The Pi Core Team has officially resumed the much-awaited Mainnet Migration process along with a major shift in account verification protocols. In a recent announcement, the team confirmed the move from traditional phone number-based verification to a more reliable and secure email-based two-factor authentication (2FA). This strategic transition aims to improve account security, enhance accessibility, and lay the foundation for future-proof authentication systems.
Why the Shift to Email-Based 2FA?
Previously, Pi Network accounts primarily relied on phone numbers for identification. While it seemed convenient, over time it posed various issues:
SMS verification failures due to telecom restrictions, geographical limitations, or carrier policies.
High verification costs for global SMS delivery.
Limited access for users who changed or lost their phone numbers.
Shared phone numbers among family accounts, compromising account uniqueness.
To resolve these issues, Pi Network is now implementing email-based 2FA verification. This approach ensures:
Greater reliability across the globe.
Cost-effective verification.
Higher security standards.
Scalability to adopt modern verification tools like passkeys and biometrics.
What Caused The Temporary Migration Pause?
The shift to email verification required additional system-level checks and data validation to ensure:
Unique and authentic email addresses were added.
No shared email accounts between multiple Pi accounts.
Verified and successful setup of 2FA.
Additional security steps such as liveness checks or SMS verification (if necessary).
This verification audit led to a temporary pause in migration. Now, after completing these checks, migrations have resumed and will gradually expand.
Key Benefits of Email-Based 2FA Verification
1. Enhanced Account Security: The two-factor authentication system adds an extra layer of protection against unauthorized access, account theft, or misuse.
2. Global Accessibility: Unlike SMS-based verification, email-based verification is more reliable and works seamlessly across countries, without regional telecom barriers.
3. Future-Ready Authentication: This transition prepares the Pi Network to introduce advanced security methods like passkeys, biometric verification, and modern digital identity systems.
4. Smooth Migration Process: With secure and verified email addresses, the Mainnet migration will now progress steadily and safely, ensuring that every Pioneer can access their Pi coins without hassle.
What Should Pioneers Do Now?
If you are a Pioneer, here’s how you can secure your account and proceed with migration:
Step 1: Add Your Trusted Email
Make sure your Pi account has a valid and unique email address. Avoid using shared or inactive emails.
Step 2: Complete Email Verification
Verify your email immediately within the Pi app to activate 2FA and secure your account.
Step 3: Fulfill Additional Verification (If Required)
Some users may be asked for a liveness check or extra SMS verification to complete system-level security protocols. Follow these steps promptly.
Step 4: Monitor Migration Status
Keep an eye on official Pi Network notifications and your app dashboard to track your Mainnet migration progress.
Final Words
The Pi Network's decision to transition to email-based 2FA verification is a major step toward strengthening account security and ensuring smooth Mainnet migration. By taking immediate action and following the provided guidelines, Pioneers can protect their accounts and contribute to the safe growth of the Pi ecosystem.
Stay informed, verify your email, and secure your Pi today!
