PI Unveils Second Migration Phase and Mandatory Node Upgrades for Mainnet Stability

Pi Network has launched a second migration phase to allow users to transfer additional Pi balances and referral mining rewards to the Mainnet according to MEXC. The process requires verified KYC status for referrals and two-factor authentication for secure transfers, emphasizing compliance and fairness. Node operators must follow a sequential upgrade path leading to v23.0 by May 18, 2026, to ensure network-wide synchronization and stability as reported by Bitget.

Pi Network has introduced a second migration phase to allow users to transfer additional balances, including referral mining rewards, to the Mainnet. This phase follows the initial migration and complements it by providing more opportunities for users to expand their Mainnet holdings according to MEXC. The update supports the broader transition to a more functional Web3 ecosystem while ensuring network stability and user fairness.

The second migration phase requires users to complete KYC verification for their referrals, as referral rewards are only transferable if the referred users pass KYC checks. Additionally, two-factor authentication is mandatory for all transfers to enhance security and prevent fraud. Over 119,000 users have already completed this phase, demonstrating steady progress.

Users with tentative KYC status are ineligible for additional migrations, even if they previously participated in the first migration. This restriction reinforces the importance of maintaining verified KYC status for continued participation in Mainnet activities according to MEXC. Some users have reported issues such as returned tokens and stalled transfers, prompting ongoing discussions within the community about the migration process.

How Does the Second Migration Work for Referral Mining Rewards?

The second migration phase includes referral mining rewards, which are calculated based on individual mining sessions. These rewards are only transferable if the referrals have completed KYC verification. The process involves complex backend computations and staged rollouts to ensure accurate reward allocation and compliance with regulatory requirements according to MEXC.

Referral rewards are now transferable to the Mainnet, increasing the utility of PiCoin and expanding its use cases beyond mining. This update supports real-world applications and enhances ecosystem participation according to MEXC. The Pi Launchpad, a testnet feature, is also being developed to support new app development and practical use of Pi tokens.

What Are the Implications of the Node Upgrades for Pi Network's Mainnet?

Pi Network has outlined a 2026 node upgrade roadmap leading to version 23.0 by May 18, 2026. This mandatory upgrade is designed to improve node performance, security, and scalability, bringing the network closer to Web3 adoption and a potential mainnet token launch according to AInvest.

Node operators must follow the exact sequence of upgrades—19.1 → 19.6 → 19.9 → 20.2 → 21.2 → 22.1 → 23.0—to maintain network consensus and synchronization. Operators who skip any version risk falling out of sync or losing validation privileges according to Facebook. The testnet is already operating on v23, leading to speculation that a mainnet token launch could occur as early as June 2026.

The upgrade sequence ensures that each version is fully functional before proceeding to the next, prioritizing stability and preventing disruptions. Manual updates are required for Linux CLI or Docker nodes, and operators are advised to verify their upgrade status using commands like 'pi-node update-protocol' according to Facebook.

The second migration and node upgrades are part of Pi Network's ongoing efforts to build a secure, compliant, and scalable blockchain ecosystem. These developments are expected to enhance user engagement, support real-world applications, and move the project closer to a fully functional Web3 platform.