Consensus Algorithm: Exploring Pi’s Stellar Consensus Protocol (SCP) and how it works
In the world of blockchain technology, consensus algorithms are the backbone that ensures a network agrees on the validity of transactions without centralized control. Bitcoin uses Proof of Work (PoW), Ethereum has shifted to Proof of Stake (PoS), and Pi Network—a mobile-first cryptocurrency—employs the Stellar Consensus Protocol (SCP). This innovative approach powers Pi’s mission to make cryptocurrency accessible and sustainable, allowing millions of users to mine Pi coins on their smartphones. In this article, we’ll explore what SCP is, how it works in Pi Network, and why it’s a game-changer. Ready to join the Pi ecosystem? Use the invitation code Billbesto to start mining today.
BillBesto
3/4/20253 min read


What Is the Stellar Consensus Protocol (SCP)?
SCP is a consensus mechanism originally developed for the Stellar blockchain, designed to be fast, efficient, and environmentally friendly. Unlike PoW, which requires miners to solve energy-intensive cryptographic puzzles, or PoS, which ties influence to coin ownership, SCP relies on a federated Byzantine agreement system. In simpler terms, it’s a trust-based protocol where nodes (computers in the network) agree on transaction validity by relying on a select group of trusted peers rather than brute computational force.
Pi Network adopted SCP to enable its unique smartphone-based mining model. Launched in 2019 by Stanford graduates, Pi aims to distribute cryptocurrency to everyday people without the need for expensive hardware or technical expertise. As of March 4, 2025, with over 70 million users and an Open Mainnet launched on February 20, 2025, Pi’s use of SCP is central to its scalability and eco-friendly design.
How SCP Works in Pi Network
SCP operates on the principle of “federated voting,” where nodes form trust relationships to reach consensus. Here’s a breakdown of how it functions within Pi Network:
Trust Networks and Quorum Slices
In SCP, every node chooses a set of other nodes it trusts—called a “quorum slice.” A quorum is a larger group of nodes that includes these slices, sufficient to agree on a decision. For Pi, users contribute to this trust system by forming “security circles”—groups of 3-5 trusted contacts they vouch for. These circles help the network identify legitimate participants and secure the blockchain.Voting and Agreement
When a transaction is proposed (e.g., transferring Pi coins), nodes vote on its validity based on their quorum slices. If enough trusted nodes agree, the transaction moves to a “federated voting” phase. This process iteratively narrows down disagreements until the entire network converges on a single truth. SCP ensures that as long as a critical mass of trusted nodes is honest, consensus is achieved.Finality
Once consensus is reached, the transaction is locked into the blockchain with cryptographic finality—meaning it can’t be reversed unless the network’s trust system collapses. This makes SCP both secure and efficient, avoiding the “forks” that can plague PoW systems like Bitcoin.Pi’s Implementation
In Pi Network, SCP powers the blockchain without requiring users to run complex computations on their phones. Instead, the app simulates mining by logging your participation daily (tap the lightning bolt every 24 hours after signing up with Billbesto). Behind the scenes, a smaller set of nodes—operated by the Pi team during early phases and increasingly decentralized post-Mainnet—handles the SCP process. Your role as a Pioneer strengthens the trust network, indirectly supporting consensus.
Why SCP Matters for Pi
SCP sets Pi Network apart from traditional cryptocurrencies in several key ways:
Energy Efficiency: PoW consumes vast amounts of electricity—Bitcoin’s annual energy use rivals that of small countries. SCP, by contrast, requires minimal resources, aligning with Pi’s eco-friendly ethos. Your phone doesn’t crunch numbers; it simply signals trust.
Speed and Scalability: SCP processes transactions in seconds, compared to Bitcoin’s 10-minute block times. This makes Pi suitable for a massive user base—crucial for its goal of 100 billion coins in circulation.
Accessibility: By offloading heavy computation to a trust-based system, SCP enables mining on smartphones. Join with Billbesto, and you’re contributing to consensus without needing a mining rig.
Security Through Community: Pi’s security circles translate real-world trust into blockchain integrity. The more users (like you!) build these circles, the harder it becomes for malicious actors to disrupt the network.
SCP vs. Traditional Consensus
Compared to PoW (Bitcoin): PoW is secure but slow and wasteful. SCP sacrifices some decentralization for efficiency, relying on trusted nodes rather than universal computation.
Compared to PoS (Ethereum): PoS favors wealthier participants with more coins, while SCP democratizes influence through trust relationships, not stake size.
Compared to Stellar’s SCP: Pi adapts SCP for its mobile-first model, integrating user participation (security circles) in a way Stellar doesn’t, tailoring it for mass adoption.
Challenges and Future Outlook
SCP’s reliance on trust introduces trade-offs. Critics argue it’s less decentralized than PoW or PoS, as early Pi nodes were controlled by the core team. However, the Open Mainnet transition is shifting toward decentralization, with community nodes taking on larger roles. Another challenge is ensuring quorum slices remain robust—overlapping trust networks must stay intact to prevent network splits. Pi’s 70 million users and growing ecosystem suggest SCP can scale, but its resilience will be tested as trading expands on exchanges like OKX and Bitget.
Join the Pi Revolution
Pi Network’s use of SCP makes it a standout in the crypto space, blending accessibility with innovation. Want to see it in action? Download the Pi Network app, sign up with the Pi invitation code Billbesto, and start mining. By tapping daily and building your security circle, you’re not just earning Pi—you’re powering a consensus model that could redefine cryptocurrency for millions. As Pi evolves, SCP will be the engine driving its vision—will you be part of the journey?