Mine QI on Quai Network After 2026 SOAP Launch

Introduction

Crypto mining is changing fast. It’s no longer just about plugging in a machine, pointing it at a pool, and hoping for the best. As the industry matures, more projects are trying to fix one of mining’s biggest long-term problems: the constant selling pressure that often pushes token prices down.

Quai Network (QI) is one of the more interesting examples of that shift. The project started with a multi-algorithm Proof of Work system that allows both ASIC and GPU miners to participate, but its latest upgrade takes things in a very different direction. That upgrade is called SOAP, short for Subsidized Open Market Acquisition Protocol.

And this is not just another technical patch in the background. It changes the logic of how mining rewards interact with the market. Instead of simply releasing rewards in a way that adds more selling pressure, SOAP is designed to support demand, improve network security, and create a mining model that feels more sustainable over time.

In this guide, we’ll break down how the SOAP protocol works and walk through how to start mining QI step by step, whether you’re running ASIC hardware or GPU rigs.

What Is the SOAP Protocol in Quai Network and How Does It Work

SOAP (Subsidized Open Market Acquisition Protocol) Explained

SOAP stands for Subsidized Open Market Acquisition Protocol. It functions similarly to Merged Mining but with a fundamental difference in how rewards are distributed; this is the qualitative innovation.

The mechanism, instead of sending rewards directly to miners in the native token, sends the rewards to a protocol address that sells Parent Tokens on the open market to buy QI tokens. The QI tokens purchased are either burned to reduce supply or distributed as deferred incentives to users who lock their coins. This Burn and Lock process in SOAP is the primary pillar for shifting mining economics from sell pressure to buying power.

The system supports multiple algorithms allowing various hardware types to participate, such as Scrypt for machines like the Bitmain L9 and SHA-256 for Bitcoin miners like the Avalon Q or S19 and ProgPoW Kapow for GPUs. Owners with electricity rates below $0.07 should try mining QI.

Step-by-Step Guide to Start Mining QI on Quai Network

Step 1: Setting Up the Pelagos Wallet

Before you begin mining, you must have a wallet to receive your earnings. Pelagos Wallet is the official and primary choice for the Quai Network.

Download and install the wallet, then create an account and copy your Receive Address. You will use this as your Worker Name in the pool settings. Mining pools like Kryptex, Pool HeroMiners, K1Pool, AlphaMine, and WoolyPooly are leading pools supporting SOAP.

Note that Quai rewards are subject to a 14-day maturation period, which means your earnings will take two weeks to become tradable — a strategy designed to eliminate immediate dump sell pressure.

Step 2: Configuring ASIC and GPU Hardware for Quai Network Mining

Using Kryptex Pool as an example for mining Scrypt like Bitmain Antminer L9, go to the device settings and enter the Pool URL provided by Kryptex. Then, in the Worker field, enter your Pelagos wallet address followed by a dot and the device name.

For mining SHA-256 like Avalon Q, use the dedicated Kryptex stratum addresses and ensure you include the protocol prefix stratum+tcp. Always set up Backup Pools to ensure the device does not stop.

For GPU mining via HiveOS, add a new wallet named Pelagos and select Rigel Miner or any miner supporting Kapow. Then set the algorithm to Kapow and the wallet template to WAL.WORKER.NAME.

Key Advantages of the Quai Network Multi-Algorithm Mining System

Decentralization and Security Benefits of ASIC and GPU Hybrid Mining

Hardware diversity thanks to the multi-algorithm approach means no single hardware class can dominate the network, increasing decentralization. Stronger security from the simultaneous participation of ASICs and GPUs like the RTX 3060 or RTX 3070 raises the cost of attacking the network. Sustainable growth allows for increased processing capacity without negatively impacting block times or difficulty.

Conclusion: The Future of QI Mining Under the SOAP Protocol

Quai Network’s transition to the innovative SOAP protocol is a bold step in the mining world. It bridges the gap between traditional computing power and modern market mechanisms. Whether you own an L9, an Avalon Q, or even older GPUs, QI now provides a new way to contribute and achieve reasonable profits as the SOAP protocol is specifically designed to have a direct positive impact on the price of the QI token in the long run.

FAQ: Mining QI on Quai Network and the SOAP Protocol

Q1: What is the SOAP protocol in Quai Network mining?

SOAP (Subsidized Open Market Acquisition Protocol) is a reward distribution mechanism used by Quai Network. Instead of directly paying miners with the native token, the protocol uses rewards to buy QI tokens from the market. These tokens are either burned or locked, reducing supply and potentially supporting long-term token value.

Q2: Can you mine QI with both ASIC and GPU hardware?

Yes. Quai Network supports multiple mining algorithms that allow different hardware types to participate. ASIC miners can use algorithms like Scrypt and SHA-256, while GPU miners can use ProgPoW Kapow. This hybrid mining design improves decentralization and allows more miners to contribute to network security.

Q3: What wallet is required for mining QI?

The official wallet for receiving mining rewards on Quai Network is the Pelagos Wallet. After installing it, miners generate a receive address and use that address as the worker identifier when configuring their mining pool settings.

Q4: How long does it take to receive QI mining rewards?

Mining rewards on Quai Network have a maturation period of approximately 14 days. This delay prevents immediate selling pressure and supports the protocol’s economic design by stabilizing the token supply before rewards become tradable.

Q5: What mining pools support QI and the SOAP protocol?

Several mining pools currently support QI mining with SOAP, including Kryptex Pool, HeroMiners, K1Pool, AlphaMine, and WoolyPooly. These pools provide the stratum addresses and configuration parameters needed to connect ASIC or GPU miners to the network.

Q6: Is mining QI profitable?

Profitability depends on factors such as electricity costs, mining hardware efficiency, and network difficulty. Generally, miners with electricity prices below $0.07 per kWh may find QI mining more viable, especially when using efficient ASIC devices or optimized GPU mining rigs.