Pi Network in India: can you sell Pi, and is it safe?
What Pi Network is, how its mainnet works, whether you can sell Pi coins in India, the tax on Pi, and the scams targeting Indian Pi users.
- Checked against the rules: Sept 2026
- Sources cited · No buy or sell calls
Pi Network is far more popular in India than in most countries. Millions of Indians have tapped the app's mining button for years. Here's what you need to know now that Pi can actually be traded.
What is Pi Network?
Pi launched in 2019 as a phone app that lets users "mine" Pi coins by checking in daily. It isn't mining in the Bitcoin sense: your phone isn't doing heavy computation. Balances grew through daily sessions and referrals.
For years, Pi existed only inside the app and couldn't be traded. The open mainnet launched on 20 February 2025, allowing verified users to transfer Pi outside the Pi ecosystem, and some global exchanges listed it.
How to make your Pi transferable
- Complete Pi KYC in the app. Unverified balances can't move to mainnet.
- Create your Pi wallet and write down its 24-word passphrase offline.
- Migrate your balance to the mainnet through the app's mainnet checklist.
- Only migrated, unlocked Pi can be sent to an exchange.
Some balances may be locked for a period you chose during migration. Check the app for your lockup schedule.
Can you sell Pi in India?
Pi is listed on some global exchanges. Before using any platform:
- check whether it is registered with FIU-IND, since unregistered offshore platforms can be blocked in India. See how to check FIU registration,
- check whether it supports the Pi mainnet network for deposits, and
- test with a small amount first.
Avoid selling Pi to strangers who promise rupees by UPI. That's how many users are scammed or end up with frozen bank accounts.
Common Pi scams in India
- "Buyers" asking for your passphrase. Anyone who has your 24 words can take all your Pi. No real buyer or support agent needs it.
- Fake Pi wallet websites and apps that steal passphrases.
- Fixed "official" Pi price offers on social media or WhatsApp groups.
- "Pay a fee to unlock your Pi" messages. Real migration doesn't require paying anyone.
Is Pi taxed in India?
Yes. Pi is a virtual digital asset. When you sell or swap it, gains are taxed at 30% plus cess, with 1% TDS on Indian platforms. The cost of acquisition for "mined" Pi is likely zero, which would make the full sale value a gain. Mined Pi received may also be treated as income on receipt, as with airdrops. Take advice if you hold a large amount. See the crypto tax guide.
Should you buy Pi?
That's your decision. Pi's price has been volatile since listing, and a large share of supply is held by the Pi Core Team and in lockups. Treat it as a high-risk asset and never invest more than you can afford to lose. Track it on our crypto prices page.
Frequently asked questions
Is Pi Network a scam?
Pi is a real project with a live mainnet. But it has attracted many scams around it, so be careful who you deal with.
Can I convert Pi to rupees directly?
Only by selling it on an exchange that supports Pi, then withdrawing rupees. See how to withdraw crypto to your bank.
I lost my Pi passphrase. Can I recover it?
Pi wallets are non-custodial, so without the passphrase your wallet usually can't be recovered. Check the official Pi app help for any options.
Sources
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