The Complete Pi Network KYC Verification Guide: Requirements, Steps & Approval Process

Pi Network stands as a blockchain-based digital currency platform developed by Stanford University researchers, currently boasting a substantial global user base in the tens of millions. To unlock the full potential of the platform—particularly transferring mined Pi coins to the mainnet for transactions—users must complete Pi KYC (Know Your Customer) verification. While the process is generally streamlined, many users encounter challenges with document submissions, identity verification checks, and technical validations. This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to successfully complete your Pi Network KYC verification.

Eligibility Requirements for Pi KYC Verification

Before initiating your Pi KYC application, ensure you meet these mandatory requirements:

Age and Identification:

• You must be at least 18 years old
• You need an original government-issued identification document. During verification, you’ll photograph the actual document rather than uploading a pre-existing image. Accepted documents include:
  • Passport (strongly recommended)
  • Driver’s License
  • National ID Card

Mining History:

• You must have actively mined Pi for a minimum of 30 days—these don’t need to be consecutive. This requirement prevents abuse and ensures genuine community participation.

Technical Requirements:

• A clear, well-lit facial appearance for the liveness verification step. Your face will be captured by your device’s camera and must clearly match your submitted ID photograph.
• Approximately 5-10 minutes to complete the entire Pi KYC application

Important Note: Eligibility criteria, specific requirements, and feature availability may vary depending on your country or geographic location, as different regions have distinct regulatory frameworks.

How to Complete Your Pi Network KYC Application

Preparation and Access:

Start by ensuring you have the Pi Browser app installed (available through Google Play Store for Android and Apple App Store for iOS). If already installed, proceed to the Pi Network application on your device.

The Application Process:

Phase 1: Accessing the KYC Section

Open your Pi Network app and navigate to the Mainnet section via the side menu. Within the Mainnet checklist, complete all prerequisite tasks until you reach “Submit your KYC Application.” Once all prior tasks are finished, the KYC application tab will unlock. You can also directly access the Pi KYC system by navigating to the “kyc.pi” area within your Pi Browser.

Phase 2: Country and Document Selection

On the initial screen after entering the Pi KYC section, you’ll select your country from a dropdown menu—this must match the country listed on your government ID. Next, choose which type of identification document you’re using for verification, with passports generally being the most efficient option.

Phase 3: ID Document Capture

You’ll see instructional slides explaining the proper capture methodology. Review these carefully before proceeding. When ready, tap the “Add Front Photo” button to activate your device’s camera. Photograph the front of your ID in landscape (horizontal) orientation, ensuring all text and images are clearly visible. If your ID has relevant information on the back, capture that as well.

Phase 4: Personal Information Form

Following ID submission, you’ll complete a form with details matching your identification document:

• First Name
• Middle Name (if applicable)
• Last Name
• Gender
• Date of Birth
• Document ID Number
• Document Expiration Date
• Country of Residence

Ensure all information is entered exactly as it appears on your submitted ID to prevent verification delays.

Phase 5: Liveness Verification

The final step involves confirming you’re the document holder. Click “I’m Ready,” and your front-facing camera will activate automatically. Hold your device at face level, ensuring your face is clearly visible and well-lit. The system will capture your facial features for comparison against your ID photograph.

Tracking Your Pi Network KYC Status

To monitor your application progress, access your user profile within the Pi Network app. A green checkmark next to “Identity Verification (KYC)” indicates successful verification. A loading indicator means your submission is under review and pending validator assessment.

Alternatively, navigate to your Mainnet checklist. If the “Wait for KYC Results” tab displays green, your Pi KYC has been approved.

Troubleshooting Note: Some users report the checklist tab remaining unchanged even after approval. If this occurs, rely on the status shown in the dedicated Pi KYC app accessible through your Pi Browser for accurate information.

Understanding Pi KYC Approval Timelines

The review duration varies considerably. While some applicants receive responses within minutes (typically when documentation is clear and local validators are available), others wait several days or longer. Processing time depends on:

• Document clarity and completeness
• Availability of qualified validators in your geographic region
• System workload at the time of submission

If the automated system cannot clearly extract details from your ID—such as your face, name, or country information—you may be asked to resubmit photos of your ID or selfie. Ensure proper lighting and image clarity to minimize resubmission requests.

How the Pi Network KYC Review Process Works

Given the massive Pi Network community, the core team employs a distributed validation system rather than centralized review. Here’s how it functions:

The Validation Framework:

Once you submit your documents, your application enters a peer-review queue. Two different validators who have already completed their own Pi KYC review your submission independently. Both must approve your application for it to pass. Validators are typically citizens of your country, making the process more culturally and linguistically aligned.

Validator Compensation:

The system deducts 1 Pi coin from your account upon submission—this reward goes to the validators reviewing your application, incentivizing thorough and fair assessment.

Why This Model Works:

This decentralized approach scales verification across the global community while maintaining quality control. Validators have already proven their legitimacy by completing their own verification, creating accountability within the system.

Common Questions About Pi Network KYC Verification

Can I apply for Pi KYC immediately after joining Pi Network? No. You must mine Pi for at least 30 days before you’re eligible to apply, even if those days aren’t consecutive. This prevents fraudulent account creation and spam submissions.

What if my KYC application is rejected? You’re typically allowed to resubmit. If rejected, carefully review the original submission for issues—unclear photos, mismatched information, or technical problems. Correct these issues and submit again.

How long does verification actually take? While some users see approval within minutes, the typical range is several days to several weeks. Factors include validator availability, document clarity, and system capacity in your region.

Can I transfer Pi coins before KYC approval? No. Mainnet transfers require completed Pi KYC verification. Your coins remain on the Pi Network layer until verification is complete.

What documents are absolutely not accepted? Expired IDs are generally not accepted. Screenshots or digital images of documents (rather than direct camera capture during the process) may be rejected. Ensure documents are current and properly captured during the verification session.

Is there customer support for Pi KYC issues? For detailed guidance, consult Pi Network’s official KYC FAQ documentation on their platform. The Pi community also maintains discussion forums where users share solutions to common verification challenges.

For more information and the most current verification requirements, visit Pi Network’s official knowledge base and community support channels. Remember that this guide provides general informational guidance—individual circumstances and regional requirements may differ.