Pi Network has issued a mandatory upgrade deadline for all mainnet node operators. The Pi Core Team announced that the network is upgrading to Protocol version 22.1, with a strict cutoff date of April 27, 2026. Node operators who fail to complete the update by this deadline risk being disconnected from the network entirely.
The upgrade is part of a strict, sequential roadmap. Nodes must be updated in the following order: 19.1 → 19.6 → 19.9 → 20.2 → 21.2 → 22.1 → 23.0 → 24.1 → 25.1 → 26.0. The network is currently on version 21.2, making the move to 22.1 the immediate next step. This process is not optional; it is required for all mainnet nodes, including Computer App users, Nodes, and the critical SuperNodes that form the blockchain's backbone.
Officials state the upgrade process itself is relatively quick, with expected downtime under 15 minutes. To ensure network stability, operators are advised to stagger their upgrades and shift traffic to other active nodes during the process. Pi Network has also provided a fallback API endpoint to help maintain smooth traffic flow.
The announcement has created a sense of urgency within the Pi community, with node operators scrambling to comply. However, many view the upgrade positively, seeing it as a step toward a stronger and more secure network. Community analysts have noted that this may be part of a faster-paced rollout, with speculation that the core team is aiming to reach Protocol 26 by Pi2Day, the community's major annual event, though this has not been officially confirmed.
The next milestone after v22.1 is Protocol 23.0, which is tentatively expected by May 11, 2026. The Pi Network utilizes the Stellar Consensus Protocol (SCP) for its node system, which runs on desktop and laptop computers rather than mobile devices or energy-intensive mining rigs.
