Pi Network Reveals Important KYC and Mainnet Migration Updates, Explores Palm Print Authentication

Pi Network has released a set of technical updates that expand access to Know Your Customer (KYC) verification and Mainnet migration for millions of users, known as Pioneers. The updates address long-standing migration blockers, introduce new identity-verification methods in testing, and provide clearer timelines for validator reward distribution. Together, these developments reflect Pi Network’s focus on identity verification, compliance, and large-scale system integrity.

This article explains the updates in detail, using confirmed figures and technical context, and outlines their implications for Pioneers awaiting KYC completion or migrating to the Mainnet.

Overview of the Latest Pi Network Update

The update, according to Pi Network’s blog, centers on three main areas:

• Unblocking millions of accounts previously restricted from Mainnet migration
• Allowing hundreds of thousands of additional users to submit KYC applications
• Testing palm print authentication as an added identity verification method

As of this release, Pi Network reports 16 million Mainnet-migrated Pioneers, marking one of the largest identity-verified blockchain user bases currently in operation.

Pi Network continues to process migration and KYC in stages to manage scale, security, and regional compliance requirements.

Millions of Pioneers Unblocked for Mainnet Migration

Nearly 2.5 million Pioneers who were previously blocked from Mainnet migration are now eligible to complete the process. These accounts had been held due to additional security, compliance, or regional review requirements.

For eligible users, migration occurs automatically if two conditions are met:

1. The Pioneer remains active in mining
2. The Pioneer has completed all steps in the Mainnet Checklist

Once those conditions are satisfied, the system migrates the user’s transferable balance without requiring manual action.

Why Pi Network Uses Batch Unblocking

Not all migration or KYC issues share the same cause. Pi Network identifies affected accounts through what it describes as “corner cases.” These include:

• Accounts requiring extended security checks
• Tentative KYC statuses that need further evaluation
• Accounts flagged for additional compliance review before migration

Each category requires a separate technical solution. Once a solution is implemented and deployed, only the accounts affected by that specific issue are unblocked. This explains why some Pioneers regain access sooner than others.

Unlike the continuous migration flow for most users, batch unblocking depends on when these custom solutions are completed and released.

Over 700,000 Additional Users Eligible for KYC Soon

Within the next few weeks, more than 700,000 Pioneers who were previously unable to apply for KYC will gain access to the application process.

Pi Network notes that enabling KYC submission does not guarantee approval. Accounts unblocked in this phase may still require:

• Additional analysis
• Follow-up verification steps
• Manual review based on regional or account-specific factors

Once the update is live, affected users are advised to open the Pi app and check their KYC status. Submitting KYC promptly allows the system to continue processing accounts in sequence.

This phased approach aims to maintain accuracy as verification scales.

Exploring Palm Print Authentication in KYC

Pi Network is also preparing to test palm print authentication as a beta feature within its KYC system. The feature is designed to support additional liveness and identity checks without relying exclusively on facial recognition.

How Palm Print Verification May Be Used

Palm print authentication verifies that an account is controlled by a real person. It also offers a different privacy profile, since it does not require users to show their faces.

Potential applications under evaluation include:

• Supplemental checks for accounts requiring multiple face liveness tests
• Identity re-verification during account recovery
• Password reset verification
• Two-factor authentication workflows
• Other security-related use cases

The beta version will be released to a limited group of Pioneers. Pi Network plans to assess accuracy, reliability, and the impact on privacy before considering wider deployment.

At this stage, palm print authentication remains experimental and does not replace existing KYC requirements.

KYC Validator Rewards Distribution Targeted for March 2026

Pi Network also confirmed progress on the distribution of KYC validator rewards, which remains scheduled for deployment by the end of March 2026.

The system design has been finalized, implementation completed, and testing is underway. Testing is required because the process involves distributing Pi payments to validators who reviewed KYC applications over several years.

Why Validator Rewards Distribution Is Complex

The first distribution cycle must account for validation activity dating back to 2021. Pi Network identifies several factors contributing to the workload:

• Volume of data: Hundreds of millions of validation tasks
• Data complexity: Different task types, outcomes, and quality scores
• Multiple processing phases: Beta, testing, bootstrapping, and scaled operations
• Fairness considerations: Ensuring rewards reflect contribution quality and consistency
• System scalability: Supporting millions of validators now and in future cycles
• Security and accuracy: Distributing rewards directly on the Mainnet blockchain

The network has stated that accuracy and fairness take priority over speed in this process.

Identity-Verified Mainnet as a Core Network Feature

With 16 million migrated users, Pi Network emphasizes that its Mainnet operates as a fully identity-verified blockchain. Each migrated account has passed KYC checks designed to limit duplicate accounts, automated abuse, and policy violations.

The recent unblocking and KYC expansions reinforce two core characteristics of the network:

1. A large, globally distributed user base
2. A Mainnet where participation is tied to a verified human identity

This structure affects how Pi Network manages migration, security updates, and reward systems.

What Pioneers Should Do Now

Pioneers affected by the latest updates should:

• Open the Pi app and review their Mainnet and KYC status
• Complete any remaining steps in the Mainnet Checklist
• Submit KYC as soon as eligibility becomes available
• Consider becoming a KYC validator if eligible, to support regional verification efforts

Pi Network continues to process accounts in phases as technical solutions are released.

Conclusion

The latest Pi Network update expands access to KYC and Mainnet migration while maintaining strict identity verification standards. By unblocking millions of accounts, opening KYC to hundreds of thousands more users, and testing new authentication methods, the network continues to address scale, security, and fairness at a technical level. 

The confirmed timeline for validator rewards distribution adds clarity for contributors who have supported KYC operations since the early phases. Together, these measures define how Pi Network manages participation on an identity-verified Mainnet blockchain.

Source:

• Pi Network Blog: KYC and Mainnet Migration Updates