How Does Pi Network's New Payment Integration Actually Work? Step-by-Step Guide

As reported in our last Pi article, the latest update to Pi App Studio introduces in-app payment integration that allows creators to accept Pi-based payments without writing code. The feature is currently live on Testnet using Test Pi and is designed to simplify the embedding of payments into apps built in the Pi ecosystem. This article explains how the integration works, what it currently supports, and what creators need to know before using it.

The focus is on operational details rather than promotion. All descriptions below reflect the current Testnet implementation and documented walkthrough obtained from the protocol’s YouTube video. 

What Changed With the New Payment Integration?

On January 21, 2026, Pi App Studio introduced built-in payment integration for newly created apps. The feature allows creators to add Pi-based payments inside their app experience using guided prompts rather than code.

Key characteristics of the update include

• Payments currently use Test Pi on Testnet
• Payments apply only during a single active session
• Integration is only available for newly created apps
• The feature is accessed through the Pi Browser, not Pi Desktop

This update does not enable persistent purchases that carry across sessions. It focuses on session-level interactions, such as continuing a game round or unlocking features during active use.

Why Payment Integration Matters Inside Pi App Studio

Before this update, integrating Pi payments required developer tools and technical knowledge, even with the reduced ten-minute developer library. That process remained inaccessible for non-technical users.

Pi App Studio now abstracts payment complexity into guided steps handled by AI. This allows creators without coding skills to

• Accept Pi payments
• Control pricing and placement
• Track revenue
• Own the monetization flow of their apps

From an ecosystem perspective, this reduces reliance on a small group of developers and enables more contributors to create utility-driven applications.

How Does Pi App Studio Payment Integration Work?

Session-Based Payment Model

As stated previously, Payments in Pi App Studio are session-based. A session is defined as one self-contained instance of activity, such as

• A game round
• A task attempt
• A single experience flow

Payments allow users to modify or extend that session without resetting progress. Once the session ends, the payment effect is no longer active.

This design avoids complex state management and keeps Testnet experimentation controlled.

Step-by-Step Guide to Adding Pi Payments

Step 1: Access Pi App Studio Through Pi Browser

Open the Pi Browser on mobile and navigate to Pi App Studio. The payment integration feature is not available in the Pi Desktop app.

Step 2: Create a New Custom App

Payments can only be integrated into newly created apps. Existing apps cannot retroactively add payments at this stage.

Choose Custom App when starting the creation process.

Step 3: Open the Pi AI Customization Dashboard

After creating the app, select Customize App With Pi AI. This opens the AI-driven editing interface that controls app behavior and features.

Step 4: Explicitly Mention Pi Payment in the Prompt

In your prompt, clearly state that you want to add Pi payment functionality. The system only activates payment workflows when the phrase "Pi payment" is explicitly included.

Example prompt intent
Add Pi payment so users can continue the game after losing

Step 5: Tap Implement Pi Payments

Once Pi payment is recognized in the prompt, an Implement Pi Payments button appears. Select it to continue.

Step 6: Create a Testnet Pi Wallet

You must create a new Testnet Pi wallet during setup. All Test Pi payments from users are sent to this wallet.

Important operational rules
• Save the private key securely
• Never share the private key
• Wallet creation is mandatory

Step 7: Define Payment Behavior Precisely

Describe exactly what the payment does inside the app. Precision matters.

Include
• What action does the payment unlocks
• When it appears
• How it affects the session

Example
User pays Test Pi to continue the current game session after losing without resetting the score

Step 8: Set the Price in Pi

Define the payment amount in Pi per transaction. This is a fixed amount per interaction. (See Image above)

Step 9: Place the Payment Option

Specify where the payment option appears in the user interface. For example, after a game loss screen.

Step 10: Publish and Test

Once saved, users can interact with the payment feature using Test Pi. Revenue appears in the app revenue dashboard.

Example Coin Flipping Game Use Case

The official walkthrough demonstrates a simple coin-flipping game.

Initial behavior
• User flips a coin
• User tries to match consecutive outcomes
• Game ends in a loss

With payment integration
• After losing, the user is offered a Test Pi payment
• Payment allows continuation of the same session
• Score is preserved

This demonstrates how payments modify session logic without introducing persistent upgrades.

Revenue Tracking and Wallet Management

Creators can view Test Pi revenue through the App Studio revenue dashboard.

Current limitations
• Revenue is Test Pi only
• No Mainnet transfers
• No withdrawal to external wallets

Wallet security remains the responsibility of the creator. Pi App Studio does not manage private keys.

How This Changes App Creation Inside Pi Network

This update shifts monetization access from developers to creators.

Before
• Payment integration required SDKs
• Technical skills were mandatory
• Monetization favored developers

Now
• Payments are prompt-driven
• No code is required
• Monetization is creator accessible

This aligns with Pi Network’s utility-first approach by enabling more functional apps rather than speculative assets.

Conclusion

Pi App Studio payment integration introduces a controlled and simplified way for creators to add Pi-based payments into their apps during active sessions. By limiting functionality to Testnet and session-level interactions, Pi Network prioritizes stability and experimentation over premature monetization.

The system removes technical barriers while preserving wallet security and transparent payment flows. For creators, it offers a practical path to test monetization logic without code. For the ecosystem, it broadens participation in building utility-driven applications.

Source:

• Pi Payments Integration: YouTube Video