Tag: PI

  • What Is Pi Network? How It Works and What to Know in 2026

    What Is Pi Network? How It Works and What to Know in 2026

    Pi Network is a cryptocurrency project that lets you mine Pi coins using your mobile phone. Launched in March 2019 by Stanford graduates Nicolas Kokkalis and Chengdiao Fan, Pi Network aims to democratize cryptocurrency mining with minimal energy consumption. 

    The ecosystem has grown to over 60 million users, largely due to its unique mobile mining mechanism, and the community-driven initiatives that keep users engaged. But what about its mainnet launch and its potential implications for the Pi coin price?

    Key Takeaways

    • Pi Network’s Open Network officially launched on February 20, 2025, at 8 AM UTC, allowing users to trade Pi Coin on exchanges.
    • OKX and MEXC have listed Pi Coin, with more exchanges possibly following after the Open Network launch.
    • Pi Network now has over 70 million users and has been expanding its ecosystem with developer incentives and hackathons.
    • Since its listing on major exchanges, its long-term value and adoption have been somewhat questionable.

    What is Pi Network?

    Pi Network is a cryptocurrency project launched in March 2019 by Stanford graduates. It focuses on mobile mining to make crypto more accessible.

    The network uses the Stellar Consensus Protocol for secure and energy-efficient mining, which allows users to “mine” Pi coins via a mobile crypto mining app.

    To guarantee readiness for the mainnet launch, users must complete a KYC process, a requirement that some privacy conscious users won’t like but that says something about the network’s commitment to regulatory compliance and security.

    Pi Network roles

    Engaging with the Pi Network ecosystem means you’re part of a diverse group of users who contribute in various ways, depending on your role within the network. 

    • As a Pioneer, you’re an entry-level user who mines PI coins by regularly engaging with the mobile app. This role incorporates over 60 million engaged global users who contribute to the ecosystem’s growth and stability.
    • Contributors earn better mining rates by expanding their security circles and helping to secure the network. By maintaining a reliable and stable security circle, Contributors play a crucial role in the network’s overall security and integrity.
    • Ambassadors grow the network by inviting new members to join and earn rewards for their efforts.
    • Nodes are users who operate a decentralized network by running Pi Node software, contributing to the network’s infrastructure. Node Ambassadors recruit developers to build decentralized applications (dApps) on the Pi Network. 

    These roles, supported by the Pi Core Team and driven by the community, promote the continuous development and security of the Pi Network.

    Pi Network roadmap

    The Pi Network has laid out an ambitious roadmap. It aims to democratize cryptocurrency mining by allowing users to mine PI coins directly on a crypto mining app without high energy requirements.

    Launched in March 2019, the project has been developed in phases. The Pi network roadmap outlines a change through App launch (2018), Testnet launch (2020), and the Mainnet launch, which happened in February 2025 after many delays due to regulatory compliance and user dissatisfaction issues.

    The shift to the Mainnet allowed users to convert Pi coins into other assets. This means that users who wish to do so can cash out on exchanges like OKX and MEXC. 

    The Pi network roadmap also emphasizes the need for ecosystem building, with a goal of integrating at least 100 applications into the network by the launch of the Mainnet.

    Initiatives like the Pi2Day Challenge help foster participation and readiness for the mainnet change, despite community frustrations from repeated postponements.

    Pros and cons of Pi Network

    Pi Network gained traction by allowing users to “mine” PI tokens through a mobile app without draining battery or requiring specialized hardware. This low barrier to entry helped the project build a massive global user base and made crypto participation accessible to people with little technical knowledge. The project also reports millions of KYC-verified users, which demonstrates strong community engagement following the mainnet launch.

    On the downside, liquidity and trading access have been ongoing concerns since mainnet went live. While PI is now live, exchange availability, regional restrictions, and limited ecosystem development have raised questions about real utility. Compared to more established blockchain ecosystems, Pi still lacks a robust selection of DeFi apps, games, and on-chain tools that drive demand for a token.

    Despite the challenges, Pi Network boasts a large community of over 12 million KYC-verified users. This strong participation is proof of the network’s engagement as it approaches the mainnet launch.

    However, uncertainties around the future value of Pi coins and potential price volatility post-launch remain concerns for investors and users alike.

    Pros:

    • Wide accessibility: Users can mine via smartphones with low battery and data usage.
    • Strong community: Over 12 million KYC-verified users participate actively.
    • User control: Features like the Lockup mechanism enhance stability and user control.

    Cons:

    • Privacy concerns: The Pi mobile app requires a significant amount of user data.
    • Repeated delays: Frustration from repeated mainnet launch delays affects user morale, even post-launch.

    Pi coin price potential

    According to our Pi Coin price prediction, its price could surpass $0.46 by the end of December 2026, with its price expected to drop to $0.37 by the end of February 2026, which is still a massive +115.70% increase compared to its price today.

    Is Pi Network worth it?

    Initially expected to launch in late 2023, the mainnet launch date was postponed due to technical challenges and was finally released in early 2025.

    The Pi coin’s price is currently in a downtrend (though to be fair, pretty much everything is), but speculators predict potential increases in value post-mainnet launch. Here are three key factors to examine:

    1. User engagement: Pi Network has maintained strong user engagement through initiatives like the Pi2Day Challenge, which encourages participation and readiness for the mainnet shift.
    2. Users and KYC: Over 12 million users have completed KYC, with a target of 15 million set for the anticipated Open Mainnet launch.
    3. Future prospects: Despite past delays, the network continues to develop and expand, with new applications, integrations, and strategic partnerships being announced, which could enhance its value and utility in the future.

    Your investment decision should reflect these factors and the potential future success of Pi Network.

    Is Pi Network safe?

    Pi Network is generally considered safe, having undergone security reviews with no major vulnerabilities discovered. To guarantee your assets are secure, the KYC process is mandatory. This enhances user verification and security, helping to mitigate potential risks.

    Here are some key points to note about the safety of Pi Network:

    AspectSafety MeasuresBenefits
    KYC ProcessMandatory for retaining Pi coinsEnhances user verification and security
    Official App SourcesMinimize risks of fraud and scamsProtects from unofficial apps
    Ongoing Community EngagementTransparency to maintain trust and credibilityKeeps users informed and engaged
    User InformationBe cautious of phishing attemptsProtects personal data
    Phishing AttemptsBe wary of scam emails or messagesAvoids potential fraud

    The bottom line

    Pi Network is a cryptocurrency designed for mobile mining, launched by Stanford graduates in March 2019. It aims to make crypto accessible by allowing users to mine Pi coins with minimal energy consumption. Community-driven initiatives keep user engagement high despite delays and uncertainties about the coin’s future value.

    If you’re also interested in cryptocurrencies other than Pi Network, make sure to take a look at our shortlist of the best crypto to buy now.

  • 6 Best Crypto Mining Apps For Android in 2026: The Ultimate Mobile Mining Guide

    6 Best Crypto Mining Apps For Android in 2026: The Ultimate Mobile Mining Guide

    In 2026, exploring the world of cryptocurrency has never been easier, and part of that innovation includes mobile crypto mining apps for Android. As you get more into it, you’ll discover that some of those apps are simply better (and safer) than others.

    But here’s something you should know before we start: No Android app is actually mining crypto in the traditional sense. Real mining involves hefty computing power, like what’s used with Bitcoin or Dogecoin through Proof-of-Work (PoW). Instead, these apps reward you with tokens for engaging with the app, following their own set rules for distribution.

    Best crypto mining apps for Android in 2026

    1. Pi Network – A crypto project distributing Pi coins through their app using a modified version of the Stellar Consensus Protocol
    2. Binance – The world’s top crypto exchange has a cloud mining feature
    3. Brave Browser – The most popular crypto-friendly browser featuring BAT token rewards
    4. NiceHash – Leading mining platform and marketplace for buying and selling hashpower
    5. CryptoTab Browser – Integrates Bitcoin mining with web browsing and offers referral bonuses
    6. F2Pool – Mobile app from one of the world’s top crypto mining pools

    How do crypto mining apps for Android really work?

    Before diving into the different crypto mining apps for Android, let’s clear up some misconceptions.

    The term “mining” might be a bit misleading when it comes to these apps. The truth is, mobile phones just don’t have the muscle to mine popular cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin in any meaningful way.

    Let’s take Bitcoin, for example. Your smartphone doesn’t stand a chance against the supercharged ASIC miners that dominate the BTC mining scene. Trying to mine Bitcoin on your phone would result in two things: wasted electricity and a device that’s probably overheating and struggling to keep up. 

    Mining crypto is a hardware-heavy task, and mobile devices just aren’t built for that kind of work.

    Even if we look at other Proof-of-Work coins like Litecoin, mining them on a mobile phone just isn’t profitable.

    So, if an app claims it’s mining a Proof-of-Work coin, there’s probably something else happening behind the scenes. Most likely, you’re earning tiny bits of crypto for watching ads or completing surveys. These rewards are usually so small that it’s hardly worth your time.

    That said, the crypto community often throws around the term “mining” loosely to describe getting rewards through an app, even when no real mining is happening.

    Some projects use this idea of “mobile mining” as a way to distribute their coins to a lot of users. These apps don’t actually help with blockchain consensus; they just distribute coins to users over time.

    On the flip side, there are legit apps that let you manage your crypto mining rigs remotely or even get involved in cloud mining or buying hashrate through a marketplace. That is what this article will look at.

    Best crypto mining apps for Android in 2026

    In the following section, we’re going to list our top 6 crypto mining apps for Android available in 2026.

    1. Pi Network – A crypto project distributing Pi coins through their app

    Pi network

    Pi Network is a cryptocurrency project that allows users to “mine” Pi coins using their app. The term “mining” is used in a confusing manner by Pi Network, as the Pi cryptocurrency doesn’t use a Proof-of-Work consensus mechanism. 

    Instead, it utilizes a modified version of the Stellar Consensus Protocol, which allows users to participate in consensus without requiring a lot of computational resources. This is why the Pi Network app uses roughly the same amount of energy as any other normal Android app. 

    You can install the Pi Network app to start “mining” Pi coins. The Pi Network app can even “mine” Pi when its closed, as you can close it after starting a mining session. You can increase your Pi mining rate by using various Pi apps or making other contributions to the network. 

    However, don’t expect to make any major profits from this process unless the Pi coin price increases significantly in the future. Still, the Pi Network app is definitely legit and you could potentially make some profits with it. After years of anticipation, Pi is finally in its Open Network phase, meaning users can sell their Pi Coins on exchanges such as MEXC and OKX.

    2. Binance – The world’s top crypto exchange has a cloud mining feature

    The mobile app offered by the Binance cryptocurrency exchange doesn’t just allow you to access a large number of trading products, but it also offers the exchange’s cloud mining feature.

    Cloud mining allows users who don’t have mining hardware to indirectly participate in cryptocurrency mining. In the case of Binance, you can purchase a certain amount of hashrate from the Binance Pool mining pool and receive BTC mining rewards to your Funding Wallet on Binance.

    On Binance, you can purchase cloud mining products of varying durations, for example 60 days or 100 days. If you want to buy hashrate on Binance, you’ll have to pay with the USDT stablecoin. 

    3. Brave Browser – The most popular crypto-friendly browser featuring BAT token rewards

    Brave is a privacy-focused web browser that blocks invasive ads, cross-site trackers, and third-party cookies by default. Its built-in protections create a safer and less distracting browsing experience without requiring extra extensions. Since it’s built on the Chromium engine—the same one used by Google Chrome—Brave offers fast performance and strong website compatibility.

    The browser also includes a built-in cryptocurrency wallet and an optional reward system for users who choose to view ads. Android users, in particular, may be eligible to earn BAT tokens through the Brave Rewards program. These tokens can be used to support participating creators, exchanged for gift cards, or swapped for other cryptocurrencies.

    Brave Rewards shouldn’t be seen as a way to earn significant income, but it can be a nice bonus for users already interested in privacy-first browsing. Its core privacy features make Brave worth using even without the token incentives, and you can check the official Brave website to confirm whether your country supports the rewards program.

    4. NiceHash – Leading mining platform and hashrate marketplace

    NiceHash is a popular cryptocurrency mining platform that offers a variety of mining solutions for GPU and CPU miners, as well as ASIC miners. One of the most interesting aspects of NiceHash is that it can be used to purchase and sell hashpower.

    The NiceHash mobile app can be used to manage cryptocurrency wallets, mining rigs, and your NiceHash account. You can of course also use it to stay on top of your mining rewards. The app also features the NiceHash hashpower marketplace and allows you to place new orders for hashrate or cancel your existing orders.

    5. CryptoTab Browser – Crypto mining app for “actual mining”

    The CryptoTab browser app integrates a mining feature that allows you to earn from home passively via both your desktop computer and mobile device. It’s designed to mine Bitcoin by utilizing idle computer processors, so that device performance isn’t compromised. You can adjust the mining speed to balance their earnings and battery life. 

    In a way, this is more real “mining” than most other mining apps. The profits aren’t great, but it’s a legit way to earn a small amount of crypto. Actually, CryptoTab Browser allows you to invite friends and earn bonuses based on their referral’s mining activity, which, in our opinion, can yield way more profits than actual mining.

    6. F2Pool – Mobile app from one of the world’s top crypto mining pools

    The F2Pool app is a mobile application created by F2Pool, which is one of the world’s leading cryptocurrency mining pools. The mining pool supports Bitcoin, Litecoin, Dogecoin and more than 40 other mineable cryptocurrencies. 

    To be clear, the F2Pool app does not actually use the user’s mobile phone to mine cryptocurrency. It’s meant as a companion app for users that mine cryptocurrency through F2Pool and want to stay updated with all the relevant information. 

    You can use the F2Pool app to view real-time information about the profitability of mining hardware, and monitor the hashrate and revenue of your miners. Of course, the app also provides key mining data about different cryptocurrencies, such as the current network hashrate and mining difficulty. 

    The F2Pool app can also be used to set up alerts which will automatically notify you of important events related to your workers. 

    FAQs

    Can I mine crypto on my phone?

    While it is possible to mine crypto on your phone, don’t expect to make any profits. Mobile phones are not powerful enough to mine popular Proof-of-Work cryptocurrencies profitably.

    There are also “mining” apps that don’t actually mine crypto, but pay users a small amount of crypto in exchange for viewing advertisements or completing surveys. The rewards offered by such apps are usually too small for them to be worth your time. 

    Can you mine Bitcoin with an Android phone?

    Theoretically, it is possible to mine Bitcoin with an Android phone. In practice, however, you will just be wasting electricity and potentially harming your mobile device without making any profits. This is because mobile phones are nowhere near powerful enough to compete with the highly optimized ASIC chips used in Bitcoin mining. 

    Are there any real crypto mining apps?

    There are apps that actually mine crypto, although they are not profitable because mobile phones are not powerful enough to mine crypto profitably.

    Is mobile cloud mining profitable?

    Mobile cloud mining can be more profitable than direct mining on a phone, but returns are generally low. Profits depend on factors like the cost of cloud mining services and cryptocurrency prices. While it’s less risky for your device, the overall earnings are usually modest.

    What are the risks of using crypto mining apps on Android?

    Crypto mining apps can overheat your device, drain battery life, and reduce its lifespan. Some apps may even pose security risks, including malware or scams. The earnings are usually far from impressive, and energy costs might outweigh any profits. Always use reputable apps and do proper research.

    The bottom line

    Using your mobile phone’s hardware for actual crypto mining (participating in PoW consensus) is not a viable option. You won’t be able to make a profit, and mining could harm your mobile device.

    There are “mining” apps that will pay you a small amount of crypto in exchange for viewing advertisements or completing surveys. The rewards offered by such apps are usually too small for them to be worth your time.

    Some projects, such as Pi Network, slowly distribute coins to users who install their mobile apps. This kind of distribution method is often called “mining”, but it’s not actual mining.

    Mobile apps can be used to manage cryptocurrency mining rigs or participate in cloud mining.

    The bottom line is that mobile mining is not the best approach to mining cryptocurrency. If you want to learn more about how to mine profitably, make sure to check out our ultimate guide on cryptocurrency mining.

  • Pi Drops, SHIB Eyes ETF, But BlockDAG’s $210.5M Surge After Keynote 3 Steals the Spotlight

    Pi Drops, SHIB Eyes ETF, But BlockDAG’s $210.5M Surge After Keynote 3 Steals the Spotlight

    The crypto market is once again separating hype from hard execution. Pi Network, once touted as a game-changer, has fallen 44% in ten days after missing a Binance listing opportunity, triggering a massive outflow of funds. Meanwhile, SHIB is chasing ETF-driven optimism, hoping a speculative rally might breathe life into dormant volumes. But amid the volatility, one project is quietly outpacing them all—BlockDAG. 

    With over $210.5 million raised in its presale and a live Beta Testnet handling over 1.2 million transactions, BDAG is more than just another coin. Its DAG + Proof-of-Work architecture delivers unmatched scalability, while real user adoption—800K X1 miners and 19B+ coins sold—shows organic traction. While Pi stalls and SHIB bets on headlines, BlockDAG is already delivering milestones. For serious market players, this isn’t just another altcoin—it’s potentially 2025’s biggest crypto story.

    What’s Next for Pi Network (PI) in April?

    Pi Network’s PI token has dropped 78% from its February high of $3 to $0.67 following mass sell-offs after the March 14 mainnet migration. The token now trades within a descending channel, signaling a bearish trend with lower highs and lows. Trading volume has also plummeted to $156 million—down 89% from $1.38 billion—highlighting fading investor interest.

    Bitget Wallet COO Alvin Kan attributes the decline to early holders cashing out and concerns around inflation from token unlocks. April’s outlook remains uncertain. A rebound is possible if buyer interest returns, especially with the RSI nearing oversold territory. However, continued selling could push PI below current levels unless market sentiment shifts quickly. A short-term recovery to $0.90 remains possible if seller exhaustion sets in.

    SHIB ETF Buzz Sparks Breakout Speculation—Can It Hit $0.000020 Soon?

    Shiba Inu (SHIB) is gaining renewed attention after ecosystem lead Lucie pitched the idea of a SHIB ETF. While no issuer has filed a request with the SEC yet, speculation is building. The memecoin is showing signs of strength, with exchange sell-offs hitting quarterly lows and over 50 trillion SHIB moved into wallets since December—signaling accumulation.

    Currently, SHIB is trading within a key range between $0.000012 and $0.000020. A push past $0.000016 resistance could open the door for a 47% gain, testing the top of this range. However, SHIB’s network activity has dropped 5x since December, raising questions about user interest.

    Still, if ETF talks gain traction or market sentiment improves, SHIB could break out. For traders eyeing short-term upside, keeping an eye on volume and resistance levels may reveal the next big move.

    BlockDAG’s Viral Presale Breaks $210.5M Barrier 

    As Pi and SHIB make headlines, BlockDAG’s Keynote 3 has taken the crypto world by storm. One of the biggest announcements was the launch of the Beta Testnet V1, a major step forward in proving the network’s strength. The testnet is already live, processing over 1.2 million transactions with help from 100+ active community nodes around the world. It includes a working block explorer, token and NFT creation tools, and several early dApps to try out. This is not just a test—it’s real functionality being rolled out before the mainnet launch.

    But what’s even more exciting is the roadmap ahead. BlockDAG plans to support over 1,000 decentralized applications (dApps) by 2026. That means finance tools, games, healthcare apps, and more—all running on BlockDAG’s super-fast, low-fee network. With EVM and WASM compatibility, developers can build quickly using tools they already know. Add in DeFi features like staking, swaps, and lending, and it’s clear: BlockDAG isn’t just building a chain—it’s creating an entire ecosystem.

    With the presale in Batch 27 at $0.0248 and over $210 million already raised, early buyers still have a chance to get in before things take off. The future of crypto might just be built on BlockDAG.

    The project’s presale success isn’t just hype—it’s backed by real development, user traction, and a technical roadmap that’s far ahead of many competitors. BlockDAG is setting the stage to dominate across sectors. If you missed early gains in Ethereum or Solana, BlockDAG might be your second chance—because this isn’t a test run, it’s a full-speed launch into the future of crypto.

    Takeaway

    In a cycle where speculation often outweighs delivery, BlockDAG is proving that substance still matters. Pi’s technical roadmap remains vague, and without key listings or a working mainnet, the project risks losing more ground. SHIB has potential—but potential alone doesn’t guarantee follow-through, especially with network activity plunging. 

    BlockDAG, on the other hand, is executing at full throttle. Its presale growth—now up 2,380%—is backed by tangible tech: dApps, EVM compatibility, global partnerships, and hardened security protocols. 

    BlockDAG is expanding its reach across sectors with an ecosystem that’s built to scale, not just promise. The numbers speak for themselves. If you’re looking for a project that blends vision with action, BDAG isn’t just worth watching—it’s one to act on now. In a crowded crypto market, BlockDAG is positioning itself as the coin that could define 2025.

    Website: https://blockdag.network

    Presale: https://purchase.blockdag.network

    Telegram: https://t.me/blockDAGnetworkOfficial

    Discord: https://discord.gg/Q7BxghMVyu

    Disclaimer: The views and opinions presented in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of CoinCheckup. The content of this article should not be considered as investment advice. Always do your own research before deciding to buy, sell or transfer any crypto assets. Past returns do not always guarantee future profits.