Pi Network Mainnet Launch: Complete Guide to Open Network Phase in 2025

Pi Network Mainnet Overview

The Pi Network represents one of the most significant developments in cryptocurrency accessibility, marking a pivotal transition from a mobile mining concept to a fully functional blockchain ecosystem. After years of development and community building, the network reached its most consequential milestone in February 2025, when the open network phase launched. This date fundamentally changed the status of Pi tokens from internal ecosystem assets to externally tradeable cryptocurrencies.

The journey to this mainnet launch involved multiple phases and milestones, each contributing to the network's evolution. Understanding the mainnet transition and the phases leading to it is essential for both long-time pioneers and newcomers to the Pi Network ecosystem.

Timeline of Pi Network Mainnet Development: Complete History

March 2019 – Initial Pi Network Launch

The Pi Network was first introduced as a mobile application in March 2019, revolutionizing the approach to cryptocurrency mining. Unlike Bitcoin's energy-intensive proof-of-work system requiring specialized hardware, Pi Network introduced a mobile-based mining mechanism accessible to ordinary smartphone users. This initial launch served as a proof-of-concept, demonstrating that millions of people were interested in cryptocurrency but faced barriers due to expensive mining equipment and technical complexity.

During this phase, users could earn Pi tokens simply by tapping a button daily within the application. The mobile mining model made cryptocurrency participation possible for individuals worldwide who lacked access to mining infrastructure, fundamentally democratizing access to digital currency creation.

2021 – Testnet Phase Initiation

The network transitioned into its testing phase in 2021, marking an important infrastructure development stage for the eventual mainnet. During the testnet period, developers began creating decentralized applications (dApps) and the core team conducted rigorous testing of the blockchain infrastructure. This phase extended through the end of 2021 and proved essential for identifying technical issues before the mainnet launch.

The testnet served as a sandbox environment where the Pi community could experiment with applications and transactions while the development team refined the network's underlying technology. This phase demonstrated the feasibility of building a functional blockchain infrastructure around the Pi Network concept.

December 2021 – Enclosed Mainnet Launch

The Pi Network launched its mainnet in December 2021, representing a major technical achievement. However, this version of the mainnet remained "enclosed" with a firewall preventing external connectivity. Users could conduct transactions within the Pi ecosystem, but Pi tokens could not be traded on external cryptocurrency exchanges or transferred outside the network's controlled environment.

During the enclosed mainnet phase, the network implemented its Know Your Customer (KYC) verification system and encouraged pioneers to migrate their mined tokens to the mainnet. This period lasted until February 2025 and served as the foundation for the eventual open network launch.

February 2025 – Open Mainnet Launch

The decisive moment arrived in February 2025, marking the most significant mainnet milestone in Pi Network's history. The network removed the firewall and transitioned to its Open Mainnet phase, enabling external connectivity for the first time. This transition transformed Pi tokens from internal ecosystem assets into tradeable cryptocurrencies accessible on global cryptocurrency exchanges.

The open mainnet launch represented the culmination of over six years of development, attracting the participation of major cryptocurrency exchanges including major platforms such as MEXC, Gate.com, and others in the digital asset trading space.

Pi Network Mainnet Phases: Understanding Each Milestone

Phase 1: Beta Testing (2019-2021)

The beta testing phase established the foundational concepts of Pi Network ahead of the mainnet development. During this period, the network focused on building its user base through mobile mining, testing the viability of a daily mining model that required only minimal user interaction. The simple interface—where users tapped a button once daily to mine Pi—proved remarkably effective at attracting users who had never previously engaged with cryptocurrency.

This phase served as crucial proof-of-concept, demonstrating that millions of people worldwide were interested in cryptocurrency participation. The beta period showed that accessibility and simplicity were powerful factors in cryptocurrency adoption. However, during this phase, Pi tokens existed only within the Pi ecosystem and held no external trading value. Users could accumulate Pi through mining, but these tokens could not be converted to fiat currency or other cryptocurrencies.

Phase 2: Testnet Period (2021-2023)

The testnet phase marked the transition from a simple mobile application to a genuine blockchain ecosystem in preparation for mainnet deployment. Developers began building decentralized applications on the Pi blockchain, while the core team conducted extensive testing of the network's technical infrastructure. This phase was critical for identifying potential technical issues and optimizing the network architecture before the mainnet launch.

During the testnet period, community members could explore the emerging Pi ecosystem, test transactions, and interact with early-stage applications. However, external trading remained impossible—tokens mined during this phase still existed only within the Pi ecosystem. The testnet served as a crucial testing ground, allowing the development team to refine protocols and resolve technical challenges before transitioning to the open mainnet.

Phase 3: Enclosed Mainnet (December 2021-February 2025)

The enclosed mainnet represented a significant technical milestone in the evolution toward open mainnet operations. The Pi Network now possessed a fully functional blockchain where users could conduct legitimate transactions. Unlike the earlier phases, transactions were now recorded on an actual blockchain ledger rather than in a centralized database.

During this mainnet phase, the network implemented comprehensive Know Your Customer (KYC) verification requirements, beginning the transition toward regulatory compliance. The enclosed mainnet saw significant ecosystem development, with events like PiFest 2024 demonstrating real-world Pi usage. During PiFest 2024, more than 27,000 active sellers and 28,000 test merchants across 160 countries participated in transactions using Pi tokens, proving the network's real-world utility potential.

The enclosed mainnet phase established the infrastructure and community foundation necessary for the open mainnet transition while maintaining network control through the firewall.

Phase 4: Open Mainnet (February 2025-Present)

The open mainnet phase commenced in February 2025, fundamentally transforming the Pi Network's function and potential. For the first time, Pi tokens could connect with external systems, enabling trade on cryptocurrency exchanges and broader ecosystem integration. This mainnet transition represented the realization of the original vision of creating a globally accessible cryptocurrency.

The open mainnet enabled holders of Pi tokens who had completed KYC verification to transfer their tokens outside the ecosystem, trade on supported exchanges, and integrate Pi into external services. This phase continues to the present day, with ongoing ecosystem development and increasing adoption.

Pi Network Open Mainnet Launch Details: February 2025

What Occurred During Mainnet Launch

The February 2025 mainnet launch represents a pivotal moment in Pi Network's history and cryptocurrency development more broadly. The network removed the firewall that had isolated its blockchain from the outside world, allowing Pi tokens to achieve external market value for the first time.

The price action during the mainnet launch reflected the dramatic volatility typical of newly traded cryptocurrencies. Pi demonstrated significant price fluctuations as market participants engaged in price discovery. The intense trading volumes reflected both genuine interest in the token and speculative trading activity from investors seeking to capitalize on the mainnet launch volatility.

Key Achievements Enabling the Mainnet Launch

The mainnet launch was made possible through achievement of several crucial benchmarks:

User Migration: Over 10 million pioneers successfully migrated to the mainnet, exceeding initial targets. This figure demonstrated the network's substantial active user base and their commitment to the project's development.

KYC Verification: Over 19 million pioneers completed Know Your Customer verification procedures, exceeding requirements. This high verification rate indicated strong user engagement and commitment to regulatory compliance, positioning the network well within global regulatory frameworks.

Ecosystem Readiness: Over 100 mainnet applications were prepared for launch, creating a vibrant ecosystem from day one. These applications provided immediate utility and use cases for Pi tokens beyond pure speculation, distinguishing Pi from many other cryptocurrency launches that initially lacked functional applications.

These achievements reflected years of steady growth and community development, proving that the Pi Network had achieved the necessary scale and community commitment for a successful open mainnet launch.

Exchange Listings and Trading Access

Major cryptocurrency exchanges rapidly added Pi tokens following the official mainnet launch. Prominent platforms introduced Pi trading pairs, predominantly featuring Pi/USDT (Tether) trading. These exchange listings provided multiple avenues for Pi holders to convert tokens to established stablecoins or fiat currency.

The rapid adoption by major exchanges validated the network's legitimacy and demonstrated significant market interest in Pi as a tradeable asset. Multiple exchange listings provided liquidity and reduced the risk of price manipulation that might occur if trading were concentrated on a single exchange.

Impact of Pi Network Mainnet Launch on Users

Implications for Existing Pi Miners

Long-term Pi Network users experienced significant changes following the mainnet launch. The most consequential change involved mandatory Know Your Customer verification to participate fully in the open mainnet environment.

Pioneers who completed KYC verification gained the ability to transfer Pi tokens to external wallets and trade on cryptocurrency exchanges—culminating years of mining activity with real monetary value. However, users who had not completed verification found themselves unable to access the full benefits of the mainnet launch. This created urgency for millions of users to complete their KYC documentation.

The mainnet transition signified that Pi tokens accumulated through years of mobile mining finally possessed real-world trading value. Many early adopters who had consistently mined Pi found themselves suddenly possessing tradeable cryptocurrency assets representing significant potential value. This transition from theoretical to actual monetary value represented the culmination of the long-term experiment in accessible cryptocurrency.

Opportunities for New Users

The mainnet launch created new opportunities for individuals interested in joining the ecosystem. While the initial mobile mining phase had effectively concluded, new participants could engage through several mechanisms:

Direct Purchase: New users could acquire Pi tokens by purchasing them on supported exchanges using fiat currency or other cryptocurrencies.

KYC Participation: Completing Know Your Customer verification enabled new users to interact with the full Pi ecosystem and hold tokens in external wallets.

Ecosystem Participation: New users could utilize various applications built on the Pi Network, participate in community activities, and benefit from the mature ecosystem developed during the enclosed mainnet phase.

Network Contribution: Various mechanisms exist for new participants to contribute to the network and community, potentially earning rewards or recognition.

The mature ecosystem of applications and services that had developed during the enclosed mainnet phase provided new users with immediate utility and community resources, distinguishing the Pi Network from projects launching with minimal ecosystem development.

Trading Access and Exchange Participation

Following the mainnet launch, Pi token holders gained access to multiple trading venues. The transition to open mainnet opened several options for acquiring, selling, and storing tokens:

Supported Exchanges: Major platforms offered Pi trading pairs, primarily against USDT (Tether). These platforms provided liquidity and price discovery mechanisms essential for efficient markets.

Wallet Options: Users could choose between the native Pi Network wallet system or third-party wallets compatible with Pi tokens, providing flexibility in asset custody and security approaches.

Security Considerations: With genuine trading value attached to tokens, Pi holders needed to implement appropriate security measures including secure wallet storage, private key management, and protection against fraud. The shift from internal ecosystem transactions to open market participation introduced new security concerns requiring careful attention.

Price Analysis of Pi Network Mainnet Launch

The Pi Network mainnet launch and subsequent price movements demonstrate the inherent volatility of newly traded cryptocurrencies entering markets with minimal historical price data. The Pi token's price journey during the mainnet transition illustrates the complex dynamics of market discovery for new assets.

The initial price movement during mainnet transition reflected pent-up demand and excitement about Pi finally becoming tradeable. However, volatility illustrated several important market realities affecting newly launched cryptocurrencies.

Early Adopter Profit-Taking

Many pioneers who had mined Pi for years without monetary expenditure viewed the mainnet launch as an opportunity to realize profits. This created substantial selling pressure overwhelming initial buying interest. Early adopters who had accumulated significant Pi holdings through years of consistent mining activity sought to convert their holdings to more established cryptocurrencies or fiat currency, exerting downward price pressure.

This phenomenon is typical of assets that suddenly transition from non-tradeable to tradeable status, as long-term accumulators attempt to monetize their positions simultaneously.

Market Price Discovery Process

Without prior external trading history, the market required time to establish a "fair value" for Pi tokens. Dramatic price fluctuations reflected this natural price discovery process, as traders tested various price levels to determine where supply and demand balanced. The volatility was expected and typically diminishes as market participants develop greater confidence in appropriate valuation.

Supply Considerations

The Pi Network's maximum supply of 100 billion tokens, with approximately 9.7 billion currently in circulation, influenced market dynamics significantly. The substantial total supply relative to current circulation created uncertainty regarding future token emissions and dilution potential. Markets typically discount the possibility of future inflation, potentially limiting near-term price appreciation.

Subsequent trading stabilized as market participants developed more confidence in appropriate valuation, with Pi generally trading within ranges reflecting ongoing market assessment of the project's long-term potential.

Future Developments After Mainnet Launch

Planned Developments and Events

The February 2025 Pi Network open mainnet launch marked a beginning rather than an ending point in the network's development trajectory. Several important milestones and events are planned for the future:

Ecosystem Expansion: With the open mainnet now operational, Pi Network is focusing on expanding real-world utility through:

• Development of new decentralized applications (dApps) providing genuine utility
• Merchant adoption programs enabling Pi acceptance by businesses
• Integration with existing business systems and platforms
• Strategic partnerships with established enterprises

Long-Term Strategic Roadmap

Global Adoption Objectives: The Pi Network aims to become the world's most inclusive peer-to-peer ecosystem. This ambition extends beyond cryptocurrency trading to create a complete digital economy where Pi serves as native currency for goods and services.

Real-World Utility Expansion: The demonstrated success of PiFest 2024, featuring more than 27,000 active sellers across 160 countries, provides a foundation for expanding Pi usage in daily transactions. Future plans include integrating Pi payments with significantly more merchants and service providers worldwide.

Strategic Partnerships: The open mainnet launch enables Pi Network to pursue partnerships with established businesses and financial institutions. These collaborations could accelerate adoption and provide new use cases for Pi tokens, positioning the network within mainstream financial infrastructure.

Conclusion

The Pi Network's mainnet launch in February 2025 represents the culmination of more than six years of development and community building, transforming the network from an experimental mobile mining application into a functioning blockchain with genuine external utility. This mainnet transition from internal ecosystem to open network participation marks a significant milestone in cryptocurrency accessibility and democratized financial infrastructure.

With millions of pioneers having successfully migrated to the mainnet and approximately 19 million users completing Know Your Customer verification, the Pi Network has established a substantial foundation for sustained growth and ecosystem development. The achievement of these milestones demonstrates both the network's legitimacy and the strength of its community commitment.

The presence of more than 100 mainnet applications and the rapid adoption by major cryptocurrency exchanges validate the network's credibility and provide immediate utility for Pi tokens. The integration demonstrated by PiFest 2024, involving thousands of merchants across numerous countries, illustrates real-world adoption potential extending beyond speculative trading.

The mainnet launch represents not an ending but rather a new beginning for what could become one of the world's most accessible cryptocurrency ecosystems. As the Pi Network continues expanding real-world utility and pursuing strategic partnerships, the true significance of this mainnet milestone will become apparent over subsequent years. The network's evolution from a mobile mining application to a functional blockchain system demonstrates the possibility of creating genuinely inclusive financial infrastructure accessible to billions of users worldwide.

FAQ

What is a mainnet?

A mainnet is the primary, fully operational blockchain network open to the public for real transactions. It is secure, stable, and decentralized, serving as the backbone of a blockchain project.

Is pi on the mainnet?

Yes, Pi Network is operational on its live mainnet. Users can migrate their Pi to the mainnet blockchain, and the ecosystem continues to develop with apps and utilities being built on the platform.

What happens when Mainnet launches?

Upon mainnet launch, testnet tokens migrate to the mainnet, and the network transitions to full decentralization. Users can execute peer-to-peer transactions natively, and the ecosystem becomes fully operational with enhanced security and scalability.