Pi Network’s Core Team recently took to X to declare the successful migration of the latest blockchain update. The recent implementation of protocol v19.6 paves the way for v19.9, the final step before the eagerly awaited v20.

This announcement also stressed to node operators the importance of upgrading to remain compliant with the new version.

Network Update: Protocol v19.6 migration successfully completed ✅ Next up is v19.9 — the final step before v20. Node operators should make sure they’re upgraded and stay tuned for further instructions: Link — Pi Network (@PiCoreTeam), February 20, 2026

Nodes, The Update Is Here

The team had previously highlighted that node operators need to migrate by February 15 to maintain their connection to the network following this update.

In an explanation tailored for node operators, the team described nodes as the “fourth role within the Pi ecosystem,” requiring operation on laptops and desktops, not mobile devices. Their function is akin to those in other blockchains, focusing on transaction validation and ledger maintenance by achieving consensus.

However, Pi Network differs from proof-of-work systems like Bitcoin in its approach. Utilizing the Stellar Consensus Protocol (SCP), nodes from trusted groups validate transactions only when there’s agreement from reliable peers.

Notably, the trusted groups of mobile miners create a global trust graph that determines the nodes eligible for validation.

Building for Accessibility

The Core Team underscored the distinction between Pi Network nodes and those in other blockchains. They assert that Pi Network’s user-driven design makes it easy for less technologically adept users to install the Pi Node desktop application and manage their participation effortlessly.

This strategy aligns with Pi’s vision of “progressive decentralization,” allowing the network to gradually evolve toward full decentralization while remaining user-friendly.