On March 13, 2025, Pi Network officially launched a two-factor authentication (2FA) system to boost the security of Pioneers' accounts and Pi coins. This new feature is an important part of the migration process from the enclosed mining app to the Open Network mainnet blockchain.

Why is 2FA Important?

2FA adds an extra security layer by making sure that only you can control where your Pi goes. It confirms that the wallet you are migrating your Pi to truly belongs to you. This is done by connecting your Pi account to a trusted email address that only you have access to. Without completing 2FA, your migration may fail or cause you to lose access to your Pi coins.

How to Set Up a Trusted Email for 2FA

To use 2FA, you must have a trusted email linked to your Pi account:

If you already have a trusted email, you can immediately use it for 2FA.

If you don’t have one yet, the app will guide you to add it, including a simple liveness check to confirm you're a real person and the owner of the email.

Only Pioneers who have completed KYC (Know Your Customer) verification, or at least tentative KYC, can add a trusted email.

Important Tip: Choose an email you regularly use and have full control over. Avoid using random or temporary emails, or you may risk losing your account and Pi coins.

How 2FA Works for Wallet Confirmation

Once your trusted email is ready:

After a mining session, you may receive a prompt in the app asking you to complete 2FA. You’ll also get an official email from “[email protected].”

You can also access 2FA anytime from the Mainnet Checklist inside the app.

On the 2FA screen, confirm your wallet address where you want your Pi to be sent.

Then, verify the process by following the instructions sent to your email.

Caution: Only trust emails from “[email protected]” — avoid clicking on links from other sources to protect yourself from scams.

What Happens If You Don’t Complete 2FA?

When you migrate your Pi to Mainnet, there is a 14-day waiting period before your Pi is fully transferred. This period is a safety measure.

If you haven’t completed 2FA during this period, your Pi may be sent back to the mining app.

Once you finish 2FA, your Pi will return to the migration process.

You will still receive your full balance, possibly even more if you mined additional Pi during the waiting time.

If you complete 2FA before the 14 days are over, your Pi will continue migrating without any interruptions.

What Happens When Pi is Returned?

The 14-day delay is normal and helps ensure the security of your Pi.

If returned, your Pi may temporarily show under “Unverified Balance” instead of “Transferable Balance.” Don’t worry — your Pi is safe.

Once you complete 2FA and reinitiate migration, you will receive the full amount of Pi you had earlier or even a little extra.

While some Pi may temporarily go out of circulation, it will balance again as more users complete 2FA and migration.

Why Did Pi Network Add These Features?

Since blockchain transactions are irreversible and Pi wallets are noncustodial (only you control them), Pi Network introduced 2FA and the return process to safeguard your assets. These steps make sure that only you receive your Pi and no one else.

What Should You Do Now?

Here’s what Pi Network advises all Pioneers:

1. Set up a trusted email if you haven’t done it yet.

2. Keep an eye out for 2FA prompts in the app or emails from “[email protected].”

3. Complete the 2FA process as soon as possible to avoid delays or returns.

By following these steps, you will safely move your Pi to the Mainnet blockchain and secure your hard-earned coins.