The Bitcoin network has just passed a new adjustment which confirms the fragility of mining in 2026. At block 963,648, the mining difficulty fell by 1.31%, after a slight rebound recorded two weeks earlier. Since January, miners have alternated declines and recoveries without managing to achieve lasting progress. This dynamic brings the difficulty to only 0.7% above its annual low, while nearly 150 EH/s left the network.
In brief
- Mining difficulty fell by 1.31% at block 963,648, after an increase of 0.99%.
- It reached 125.81 trillion, just 0.7% above its 2026 low.
- Since January, miners have experienced 10 drops in difficulty compared to 7 increases.
- Around 150 EH/s of mining power left the network this year.
- The next adjustment will be crucial in determining whether the mining recovery can consolidate.
Bitcoin: mining difficulty decreasing since January
The latest adjustment reduced the bitcoin mining difficulty by 1.31% at block 963,648. This movement comes after an increase limited to 0.99% at block 961,632. Since the start of 2026, data counts ten drops against only seven increases. Recovery therefore remains difficult to maintain between two adjustments.
Mining difficulty reached nearly 148.25 trillion before the first adjustment on January 8. It now stands at 125.81 trillion, approximately 15.1% below its initial level. This development reflects a mining activity that is struggling to find a stable trajectory.
This trend reflects several phases of withdrawal of miners. Bitcoin has seen rebounds, but these have often been followed by further declines. Power changes directly influence mining difficulty.
June low almost back
On June 13, mining difficulty reached 124.93 trillion, its lowest level of 2026. It then rose again to 133.87 trillion before dropping back to 127.17 trillion. After a further decline to 126.23 trillion, it rebounded to 127.48 trillion. It finally reached 125.81 trillion, only 0.7% above the annual low.
This succession shows that the recovery since June has almost completely disappeared. For Bitcoin, the level remains near the weakest point of the year. Mining difficulty has not retained gains from previous rebounds.
The final adjustment takes on particular significance after the previous increase of 0.99%. This progression seemed to mark an improvement, but the subsequent decline canceled it out. The mining difficulty thus returns close to its annual low point. The recovery of Bitcoin therefore remains to be confirmed in the next adjustments.
Nearly 150 EH/s disappeared from the network
Data cited by Bitcoin News indicates that approximately 150 exahash per second, or EH/s, of effective mining power has disappeared from the network. The hashrate remains significantly below its all-time high. This drop reflects the withdrawal of part of the power mobilized to secure the blockchain. Bitcoin is therefore evolving with a lower computing capacity than at its previous peak.
The market also weighed on operators. The price of BTC had lost more than 50% since its all-time high above $126,000, reached in October 2025. The gap with this old record, however, was reduced to 38.8%. This improvement supported mining revenues.
In this context, the difficulty of mining becomes more favorable to miners who still have operational capacities. Improved margins can allow some idle power to return. This return, however, depends on the market’s ability to maintain its gains.
A next adjustment under surveillance
The next adjustment will be a new test for the miners. Around 150 EH/s of dormant power could return if the price maintains its gains. Such a return would quickly reduce the advantage offered by the current difficulty. The difficulty could then start to rise again.
The context remains fragile, however, because Bitcoin is still around 39% below its historic peak. Margins remain exposed to price variations. If the market stagnates, the annual floor could again be threatened. A prolonged rise could support revenues.
Mining difficulty will therefore remain a central indicator during the next cycle. The figures mainly show incomplete recoveries since January, with no lasting signal of stabilization. Bitcoin maintains momentum capable of directly influencing operators’ revenues. The next adjustment will measure the strength of the respite.
In the short term, the trajectory will mainly depend on the price of bitcoin and the possible return of idle power. Mining difficulty remains near its annual low, but this advantage can quickly disappear. BTC will have to maintain its gains to promote a lasting improvement in mining conditions. The next adjustment will bring a new element of evaluation.
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