Pi Network Implements Palm Print Authentication Amid Massive User Unlock

• Pi network began beta testing palm print KYC liveness checks; validator rewards rollout remains targeted for late March 2026.
• 2.5 million previously blocked users became eligible for mainnet migration on Jan 31, pushing total migrated users to about 16 million.

Pi Network has started beta testing palm print authentication inside its Know Your Customer (KYC) flow while expanding Mainnet migration access for users who were previously blocked. In an update on X, the project said a technical release had removed certain regional security and compliance holds. This allowed a large group of eligible accounts to proceed with automated balance transfers to the mainnet.

The update said nearly 2.5 million Pioneers who had been blocked under additional checks are now able to migrate, provided they remain active in mining and have completed the Mainnet Checklist. The network described the change as part of a batch-based approach, where different groups are unblocked after custom fixes resolve specific edge cases that left accounts in an undetermined status.

Moreover, Pi Network activated the Stellar Protocol v25 upgrade on its mainnet, adding an updated X-Ray privacy system and broader support for zero-knowledge proof workflows. CNF also reported that Pi Browser v1.15.0 is rolling out in stages to align user access and in-network tools with the protocol changes.

Pi Network Mainnet Migration Expands as KYC Access Continues 

Following the migration update, Pi Network reported that the total mainnet-migrated users have hit 16 million. The project also said it plans another release in the coming weeks that would allow more than 700,000 additional users who were ineligible to submit KYC applications, with ongoing processing intended to protect the integrity of migration at scale.

The palm print feature is being tested as an added authentication option designed to support liveness checks and account verification without requiring a face scan. The method is being tested for users who need repeated liveness checks or additional identity reviews. It could also be assessed for account recovery, password resets, and two-factor authentication. The beta release will be limited to a subset of users in Pi KYC before any wider rollout.

In the same update, Pi Network addressed KYC validator rewards, stating that the first distribution system has completed design and implementation and is in testing. The project said deployment remains targeted for the end of March 2026, attributing the timeline to the need to analyze task data accumulated since 2021.

The January update arrives as the project continues to scale its identity-verified Mainnet user base while adding additional verification tools. Pi Network said the updates are intended to speed up Mainnet migration for eligible users. The changes strengthen KYC authentication as new applications and migrations continue in early 2026.

Additionally, Pi Network has launched a free Product Design Workshop to help community members convert ideas into Pi Apps using a design-to-launch framework. Pi Network said the program covers UX/UI, prototyping, testing, and release preparation, while linking builders to tools such as App Studio. Moreover, Pi Network added simulated USDT support to its testnet wallet, allowing users to send and receive tokens in a practice environment.

At the time of reporting, Pi traded at $0.1683, up 2% in 24 hours, with a market cap of $1.45 billion and 24-hour volume of $19.68 million.