Pi Network (PI) made a spectacular entrance into the cryptocurrency world a few months ago. But while the initial hype had us all in a frenzy, it now looks more like a classic case of a crypto project that can’t deliver on its promises.
When it launched in 2019, the message was clear and enticing: anyone could mine cryptocurrency using a simple smartphone app, without the need for expensive equipment or high energy costs. The idea caught on, thanks in large part to its social invite system that encouraged users to expand their network. Pi now reportedly has over 70 million users, making it one of the largest mobile mining communities in the world.
Despite this, the network has not been able to deliver on its promises for a long time. The roadmap—from mobile mining to a testnet, KYC verification, and eventually an open mainnet—took much longer than promised. The mainnet didn’t open its doors to external trading until February 2025, but that unveiling was anything but smooth. Many users ran into issues migrating their tokens, causing widespread frustration within the community.
In addition to the technical setbacks, the Pi Core Team has also received heavy criticism for its central role. Despite repeated promises of decentralization, the team continues to maintain a tight rein on both the infrastructure and the token supply. The lack of transparency also causes much dissatisfaction. The tokenomics are unclear, future development plans remain vague, and a clear timeline for token release is lacking.
Moreover, Pi has so far failed to get listed on major crypto exchanges such as Binance or CoinbaseThis significantly limits liquidity, leaving many users struggling to actually trade their tokens.
After years of buildup and high expectations, the Pi token peaked at around $2025 in February 3, but has since plummeted. The token is currently trading well below its all-time high, raising questions about whether Pi Network can ever deliver on its promises.
While the project has some strengths, such as a large and engaged community and a relatively energy-efficient consensus mechanism, fundamental questions about its long-term viability remain unresolved. Without greater transparency, decentralization, and solid infrastructure, Pi will have a hard time establishing itself as a serious crypto project.
What exactly is Pi Network?
Pi Network is a cryptocurrency system launched in 2019 that allows users to mine cryptocurrency through a smartphone app without expensive equipment.
Why is there so much criticism of Pi Network?
Criticism focuses mainly on the central control of the Pi Core Team, the lack of transparency, and the slow implementation of promises regarding decentralization and functionality.
What about the value of the Pi token?
After peaking in February 2025 at nearly $3, the Pi token's value has since fallen sharply and is now trading well below that level.