Pi Network released an announcement on July 15 outlining three updates: the v25 protocol upgrade is scheduled to be executed on July 22. The main additions include the BN254 cryptography module and the Poseidon hashing algorithm, enabling developers to build privacy-preserving applications supporting zero-knowledge proofs on the Pi Chain. The v26 upgrade has also been added to the subsequent schedule; the exact timeline will follow Pi Network’s official announcement.
Pi Network Protocol v25 Upgrade Details and July 22 Execution Schedule
Pi Network’s official announcement states that the v25 protocol upgrade is scheduled to be executed on July 22, 2026 (Wednesday), with the main goal of improving network stability and reliability. v25 introduces the following three technical modules, enabling smart contracts on the Pi Chain to build modern zero-knowledge applications:
BN254 cryptography module: Provides the cryptographic foundation for zero-knowledge application development and is compatible with modern ZK technology standards
Poseidon hashing algorithm: Used together with BN254 to support efficient zero-knowledge computations on the Pi Chain
Zero-knowledge application support: Allows applications to verify whether identity or eligibility requirements are satisfied without disclosing users’ full personal information to third parties, supporting use cases such as identity verification and eligibility proofs
Pi Network states that before protocol v25, building applications of the above types was more difficult. Node operators that have not yet upgraded must update their nodes to the v25 version by July 22 to maintain network connectivity. The v26 upgrade has been added to the subsequent schedule; the exact timeline will follow Pi Network’s official announcement.
Mining App Interface Update: Sidebar Menu, Personal Profile Page, and Dark Mode
Pi’s mining app sidebar menu and personal profile page have been completed with a redesign. This update is the first step toward a full iteration (end-to-end iteration) update of the mining app and the main screen. This update is based on usage feedback from Pioneer users. After the update, the sidebar menu presents the mainnet list, mining information, featured Pi applications, and other ecosystem functions in a clearer and more organized manner. The overall interface visual hierarchy has also been improved. This update also adds a dark mode, responding to long-standing feature requests from Pioneer users.
Pi Network says the mining app currently has more than 60 million active Pioneer users, so any design changes will be rolled out gradually while continuously collecting user feedback as the basis for future iterations. Users can tap the hamburger menu (☰) icon at the top-left corner of the mining app to view the contents of this update.
Mainnet Wallet Creation Flow Changes: Banxa In-App Option Removed
Pi is removing Banxa from the mining app interface and will no longer include it as an in-app option for creating mainnet wallets. Pi Network’s official explanation is that the reason for the removal is that Pi’s Quick Channel KYC feature allows users to complete the identity verification needed to create a mainnet wallet directly within the Pi app, making Banxa unnecessary as an in-app option.
Banxa will still maintain its KYB-verified third-party service provider identity. Pioneer users can continue to choose Banxa as a third-party service provider when the service is available.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Pi Network Protocol v25 be upgraded, and what actions must node operators take?
Pi Network’s official announcement says the v25 protocol upgrade is scheduled to be executed on July 22, 2026 (Wednesday). Node operators that have not yet upgraded must update their nodes to the v25 version before that date to maintain network connectivity. The v26 upgrade has been added to the subsequent schedule, and the exact timeline will follow Pi Network’s official announcement.
What is the purpose of the BN254 cryptography and Poseidon hashing algorithms introduced in Protocol v25?
The BN254 cryptography module and the Poseidon hashing algorithm together provide the cryptographic tools needed by developers on the Pi Chain to build zero-knowledge applications, enabling applications to verify whether identity or eligibility requirements are satisfied without disclosing users’ full personal information. This supports use cases such as identity verification and eligibility proofs. Pi Network states that building applications of this type was more difficult before v25.
After Banxa is removed, how can Pioneer users create a mainnet wallet?
Pi’s Quick Channel KYC feature already allows users to complete the identity verification required to create a mainnet wallet directly within the Pi app, so Banxa is removed as an in-app option. Banxa will still maintain its KYB-verified third-party service provider identity, and Pioneer users can continue to choose Banxa as a third-party service provider when the service is available.
