Istanbul Hard Fork Upgrade is Coming!
The Ethereum network is scheduled to upgrade at block height 9,069,000, expected around Saturday, December 7, 2019. The exact date may vary slightly due to block time fluctuations and timezone differences.
Since the target block height arrival time is unpredictable, ensure your node is upgraded by Sunday, December 1, 2019.
👉 Track real-time Ethereum fork progress for live updates and countdown timers.
What Is the Istanbul Hard Fork?
Istanbul is the name of this Ethereum network upgrade. Previous upgrades were named Constantinople, Spurious Dragon, and Byzantium.
For Ethereum Users and ETH Holders
If you use services like:
- Exchanges (e.g., Coinbase, Kraken, Binance)
- Web wallets (e.g., Metamask, MyCrypto, MyEtherWallet)
- Mobile wallets (e.g., Coinbase Wallet, Status.im, Trust Wallet)
- Hardware wallets (e.g., Ledger, Trezor, KeepKey)
No action is required unless notified by your service provider.
For Node Operators and Miners
Download the latest versions of Ethereum clients:
- Geth: v1.9.7
- Parity: v2.5.10-stable
- Besu: v1.3.4
- Nethermind: v1.1.8
- EthereumJS: v4.0.2
- Trinity: v0.1.0-alpha.30
- Aleth: v1.7.1
Note: Harmony (Java Ethereum client) is deprecated and will not support Istanbul. Migrate to Besu for Java-compatible mainnet functionality.
Risks of Not Upgrading
Nodes running outdated clients will sync to the pre-fork blockchain, becoming incompatible with the upgraded Ethereum network. This means:
- Inability to send ETH.
- No access to post-upgrade network operations.
Understanding Ethereum Network Upgrades
Network upgrades are protocol changes that introduce new rules to enhance the system. Decentralization requires coordinated efforts between the community and client developers to ensure smooth transitions.
What Happens During the Upgrade?
Protocol changes activate at a specific block height. Nodes not upgraded to the new rules will remain on the old chain, following previous protocols.
Key Changes in Istanbul
The upgrade includes EIPs (Ethereum Improvement Proposals) defining standards for core protocols, APIs, and contracts. For details, refer to the Ethereum Cat Herders’ upgrade analysis.
👉 Explore EIPs and testnet updates
Acknowledgments
Heartfelt thanks to the Ethereum community and developers for their collaboration, advice, and tireless contributions!
FAQ Section
Q: Will my ETH balance change after the upgrade?
A: No. Balances remain unaffected; only protocol rules are updated.
Q: How long does the upgrade take?
A: It’s instantaneous at the target block height, but node operators must upgrade beforehand.
Q: Can I revert the upgrade?
A: No. The changes are permanent once activated.
Q: Are there risks of chain splits?
A: Minimal if most nodes upgrade. Outdated nodes may follow a minority chain.
Q: Where can I monitor upgrade progress?
A: Use block explorers or Ethereum network tools.
Q: What if I miss the upgrade deadline?
A: Your node will be incompatible. Upgrade as soon as possible to rejoin the network.