Pi Network Starts Mainnet Upgrade v23 as Core Team Marks Moderator Day

Pi Network news today has started a new mainnet upgrade. The Pi core team is moving the protocol from version 19 to version 23 with a step-by-step process. All node operators must follow the same upgrade path. The team shared clear dates and instructions for each stage. 

🚨The #PiNetwork mainnet protocol is currently being upgraded from v19 to v23. All node operators, please note⚠️ The mandatory upgrade path for all nodes is: 19.1 → 19.6 → 19.9 → 20.2 → 21.1 → 22.1 → 23.0. Important dates: February 12, 2026: Full upgrade to v19.6 (in… pic.twitter.com/2eJBqtU5ub

— PiNetwork DEX⚡️阿龙 (@fen_leng) February 7, 2026

At the same time, the network also marked its annual Moderator Appreciation Day. The update shows that technical progress and community activity are happening together.

Mainnet Upgrade Moves Step by Step

The upgrade will not happen in one jump. Instead, nodes must move through several versions in order. The path goes from 19.1 → 19.6 → 19.9 → 20.2 → 21.1 → 22.1 → 23.0. Each step must finish across the network before the next one starts.

The Pi network shared the key dates for the upcoming updates:

• February 12, 2026: Complete upgrade to v19.6 (Upgrade in progress)
• February 27, 2026: Complete upgrade to v19.9 (Haven’t started)
• March 12, 2026: Complete upgrade to v20.2 (Haven’t started)

Right now Pi network is working on the move to version 19.6 with the deadline of February 12. After that the upgrade to version 19.9 should finish by February 27. Then version 20.2 is planned to complete by March 12. The core team warned node operators not to skip steps. They must wait until each upgrade becomes active. This helps keep the network stable and avoids errors.

What Pi Nodes Actually Do

Pi Nodes run on laptops and desktops. They help validate transactions. Also, they help the network agree on the order of those transactions. This process is called consensus. Unlike Bitcoin or Ethereum, Pi doesn’t use proof of work. Instead, it uses a model based on the Stellar Consensus Protocol. This system focuses on trust groups and communication between nodes. 

The goal is to make the network more energy efficient. Additionally, the team released new tools to make upgrades easier. A command line tool for Linux now helps node operators manage updates automatically. This should reduce mistakes during the upgrade cycle.

Community Focus on Moderator Day

Alongside the technical work, the community marked Moderator Appreciation Day. This event happens every first Friday of February. It celebrates the volunteers who help run chats, answer questions and guide new users.

🚨PiCoreTeam 📢Every First Friday of February (FFF day), Pi celebrates Moderator Appreciation Day! Today is about recognizing the moderators who make the #PiNetwork community what it is. Thanks to all Pi moderators for their incredible volunteer efforts in supporting the Pi… pic.twitter.com/wvWOyzaLws

— PiNetwork DEX⚡️阿龙 (@fen_leng) February 7, 2026

Moderators play a big role in the Pi ecosystem. They translate content, manage discussions and support users during KYC and migration steps. The core team thanked them publicly and shared a celebration message. The event gave a more human side to the  Pi network. While the mainnet upgrade focuses on code and nodes, Moderator Appreciation Day focuses on people.

Mixed Signals Around Future Plans

Some community posts also talked about possible links with Kraken. These include exchanges and infrastructure projects. But many of these claims are not official announcements. It remains speculation for now. For now, the main confirmed development by Pi Network news today is the protocol upgrade. Pi network is moving slowly but steadily toward version 23. If all steps go as planned the upgrade should improve performance and stability in the coming months.