decreased over time, users can still earn by:

Checking in daily (pressing the lightning button)
Inviting new users
Running a node on their computer

You can use mined PI to:

Buy goods and services in the Pi marketplace
Participate in token swaps
Use within DApps built on the network

Does the Pi Network Have a Future?

It depends on execution. Pi Network has a massive user base, but sustaining long-term value requires:

Utility-driven demand
Developer engagement
Security and scalability of its blockchain
Listing on more reputable exchanges

If Pi Network manages to build a true decentralized app ecosystem and foster real-world use of PI tokens, it could become one of the leading altcoins of the next decade.

Final Thoughts on Pi Network

Pi Network has successfully transitioned from concept to a functioning Open Mainnet blockchain . With its user-friendly mobile mining experience, huge community, and listing on the Ourbit App, the project is now positioned for real-world adoption and growth.

However, it’s essential to stay informed and cautious. As with all cryptocurrencies, volatility, speculation, and risk are inherent. Still, Pi Network’s bold approach to onboarding everyday users and building a community-first crypto economy makes it a project worth watching in the years to come.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Cryptocurrency investments carry risk and you should do your own research before making any decisions.