
Pi Network’s Open Mainnet Shift: Could Binance Be Next?
Pi Network, known worldwide for letting people mine crypto on their phones, is approaching a major change. As it gets ready for its Open Mainnet, many in crypto are asking: will Binance, the huge exchange, add Pi to its listings?
Mainnet Steps: From Closed System to Open Trading
Pi Network’s development has been a step-by-step affair. The current “Enclosed Network” part of its Mainnet, which started in December 2021, acts like a live practice run. This setup keeps the Mainnet running but walled off from outside connections, helping with crucial tests, adjusting data, and polishing its systems. Users who’ve passed KYC, called “Pioneers,” can send Pi to each other inside this closed loop, and Pi apps have been moving to the Mainnet to use real Pi for transactions.
Word is spreading that the Pi Network plans to switch to the Open Network phase of Mainnet. This big step involves taking down the digital wall, which would let Pi connect to other networks, wallets, and anyone wanting to link up with the Pi Mainnet. Many believed February 20, 2025, at 8:00 AM UTC was the date for this change, a shift that would finally let Pi trade on public exchanges and show what it can do in the real world. Yet, other talk mentioned a June 28, 2025, launch, showing how project dates can often change.
KYC & Moving to Mainnet: Getting Ready for Openness
The path to Open Mainnet heavily depends on how its Know Your Customer (KYC) checks and Mainnet migration are going. By February 2025, Pi Network said it had passed its goal of 10 million users moved to Mainnet, hitting 10.14 million. The project also mentioned having over 19 million users with verified identities. This was up from December 2024, when they announced 18 million KYC-cleared users, with 8 million of those already on the Mainnet.
To hurry this important stage, the Pi team created a “Grace Period,” first meant to end on December 31, 2024. They pushed this deadline to January 31, 2025, and then again to February 28, 2025, to give more people time to finish KYC and move to the Mainnet. Hitting these KYC and migration numbers was presented as a must-do before the Open Network could start.
The Binance Puzzle: Meeting Tough Listing Rules
Getting listed on Binance, the world’s biggest crypto exchange, is a huge win for any digital coin. Binance checks projects very carefully, always putting user safety, strict rule-following, and a project’s long-term chances first. There isn’t a public checklist, but some main ideas always shape Binance’s choices.
Projects hoping for a Binance spot need solid basics. This means a clear purpose and real-world use beyond just people betting on its price. Binance closely examines a project’s whitepaper, plans, and the tech behind it to see if it’s workable, new, and has a future. The product’s usefulness and how far along it is are vital; having at least a basic working version (MVP) is often expected. For memecoins, which are different, a strong community and a big cultural buzz count for a lot.
The team’s reputation and their advisors’ backgrounds are also key parts of Binance’s check-up. Teams with experience and a history of success get a better look, while hidden identities or links to shady past dealings are serious warnings. How the tokens work (tokenomics) also gets a close look; Binance wants simple, practical systems and open ways of giving out tokens. They look at things like how many different people hold the token, how much is held by insiders, and when locked-up tokens get released. Being part of the BNB ecosystem can also help.
Security checks are a must. Projects have to show their smart contracts are safe, usually by getting them audited by known firms, to lower security dangers. Also, full legal rule-following is required, including sticking to anti-money laundering (AML) and KYC rules everywhere they operate. Exchanges also check if a token might be seen as a security, which greatly changes legal duties.
Lastly, market interest, how easily it trades (liquidity), and community buzz matter a lot. A high market value, lots of trading on other platforms, and enough liquidity show investors are interested. A lively, active community on sites like Telegram and X (what Twitter is now called) is also important. Binance often likes tokens that have already been trading and have liquidity on other good, even if smaller, exchanges.
Pi Network’s Obstacles: True Decentralization, APIs, and Being Open
For Pi Network to pass Binance’s tough review, it has to solve some big technical and operational problems.
A fully working and truly decentralized Open Mainnet is essential. Even though the Open Mainnet was expected around February 20, 2025, there are still worries about how decentralized the network really is. Some information suggests the Pi Network core team holds a very large portion—over 82.8%—of all Pi Coins, which makes people wonder about their dedication to real decentralization. Plus, the network reportedly runs with quite few nodes (43) and validators (3) worldwide, far fewer than big blockchains like Bitcoin and Ethereum. This kind of central control could be a problem for Binance.
Having a stable and dependable API for exchanges is another vital need. Exchanges like Binance need solid APIs to add the Pi blockchain to their trading systems for easy deposits, withdrawals, and trades. While it seems API documents for Pi Network are out there, full details on how stable it is and if it can handle heavy exchange traffic aren’t common knowledge.
Openness of the public blockchain explorer is also really important. Pi Network does have a blockchain explorer (PiScan), and the Pi Core Team announced an official one on March 14, 2025, to be more transparent. Still, people have raised concerns about Pi Network’s source code and on-chain data not being completely open. Analysts also noted a lack of clarity in Pi Network’s token details, especially about how the Core Team’s large coin holdings are locked up or burned.
Reasons for a Listing: Huge User Numbers and a Loud Community
People who want Pi Network on Binance often point to its enormous number of users. Some say this number is over 60 million people around the world, thanks to its easy-to-use mobile mining. This huge group means a large, ready-made crowd of possible traders.
The strong community excitement for Pi Network is another big point. Online polls, like one said to be on Binance Square in February 2025 where 85% voted for listing Pi, show this eager support. This active backing, seen in social media pushes and community votes, might sway Binance’s thinking. Events like PiFest 2024, which supposedly had over 27,000 active sellers, are shown as proof of worldwide use and community involvement.
Also, supporters think there’s a lot of hidden market hunger for trading Pi Coin. A Binance listing is expected to greatly boost Pi Coin’s liquidity, how easy it is to get, and its public profile, which could cause a big jump in trading and price. Some see the current listings of Pi Coin on smaller exchanges like Gate.io, OKX, and Bitget as steps toward a possible Binance appearance.
The Flip Side: Worries and Complaints
Even with these hopeful points, a possible Binance listing for Pi Network comes with several worries and complaints. A main issue is the feeling that Pi Coin doesn’t do much outside its own system, even after years of work. Before Open Mainnet, Pi’s value was mostly based on hope, often driven by community excitement rather than real market facts, with some exchanges listing “Pi IOUs”—unofficial speculative tokens not backed by Pi Network.
People have also wondered about the fairness of how Pi tokens are given out, with some users saying their rewards aren’t consistent. While Pi Network says its mining reward system is fair, these worries haven’t gone away. The centralized aspects also get flak, especially the Pi Core Team’s control over active mainnet nodes.
The project has also been criticized for not being very open about its core team and development plans, along with delays in getting a fully working mainnet launched. Differences between the claimed huge user base and much lower numbers of active wallets and daily activity on blockchain explorers have made people more doubtful. The required KYC process, though important for security, has made some worry about privacy because of the data needed, and many have reported trouble finishing KYC.
Official Word: It’s a Waiting Game
By May 2025, Binance hadn’t officially said anything about listing Pi Coin. The exchange always says that all listing choices come after a thorough check. While a community poll on Binance Square in February 2025 showed strong interest in a Pi listing, Binance stated that poll results are just for information. Rumors in March 2025 hinted Binance had decided against listing Pi, mentioning concerns about transparency and the mainnet, but Binance hasn’t officially confirmed these stories.
The Pi Network core team, on their side, has mostly stayed quiet about a specific Binance listing, working instead on building up their ecosystem. A “key Pi ecosystem announcement” expected around May 14, 2025, stirred up more guessing.
Market Mood: Two Different Stories
Feelings about a possible Pi Network listing on Binance are very split. The Pi Network community, thought to be over 60 million strong, is mostly hopeful, excited by rumors and blockchain activity like transactions in a Binance wallet address once linked to Pi. The Binance community poll mentioned earlier also keeps these hopes up.
But the wider crypto market and many experts are more careful, even doubtful. Worries about Pi Network’s token system, its growth through referrals (which some have compared to pyramid schemes), and what many see as a lack of openness feed this doubt. Technical and liquidity problems, along with centralized control, are also often mentioned. It’s worth noting Pi Network was apparently left out of a Binance “Vote to List” event because it runs on its own blockchain, not fitting the BNB Smart Chain rules.
The Pi IOU Sidetrack: Guesswork vs. What’s Real
Before the official Open Mainnet started, something called “Pi IOUs” showed up. These were speculative tokens listed by some exchanges, basically a promise of real Pi coins once the mainnet was fully running and tokens could be officially traded. These IOUs, traded on places like HTX and BitMart, weren’t official Pi coins and the Pi Network team clearly said they didn’t approve of them. Trading Pi IOUs was very risky, with no promise they’d turn into real Pi tokens. While this IOU trading might have shown big exchanges that people were interested, its unauthorized nature and clear risks could also have put them off.
What a Binance Listing Could Mean for the Market
If Binance were to list Pi Coin, it would definitely shake things up for Pi. An initial price jump, thanks to the “Binance Effect,” would almost certainly happen, along with a lot of price swings. Whether the price stays stable long-term would depend on the project’s real strengths and if it can follow through on its plans.
Liquidity would get a huge boost, since Binance is the world’s biggest exchange by trading amount. This could bring in bigger investors and possibly lower the chances of market tricks. More people would likely start using it because it would be more visible and easier to get, making the network stronger. Maybe most importantly, a Binance listing would give Pi Network a lot more credibility, building trust and possibly leading to more partnerships.
Gains and Dangers for Binance
For Binance, listing Pi Network is a tricky mix of possible upsides and serious downsides. The main attraction is getting access to Pi’s huge, though unconfirmed, user base, which could mean more trading and new users. Satisfying what seems to be community desire could also look good.
But the dangers are big. Harm to its reputation is a major worry if Binance gets involved with a project that has ongoing arguments about its openness, centralization, and usefulness. Since Pi Network has reportedly been called a “multi-level marketing” scheme in some places, more trouble from regulators is another big risk for Binance, an exchange already watched closely by global authorities. Worries about market manipulation and wild price swings, especially given how Pi’s tokens are spread out and the lack of clarity in its token system, would also be serious considerations. Listing Pi Network, as it is now in terms of development and openness, might look like Binance is lowering its increasingly tough listing standards.
The Rule Book Maze
Global crypto rules are a jumble of different and changing laws. In the United States, the SEC looks very closely at whether digital coins count as securities, which has big effects on registration and what must be disclosed. The European Union’s MiCA rules offer a full system, sorting crypto-assets and setting rules for those who issue them and provide services. The UK regulates cryptoassets based on what they are, with a strong focus on AML/CFT rules. Singapore is practical, grouping tokens by what they do and licensing service providers. On the other hand, China still strictly bans crypto trading and mining.
This messy regulatory picture greatly affects Binance’s listing choices. The exchange has to make sure any listed coin follows countless international laws to avoid legal trouble. Pi Network’s special way of giving out tokens and its pre-use phase would be looked at very carefully against these rules.
Learning from the Past, Goals for What’s Next
History shows that a big community and a new way of distributing tokens, while helpful, don’t promise a spot on a major exchange. Projects like Elrond and Saga used Binance Launchpad/Launchpool well, showing how smart exchange partnerships combined with strong basics can work. But the Telegram Open Network (TON) hit major roadblocks with regulators, proving how vital it is to follow the rules.
For Pi Network to improve its odds of a Binance listing, some key steps are crucial:
1. A successful and steady Open Mainnet: Showing it works well and securely after launch.
2. Provable wide-ranging use: Showing Pi Coin is useful for more than just betting on its price.
3. A strong dApp environment: Helping a lively group of decentralized apps grow.
4. Clear rule-following: Fixing any unclear points and making sure it meets international standards.
5. Evidence of market interest and trading: Showing good trading on exchanges where it’s already listed.
6. More openness: Especially about how its tokens work and what the core team is doing.
Other Ways to Get Liquid
While a Binance listing is a big goal, Pi Network has other paths to build liquidity. After the first listings on centralized exchanges like OKX, Bitget, and MEXC, Pi can try for more listings on other solid centralized platforms. Using decentralized exchanges (DEXs) is a way to get market access without needing permission, connecting to different DeFi areas.
Developing its own Pi Network DeFi system can create natural demand and liquidity. Smart partnerships and integrations, along with community-led efforts to boost liquidity, can also help more people access it.
A Deeper Dive into Pi Coin’s Token System
Pi Coin has a top limit of 100 billion tokens. Here’s how they’re split: 65% for community mining rewards, 20% for the Pi Core Team, 10% for foundation funds, and 5% for liquidity. The Enclosed Mainnet period, with its required KYC, has been key in trying to confirm a real, tradable amount of circulating supply, though the digital wall stops outside trading. News from early 2025 suggested over 18 million KYC-cleared users, with over 8 million having moved tokens to the mainnet. Many tokens are still locked up, with full release expected around 2027-2028, which could make the price jumpy.
Security and How It’s Built
A major missing piece for Pi Network has been the lack of published, independent security checks of its main systems by outside experts. While it uses parts of the Stellar Consensus Protocol (SCP) and has “Security Circles,” worries about true decentralization and the openness of its main code remain. The successful and secure launch of the Open Mainnet will be a big trial of its tech readiness.
Standing Out in a Full Field
Pi Network’s phone-first mining and its huge number of users help it stand out in the crowded mobile crypto world. Its aim to build a Web3 system focused on real use, along with its own KYC system, offers some special advantages. This large, possibly KYC-verified user group is certainly appealing to exchanges. However, doubts about its real decentralization, how developed its ecosystem is, and the token’s value still linger.
The Final Call: A Balancing Act
In the end, whether Binance lists Pi depends on a careful weighing of community desire against the project’s actual strength. While Pi Network’s huge community puts on a lot of pressure, Binance will closely compare this to technical preparedness, how well it follows rules, and the project’s chances of lasting long-term.
Pi Network’s future and its chances for a Binance spot probably fit into a few possibilities. A successful Open Mainnet that shows real use and has a lively ecosystem makes a listing much more likely. On the other hand, a long Enclosed Mainnet period or the project stalling because of tech problems, not enough users, or regulatory issues would make a listing very unlikely.
Binance’s listing team would surely look hard at several key dangers. The chance of wild price swings and manipulation because of Pi’s large, varied user base and “free” token distribution is a big worry. The project’s ability to deliver on its long-term plans after listing, especially after past delays, will be checked very carefully. Lastly, the clearness and long-term sense of how Pi Coin gains value, beyond just people betting on it, will be extremely important.
The road ahead for Pi Network is tough but could be game-changing. Whether it can overcome these challenges and meet the strict requirements of exchanges like Binance is something many in the crypto world are watching closely.