I have been mining Pi on Pi Network for years. Pi’s Open Network is live, and migrated, unlocked Mainnet Pi can be transferred and traded on exchanges. But an in-app balance may still be waiting for verification or migration, or be locked, so it is not necessarily available to transfer. Below is how it works, what I have done myself, and what to be careful about.
Tested by Mikael (EarnWithMike)Founder and lead testerMikael founded PaidFromSurveys in 2016 and has personally tested hundreds of survey and GPT sites since then. He shows his tests and payment proof to 555K+ subscribers on his YouTube channel, EarnWithMike. He has been a Pi Network member for years and has done the KYC check himself.Learn more about Mikael
Legit crypto mining app, but access depends on migration and lockups
Mine Pi with one tap a day on your phone, for free. Only Pi that has migrated to Mainnet and is unlocked is available to transfer or trade.
You need an invitation code to join. Use PFSpi for a mining bonus right away.
On this page
The short answer
Pi Network is not a scam. It is a crypto project developed by Stanford graduates, and you mine its coin, Pi, by pressing one button a day in the app. It does not drain your battery or use your data.
Pi’s Open Network is live, and migrated, unlocked Mainnet Pi can be transferred and is listed for spot trading. That does not mean every balance shown in the mining app is immediately tradable. Pi can still be unverified, waiting for Mainnet migration, in a migration hold, or locked. If you want predictable cash earnings, this is not the platform for you.
- The app is very user-friendly
- The app will not eat up your battery life
- You can mine crypto even when the app is closed
- Open Network allows transactions beyond the Pi ecosystem
- The project looks interesting, with a dedicated team
- Available worldwide
- Not all mined Pi is immediately transferable or tradable
- The mining rate keeps dropping as the project develops
- You need an invitation code to join
- You can only mine from one device
- You need to pass KYC to ever get your Pi out
My experience with Pi Network
I have been a Pi Network member for years. I mine Pi in the app, took on the extra roles, did the KYC check, and made a video of how it works. This is what I did myself, and what I could not test.
- First tested
- August 2021Review first published Aug 30, 2021
- Latest retest
- Checked: mining, roles, mainnet status
- Member
- For yearsI have seen the project develop a lot in that time
- KYC check
- DoneNeeded to ever get your Pi out
- Mining with the daily button
- The contributor role and the security circle
- The ambassador program with my own invitation code
- The KYC identity check
- The chat rooms in the app
- Selling Pi on an exchange. I did not test that myself.
- Mining on a computer. Pi Network is still working on that.
How Pi Network works on video
I made a video that gives you an inside look and shows exactly how you can earn from Pi Network. You can read all the details below the video.
Screenshots from Pi Network
Mining Pi takes one tap a day. Use my code PFSpi when you sign up to get a mining bonus right away.
Join Pi NetworkPi Network at a glance
| What it is | Mobile app to mine the Pi cryptocurrency, developed by Stanford graduates |
|---|---|
| Ways to earn | Mining once a day, extra roles, locking up Pi, and the ambassador program |
| Mining | Press the button once a day. The app mines for 24 hours, even when it is closed. |
| Ambassador bonus | 25% more mining for you and every person who joins with your code, while they mine |
| Transfers and trading | Migrated, unlocked Mainnet Pi can be transferred and is exchange-traded. Pi still in the app, awaiting migration, in a migration hold, or locked is not immediately transferable. |
| Joining | Free, with an invitation code from a member |
| ID check | KYC with ID documents, after 30 days of mining. Your name must match your ID. |
| App | Android and iOS. One device per account. No computer version yet. |
| Who can join | Worldwide |
| Support | FAQ and chat rooms in the app. No contact form. |
Is Pi Network legit and safe?
Pi Network is not a scam. But it is a project that is still in development, so you need to set your expectations properly. Here is what you should know.
- Tradable Pi must be on Mainnet and unlocked
Pi’s Open Network allows external transactions, and PI has spot-market listings. But the balance in the mining app is not the same as an available Mainnet wallet balance. Pi that is unverified, waiting for migration, in a migration hold, or locked cannot be transferred immediately.
- Use the official wallet and verified services
The reader warnings quoted below were written before Open Network launched. They no longer support a blanket claim that Pi cannot be traded. Check the official Pi safety information and its list of KYB-verified businesses before moving Pi.
- KYC and migration affect access
Register with your real name, as it must match your ID documents. KYC and the Mainnet Checklist are required for a mining balance to become eligible for migration. Migration can take time, and lockups remain unavailable until their term ends.
- One device per account
You can only mine from one device. If you sign in on another device to mine more Pi, you will get banned. On a new phone, you get back in with your login details and your wallet keys.
- The mining rate keeps dropping
The mining rate was high at launch. As the project develops, it becomes harder to earn, as with many crypto projects: the earlier you get in, the more you mine.
My takePi Network is operating in its Open Network phase, but the balance you see in the app may not be available in your Mainnet wallet. Check your KYC, Mainnet Checklist, migration and lockup status before assuming you can transfer any particular amount.
How you earn on Pi Network
There are 4 ways to mine more Pi. The daily button is the main one. Tap one to read more.
Mining with the daily buttonOne tap a day
Install the app, log in and press the button with the energy logo. Then you can close the app. It keeps mining for 24 hours, so come back and press it again the next day.
You do not need to keep the app open. It does not affect your phone’s performance, drain the battery or use your data.
The base rate depends on when you join. It was quite high at launch, and it becomes harder to earn as the project develops.
Extra roles: contributor and moreHigher mining rate
You start as a Pioneer. To become a contributor, complete 3 mining sessions and add 3 to 5 people you trust to your circle. Your mining rate goes up right away.
You can take on as many roles as you want, as long as you meet the requirements. To mine the most, take on every role you can.
Locking up your PiHigher mining rate
You can also boost your mining rate by locking up some of your rewards, instead of transferring them to the mainnet as soon as you can. The app posts updates on the current mining rates.
Ambassador program25% per active referral
Share your invitation code, which you find in your account settings. When someone registers with it, you both get a 25% higher mining rate.
With 3 referrals, you get a 75% mining bonus. At a base rate of 0.1 Pi per hour, that makes 0.175 Pi per hour. The bonus only counts while your referral is also mining.
Click to Join Pi Network (use code: PFSpi)
Can you cash out your Pi?
Pi Network launched Open Network, which allows transactions beyond the Pi ecosystem. PI is also listed for spot trading; for example, Gate’s primary listing announcement identifies a PI/USDT market.
Whether you can transfer your own Pi depends on its status. Only Pi that has migrated to your Mainnet wallet and is not locked or in a migration hold is available to transfer. Pi Network’s migration roadmap explains that app balances, transferable estimates and actually migrated balances can differ, and migrations remain ongoing.
I have not tested selling Pi on an exchange. This section confirms the network and balance-status distinction; it does not make a price claim or recommend buying, selling or holding Pi.
App, countries and support
Pi Network is mobile only, with an app for Android and iOS. It is working on an option for computers. The app is very user-friendly, and it will not use up a lot of your phone’s resources.
Pi Network is available worldwide. You need an invitation code from a member to register, and you can only mine from one device.
For help, check the FAQ first. If you cannot find your answer, use the “Chat” option in the top right corner of the app and pick the right channel. There is no contact form. If you join with my code, you can also ask questions in the PFSpi’s earning team channel.
What 58 readers told me
This review has 58 comments since May 2022: 29 from readers and 29 replies from me. These are the three things readers ask about most.
These comments predate Open Network. PI is now exchange-traded, but a Pioneer can transfer only the Pi that has migrated to Mainnet and is unlocked.
You can only mine on one device, but you can move to a new phone with your login details and your wallet keys. For a lost password, contact support.
Readers worry about sharing their ID. I did KYC a long time ago. You need it to ever get your Pi paid out, but decide yourself what you feel comfortable with.
“There are currently options to buy Pi before it gets released on the global markets. Are these legitimate or is someone trying to pose as a Pi representative.”
Mikael: Anyone claiming to do this is definitely scamming you. They are currently not selling PI so stay away from any person claiming to do that as you will just lose your money.
“Though my genuine concern is the KYC process, giving Private information is something that is scaring me…”
Mikael: I have done KYC a long time ago and if you want to use any crypto or want the chance to get your Pi paid out at some point, you have to do KYC. Without KYC scammers would ruin this project so it is neccessary – but you have to decide yourself what you feel comfortable about.
“If you can only use it on one device, what happens when you need to get a new phone?”
Mikael: You can install it there with the help of your wallet keys.
Pi Network alternatives I have tested
| Site | Best for | Min. cashout | My rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freecash | Highest pay for game and app offers, with crypto payouts | $5 | 4.2 / 5 |
| Pawns | Passive earning plus surveys and games | $5 | 4.4 / 5 |
| Cointiply | Many ways to earn, paid in crypto | $3 in crypto; $5 for Bitcoin | 3.6 / 5 |
| JumpTask | Earning crypto for free with small tasks | $0.50 | 3.4 / 5 |
If you want to earn right away, see the top survey and GPT sites in your country. They all have good earning potential, and you can earn right away.
How I scored Pi Network
I use the same 100-point system for every platform. See how I test and rate.
Pi Network scores 70 out of 100. Before joining, understand the KYC, migration and lockup steps that determine when Pi becomes transferable.
Join Pi NetworkPi Network FAQ
Is Pi Network a scam?
No. Pi Network is operating in its Open Network phase. Migrated, unlocked Mainnet Pi can be transferred and is exchange-traded, while in-app, unmigrated or locked balances are not immediately transferable.
Can I cash out my Pi?
Only if the Pi has migrated to your Mainnet wallet and is available rather than locked or in a migration hold. I have not personally tested selling Pi on an exchange.
Is Pi traded on exchanges?
Yes. PI has spot-market listings. Availability and access depend on the exchange and your region.
Why can’t I transfer all the Pi shown in my app?
The app balance, transferable estimate and migrated Mainnet balance can differ. Verification, migration processing and lockups can keep part of the balance unavailable.
Do I need an invitation code?
Yes. You cannot register without one. You can use my code: PFSpi. It gives you a mining bonus right away.
Does mining drain my battery?
No. You press the button once a day, and the app mines for 24 hours, even when it is closed. It does not use your data.
Can I use Pi Network on several devices?
No. You can only mine from one device. You will get banned if you sign in on another device to mine more. On a new phone, you get back in with your login details and wallet keys.
Do I have to do KYC?
Yes, if you ever want to get your Pi out. You can do it after 30 days of mining. Use your real name when you register, as it must match your ID.
How do I contact Pi Network?
Check the FAQ, or use the “Chat” option in the app. There is no contact form.
How to join Pi Network
- Click the button below to download the app for Android or iOS.
- Register with your mobile number or your Facebook account. Use your real name, as it must match your ID.
- When the app asks for an invitation code, enter PFSpi. You get a mining bonus right away.
- Press the mining button once a day, verify your phone number, and do the KYC check when you can.
If you have any comments, questions, or experiences with Pi Network, I would love to hear from you in a comment below.
Who tested Pi Network for this review
Founder of PaidFromSurveys.com since 2016. Mikael has tested hundreds of survey and GPT sites and shares his tests with 555K+ subscribers on YouTube (October 2026).
I think PI app is brilliant. I been mining since the start and stuck with it. I have a lot of people under me as well mining. So it’s safe to say that if this takes off I’m going to be a very happy young man!!
Thanks for sharing your opinion.
Don’t know whether my comment is too late or not.
Though my genuine concern is the KYC process, giving Private information is something that is scaring me, like what else could they do with that information, etc.
And now we are able to see the value of PI on the “crypto price” website, though it’s not transferable.
Should I hold off give my information until they announce that the coin is transferrable, and what’s your thought on the KYC process?
I have done KYC a long time ago and if you want to use any crypto or want the chance to get your Pi paid out at some point, you have to do KYC. Without KYC scammers would ruin this project so it is neccessary – but you have to decide yourself what you feel comfortable about.
Thanks Mikael for the good article.
I’ve been mining Pi since 2020. Although we don’t know yet what ahead of Pi, I’m just take the positive mind. Hopefully Pi will perform like Bitcoin
Yes, let’s hope for the best.
If you can only use it on one device, what happens when you need to get a new phone?
You can install it there with the help of your wallet keys.
wallet keys,how??
I explain everything in the review above.
I have tried to know the amount of pi that I have made so far, although I am still new but I have got many pi here so I want to know how many is- 20pi in dollars . Can you kindly tell me ?
Also, I have tried to verify my phone number but it doesn’t verify, what should I do? They took me to a text message in my message app so they wrote one code there for me send to one US number, but as I was send this number it doesn’t go , it was just telling me ” try again” so what should I do ?
As I explain in the review above, the value of Pi is still unknown.
If you have problems with verifications, you need to contact their support.
Who put the filling in the PI in the Sky? When will it go to market? I have mined 55 PI’S so far.
No exact timeline for when it might be listed on exchanges yet.
If i live in UK and I’m from EU?
Then what? What is your question?
Sorry if my question doesn’t sound like a question..:)I’m new on this kind of app… platform…i will try to understand how it’s working but on the beginning it’s little bit hard to understand…for this i think to ask you if is a problem for me if I’m citizen from Romania but i live in United Kingdom if i will have issues when the app will start working (strictly for and because I’m from Romania) whatever,thank you for invitation code,i hope to do a good job and when I will have a “problem”with app and don’t understand something to guide me or everyone’s on your team..:)have a good day!
There should not be any problems because of that as far as I know.
According to certain websites, 1000 Pi is Equivalent to less then 5 dollars.
Can you imagine the amount of ads that people have had to watch and the kind of money they make if you use YouTube or tiktok as a business model.
The reason why mining is far slower now in my humble opinion ,is the closer they get to actual trading(not a fact) they will not have a mkt cap that is feasible at the old mining rates. Can you imagine putting a higher denomination with the amount of users and the amount of Pi mined? Calculate the number of users and then see who will actually accept them on their exchange. What will their token bring to the Blockchain Eco system? Brilliant idea of creating critical mass which allows advertisers to pay them every time a video is watched. I wonder who gets to see the amount in escrow and where the money is being paid to. For every video watched it creates a huge revenue stream for the founders and owners of the pi network. I hope I’m wrong but when you look at all of the tokens out there and what exactly each company does you try and justify the market cap of each token. Like any stock you then pick a price point on entry to invest or trade.
No one yet knows what Pi will be worth or what it might become worth in the future. We will have to wait and see.
As for ads, you do not have to watch ads to mine. Also, I think you overestimate what they earn with that – it has huge costs of developing a project like this and I am pretty sure the ads will not take them into a plus. Especially because you can easily turn them off.
But as mentioned, we will have to wait and see how it develops.
Bro I’ve forgot my password how should I retrieve it
You need to contact their support about this.
Good job and well explainatory. What is my own invitation code incase I want to invite someone to join share pi.
You can find your invite code inside the app in the menu.
boss..what if my mobile lost or stolen or damage?..how can i log in different device or newly bought mobile if they re not allowing it?…
You should be able to get access to your account again if you have all your login details and keyphrase for your wallet.
Hey boss, someone said, by December 2022, the mining will end and I will be able to sell and get cash… please how true is this information
There is no exact date for this yet.
Is it safe to provide the information they require for KYC
If you are concerned about that, I would suggest you read about the safety inside the app an then make your own decision based on that.
Thanks for that information,,,,i love pi
You are welcome.
You did this report on Pi in January. Has anything changed now? I just joined Pi and this is the most helpful information I have gotten.
They have developed it a lot further, and I keep posting regular updates on my YouTube channel.
This is great information.
Glad you liked it.
After KYC and migration what will be the next step after available balance as show up
You can read their whitepaper to learn about all the details and the roadmap.
I’ve been mining since May 2021 and done on my KYC. Looking forward the migration to mainnet. Happy mining.
Thanks for sharing.
This was great information that gave me more insight, even though I’ve been mining for over a year now I look forward to this migration to mainnet.
Happy it helped.
Someone said if I register under him I have to additionally register three people under him before I can register people for myself and I want to know if that is true.
No, that is not true. He sounds like a very selfish and dishonest person and I would suggest you stop following him. Once you join, you can start inviting friends as YOUR referrals right away.
Okay thank you
You are welcome.
Hi please if the person who invited me lost his account and doesn’t pass kyc will that affects his referral also??
Not it will not.
According to you wrote, You said that someone cannot use more than one device (phone) to mine in the same pi account… What if the person’s phone gets lost or stolen , or the person’s battery is down, does it mean that he or she can’t log in to another phone with the same account to continue mining? Provided that you have your mobile number, Facebook account, password and Gmail verified… So someone cannot interchange mobile device to log in the same account to continue mining..Pls clear me on this.. Thank you
You can log in from a different device if you have your password, emails, etc. But you can only one with one account.
As for if your phone runs out of battery, then just charge it. Pi does not need to be connected to the internet once you have clicked the button and you just need to do that once per day.
Pi started its kyc, did you do it and should i do it? Is my data really safe?
Yes, I have done it. I have a video about Pi KYC here.
Hi, I am a current Pi miner. There are currently options to buy Pi before it gets released on the global markets. Are these legitimate or is someone trying to pose as a Pi representative. Are they legitimate?
Anyone claiming to do this is definitely scamming you. They are currently not selling PI so stay away from any person claiming to do that as you will just lose your money.
Hi, I’ve registered using your code. Will you KYC when you are asked to? It needs I need that in order to get my Pi usable… thanks!
Once I get the chance to do the KYC, I will definitely do it.
Great to hear thanks!
You are welcome.