Pi Network Guides

Comprehensive guides and tutorials to help you maximize your Pi experience.

Why Run a Pi Node?

Benefits of Running a Pi Node

1. Earn Node Mining Bonus

  • Increase your mining rate easily
  • Bonus based on uptime, port accessibility, and CPU contribution
  • Long-term participation yields higher rewards

2. Support Network Security

  • Help validate transactions on the Pi blockchain
  • Contribute to network decentralization
  • Strengthen the Pi ecosystem's security

3. Network Participation

  • Become an active network validator
  • Participate in consensus mechanisms
  • Help maintain blockchain integrity

4. Future Opportunities

  • Access to potential node-exclusive features
  • Participate in network governance
  • Early access to new Pi developments

Requirements Overview (Windows)

Hardware

  • Windows 10/11 (64-bit)
  • 4GB RAM minimum
  • Stable internet connection

Network

  • Open ports 31400-31409
  • Static IP recommended
  • Port forwarding access

Software

  • Pi Desktop app
  • Docker Desktop (optional)
  • Admin privileges

Ready to start? Follow our step-by-step installation guides below to set up your Pi Node and start earning bonus rewards while supporting the network.

Docker Desktop Installation Guide

Docker Desktop is required for running Pi Node using Docker. Please complete this installation before proceeding with the Pi Node setup.

Prerequisites

  • Windows 10/11 (64-bit)
  • Administrator privileges on your PC
  • At least 4GB RAM (8GB recommended)
  • WSL 2 capability (Windows Subsystem for Linux)

Installation Steps

  1. Download Docker Desktop
  2. Run the Installer
    • Double-click the downloaded installer file
    • Accept the license agreement
    • Keep all default options selected
    • Click "Install" and wait for the process to complete
  3. Enable WSL 2 Features
    • When prompted, allow Docker Desktop to enable WSL 2 features
    • Follow any additional prompts to install WSL 2 components
    • Restart your computer if requested
  4. Start Docker Desktop
    • Launch Docker Desktop from the Start menu
    • Wait for the Docker engine to start (whale icon in system tray turns solid)
    • Accept the Docker Desktop Service Agreement if prompted
  5. Verify Installation
    • Open Command Prompt or PowerShell
    • Run docker --version to verify Docker is installed

Tip: If you encounter any issues with WSL 2, you can run wsl --update in an elevated Command Prompt to ensure you have the latest version.

Troubleshooting

  • WSL 2 Installation Failed

    Run wsl --install in an elevated Command Prompt

  • Docker Desktop Won't Start

    Ensure Hyper-V and Windows Hypervisor Platform are enabled in Windows Features

  • Performance Issues

    In Docker Desktop settings, adjust the resources allocated to WSL 2

Pi Node Installation Guide (Windows)

Most users should use the desktop installer. Only switch to Docker if the desktop installation fails or the port checker remains stuck.

Prerequisites

  • Windows 10/11 (64-bit)
  • Internet connection with the ability to open ports 31400–31409
  • Administrator privileges on your PC

Install the Pi Node Desktop App

  1. Download the official Pi Node desktop installer from node.minepi.com
  2. Run the installer, following any on-screen prompts
  3. Log in with your Pi credentials (the same ones used for the Pi mobile app)
  4. If prompted, enable WSL integration (no separate Linux distribution needed)

Open Ports 31400–31409

Router Port Forwarding

  1. Access your router's admin panel (often at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1)
  2. Locate Port Forwarding or NAT settings
  3. Forward TCP ports 31400–31409 to your local machine's IP
  4. Save and apply changes

Windows Firewall

  1. Open Windows Security → Firewall & network protection → Advanced settings
  2. Create Inbound Rules for TCP ports 31400–31409
  3. Allow connections on Private (and if needed, Public) networks

Note: If you're behind CGNAT or on a mobile connection, you may not have a true public IP. Your incoming connections might remain at 0 in that scenario.

Run and Verify Pi Node

  1. Launch the Pi Node desktop app
  2. In the Port Checker, verify that some or all of the ports show as open

    Note: If you are using CGNAT (Carrier-Grade NAT) or do not have a static IP address, the port checker might show "Failed" even with correct port forwarding setup. This is normal and you can still run the node.

  3. Click "Turn Node On" in the Pi Desktop app

    You should see the message: "Your computer is running the blockchain"

  4. Wait for the node to sync. Eventually, the status should show "Synced!" if everything is correct

Status Checks:

  • State: Should become "Synced!"
  • Latest Block: Typically less than a minute old
  • Outgoing Connections: Should be greater than 0 once the node finds peers
  • Incoming Connections: May be 0 if you lack a public IP

Optional: Docker Method If Desktop App Fails

Pull the Pi Node Docker Image

  1. Docker Login: If needed, run docker login and verify your Docker Hub account/email
  2. Pull the image:
    docker pull pinetwork/pi-node-docker

Frequently Asked Questions

How is my Node Bonus calculated?

Your node bonus (N) is calculated using the formula: N(I) = node_factor • tuning_factor • I

The three main factors that affect your bonus are:

  • Uptime: The percentage of time your node is online and accessible
    • Measured over different periods (90 days, 360 days, 2 years, 10 years)
    • Longer periods have higher weightage
  • Port Accessibility: The percentage of time your ports are open
    • Affects network connectivity and peer discovery
    • Higher port accessibility leads to better bonus
  • CPU Contribution: The average CPU resources provided to the network
    • Measured as average CPU count over time
    • Higher CPU contribution increases bonus

The final bonus value is normalized using a tuning factor to ensure it falls between 0 and 10.

How long does it take to get the Node Bonus?

The Node Bonus typically appears after your current mining session ends. However, it may take a few days for the bonus to be fully calculated and applied.

Tip: If all status checks are showing correctly (Synced state, recent latest block, outgoing connections), your node is properly configured and the bonus should appear soon.

Important: To maximize your Node Bonus, focus on maintaining high uptime, keeping ports accessible, and ensuring your node has adequate CPU resources. The longer your node maintains good performance, the better your bonus will be.

More Guides Coming Soon

Optimizing Mining Rates

Learn strategies to maximize your Pi mining efficiency and boost your earnings.

Coming soon

Run Pi Node on AWS EC2 instance

Learn how increase your mining rate with Pi Node running on AWS EC2 instance.

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Building Your Security Circle

Strategies for creating an effective security circle to enhance network security and your mining rate.

Coming soon

Pi Network Ecosystem

Explore the growing ecosystem of apps and services built on the Pi Network platform.

Coming soon