Pi Network Mandates Node Upgrade by February 12 for Mainnet Shift

TLDR

Table of Contents

All Pi nodes must upgrade to version 19.6 by February 12, 2026.
The upgrade is part of a phased rollout leading to version 23.
Over 16 million users have already moved to the mainnet.
KYC validator rewards are set for testing before March rollout.

Pi Network has announced a February 12, 2026 deadline for its mandatory v19.6 node upgrade. The update is part of a planned system transition that prepares the platform for its open network launch. This step is crucial as the network advances towards its March 2026 KYC validator reward distribution.

Mandatory v19.6 Node Upgrade by February 12

The Pi Network core team has announced that all node operators must upgrade to version 19.6 before February 12, 2026. This release is part of a broader staged upgrade process that is transitioning the platform from version 19 to version 23.

The team emphasized that skipping versions or jumping to later versions is not permitted. The controlled sequence helps reduce risks, keeps all nodes synchronized, and avoids stability issues during the network’s expansion.

🚀 $PI 2026 — #Binance ? 🚀
Big moves are happening in the Pi Network ecosystem! 👀
Pi has released a Linux Node version and is rolling out major protocol upgrades, starting with Testnet1 and continuing through Testnet2 and Mainnet.
This upgrade brings:
✅ Easier and… pic.twitter.com/su8wlSxxh3
— Pi Network Alerts (@PiNetworkAlerts) February 7, 2026

Community-run nodes play an essential role in validating transactions. For the open mainnet launch to succeed, every node must follow the upgrade path. The developers noted that version 19.6 includes new features aimed at performance and security improvements. It also lays the groundwork for future upgrades, aligning the system with the network’s roadmap.

New Features and Protocol Enhancements

The update to version 19.6 introduces technical improvements that will support Pi’s infrastructure needs. It includes changes inspired by the Stellar protocol, a blockchain system known for its scalability and performance.

Unofficial reports mention the possible inclusion of zero-knowledge tools, which could offer better privacy and data handling. However, the Pi Network team has not confirmed specific additions. What is clear is that version 19.6 is the only officially supported version for now. Users have been warned not to install other versions.

The platform’s upgrade plan ensures a unified shift across all nodes, which reduces the risk of outages. As part of the technical transition, developers are monitoring the process closely to respond to any operational issues.

KYC Validator Reward Distribution Set for March

In addition to the mandatory node upgrade, Pi Network also shared a development on KYC validator rewards. According to the team, the distribution system is currently in final testing and may launch as early as March 2026.

Validators are members who helped confirm user identities during the Know Your Customer (KYC) process. Their contribution made it possible for millions of users to join the mainnet. Until now, most of this work has gone unpaid.

The upcoming reward plan is intended to recognize that effort. Pi Network confirmed that validator incentives have been under development for a long time. Many in the community had requested a fair compensation system, and the March timeline marks the final step before launch.

Community Response and Network Progress

The latest announcement has brought varied responses from Pi users. While some are satisfied with the technical improvements and reward updates, others have expressed concerns. Common complaints include delays in KYC approvals, slow migrations, and reward inequality.

Still, the network has made progress. As of now, more than 16 million users have successfully migrated to the mainnet. The Pi core team continues to prepare the system for the upcoming open network launch, maintaining focus on early 2026 as the target period.