When Will Pi be Launched: All You Need to Know

The query regarding when will pi be launched has been a central focus for millions of cryptocurrency enthusiasts since the project's inception in 2019. Unlike traditional blockchain launches that happen in a single day, the Pi Network launch is a multi-stage strategic rollout designed to balance decentralization with utility. As of May 2026, the network has surpassed its initial 'Enclosed' phase and is now a fully functional Layer 1 blockchain with smart contract capabilities, though it continues to evolve through sequential technical upgrades.

Pi Network Launch Overview

According to official project documentation and industry monitoring, the Pi Network launch is defined as a transition from a mobile-mining social experiment to a decentralized Layer 1 ecosystem. The process began with the mobile app phase (2019–2021), followed by a three-year Enclosed Mainnet period, and culminated in the Open Mainnet launch on February 20, 2025. This final milestone removed the network firewall, allowing the PI token to be traded on external global exchanges and interact with other blockchain protocols.

Mainnet Launch Phases

Enclosed Mainnet (December 2021 – February 2025)

During this period, the Pi blockchain was live but isolated. Users who completed the Know Your Customer (KYC) process could migrate their mined balances to mainnet wallets. However, a firewall prevented connectivity to external networks. This phase was critical for testing the Security Circle consensus model and ensuring that a sufficient number of 'Pioneers' were verified to prevent bot-driven inflation.

Open Mainnet Launch (February 20, 2025)

The definitive answer to when will pi be launched arrived on February 20, 2025. On this date, the Core Team dropped the firewall, enabling external liquidity. Trading initially opened around $1.47, reaching an all-time high of $2.99 in late February 2025. Following the launch, the PI token was listed on several major platforms, including Bitget, which has emerged as a primary hub for PI liquidity and trading volume.

Technical Upgrade Roadmap (2026)

Protocol 23: Smart Contract Integration (May 11, 2026)

A major evolution in the launch roadmap occurred on May 11, 2026, with the activation of Protocol 23. This upgrade transitioned Pi from a simple transactional ledger to a programmable platform. It introduced native smart contracts, enabling developers to build decentralized applications (dApps), DeFi protocols, and Real-World Asset (RWA) tokenization directly on the Pi blockchain.

Sequential Upgrades (Protocols 24, 25, and 26)

Following the success of Protocol 23, the roadmap for mid-2026 focuses on scalability and stability. Protocols 24 through 26, scheduled for deployment between May and June 2026, aim to optimize ledger structures and enhance the throughput of the network to support the growing number of dApps entering the ecosystem.

Exchange Listings and Liquidity

Major Exchange Support

Since the Open Mainnet launch, Pi has gained significant traction on global exchanges. Bitget, as a top-tier exchange supporting over 1300+ coins, provides comprehensive trading pairs for PI. The platform's commitment to security is backed by a $300M+ Protection Fund, making it a preferred choice for users navigating the post-launch Pi market. While some tier-1 exchanges have yet to list the native token, the liquidity available on Bitget has been instrumental in price discovery.

Market Performance and Price Action

As of late May 2026, PI trades at approximately $0.15, with a market capitalization of roughly $1.6 billion. The token ranks near #55 on global cryptocurrency trackers. The following table provides a comparison of Pi's market status at different stages of its launch cycle:

The data shows that while the question of when will pi be launched has been resolved, the increasing circulating supply (currently 10.4% of the 100 billion maximum) remains a significant factor in market valuation and price stability.

Ecosystem and Utility

Pi App Studio and AI Integration

In 2026, the Pi Core Team pivoted towards positioning the network as "human infrastructure for AI." By leveraging its verified user base of over 60 million, Pi enables human-layer validation for decentralized AI systems. This adds a unique utility layer beyond simple currency transfers.

Pi Launchpad and DApps

The Pi Launchpad, which entered its MVP phase in early 2026, provides a framework for native projects to issue tokens. With the activation of Protocol 23, the Pi DEX (Decentralized Exchange) is expected to launch on Mainnet in Q2 2026, further deepening the ecosystem's internal economy.

Participation and Compliance

KYC and Wallet Migration

Participation in the Pi Mainnet requires mandatory KYC verification. As of May 2026, approximately 19 million users have been verified, with 16 million having migrated their balances to Mainnet wallets. This rigorous process ensures compliance and prevents Sybil attacks.

Node Operation and Rewards

The network relies on a modified Stellar Consensus Protocol. Participants can contribute by running Mainnet nodes or SuperNodes, which secure the blockchain and earn rewards. This decentralized infrastructure is what allowed the firewall to be safely removed during the 2025 launch.

Critical Challenges and Risks

Tokenomics and Supply Pressure

One of the primary risks identified post-launch is the supply unlock pressure. With nearly 90 billion PI tokens yet to enter circulation, the market must generate significant demand through dApp utility and merchant adoption to sustain current price levels.

Combatting Misinformation

The Core Team has repeatedly warned against "Global Consensus Value" (GCV) myths—unrealistic price targets like $314,159 promoted by community members. Investors are encouraged to rely on verified data from reputable sources like Bitget for accurate pricing and market analysis.

For those looking to engage with the Pi ecosystem post-launch, Bitget offers a secure environment for trading. With competitive spot fees (0.01% for makers/takers) and advanced protection measures, it remains the leading choice for the Pi community.

Explore Pi trading on Bitget today and stay updated with the latest blockchain roadmaps.