The .pi Domain Auction is a step forward in expanding the Pi ecosystem, with strong participation from Pioneers, businesses, and developers. As a platform-level utility, the Domains Auction harnesses the collective resources of the Pi community and Open Network’s external connectivity to further Pi’s role in real-world commerce and digital interactions.
With over 100 thousand bids placed in less than a week, the auction is driving real engagement and reinforcing Pi’s role as a functional, utility-backed currency for all Pioneers. The demand for .pi domains highlights the growing ecosystem of Pi-powered apps, businesses, and online services, all leveraging blockchain-based domain ownership for branding, accessibility, and commerce.
Here are some key stats so far when only Pioneers on the Mainnet who can bid:
- Over 200,000 bids placed;
- Over 40,000 unique bidders;
- Over 95,000 domains with active bids;
- Over 2.9 million Pi in active bids in the auction; and
- Highest current bid: 30,000 Pi.
Read the Pi Day announcement for more details on .pi Domains.
In this blog, Pi is releasing a new Domains Auction policy document, along with answers to some frequently asked questions from the community, and clarifying the rules for Pioneers and businesses to participate who may need additional details.
Auction Domain Name Issuance Disclosure and Policy
Read the full Auction Domain Name Issuance Disclosure and Policy for official information about compliance, trademarks, rights, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
General Use & Functionality
How does a .pi domain compare to a Web2 traditional website domain?
.pi domains function similarly to traditional domains, acting as unique digital identifiers within the Pi ecosystem. They enable businesses, apps, and individuals to establish a clear online identity or digital store front in a Web3 social network, and its acquisition, transfers and part of its operations rely heavily on the Pi blockchain.
Will .pi domains work outside of the Pi Browser?
The extension .pi of Pi domains will work inside the Pi Browser, and other wallets and browsers may integrate with this feature over time, similar to how other crypto-domains work. For compatibility with legacy browsers, like Chrome and Safari, all .pi domains will also work through the extension “.pinet.com”. So if your domain is “joe.pi” on Pi Browser or compatible third-party services, people can also find you as “joe.pinet.com” through any browser. There is no guarantee or promise that .pi domains will be adopted by legacy browsers.
Can I bid my username as a domain?
Yes, if it’s available.
Where do the proceeds from the domain sales go?
All Pi received from selling the .pi domains will be used to support the Pi ecosystem including developer programs and events.
Domain Reservations For PiNet Apps
Can developers that have already built Pi apps reserve domains?
Pi community apps that have complied with Ecosystem listing guidelines and completed PiNet migration by May 28th, 2025 can secure their domains without bidding, with certain requirements and restrictions. Read the blog on this topic to learn more.
Bidding & Auction Process
Can I bid on multiple domains at the same time?
Yes, you can place bids on multiple domains simultaneously.
Can I cancel or change my bid after placing it?
Yes, for Pioneers. If you placed a bid using the claimable balance feature, you can withdraw it anytime before the auction ends. However, if you placed a bid via a standard payment through multiplex wallet addresses because you’re not yet a Pioneer (e.g., from an exchange), refunds will be processed after the auction concludes on June 28th, 2025.
What happens if someone bids at the last minute?
All auctions are scheduled to end on June 28, 2025. However, if a new bid is placed or the winning bid is lowered or removed on a domain within the final 24 hours of that domain’s auction window, the specific auction will automatically be extended by 24 hours. Auction rules, including this rule, are subject to change by the Company, in its sole discretion.
If I win a Domain Auction, when do I receive ownership?
Winners gain ownership immediately after the auction ends, and the domain will be subject to a potential future yearly registration and maintenance fee, similar to and on the same scale as that of traditional internet domain fees.
How do I retrieve the domains I own after the Auction?
At the end of the Auction, people will be able to see the list of domains they successfully purchased listed in the Domain Auction page or app. The domain ownership will be associated with the bidding wallet address.
Can the rules of bidding and Auction change?
Yes, the Company reserves the right to change or modify these rules at any time in its sole and absolute discretion, with or without notice to participants.
For instance, the Auction currently allows Pioneers to withdraw bids anytime, providing them maximum flexibility. However, if in practice this proves ineffective, it might be prudent to move toward a system with more binding bids that cannot be withdrawn before the auction concludes, to prevent exploits and ensure fairness.
Ownership, Transfer, & Renewals
Can I resell or transfer my .pi domain in the future?
Yes, .pi domains follow standard domain ownership practices, allowing for resale or transfers to others. The use of domains will be independently bound by any applicable laws and regulations such as trademarks and copyrights.
What happens if I don’t renew my .pi domain after the initial ownership period?
If you do not renew your .pi domain, it will eventually become available for others to register, similar to standard domain expirations in Web2.
With over 100 thousand bids placed in less than a week, the auction is driving real engagement and reinforcing Pi’s role as a functional, utility-backed currency for all Pioneers. The demand for .pi domains highlights the growing ecosystem of Pi-powered apps, businesses, and online services, all leveraging blockchain-based domain ownership for branding, accessibility, and commerce.
Here are some key stats so far when only Pioneers on the Mainnet who can bid:
- Over 200,000 bids placed;
- Over 40,000 unique bidders;
- Over 95,000 domains with active bids;
- Over 2.9 million Pi in active bids in the auction; and
- Highest current bid: 30,000 Pi.
Read the Pi Day announcement for more details on .pi Domains.
In this blog, Pi is releasing a new Domains Auction policy document, along with answers to some frequently asked questions from the community, and clarifying the rules for Pioneers and businesses to participate who may need additional details.
Auction Domain Name Issuance Disclosure and Policy
Read the full Auction Domain Name Issuance Disclosure and Policy for official information about compliance, trademarks, rights, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
General Use & Functionality
How does a .pi domain compare to a Web2 traditional website domain?
.pi domains function similarly to traditional domains, acting as unique digital identifiers within the Pi ecosystem. They enable businesses, apps, and individuals to establish a clear online identity or digital store front in a Web3 social network, and its acquisition, transfers and part of its operations rely heavily on the Pi blockchain.
Will .pi domains work outside of the Pi Browser?
The extension .pi of Pi domains will work inside the Pi Browser, and other wallets and browsers may integrate with this feature over time, similar to how other crypto-domains work. For compatibility with legacy browsers, like Chrome and Safari, all .pi domains will also work through the extension “.pinet.com”. So if your domain is “joe.pi” on Pi Browser or compatible third-party services, people can also find you as “joe.pinet.com” through any browser. There is no guarantee or promise that .pi domains will be adopted by legacy browsers.
Can I bid my username as a domain?
Yes, if it’s available.
Where do the proceeds from the domain sales go?
All Pi received from selling the .pi domains will be used to support the Pi ecosystem including developer programs and events.
Domain Reservations For PiNet Apps
Can developers that have already built Pi apps reserve domains?
Pi community apps that have complied with Ecosystem listing guidelines and completed PiNet migration by May 28th, 2025 can secure their domains without bidding, with certain requirements and restrictions. Read the blog on this topic to learn more.
Bidding & Auction Process
Can I bid on multiple domains at the same time?
Yes, you can place bids on multiple domains simultaneously.
Can I cancel or change my bid after placing it?
Yes, for Pioneers. If you placed a bid using the claimable balance feature, you can withdraw it anytime before the auction ends. However, if you placed a bid via a standard payment through multiplex wallet addresses because you’re not yet a Pioneer (e.g., from an exchange), refunds will be processed after the auction concludes on June 28th, 2025.
What happens if someone bids at the last minute?
All auctions are scheduled to end on June 28, 2025. However, if a new bid is placed or the winning bid is lowered or removed on a domain within the final 24 hours of that domain’s auction window, the specific auction will automatically be extended by 24 hours. Auction rules, including this rule, are subject to change by the Company, in its sole discretion.
If I win a Domain Auction, when do I receive ownership?
Winners gain ownership immediately after the auction ends, and the domain will be subject to a potential future yearly registration and maintenance fee, similar to and on the same scale as that of traditional internet domain fees.
How do I retrieve the domains I own after the Auction?
At the end of the Auction, people will be able to see the list of domains they successfully purchased listed in the Domain Auction page or app. The domain ownership will be associated with the bidding wallet address.
Can the rules of bidding and Auction change?
Yes, the Company reserves the right to change or modify these rules at any time in its sole and absolute discretion, with or without notice to participants.
For instance, the Auction currently allows Pioneers to withdraw bids anytime, providing them maximum flexibility. However, if in practice this proves ineffective, it might be prudent to move toward a system with more binding bids that cannot be withdrawn before the auction concludes, to prevent exploits and ensure fairness.
Ownership, Transfer, & Renewals
Can I resell or transfer my .pi domain in the future?
Yes, .pi domains follow standard domain ownership practices, allowing for resale or transfers to others. The use of domains will be independently bound by any applicable laws and regulations such as trademarks and copyrights.
What happens if I don’t renew my .pi domain after the initial ownership period?
If you do not renew your .pi domain, it will eventually become available for others to register, similar to standard domain expirations in Web2.
This FAQ will evolve as more Pioneers engage with .pi domains. If you have further questions, visit domains.pi or domains.pinet.com through the Pi Browser to explore or participate in the Auction!
