- Pi Network has set an April 27 deadline for node operators to upgrade to Protocol 22 or risk being disconnected from the Mainnet.
- The update supports network stability as speculation grows that Pi may be moving toward further protocol upgrades.
Pi Network has announced a strict upgrade requirement for its node operators as it moves the Mainnet to Protocol 22. The update must be completed by April 27, or affected nodes risk being disconnected from the network.
The upgrade is part of Pi Network’s ongoing development of its decentralized infrastructure, which relies on community-run nodes to validate transactions and maintain the blockchain.
Pi Network Mainnet Upgrade to Protocol 22
On April 17, the Pi Core Team confirmed that the Pi Mainnet is transitioning to Protocol 22. The update introduces a hard deadline for all node operators, who must upgrade their software to remain active participants.
The latest node software version, 0.5.4, is already available for Windows, Mac, and Linux users. According to the team, the upgrade is necessary to ensure network stability and alignment across all nodes.
Failure to update before April 27 may result in disconnection from the network, effectively removing nodes from participation in validation activities.
What Node Operators Need to Do Before April 27
Pi Network node operators running on the mainnet are required to install the latest Protocol 22 update before the deadline. The upgrade applies to all levels of participation, including standard nodes and SuperNodes.
SuperNodes, which form the backbone of Pi’s blockchain infrastructure, are expected to remain online continuously to support network operations.
Pi nodes are typically run on desktop devices rather than mobile phones. They help validate transactions and support the distributed ledger system that powers the network.
How Pi Network Consensus Works
Unlike Bitcoin and Ethereum, which rely on energy-intensive mining systems, Pi Network uses the Stellar Consensus Protocol (SCP).
This system allows nodes to reach agreement through trusted groups instead of computational power. Nodes only validate transactions that are also approved by their trusted peers, making the process more lightweight and accessible for everyday users.
The network is structured into three participation levels:
- Computer App users
- Nodes
- SuperNodes
Each level plays a different role, but all mainnet node operators must comply with the April 27 upgrade requirement.
Community Speculation Around Protocol 26
While Protocol 22 is the confirmed upgrade, some community analysts suggest that Pi Network may already be preparing for a faster progression toward Protocol 26.
Analysts such as drealFx and FireSide Pi believe the project could be moving toward additional upgrades ahead of Pi2Day, one of the most anticipated community events.
They also warn developers to prepare for possible changes related to smart contract compatibility in upcoming protocol versions.
However, the Pi Core Team has not officially confirmed any timeline beyond the current Protocol 22 rollout.
Final Thoughts
The April 27 deadline marks an important step in Pi Network’s infrastructure development. Node operators who fail to update risk losing network access, while those who comply help maintain stability across the ecosystem.
As speculation grows around future upgrades, attention now shifts to how quickly Pi Network will continue evolving its protocol after Protocol 22.
ALSO READ: Pi Network Set for Major V23 Upgrade With Smart Contracts and DEX Launch
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