Pi Network has issued a firm notice to Mainnet node operators: every Mainnet node must upgrade to v19.6 by February 15, 2026, or it will no longer remain connected to the network. This is being framed as a mandatory protocol-level change rather than a routine software refresh. According to the material, the upgrade is tied to Pi’s path toward Open Mainnet, with the focus on security, scalability, and decentralization.
v19.6 becomes the required version for Mainnet participation
Pi Mainnet is still operating behind an Enclosed Network firewall, which limits outside connectivity. Once Open Network arrives, that firewall is expected to be lifted and community participation in node operations is expected to widen. Before that stage, node operators must complete the v19.6 update. The stated consequences for missing the deadline include temporary or permanent disconnection, loss of blockchain connectivity, and disqualification from future network participation benefits. The deadline is specific, and the language around compliance is strict.
Core Team is rolling upgrades from version 19 through 23
The source says the Core Team is deploying changes in stages, spanning version 19 to version 23. The compulsory v19.6 release is the immediate requirement, while the broader upgrade track is meant to improve node communication, transaction processing, and connectivity stability. Pi is also upgrading its use of the Stellar Consensus Protocol, or SCP. Instead of relying on energy-intensive mining, the protocol depends on trusted nodes reaching agreement on transactions, a design the project says supports safer and more scalable network operation.
Pi’s node structure keeps consumer hardware in the mix
The material presents Pi’s model as a more accessible route to blockchain participation because it does not center on dedicated mining hardware. Ordinary laptops and desktops can be part of the system. It outlines three levels of participation: a desktop interface layer that allows balance checks, chat access, and media viewing without blockchain validation; a node layer that validates the blockchain and submits transactions but requires technical package installation, selection, and KYC approval; and a super node layer that acts as the blockchain backbone, drafts transactions, stays online around the clock, and is selected by the Core Team with stronger hardware requirements.
Selection depends on uptime, hardware, trust score, and KYC
Requirements for nodes and super nodes go beyond basic device compatibility. Applicants are expected to maintain 24/7 uptime, have stable and fast internet access, and initially be able to open router ports. Processor capacity and memory also matter. On the community side, strong security circles, prior contributions, and high reliability and trust scores are listed as important criteria. KYC is mandatory, and selected applicants are notified directly through the node interface.
Reward expectations remain unsettled as open-source work is prepared
The source links Mainnet stability to an organized Testnet progression, moving through hardware and connection screening, stress testing, consensus refinements, simulated quorum experiments, scalability testing, and then a live Testnet using real security circle data. It also says the centralized testing layer used before full decentralization will eventually be removed.
What many operators want clarified is rewards, and the current answer is limited. Testnet nodes do not mine rewards, and the incentive mechanism is still under consideration. The Core Team is said to be collecting information to build a fairer reward system. Community sentiment appears split: some expect KYC rewards in March 2026, while others remain frustrated by delayed node incentives and verification bottlenecks. The article also notes that the blockchain component is planned for open-source release, with a GitHub repository in preparation. The latest Pi Node software version cited is 0.5.4, with support for Windows, Mac, and Linux.