Pi Network Syncs With Stellar, Paves Path to Mainnet Launch

Pi Network has completed the Testnet1 upgrade to protocol version 23 as part of its phased blockchain development strategy. The upgrade, which follows earlier transitions from version 19 to version 22, marks a critical step in the platform's preparation for a broader rollout to Testnet2 and eventually the mainnet. This incremental approach ensures that technical improvements—such as enhanced scalability, stability, and transaction-handling capabilities—are rigorously tested before being implemented on a larger scale.

According to the Pi Core Team, the upgrade to version 23 will improve the network's ability to handle a greater number of real-world transactions while maintaining consensus efficiency and system communication across various blockchain components. The team emphasized that these changes are essential for supporting the platform’s long-term goals, including the successful migration of user accounts and balances to the mainnet. The process of account mapping, which has been ongoing, has enabled users to transfer their testnet balances to the mainnet, with many reporting successful migrations.

The upgrade coincides with Pi Network’s broader efforts to finalize its KYC (Know Your Customer) verification and mainnet migration processes. As of late 2025, the network has surpassed 18 million KYC-verified users and 8 million mainnet migrants. To facilitate further adoption, the Pi Network extended the KYC grace period to January 31, 2025, aiming to reduce the gap between verified and migrated users. This measure is intended to ensure a smoother and more inclusive transition to the open mainnet, which is expected to launch in early 2025.

The version 23 upgrade is particularly significant as it aligns with Pi Network’s broader strategic timeline. The platform is simultaneously expanding its global presence and ecosystem. For instance, Pi Network recently became a gold sponsor at the TOKEN2049 conference in Singapore, where co-founder Dr. Chengdiao Fan is set to speak. Additionally, the ecosystem has launched PiOnline, a DeFi-based farming game that reflects the project’s increasing focus on gaming as a driver of growth.

The transition to version 23 also highlights Pi Network’s alignment with its underlying infrastructure. The timing of the upgrade closely follows Stellar’s own transition to version 23, indicating that Pi Network is maintaining synchronization with the broader blockchain ecosystem on which it is built. This synchronization is expected to ensure technical compatibility and interoperability as the mainnet evolves.

Looking ahead, the successful completion of the Testnet1 upgrade lays the groundwork for the upcoming migration of Testnet2 to version 23. If the transition proceeds without major issues, Pi Network will be well-positioned to begin delivering the decentralized utility it has long promised to its global user base. This includes enabling peer-to-peer transactions, expanding use cases for Pi tokens, and fostering greater adoption in everyday applications.