By Buzztum Staff 
In a digital age dominated by complex blockchain systems and energy-intensive mining, Pi Network has emerged as a revolutionary solution that brings cryptocurrency mining to your smartphone. Built by Stanford PhDs, the project aims to make digital currency more accessible to everyday users. But what exactly is Pi Network, how does it work, and is it worth your time?
Let’s dive into everything you need to know about Pi Network—from its origins and technology to its current status and future potential.
What Is Pi Network?
Pi Network is a mobile-based cryptocurrency platform that allows users to mine Pi coins directly from their smartphones. Unlike traditional cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Pi doesn’t require expensive mining rigs or excessive electricity. Instead, it leverages a more energy-efficient consensus algorithm called the Stellar Consensus Protocol (SCP).
Launched on March 14, 2019 (Pi Day), the project was created by Dr. Nicolas Kokkalis and Dr. Chengdiao Fan, both graduates of Stanford University. Their goal was simple: create a decentralized digital currency that is usable and accessible for the masses.
Key Features of Pi Network
1. Mobile Mining
The standout feature of Pi Network is its tap-to-mine functionality. Users simply open the app once every 24 hours and tap a button to mine Pi coins. This process doesn’t drain battery life or data and is designed to be environmentally friendly.
2. Roles Within the Network
Users can take on various roles to enhance the network:
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Pioneers: Regular users who mine daily.
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Contributors: Help secure the network by forming trusted groups.
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Ambassadors: Invite others to join the network.
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Nodes: Run the Pi Node software on desktops to support decentralization.
3. Stellar Consensus Protocol (SCP)
Pi Network uses the SCP, a less energy-intensive alternative to Bitcoin’s Proof-of-Work. It allows nodes to reach consensus based on a series of “trust circles,” ensuring network reliability without mining hardware.
Development Phases of Pi Network
✅ Phase 1 – Beta (2019):
The app was launched to test the concept and begin building a user base.
✅ Phase 2 – Testnet (2020):
A test version of the blockchain was released to simulate network functionality.
✅ Phase 3 – Mainnet (2021):
User data and balances were migrated to the main blockchain. However, Pi coins could not yet be traded publicly.
✅ Phase 4 – Open Mainnet (2025):
As of February 2025, Pi Network officially opened its mainnet, allowing trading on major crypto exchanges like OKX and Bitget. The initial listing price hovered around $1.20 per Pi.
Is Pi Coin Real Money?
Yes, but with limitations. Pi Coin is now tradable on certain exchanges, making it real digital currency. However, it’s still early days for its ecosystem. Pi Network is actively encouraging the development of apps, services, and marketplaces where Pi can be used to buy real-world goods and services.
Benefits of Using Pi Network
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✅ Free and easy to use
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✅ No expensive hardware needed
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✅ Eco-friendly mining process
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✅ Strong global community (over 60 million users)
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✅ Promotes financial inclusion
Risks and Concerns
Like any early-stage crypto project, Pi Network comes with some caveats:
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❌ Value Uncertainty: Pi’s long-term value is unknown.
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❌ Limited Use Cases: The ecosystem is still under development.
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❌ Centralization Risk: Critics argue the core team still controls too much.
Future Outlook
The open mainnet launch was a significant milestone, but the true test lies in ecosystem growth. The Pi Core Team is encouraging developers to build decentralized apps (dApps) on its blockchain. If successful, Pi could become a key player in the mobile crypto space.
Final Thoughts
Pi Network is a bold attempt to democratize cryptocurrency by removing the technical and financial barriers to entry. With its easy mobile mining, energy-efficient protocol, and growing user base, it offers a fresh take on how people interact with blockchain.
However, like any new technology, it’s important to proceed with caution and manage your expectations. Pi has potential, but time will tell whether it becomes a viable digital currency or another crypto experiment.
FAQs About Pi Network
Q1: Is Pi Network a scam?
No, Pi Network is a legitimate project backed by academics from Stanford. However, its success depends on future development and adoption.
Q2: Can I withdraw Pi coins?
As of 2025, yes—Pi coins can now be traded on exchanges like OKX and Bitget if you’ve completed KYC and migrated to the mainnet.
Q3: How much is 1 Pi worth?
At the time of writing, 1 Pi is worth around $1.20, but prices may fluctuate as the market evolves.
Q4: Does mining Pi drain my battery?
No, Pi Network’s mobile mining is lightweight and doesn’t affect your phone’s performance or battery life.
Q5: Is it too late to start using Pi Network?
Not at all. With the open mainnet live, now might be a good time to join and explore its potential.