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Pi Node & Mining Guides

How to run a Pi Node, increase your mining rate and stay connected to Mainnet

Running a Pi Node

Nodes support the Pi blockchain and earn operators an extra mining bonus

  1. Download and install Docker Desktop from docker.com and accept the service agreement.
  2. Download the Pi Node software from node.minepi.com and install it.
  3. Sign in with your Pi account and open the Node section of the app.
  4. Allow the required ports (31400-31409) through your firewall and router so other nodes can reach you.
  5. Keep the node running consistently — uptime and reliability affect your node bonus.
  6. Keep the software updated: nodes on outdated protocol versions lose Mainnet connectivity after upgrade deadlines.

Download the node software from node.minepi.com and Docker Desktop from docker.com.

Protocol upgrades in 2026

Why keeping your node updated matters

The Pi Mainnet has gone through a series of protocol upgrades in 2026, starting from version 19.6 in February. The Protocol 26 upgrade, with a node deadline of August 11, 2026, improves smart contract safety, state management, interoperability and reduces the historical data nodes need to store. Version 27 is planned as the final step of this upgrade cycle.

Node operators who miss an upgrade deadline lose Mainnet connectivity until they update. Regular Pi app miners are not affected — only Mainnet node infrastructure needs upgrading.

Boosting your mining rate

Mine every 24 hours

Tap the lightning button in the Pi app daily. Boosts only apply while your session is active.

Complete your security circle

Add up to five trusted people to your security circle for a +20% base-rate boost each.

Build an active referral team

Each actively mining referral adds +25% of the base rate while you both mine.

Use lockup rewards

Voluntarily locking up migrated Pi for a set duration gives a configurable mining bonus.

Run a node

Node operators earn an additional bonus based on uptime, port openness and CPU contribution.

Estimate what these bonuses mean for you with the Pi mining calculator.