Pi Network's Milestone: A Comprehensive Guide to the February 2025 Mainnet Launch

The cryptocurrency world witnessed a significant event on February 20, 2025, as Pi Network reached its most pivotal milestone. Given the various "launch dates" mentioned throughout Pi Network's history, many have found themselves puzzled about the actual timeline and implications of these events.

For those who have been following Pi Network or have recently discovered it, you might be wondering: When did Pi Network actually launch? What does this mean for users? And most crucially, can you now utilize your Pi tokens?

This guide will navigate you through every crucial Pi Network launch date, elucidate what each phase entailed, and provide a clear picture of the current state of affairs. Whether you're a long-time Pioneer or new to Pi Network, by the end of this article, you'll have a comprehensive understanding of the project's journey and its present status.

If you're unfamiliar with Pi Network, it's recommended to explore a detailed guide on Pi Network fundamentals and mining processes before delving into the launch timeline.

Key Highlights:

• Pi Network's primary launch occurred on February 20, 2025, at 8:00 AM UTC, marking the activation of the Open Network and enabling external trading for the first time
• Multiple launch phases unfolded from 2019 to 2025: Beta (2019), Testnet (2021), Enclosed Mainnet (December 2021), and Open Network (February 2025)
• 10.14 million Pioneers migrated to the mainnet, with 19 million completing KYC verification, surpassing all initial targets
• Pi price debuted at $1.47, reached a peak of $2.10, then adjusted to $1.01 on launch day, exhibiting typical volatility for a new cryptocurrency
• Major exchanges now offer Pi tokens with Pi/USDT trading pairs
• Pi Network has a maximum token supply of 100 billion, with approximately 9.7 billion currently in circulation
• Users must complete KYC verification to access external trading and transfer Pi tokens to exchanges or external wallets
• Pi Network continues to evolve, with upcoming Pi2Day events, ecosystem expansion, and real-world utility integration in the pipeline

Pi Network Launch Date Chronology: A Complete Overview

To grasp Pi Network's launch story, it's essential to examine multiple key dates, not just one. Here's a comprehensive timeline of major Pi Network milestones:

March 2019 – Initial Pi Network Launch

Pi Network made its debut as a mobile application, introducing the concept of smartphone-based cryptocurrency mining to the world. This marked the inception of the Pi ecosystem, allowing users to mine Pi tokens directly from their phones without the energy-intensive hardware required by Bitcoin.

2021 – Testnet Phase Initiation

The network transitioned into its testing phase, providing developers with an environment to experiment with applications while the blockchain infrastructure underwent rigorous testing. This phase persisted until late 2021, laying the groundwork for the mainnet.

December 2021 – Enclosed Mainnet Launch

Pi Network launched its mainnet, albeit with a crucial restriction – the network remained "enclosed" with a firewall preventing external connectivity. Users could transact Pi within the Pi ecosystem but were unable to trade on external exchanges.

February 20, 2025 – Open Network Launch

The transformative moment arrived at 8:00 AM UTC on February 20, 2025. Pi Network removed the firewall and launched its Open Network, enabling external connectivity for the first time. This date became the most significant milestone in the project's history.

Pi Network Launch Phases: Understanding Each Stage

Phase 1 – Beta Testing (2019-2021)

During this initial period, Pi Network concentrated on building its user base and testing the mobile mining concept. The app allowed individuals to mine Pi tokens by simply tapping a button once daily, making cryptocurrency accessible to everyday users who lacked expensive mining equipment.

The beta phase served as a proof of concept, demonstrating widespread interest in a more inclusive approach to cryptocurrency. However, these tokens existed solely within the Pi ecosystem and had no external trading value.

Phase 2 – Testnet Period (2021-2023)

The testnet phase marked Pi Network's evolution from a simple mobile app to a comprehensive blockchain ecosystem. Developers began creating applications (dApps) for the Pi platform, while the core team refined the network's technical infrastructure.

During this period, users could test transactions and explore the Pi ecosystem, but still couldn't trade their tokens on external cryptocurrency exchanges. The testnet served as a crucial testing ground for what would eventually become the mainnet.

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

The enclosed mainnet represented a significant technical achievement – Pi Network had a functioning blockchain where users could make real transactions. However, the network remained isolated from the broader cryptocurrency ecosystem.

During this phase, Pi Network implemented its Know Your Customer (KYC) verification system and encouraged users to migrate their mined tokens to the mainnet. Events like PiFest 2024 demonstrated real-world Pi transactions, with over 27,000 active sellers and 28,000 test merchants across 160 countries participating.

Phase 4 – Open Network (February 2025-Present)

The open network launch on February 20, 2025, marked the beginning of Pi Network's open network phase. For the first time, Pi tokens could connect with external systems, enabling trading on cryptocurrency exchanges and broader ecosystem integration.

February 20, 2025: Pi Network Mainnet Launch Details

Launch Day Events

February 20, 2025, will be remembered as a pivotal moment in cryptocurrency history. At precisely 8:00 AM UTC, Pi Network removed the firewall that had kept its blockchain isolated from the outside world.

Within hours of the launch, Pi coin experienced dramatic price movements. The token opened at approximately $1.47, surged to a high of $2.10 (representing a 45% increase), then faced significant selling pressure as early adopters took profits. By the end of the first day, the price had dropped to around $1.01, demonstrating the volatile nature of newly launched cryptocurrencies.

Trading volumes exploded by more than 1,700% as speculation and genuine interest drove massive activity across multiple exchanges. This volatility was expected, as millions of users who had been mining Pi for years suddenly gained access to trade their holdings.

Key Milestones Achieved

The February 2025 mainnet launch milestone was made possible by reaching several crucial benchmarks:

• 10.14 million Pioneers successfully migrated to the mainnet, exceeding the original goal of 10 million users
• 19 million Pioneers completed KYC verification, far surpassing the required 15 million
• Over 100 mainnet applications were ready for launch, creating a vibrant ecosystem from day one

These numbers represented years of steady growth and community building, proving that Pi Network had achieved the scale necessary for a successful open network launch.

Exchange Listings and Trading

Major cryptocurrency exchanges quickly moved to list Pi tokens following the launch. Gate now offers Pi trading pairs, primarily Pi/USDT.

Impact of Pi Network Launch on Users

For Existing Pi Miners

Long-time Pi Network users faced both opportunities and requirements following the official launch. The most significant change was the mandatory KYC (Know Your Customer) verification process required to participate fully in the open network.

Pioneers who completed KYC could finally transfer their Pi tokens to external wallets and trade on cryptocurrency exchanges. However, those who hadn't completed verification found themselves unable to access the full benefits of the open network launch.

The launch also meant that Pi tokens earned through mobile mining over the years finally had real-world trading value. Many early adopters who had accumulated substantial Pi holdings suddenly found themselves with tradeable cryptocurrency assets.

For New Users

The February 2025 launch created new opportunities for people interested in joining the Pi ecosystem. While the initial mining phase had ended, new users could still participate by:

• Completing the KYC verification process
• Using Pi applications within the ecosystem
• Purchasing Pi tokens on supported exchanges
• Contributing to the network through various community activities

New users could also benefit from the mature ecosystem of applications and services that had developed during the enclosed network phase.

Trading and Exchange Access

Post-launch, Pi token holders gained access to multiple trading venues. The launch opened up several options for buying, selling, and storing Pi tokens:

• Supported Exchanges: Gate now offers Pi trading pairs, primarily against USDT (Tether).
• Wallet Options: Users could choose between Pi's native wallet system or compatible third-party wallets that supported Pi tokens.
• Security Considerations: With real trading value, Pi holders needed to implement proper security measures, including secure wallet storage and careful handling of private keys.

Pi Coin Launch Price Analysis

The relationship between the Pi Network launch date and price demonstrated the volatile nature of newly launched cryptocurrencies. Pi coin's price journey on February 20, 2025, tells a story of excitement, speculation, and market reality.

Launch Day Price Action:

• Opening price: $1.47
• Peak price: $2.10 (45% increase)
• End-of-day price: $1.01 (significant correction)
• Trading volume: Increased by over 1,700%

The initial surge reflected pent-up demand and excitement about Pi finally becoming tradeable. However, the rapid correction highlighted several market realities:

Selling Pressure from Early Adopters

Many Pioneers who had been mining Pi for years without spending money saw the launch as an opportunity to realize profits. This created substantial selling pressure that overwhelmed initial buying interest.

Market Discovery Phase

With no previous external trading history, the market needed time to discover Pi's "fair value." The dramatic price swings reflected this natural price discovery process.

Supply Considerations

Pi Network's maximum supply of 100 billion tokens, with approximately 9.7 billion currently in circulation, influenced market dynamics. The large total supply relative to current circulation created uncertainty about future token releases.

Current trading has stabilized somewhat, with Pi coin typically trading in a range that reflects ongoing market evaluation of the project's long-term potential.

Post-Launch: What's Next for Pi Network

Upcoming Developments

The February 2025 launch marked the beginning, not the end, of Pi Network's development journey. Several important milestones and events are planned for the future:

1. Pi2Day (June 28) Significance

Pi2Day represents a mid-year milestone that historically brings major announcements and feature releases. The date itself (6/28) symbolically represents 2π (approximately 6.28), reflecting Pi Network's mathematical foundation. Previous Pi2Days have introduced significant ecosystem updates, and 2025's event promises continued innovation.

2. Ecosystem Expansion

With the open network now live, Pi Network focuses on expanding real-world utility through:

• New decentralized applications (dApps) development
• Merchant adoption programs
• Integration with existing business systems
• Partnership development with established companies

Long-term Roadmap

Global Adoption Goals

Pi Network aims to become the world's most inclusive peer-to-peer ecosystem. This involves expanding beyond cryptocurrency trading to create a comprehensive digital economy where Pi serves as the native currency for goods and services.

Real-world Utility Expansion

The success demonstrated during PiFest 2024, with over 27,000 active sellers across 160 countries, provides a foundation for expanding Pi's use in everyday transactions. Future plans include integrating Pi payments into more merchants and service providers globally.

Partnership Opportunities

The open network launch enables Pi Network to pursue partnerships with established businesses and financial institutions. These partnerships could accelerate adoption and provide new use cases for Pi tokens.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pi Network Launch

1. When did Pi Network officially launch? Pi Network had multiple launch phases. The initial app launched in March 2019, but the most significant mainnet launch date was February 20, 2025, when the Open Network went live, enabling external trading and connectivity.

2. Can I still mine Pi after the launch date? Yes, Pi mining continues after the February 20, 2025 launch, but with adjustments. The mining rate follows a declining exponential model, and users must complete KYC verification to migrate their tokens to the mainnet for trading.

3. How do I access my Pi tokens after the launch? To access your Pi tokens post-launch, you must complete the KYC verification process and migrate your tokens from the mobile app to the mainnet. Once migrated, you can transfer tokens to external wallets or trade on supported exchanges.

4. Is Pi Network legitimate after the launch? The successful open network launch and subsequent exchange listings demonstrate Pi Network's legitimacy as a functional blockchain project. However, like all cryptocurrencies, Pi involves investment risks and market volatility.

5. Where can I trade Pi tokens now? Following the launch, Gate now lists Pi tokens, offering Pi/USDT trading pairs.

6. What's the difference between Pi Network's various launch dates? Pi Network had multiple phases: the 2019 app launch (beta testing), 2021 testnet launch (network testing), December 2021 enclosed mainnet launch (internal blockchain), and February 20, 2025 open network launch (external connectivity and trading).

Conclusion

The Pi Network launch on February 20, 2025, represents the culmination of over six years of development and community building. From a mobile mining app in 2019 to a fully functional blockchain with external connectivity, Pi Network has achieved significant milestones.

Today, 10.14 million migrated Pioneers can use their tokens for real-world transactions and trading on supported exchanges. With 19 million KYC-verified users and over 100 mainnet applications, Pi Network has built a solid foundation for future growth.

The February 2025 mainnet launch marks not an ending, but a new beginning for what could become one of the world's most accessible cryptocurrency ecosystems. As Pi Network continues expanding its real-world utility, the true impact of this launch will unfold in the coming years.