Pi Network Sets Feb 15 Deadline for Mandatory v19.6 Mainnet Upgrade Nodes

TLDR

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Pi Network says mainnet nodes must run v19.6 by Feb. 15, 2026 to stay connected.
The deadline moved from Feb. 12 after congestion and technical issues, the core team said.
Next releases are scheduled for Feb. 27 v19.9 and March 12 v20.2.
Pi Network reports more than 60 million registered users across its ecosystem.

Pi Network has set February 15, 2026 as the deadline for a mandatory mainnet node upgrade. The core team said operators must update to version 19.6 or risk losing network access. The change follows an earlier target of February 12. The team cited congestion and technical issues, and it extended the window by several days.

February 15 deadline makes v19.6 upgrade mandatory for mainnet nodes

Pi Network said all mainnet nodes must move from version 19.1 to version 19.6. The update is required for continued participation on the mainnet network. Node operators who miss the date may be disconnected from the network. The core team described the upgrade as “mandatory” for mainnet connectivity.

Important reminder for Nodes: The Pi Mainnet blockchain protocol is currently undergoing a series of upgrades. The deadline for the first upgrade step is February 15. All Mainnet nodes must complete this step to remain connected to the network. More information is available here…
— Pi Network (@PiCoreTeam) February 11, 2026

The team also asked operators to stagger updates. It said staggered rollouts can reduce strain and limit sudden traffic spikes. This approach is aimed at keeping nodes online during the transition. It also supports smoother synchronization across node operators.

Extension follows congestion as the protocol shift begins

The core team initially pointed to February 12 as the target date. It later extended the deadline to February 15 after reported congestion. The team also referenced technical issues during the rollout. It said the short extension should help more nodes upgrade in time.

Pi Network described the upgrade as part of a staged protocol shift. The broader plan is expected to move sequentially toward version 23 by Q2. The v19.6 step is presented as an early phase of that roadmap. The team said the changes are meant to improve stability.

Node operators urged to upgrade in steps to reduce network strain

Pi nodes run on personal computers rather than phones. They help validate transactions and support ledger consistency across the blockchain. Because nodes coordinate consensus, synchronized upgrades are important. The team said disruptions can occur if versions diverge too widely.

Pi Network does not use proof-of-work mining. It uses a model based on the Stellar Consensus Protocol, according to project descriptions. Under this model, nodes form trusted groups and agree on transaction ordering. Supernodes are expected to stay online continuously for consensus tasks.

Community channels have circulated reminders and update guides. These messages focus on completing the upgrade before February 15. The core team also urged patience during the process. It said large network upgrades can produce intermittent issues.

More node upgrades scheduled for late February and March

Pi Network said additional versions are planned after the February 15 cutoff. Version 19.9 is expected by February 27. Version 20.2 is scheduled for March 12. Each step is described as adding fixes and new technical changes.

The team linked the upgrades to performance and security work. It also connected the schedule to gradual decentralization goals. Pi Network has reported a large and growing user base. Reports cited by coverage place registered users at over 60 million.

As usage grows, the network must handle more activity. The node upgrade cycle is positioned as preparation for that demand. For operators, the immediate requirement remains clear. Mainnet nodes must be on v19.6 by February 15, 2026.