Pi Network Mandates Protocol 23 Upgrade for All Mainnet Nodes Before May 15 Deadline

TLDR:

• Pi Network has set a firm May 15 deadline for all Mainnet nodes to complete the Protocol 23 upgrade.
• The Protocol 23 upgrade takes longer than usual, so node operators are urged to begin the process early.
• Pi Node version 0.5.4 is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux via the Pi Desktop application download.
• SuperNodes must maintain a 24/7 connection and pass KYC verification to actively participate in consensus.

Pi Network has announced a mandatory upgrade to Protocol 23 for all Mainnet nodes, with a deadline set for May 15.

The upgrade is described as taking longer than usual to complete, so node operators are advised to plan accordingly.

This development marks another step in Pi Network’s ongoing effort to build a more decentralized and user-driven blockchain infrastructure, as the project continues to expand its node participation framework.

Protocol 23 Upgrade Requirements for Mainnet Nodes

Pi Network shared the upgrade announcement through its official channel, stating that all Mainnet nodes must complete the Protocol 23 upgrade before the May 15 deadline to remain connected to the network.

The Core Team noted that this particular upgrade requires more time than previous updates, urging node operators not to delay the process.

The Pi Node software is currently available at version 0.5.4 and can be downloaded for Windows, Mac, and Linux systems.

Operators access the upgrade through the Pi Desktop application, which serves as the gateway for running and managing node activity on the network.

Node operators are grouped into three participation levels: Computer App users, Nodes, and SuperNodes. SuperNodes carry the heaviest responsibility, as they must maintain a 24/7 connection and actively participate in the consensus process that writes transactions to the Pi ledger.

The selection criteria for Nodes and SuperNodes include uptime reliability, a stable internet connection, sufficient hardware performance, and prior contributions to the Pi community. Applicants who meet these thresholds and pass KYC verification are enrolled to serve in the network.

Pi Node’s Role in Progressive Decentralization

Pi Network’s node infrastructure is built on the Stellar Consensus Protocol (SCP), where nodes form trusted groups called quorum slices.

These groups only validate transactions that their trusted peers also agree to, creating a layered security model rooted in community trust.

The security circles established by mobile miners on the Pi app aggregate into a global trust graph. This graph feeds directly into how SuperNodes and Nodes form their quorum slices, linking mobile participation to the broader consensus mechanism.

Unlike traditional proof-of-work systems, Pi’s node model is designed for everyday users running standard desktops or laptops.

The goal is to reduce the technical barrier to participation, making node operation accessible without requiring deep blockchain expertise.

As Pi Network moves further through its Testnet roadmap — covering the Selection, Revision, and Live Testnet stages — the Protocol 23 upgrade supports the infrastructure needed for real transaction testing.

The Core Team has stated that the centralized layer used during testing will eventually be removed once the Mainnet reaches full operational status.

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