How To Get Free Worldcoin: A Guide To WLD Token

Worldcoin — now rebranded as World or World Network— is a for‑profit crypto and digital identity project that uses biometric iris scans to verify human uniqueness and distribute WLD tokens. Launched in 2019 by OpenAI’s famous CEO Sam Altman, Alex Blania, and Max Novendstern under Tools for Humanity, it has raised about $250million from top venture firms like a16z, Khosla Ventures, and Reid Hoffman.

The project is famous for its distinctive ‘Orb’ iris‑scanning devices and promises to establish a global ‘World ID’ system to distinguish humans from bots in an AI‑driven world. However, its extensive biometric data collection has sparked regulatory probes and privacy controversies across several countries.

In October 2024, it rebranded to World/World Network to reflect an expanded mission beyond token distribution to a broader authentication platform

What is Worldcoin? 

Worldcoin is built around two core components: a biometric identity protocol called World ID and a native token, WLD, on its human‑first blockchain known as World Chain.

Users download the World App, undergo an iris scan via a globe‑shaped Orb device, and receive a unique World ID linked to encrypted biometric proofs — but not the raw images — which are deleted after verification.

After World ID verification, participants are eligible to claim free WLD tokens, intended for governance and utility within the network.

The project’s white paper envisions World Chain as part of the Optimism Superchain, designed to scale to ‘support all of humanity’ with a proof‑of‑personhood consensus mechanism.

Earning Worldcoin for free

All together, you can receive up to 150 WLD just for getting your iris scanned, claim monthly grants (initially up to 25 WLD, tapering over time), earn small bonuses by referring friends (2 WLD on signup + 1 WLD per verification), collect up to 10 WLD per day via mini‑app tasks, and, if you’re a developer or community builder, apply for continuous grants (ranging from a few hundred to thousands of WLD).

Physical ‘World’ storefronts in major US cities also continue to offer extra incentives. Below is an in‑depth look at each opportunity, with step‑by‑step guidance and official sources.

1. Proof‑of‑personhood scans (Orb and retail store fronts)

Initial ‘Pioneer’ and welcome grants

• US pioneer grant: New users in the US who scan their iris at a World orb receive 16 WLD, plus a 150 WLD ‘pioneer’ grant if they had already downloaded and registered in the World app prior to scanning.
• Global welcome grant: In many regions, your first iris‑scan grants 1 WLD, credited automatically to your World App wallet upon successful World ID verification.
• London bonus (historical): Early adopters in London received 25 WLD per iris scan — a reminder that regional amounts can vary by launch wave.

Retail store incentives

• World store fronts (e.g., San Francisco, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Nashville, Austin, Miami): Participants at official ‘World’ locations earn 150 WLD just for proving personhood via iris scan; over 12 million people have been verified globally through these channels.

Monthly recurring grants

• Claim monthly WLD: Once you hold a verified World ID, you can claim a recurring monthly WLD grant (starting at 25 WLD and gradually decreasing per Token Distribution Schedule) directly in the World App.
• How to claim:
  1. Open the World App and tap Claim now.
  2. Choose to deposit WLD into your Vault or Spending account.
  3. Complete any additional verification steps if prompted.
  4. Confirm the transaction when ‘Completed’ appears.

2. Referral and invite bonuses

Standard referral rewards

• Signup bonus: When you refer a friend via your unique code, both you and your friend instantly receive 2 WLD upon the friend’s app signup. After they complete Orb verification, an extra 1 WLD is awarded to you.

Regional invite promotions

• In select countries, you also earn additional WLD when your invitee scans at an Orb using your code. Check your World App’s Grants ▶ Invites page for region‑specific rates and eligibility.

3. World mini‑apps and daily tasks

• Good Luck Game mini‑app: Available under the ‘Earn’ tab in World App, this integration (‘GOOD LUCK GAME’) lets you earn up to 10 WLD per day by opening daily surprises and collecting ‘Lucky Boxes’.
• Other gamified features: New mini‑apps launch regularly — complete quick quizzes, surveys, or simple tasks to accrue small WLD rewards.

4. Developer and community grants

Human collective grants

The World Foundation’s Human Collective Grants program funds builders, researchers, and community projects enhancing the World ecosystem. Applicants can submit proposals any time (no more waiting for waves) and receive WLD grants from hundreds to thousands of tokens, based on project impact.

Recent enhancements

Since 9 April 2025, grant evaluations occur continuously, speeding responses and aligning RFPs with emerging tech needs.

5. How to get started: Step‑by‑step

1. Download and register
   • Install the World App from your device’s app store.
   • Sign up with email/phone and create your World ID profile.
2. Locate an orb or retail store
   • Use the app’s ‘Scan’ map to find nearby Orbs or official World ‘pop‑up’ locations.
3. Complete iris scan
   • Follow on‑screen prompts to scan your iris and accept terms.
   • Watch for instant Welcome or Pioneer grant credits.
4. Claim monthly airdrops
   • Tap Claim now each month in the Grants section.
5. Invite friends
   • Share your referral code via the app’s ‘Invite’ feature to unlock bonus WLD.
6. Explore mini‑apps
   • Go to ‘Earn’ → ‘Mini‑Apps’ and complete daily tasks.
7. Apply for grants (Developers)
   • Visit https://world.org/grants or the Developer Docs to submit your proposal.

6. Important considerations and cautions

• Regional restrictions: Regulatory reviews in Spain, Kenya, Hong Kong, Germany and elsewhere have paused Orb operations from time to time; always confirm local availability before planning a scan.
• Data privacy: Worldcoin deletes biometric images post‑scan (unless voluntarily shared) and encrypts all identity data — review the Worldcoin Privacy Policy for full details.

By combining iris‑scan grants, monthly airdrops, referrals, daily mini‑app rewards and developer initiatives, you can maximize your free WLD earnings throughout 2025 — potentially totaling hundreds of tokens simply by participating in the World ecosystem.

1. 01.

   Is Worldcoin iris scan safe?

   

   Worldcoin’s Orb captures iris images, encrypts them, and deletes the raw scans after generating a zero‑knowledge proof to verify uniqueness; the project insists this protects user privacy. Despite these measures, Spain’s AEPD and France’s CNIL have ruled that its biometric data collection breached GDPR and ordered deletion of stored iris records, highlighting ongoing privacy and compliance concerns.

2. 02.

   Is Worldcoin legal?

   

   Worldcoin maintains it complies with all applicable laws and operates legally in every market where it’s available. However, regulators in Spain (AEPD) have suspended its operations and ordered data deletion, and Kenya’s High Court recently declared its activities illegal, reflecting significant legal challenges in certain jurisdictions