Pi Network has grown from a mobile mining experiment to one of the most talked-about projects in the crypto world. With millions of users worldwide, the focus is now shifting from mining Pi in the app to migrating those tokens to the Mainnet blockchain. If you're a Pi user, understanding how to migrate your tokens is crucial to unlocking their true value. In this comprehensive blog post, we'll guide you through the entire migration process step-by-step and explain everything you need to know in 2025.
What Is Pi Token Migration?
Before diving into the technical steps, it's important to understand what migration actually means. When you mine Pi tokens using the Pi Network app, those tokens exist within a closed ecosystem. They are recorded in the app’s internal ledger but not on a decentralized blockchain. In this state, your Pi tokens are not yet actual cryptocurrency. They can’t be transferred or used outside the app.
Migration is the process of transferring your mined Pi from the app to the official Pi Mainnet blockchain. This move converts your tokens from an in-app record to real, on-chain assets. Once on the Mainnet, your Pi tokens are stored in a cryptographic wallet, giving you full ownership and control. Migration is a major milestone and a necessary step to turn your digital mining efforts into usable crypto assets.
Why Is Migration Important?
The Pi Network is currently in what the Core Team calls the "Enclosed Mainnet" phase. This means users can use their tokens in the Pi ecosystem but not yet withdraw them to external exchanges. Migrating your Pi to Mainnet ensures you’re part of the live blockchain network. It marks your participation as a verified user with ownership of real crypto assets, not just app-based points.
More importantly, it allows you to use your Pi in decentralized applications (DApps) being built within the Pi Browser. You can also engage in smart contracts, interact with Pi-powered services, and participate in the governance of the network. Migration also protects your assets. Unlike your app balance, your Mainnet Pi is stored securely in a wallet protected by your private key.
What You Need Before You Migrate
Not everyone can migrate right away. Pi Network has several requirements you must meet before you’re eligible to migrate your tokens. These prerequisites help protect the network from fraud and ensure only real, verified users can access Mainnet features.
1. KYC Verification: You must complete the Know Your Customer (KYC) process. This involves submitting valid identification and a selfie. It’s a one-time process designed to verify your identity.
2. Pi Wallet Creation: You need to create a Pi wallet using the Pi Browser app. This wallet will store your tokens on the Mainnet after migration. Without it, there’s nowhere for your tokens to go.
3. Mainnet Checklist Completion: Inside the Pi Network app, there is a Mainnet Checklist that guides you through all the necessary steps. Completing this list ensures you’ve done everything required for migration.
4. Linked Wallet Address: You must link your Pi wallet to your main Pi account so the migration tool knows where to send your tokens.
5. Mined Pi Tokens: You should have an eligible balance of mined Pi that’s ready to be migrated. Only tokens from mining contributions—not bonuses—are migrated.
Step-by-Step Guide to Migrating Your Pi Tokens
Let’s now walk through the actual process of migrating your Pi tokens to Mainnet.
Step 1: Complete Your KYC
First, check the Pi Network app to see if you’ve received an invitation for KYC. If yes, follow the link provided and complete the verification. This usually involves uploading a government-issued ID and taking a selfie for facial recognition. Once approved, your KYC status will update inside the app.
Step 2: Create Your Pi Wallet
Download and open the Pi Browser app. Inside it, navigate to the "wallet.pi" interface and follow the prompts to create your Pi wallet. Once created, you’ll be shown a 24-word seed phrase. This phrase is the backup key for your wallet. Write it down and store it in a safe place. Losing this phrase means you could permanently lose access to your wallet.
Step 3: Link Your Wallet to Pi App
After creating your wallet, return to the Pi Network app and link your wallet address using the Mainnet Checklist. This step connects your identity to your wallet, allowing for a smooth transfer when the time comes.
Step 4: Check Eligibility and Balance
Once KYC and wallet linking are done, go to the Mainnet Checklist. If your account is eligible, you’ll see the “Migrate” button. The app will show your transferable balance and any locked-up amounts. The system automatically calculates how much will be unlocked.
Step 5: Initiate the Migration
Click the Migrate button and follow the instructions. You’ll be asked to review the wallet address, lockup details, and confirm the transaction. After confirmation, your Pi tokens will be scheduled for transfer to your Pi wallet. This process may take a few hours to several days depending on network conditions.
Step 6: Verify Migration Completion
Once completed, open your Pi wallet in the Pi Browser app. Your balance should now reflect your Mainnet tokens. You can view transaction history, check your unlocked balance, and begin exploring Pi DApps.
What Is the Pi Token Lock-Up?
During migration, a portion of your tokens will be locked up based on the duration and percentage you choose. This system is designed to protect the network’s stability and reduce speculative dumping when the open Mainnet launches. The longer and higher the lockup, the more it supports long-term project growth.
Locked Pi cannot be used immediately. However, your unlocked balance is available for transactions within the Pi ecosystem. As the lock-up period expires, those tokens will gradually become available in your wallet. You can manage or view your lockup preferences within the app before finalizing your migration.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Wallet Not Showing Up? Ensure you're using the same login credentials for the Pi Browser and Pi Network app. Also check that the wallet address is properly linked in the Mainnet Checklist.
KYC Approved but No Migration Option? Migration slots are being rolled out in batches. If your checklist is complete but you still can’t migrate, it might just be a matter of waiting.
Migration Stuck? The migration process can take some time. Be patient and regularly check the Pi Browser wallet. If it's taking unusually long, make sure your apps are updated and try restarting.
Seed Phrase Lost? Unfortunately, there’s no way to recover a wallet without the 24-word phrase. Always back it up securely and offline.
After Migration: What Can You Do With Pi?
Once your tokens are on the Mainnet, you gain access to the real power of the Pi Network. While external exchange listings are not yet allowed during the Enclosed Mainnet, you can use your tokens inside the growing Pi ecosystem.
Pi apps are being developed across categories like e-commerce, gaming, social platforms, freelance services, and more. These DApps are accessible via the Pi Browser. Using your tokens in these apps helps stimulate the network’s real economy and shows that Pi is more than just a speculative asset.
You can also stake your Pi, engage in governance once available, or hold your tokens in anticipation of the open Mainnet. The more active you are in the ecosystem, the more valuable your Pi becomes over time.
Preparing for the Open Mainnet
The open Mainnet will allow for full integration with external exchanges, wallets, and blockchains. However, this phase will only begin once the Core Team is satisfied with the ecosystem’s development, decentralization, and user base maturity. Until then, your best move is to stay active, use Pi in real apps, and follow updates from the official Pi Network channels.
In the meantime, secure your tokens, double-check your KYC, and complete the Mainnet Checklist. If you haven’t yet migrated, now’s the time to start. Every day you delay is one more day your tokens sit idle in a test environment.
Final Thoughts
Migrating your Pi tokens is a necessary and empowering step. It turns your mined balance into a real cryptocurrency, gives you ownership through a blockchain wallet, and allows participation in a growing global ecosystem. Pi Network is still young, but it's laying the foundation for a mobile-first crypto economy. The earlier you migrate and get involved, the more potential benefits you can unlock.
Whether you’re new to crypto or a long-time blockchain enthusiast, Pi’s migration process is designed to be secure, gradual, and community-driven. Don’t miss your opportunity to be part of this transformation. Take control of your tokens, migrate to Mainnet, and start exploring what the future of Pi has to offer.
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