Pi Network (PI) is requiring all Mainnet node operators to complete the first step of a planned series of blockchain protocol upgrades by Feb. 15, as the project claims 16 million users have now migrated to its Mainnet.
What Happened: Node Upgrade Deadline
The Pi Core Team posted on X on Feb. 11 that the Pi Mainnet blockchain protocol is undergoing a series of upgrades, with the first step carrying a Feb. 15 deadline. All Mainnet nodes must complete this step to remain connected to the network.
The announcement came alongside a broader update on the project's node infrastructure. Pi nodes, which run on laptops and desktop computers rather than mobile devices, represent what the team calls the "fourth role" in the Pi Network community.
The network relies on a consensus model based on the Stellar Consensus Protocol rather than proof-of-work mining, using trusted groups known as quorum slices and a global trust graph built from mobile users' security circles.
The system operates across three tiers of participation: a computer app for checking balances and accessing internal tools, standard node participation for verifying blockchain validity and submitting transactions, and a SuperNode tier that handles consensus and ledger synchronization around the clock.
SuperNode operators must maintain stable 24/7 connectivity and are selected by the Core Team following KYC approval.
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Why It Matters: Community Frustration Grows
The upgrade announcement did little to quiet persistent frustration within the Pi community. Rather than discussing the technical changes, many users pushed back against what they see as a lack of transparency around the project's second migration phase, questioning when their Pi tokens would finally be moved to the Mainnet.
Others demanded more details on what the upgrades would actually entail and whether they would address concerns about missing tokens. The pattern of community backlash is not new — previous Core Team posts have drawn similar criticism over unresolved issues.
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