Pi Network Node Mandatory Upgrade Countdown: If not updated before February 12, the node will be eliminated from the network?

Pi Network Official Announced that, to support the technical preparations for the open mainnet phase, all node operators must complete the mandatory upgrade to version 19.6 by February 12, 2026. This measure is part of a multi-phase protocol update plan aimed at enhancing network security, processing performance, and support for the growing user base. Currently, there are over 16 million participants in the Pi mainnet.

The Pi core team pointed out that version 19.6 is the only recognized active version at present, and nodes are not allowed to skip or upgrade prematurely to subsequent versions. The network will transition sequentially from version 19 to version 23 to avoid stability issues during critical migration periods. For the Pi ecosystem, which relies on community node verification of transactions, synchronized upgrades are essential to ensure system security and consistency.

This update also incorporates several optimizations based on the Stellar protocol architecture. External technical analyses suggest that the new version may introduce stronger privacy protections and scalability mechanisms, including zero-knowledge modules, to accommodate future higher-frequency on-chain interactions.

Meanwhile, Pi Network also disclosed that the KYC verifier reward system has entered the final testing phase and may go live as early as March 2026. KYC verifiers, who assist users with identity verification over the long term, are a key driver for migrating millions of accounts to the mainnet. The launch of the reward mechanism is seen as the first formal acknowledgment of their long-term contributions and is expected to boost community engagement.

However, community reactions are divided. Some users approve of the upgrade and reward plan, believing it signifies a step closer to an open network; others continue to question the slow progress of KYC and the lack of transparency in reward distribution. Despite the controversy, the core team is proceeding with the technical upgrade according to the established plan.

For node operators, February 12 has become a critical date. Failure to complete the upgrade before the deadline may result in nodes losing network synchronization eligibility, which could affect subsequent participation in the mainnet. The next phase of Pi Network is officially kicked off by this upgrade.