Pi Network KYC Verification: Complete Guide to Successful Application Approval

The KYC verification (Know Your Customer) is a crucial step for all Pi Network users who want to transfer their acquired Pi coins to the mainnet and actively trade with them. Although the Pi KYC process is generally straightforward, many users report challenges when uploading documents, during live verification, or with automated image analysis. This comprehensive guide walks you through all the necessary steps and shows you how to successfully obtain your Pi KYC approval.

KYC in the Pi Network – Why is it necessary?

Pi is an innovative digital currency developed by researchers at Stanford University and now has over 47 million active users worldwide. The KYC verification forms the foundation for the security of the Pi ecosystem. You must complete this identity verification to activate your Pi coins on the network and convert them into real transactions.

The verification process is designed to ensure the authenticity of network participants and prevent fraud. This makes the Pi KYC approval a prerequisite for full participation in the mainnet ecosystem.

Requirements and prerequisites for the Pi KYC application

Before starting your Pi KYC verification, you must meet the following requirements:

Basic requirements:

• You must be at least 18 years old
• You must have mined Pi for at least 30 days (not necessarily continuously)
• The entire verification process takes about 5 to 10 minutes

Required documents for Pi KYC:

• A valid government-issued ID (passport is the recommended option)
• Alternatively: Driver’s license or national ID card
• The document must still be valid at the time of application
• You must take a clear photograph of the front and, if applicable, the back of the ID

Face recognition requirements:

• A clear, well-lit face photo for live verification
• Your face must be clearly recognizable and match the photo on your ID
• Ensure you are in a well-lit location

Important note: The exact requirements and permissions may vary depending on your geographic region, country, or residence area. Pi KYC is generally available worldwide but subject to local legal regulations.

Step-by-step guide to the KYC verification process

Phase 1: Preparation and app installation

Step 1: Download and install the latest version of the Pi Network app. The application is free and available on the Google Play Store (for Android devices) and the Apple App Store (for iOS devices). If you already use the app, update it to the latest version.

Step 2: Open the Pi Network app and navigate to the “Mainnet” section. You will usually find this option in the side menu of the app.

Phase 2: Complete the Mainnet checklist

Step 3: Tap on the “Mainnet Checklist” tab and complete all listed tasks until you reach the task “Submit Pi KYC application.” All preceding tasks must be completed before the KYC application is unlocked.

Step 4: After completing the tasks, the KYC application tab will automatically activate. Tap on it to start the verification process. If this does not work, you can also access the Pi KYC verification directly via the “kyc.pi” section in the Pi Browser app.

Phase 3: Personal data and document upload

Step 5: First, select your country from the provided dropdown list. Make sure to choose the country listed on your ID — this information must match.

Step 6: Select the type of ID document you want to use. Passports are preferred because they have the highest acceptance rate in most countries. You can also use your driver’s license or national ID card.

Step 7: The system will show you four instruction slides explaining how to photograph the document and what to pay attention to. Read these instructions carefully and tap “Next” to continue.

Step 8: Now, an option “Add front side” will appear. Tap on it and take a sharp, well-lit photo of the front of your ID. Hold the document in a horizontal (landscape) position. If your ID has important information on the back, upload a back photo as well.

Tips for better image quality:

• Use natural light or bright LED lighting
• Avoid glare and reflections on the document
• Position the document straight and fully within the frame
• Ensure all four corners of the ID are visible

Phase 4: Form with personal data

Step 9: After uploading the document, you will be directed to a form. Fill in all fields with the exact information as on your ID. The form includes the following fields:

• First name (as on the ID)
• Middle name / Second first name (if applicable, optional)
• Last name (as on the ID)
• Gender
• Date of birth
• ID number
• ID expiration date
• Country of residence

Important: Make sure to enter the information exactly as it appears on your document. Even small discrepancies (e.g., different spelling) can lead to rejection.

Phase 5: Live face verification

Step 10: After submitting the form, the live verification begins. Click on the “I am ready” button and activate your device’s front camera. Hold the camera in front of your face so that it is clearly centered in the view.

Tips for face recognition:

• Ensure sufficient natural or artificial lighting
• Avoid shadows on your face
• Keep your head steady and look directly into the camera
• Remove sunglasses or hats before the shot
• The system will automatically take multiple photos — stay still

Once this phase is complete, your Pi KYC application is fully submitted. The system will confirm this with a message.

Frequently asked questions about Pi KYC verification

How long does it take to approve a Pi KYC application?

After submitting your application, processing can take from a few days up to several weeks. In rare cases, confirmation occurs within minutes if all information is provided correctly and enough human reviewers are available in your region.

If the automated image analysis could not capture sufficiently clear details — such as your face, name, or other critical information — you may be asked to re-upload your ID or selfie.

How do I check my Pi KYC status?

To check the current status of your Pi KYC verification, open your profile in the Pi Network app. There, you will see the following status indicators:

• Green checkmark: Your KYC has been approved
• Loading animation/spinner: Your application is still being processed
• Red symbol: Your application was rejected (you may need to reapply)

Alternatively, you can go to the Mainnet checklist tab. If the task “Waiting for KYC results” is marked green, your Pi KYC has been approved.

Note: Some users report that the checklist status does not update immediately even after KYC approval. Therefore, rely primarily on the status in the Pi KYC app (accessible via the Pi Browser) as a reliable source of information.

How does the Pi KYC verification system work?

Due to the enormous size of the Pi community, the core team cannot manually review each verification. Instead, a decentralized verification system has been implemented:

1. After submitting your documents, your application is forwarded to a verified person
2. This reviewer checks your documents
3. The application is then forwarded to a second verified person
4. Only if both reviewers confirm the application do you receive KYC approval

A major advantage: Reviewers are usually citizens of your country or region, making the process much faster and smoother. For each submitted Pi KYC, a Pi coin is awarded to the reviewer as a reward for their work.

What can lead to rejection of a Pi KYC application?

Common reasons for rejection include:

• Blurry or poorly lit document photos
• Face photos that do not clearly match the person on the ID
• Mismatch between form data and the ID
• Invalid or expired ID
• Document photos not fully within the frame
• Technical issues during upload

If your application is rejected, you can usually try again after a short waiting period to submit a new Pi KYC application.

Conclusion: Successfully complete Pi KYC

Pi KYC verification is an important step to unlock the full functionality of the Pi network. By following the steps outlined in this guide, using the correct documents, and paying attention to photo quality, you should be able to obtain your Pi KYC approval without issues. Ensure accuracy when filling out the form and make sure your photos are of high quality. If you have questions, you can visit the official Pi Network FAQ page about the KYC process.

Important note: This article is for informational purposes only and is not affiliated with the Pi Network core team. We cannot guarantee approval of individual KYC applications or assist with individual issues.