TLDR
- Pi Network completed the mandatory Step 2 node upgrade on March 1, 2026.
- The network reported more than 421,000 active nodes after the v19.9 upgrade.
- Pi Network reported over 17.7 million KYC-verified users in 2026.
- The upgrade aligns with Stellar Core v20 standards for synchronization.
Pi Network has completed its March 1 node upgrade, according to community updates. The network said the mandatory protocol v19.9 rollout is now in effect.
Pi Network also reported that more than 421,000 active nodes are securing the network. The project said it continues to support over 17.7 million KYC-verified Pioneers in 2026.
Mandatory protocol v19.9 upgrade reaches completion
The March 1 update was presented as a required change for node operators. Community posts said nodes that did not update could face disconnection.
Pi Network described the change as a stability step for the ecosystem. The project has used staged upgrades while operating its enclosed mainnet environment.
The upgrade was also referred to as a “Step 2” requirement in March 2026. Reports described it as a mandatory move to the updated protocol version.
Pi Network communications around the upgrade focused on keeping the network synchronized. The project has not described the upgrade as an open-network launch.
Active node count passes 421,000 after the upgrade
After the v19.9 rollout, Pi Network said active nodes surpassed 421,000. The figure was shared in posts tracking node activity after the deadline.
A larger node set can increase redundancy across regions and devices. It can also reduce single points of failure during heavy network use.
Supporters linked the higher node count to decentralization goals. Pi Network has promoted node growth as part of its long-term roadmap.
The network has described its approach as gradual infrastructure work. It has often tied changes to stability, and not to sudden feature releases.
Upgrade aligns with Stellar Core v20 standards
Reports about the March upgrade said it aligns with Stellar Core v20 standards. That alignment was described as supporting better synchronization across nodes.
Pi Network has used software based on Stellar’s core code in earlier stages. The March update was framed as keeping the node stack current.
Community coverage said the update supports reliability during continued development. It also described the change as part of ongoing protocol maintenance.
Pi Network did not present the alignment as a change in access rules. The network is still described as operating within an enclosed mainnet.
Migration activity continues alongside node changes
Alongside the node upgrade, community discussion pointed to ongoing migration activity. Posts described continued coin mapping to Pioneer accounts.
Some observers said large volumes of Pi tokens move daily during migration. Those figures were attributed to community tracking and not formal reports.
Many users are still completing KYC or waiting for wallet migration steps. As a result, updates tied to throughput remain a key focus in Pi forums.





