Pi Network is up by 2% while the entire crypto market is bleeding red. Protocol 20 upgrade is the reason why the price of the token has increased. 16M Pi tokens will be unlocked on March 20. When most of the crypto market is falling, it is rare to see a coin move in the opposite direction. But that is exactly what Pi coin did today, March 19, 2026. While the crypto market dropped by almost 4%, Pi coin managed to climb up by 2%. At press time, the price of the token stands at $0.1762 with an uptick of 2.03% in the last 24-hours as per CoinMarketCap. Pi coin 24-hours chart This increase, even though it is small, has caught the attention of the investors, especially during a time when the broader crypto market is suffering. The Big Upgrade That Changed Everything According to an X post, the Pi Network has officially completed a big step in its development roadmap with the successful upgrade of its Mainnet to Protocol 20. The update, as confirmed by the Pi Core team, also includes all major Pi nodes moving to version 20.2. This migration will make sure that there is full support for the new protocol across the network. The Pi Mainnet has successfully upgraded to Protocol 20, laying the foundation for supporting smart contracts. Node operators, please ensure your systems are up to date and stay tuned for instructions regarding the upcoming v21 upgrade. — Pi Network (@PiCoreTeam) March 19, 2026 The upgrade is important because it lays down the groundwork for introducing smart contracts (self-executing programs that can allow apps, payments and automated transactions without intermediaries) on Pi. The other thing that has been highlighted in one of the X posts is that instead of launching everything at once, the network is planning to introduce smart contracts in phases. As Pi Network executives have been highlighting, the main focus will be on real-world utility . All major Pi nodes have now been upgraded to version 20.2 and are supporting protocol 20. Pi has also completed the upgrade of its Mainnet blockchain to protocol 20. Protocol 20 provides the foundation to enable smart contract capabilities, and the rollout of smart contracts… pic.twitter.com/fxxqgABmdI — Pi Network (@PiCoreTeam) March 18, 2026 The exact types of smart contracts and other data will depend on how the ecosystem moves ahead and what developers and users need the most. Moreover, the team also hinted at the next step which is Protocol 21. For this upgrade, the node operators have been asked to keep their systems updated and stay ready for further instructions, indicating that the development is steadily moving forward. Pi Day Rally Followed By Sharp Correction After the Pi day, March 14, the token experienced a great jump in its price. This rally was driven by ecosystem updates and the hype that was created around the token. Adding to this, Pi coin also got listed on Kraken, a cryptocurrency exchange, which brought in fresh visibility and trading interest. Coming tomorrow: $PI @PiCoreTeam Pi Network is a mobile-first Layer-1 blockchain and developer platform with a utility-based ecosystem on an identity-verified mainnet. Post-only mode, deposits enabled. Trading starts Mar 13 at 15:00 UTC Get ready → https://t.co/sncSsMhRi3 pic.twitter.com/INdfG8WMjr — Kraken Listings (@krakenlistings) March 12, 2026 At its peak during this phase, Pi coin climbed up to $0.3 range and then shortly after, the price of Pi coin dropped by 30%. Such drop is very common in crypto as early buyers and short-term traders take profits. This in-turn increases selling pressure and pushes the prices down. According to analysts, Pi Network is holding on to an important support zone which lies between $0.16 and $0.17. If the price of the Pi coin manages to stay above $0.17, then it could move up toward $0.20. That’s the next level where selling pressure might increase. Pi Coin Unlock Scheduled for March 20 However, there is a bigger concern here. According to Pi Scan, tomorrow, March 20, around 16 million Pi coins are scheduled for an unlock and will enter circulation. This unlock will increase the supply of tokens, which may create a selling pressure and push down the price of the token, unless a strong demand absorbs it. So, as of now, the mood is neutral. The recent upgrade is positive and the price bounce looks healthy. But the real test is the demand for the tokens. Will the buyers be able to absorb the new supply that would come in after the unlock? Only time will tell. Also Pi Network Price Dips Below $0.18 Despite Signs of Market Recovery
