Pi Network is available on different crypto exchange websites like Ruco, Bitget, and others. This has given birth to the new crop of early adopters in the crypto world who are eagerly looking to trade their pi coins and sell out. Meanwhile, numerous miners have already locked their coins for years or months and are counting to unlock them before their lock-up date to be a part of the pi release bull rush.
If that is true, this tutorial will walk you through the procedure to unlock your Pi coins step by step, change your lock-up settings, and regain your access to your balance. Let’s start
Key Point
- In July 2024, Pi Network introduced a lock-up feature where miners could lock their Pi at higher rates of mining. The majority of them signed up, unknowingly restricting access to their coins when Pi went public in February 2025, preventing them from trading during the initial bull rush.
- Pi coins are lockable via user-defined lock-up periods (2 weeks up to 3 years), the included mainnet transition restricting transactions, or incomplete KYC status.
- The Pi coins are able to be freed by opening up the Pi Browser, confirming their unverified balance, changing their lock-up duration to a less extended time frame (e.g., 2 weeks), and affirming adjustments to view their balance once again.
- Some users face SMS verification problems while recovering their Pi account. Workarounds include enabling international SMS, restarting the phone, using a VPN, using an alternate number, reaching out to Pi support, or purchasing a virtual number.
- New members can mine Pi by downloading the Pi Network app, authenticating, tapping on the mining button daily, inviting others, and doing KYC. However, your locked Pi cannot be sold until you unlock it.
Why Are My Pi Coins Locked?
If you have been mining Pi for some time, you may have already seen that some (or in some cases, all) of your coins are locked. This is largely because of the lock-up mechanism that exists, which was implemented to keep the network stable and avert an instant mass sell-off when Pi hits the open market.
This lock-up feature was introduced in July 2024, a Pi Network lock-up function, which allows miners to lock up their Pi coins in exchange for an increased mining rate. Many miners adopted the choice, of locking their coins for six months, one year, or three years, anticipating future returns. By February 2025, when Pi ought to have been listed and tradable, many users were locked out of their coins. There are several reasons why.
There are three key reasons why your Pi coins may be locked:
- User-Set Lock-Up Period: Pi Network miners may have established a lock-up period (2 weeks, 6 months, 1 year, or 3 years) when they locked up their mined Pi
- Mainnet Transition: Pi is currently in its locked mainnet stage, hence the restriction on transactions to prevent price manipulation prior to official listings.
- Unverified KYC (Know Your Customer): If you or your referral group members have not completed the KYC verification, then such coins remain unverified and locked.
How to Unlock Your Pi Coins (Step-by-Step Guide)
If you need to unlock your Pi coins, then you can do so through the following simple steps:
1st Step: Open Pi Browser
- Launch your Pi Network app and reach the Mainnet section.
- Tap on “Mainnet” to access your Pi Browser.
2nd Step: Check Your Unverified Balance
- In the Pi Browser, locate your Unverified Balance.
- This section includes Pi that’s locked due to unverified KYC from your referral team. If any of them haven’t completed their KYC, their contribution remains locked until they do.
3rd Step: Configure Lock-Up Settings
- Click on “Configure Lock-Up Rate” within your Pi Browser.
- Here, you’ll see different lock-up options: 2 weeks, 6 months, 1 year, and 3 years.
- If you originally locked your Pi for 3 years, your coins will not be accessible until that period has passed unless you adjust it.
Fourth Step: Adjust Your Lock-Up Duration
- Move the slider back to a shorter duration (e.g., 2 weeks).
- This will allow your Pi to be released sooner instead of having to wait for years.
Fifth Step: Confirm Changes
- Click on “Increase Lock-Up” to finalize the update.
- Your Pi coins will unlock within two weeks, and they will then appear in your available balance.
Can You Sell Locked Pi Coins?
No, locked Pi coins can’t be sold until you unlock them. If you have locked them for a long duration, you will have to wait until that time elapses before you can unlock them. However, if your lock-up period is not fixed, you can reduce it to 2 weeks using the method above.
How to Get Pi Coin for Free
If you’re new to Pi and want to start mining, here’s how you can get free Pi Coins:
- Download the Pi Network App – Available on Android & iOS.
- Sign Up & Verify Your Identity – Log in with your phone number or Facebook and complete the verification process.
- Start Mining – Press the mining button daily to accumulate Pi. Pi mining doesn’t require heavy computing power such as Bitcoin.
- Refer Others – The more people you refer, the higher your mining rate.
- Complete KYC – Ensure you and your team have completed KYC so that you can send your mined Pi to the Mainnet.
How to Recover Your Pi Network Account (Fix SMS Verification Issues)
If you’ve been trying to verify your phone number on Pi Network but keep running into issues, like the “SMS not sent” error, the “number already in use” problem, or Pi simply refusing to verify your phone number. This can be frustrating, especially if you’re trying to access your account or complete your KYC verification. Follow these steps and solve those issues.
Why Is My Pi Network Phone Number Not Verifying?
Pi Network requires users to verify their phone numbers to ensure account security and prevent multiple accounts. Users often encounter issues like:
- SMS verification messages not being received
- Your phone number is not being accepted by the system
- The system is showing “number already in use” even if it’s not
- Country restrictions preventing verification
These issues can be caused by network problems, international SMS settings, or even Pi’s system failing to process your request.
The good news? There are seven tested methods to fix these issues and recover your account..
How to Fix Pi Network Phone Number Verification Issues
#1. Enable International SMS on Your Phone
One of the most common explanations as to why Pi Network will not verify your phone number is that your phone’s international SMS capability has been disabled. Without it, you will not be able to send or receive verification messages.
How to Enable International SMS
- Open phone settings
- Scroll down to “Connections”
- Tap on “Mobile Network”
- Turn on “Data Roaming”
If your phone does not have exactly these same settings, search for something similar under network settings.
#2. Restart Your Phone and Try Again
Sometimes, a simple restart can fix temporary network issues. Before trying anything fancy:
- Turn off your phone, wait for a couple of seconds, and turn it back on
- Avoid using public WiFi or a shared internet connection during verification
- Make sure your phone has enough balance to send an SMS if required
Now, try the phone verification process on Pi Network again.
Method 3: Use a VPN to Change Your Location
The default verification country for Pi Network is the USA. At times, this might cause issues for users in unsupported countries. A VPN can be utilized to change your phone’s location so that you can receive verification messages.
Usage of a VPN for Pi Network verification:
- Install a VPN app like Thunder VPN, Turbo VPN, or TunnelBear
- Launch the VPN and connect to a USA-based server
- Go back to the Pi Network app and re-try phone verification
Other users have reportedly been able to get it working by using a VPN, especially when their provider suppresses international messages.
Method 4: Use a Different Phone Number
If your number has already been linked to some other Pi Network account, then you may find yourself receiving an error saying “number already in use.”
Under this situation, go through these steps:
- Use a fresh number that has not been used on Pi Network before
- Borrow from a friend or family member you know
- Purchase a virtual number from a service like Numero eSIM or TextNow
When you receive the verification code on your new number, enter it into Pi Network.
Method 5: Contact Pi Network Support for Manual Verification
If the above do not work, your last resort is to contact Pi Network’s support team for help.
How to request support:
- Launch the Pi Network app
- Press on the three-line menu (☰)
- Scroll down and select “Support Portal”
- Press “Contact Us”
- Select “Verification of Account”
- Type in your Pi username, phone number, and explanation of the problem you’re experiencing
- Add a screenshot of the error message
- Press “Submit”
Pi’s support team will review your request and manually verify your phone number.
Method 6: Try Verifying at a Different Time
If Pi’s servers are overloaded, your verification request might not go through. Try again at a different time, preferably:
- Late at night when traffic is low
- Early in the morning, before peak hours
- During weekdays instead of weekends
Sometimes, patience is key.
Method 7: Purchase a Virtual Number for Verification
If Pi Network is not available in your country, you can make use of a virtual phone number to verify your account as well.
Popular apps that offer virtual numbers are:
- Numero eSIM
- TextNow
- Google Voice
Simply purchase a number from a supported country (USA, UK, Australia, etc.), receive the verification SMS, and enter the code on Pi Network.
Why is my Pi Network SMS not received?
Your network provider may be blocking international SMS. Enable international messaging or change to a VPN.
Can I change my Pi Network phone number?
Yes, but you have to verify the new number beforehand before you can substitute the previous one.
What is the best VPN for Pi Network verification?
Thunder VPN, Turbo VPN, and TunnelBear are fine options.
How long does Pi Network support take to respond?
Pi Network support usually responds between 48-72 hours.
Can I verify my Pi account without a phone number?
No, phone verification is required in order to use your Pi account.
Conclusion
It is pretty simple to unlock your Pi coins, but it will be contingent on your lock-up options and Pi Network’s mainnet. If you are eager to use your coins a little sooner, you can make changes to the lock-up timeframe. Nevertheless, selling Pi will remain available because Pi enters Open Mainnet and becomes listed on major exchanges.
Did you unlock your Pi coins already? Let us know in the comments below!
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