DigiByte Core v9.26 Update Guide (2026): Testnet vs Mainnet, What’s Changing, and How to Upgrade Safely

Let’s clear up the most important point first, because it’s where people get confused:

With that out of the way, here’s what DigiByte Core versions mean right now:

• Mainnet (everyday DGB users and node operators): run the latest stable DigiByte Core release.
• Testnet (developers/testers): DigiByte Core v9.26 release candidates are being used to test DigiDollar + oracle features and stability. These RC builds are TESTNET ONLY.

What Mainnet Users Should Run Today (Stable Track)

If you run a DigiByte node or use DigiByte Core as your wallet on mainnet, the current stable reference build is DigiByte Core v8.26.2.

This release is described as a maintenance update with important bug fixes (especially around RPC performance and correctness). That’s why it’s recommended for node operators and services.

What v9.26 Is (Testnet Track) — and What It’s NOT

DigiByte Core v9.26 is the next major development line currently shipping as release candidates (RCs) on testnet.

These RC builds are heavily focused on DigiDollar testnet functionality and the supporting oracle flow required for stablecoin mechanics.

What v9.26 is:

• a testnet release stream for developers and testers
• an environment to harden DigiDollar + oracle behaviour safely
• a place to find bugs before anything reaches mainnet

What v9.26 is NOT:

• it is not a mainnet release you should run for real funds
• it does not mean DigiDollar is already live on mainnet

Safe Upgrade Checklist (Do This Before Any Update)

1. Back up your wallet: if you use DigiByte Core as a wallet, back up your wallet.dat and store it offline.
2. Know your network: are you upgrading mainnet or testnet? Keep them separate.
3. Shut down cleanly: always close Core properly before replacing files.
4. Download official builds: avoid random “repacked” downloads.
5. Restart and verify: confirm version + syncing after upgrade.

How to Upgrade DigiByte Core on Mainnet (Windows / macOS / Linux)

Step 1) Shut down DigiByte Core

If you use the GUI, close it normally and wait for it to fully exit.

If you run the daemon, you can stop it cleanly:

digibyte-cli stop

Step 2) Install the new stable version

• Windows: run the installer (or replace binaries if you use a portable setup).
• macOS: replace the app bundle from the new DMG.
• Linux: replace binaries or update via your preferred package method.

Step 3) Start it again

Daemon example:

digibyted -daemon

Step 4) Verify it’s running and connected

digibyte-cli getnetworkinfo

If you’re a service operator, also verify the RPCs your tools depend on after upgrading.

How to Test v9.26 on Testnet (Without Risking Mainnet Funds)

If you want to help testing (which is genuinely valuable), do it safely:

• Never use mainnet private keys on testnet.
• Prefer a separate machine or at least a separate data directory.
• Label your folders clearly so you don’t mix environments.

Run testnet

digibyted -testnet -daemon

Check sync/status

digibyte-cli -testnet getblockchaininfo

(Recommended) Use a separate datadir for testnet work

This avoids any chance of mixing files with your mainnet setup:

digibyted -testnet -datadir=/path/to/dgb_testnet -daemon

Oracle Operators on Testnet (Only If You Know You’re One)

If you’re actively operating an oracle on the v9.26 testnet stream, release notes for rc builds may include operational steps after upgrade/restart (for example: loading the oracle wallet and restarting the oracle process).

If you’re not running an oracle, you can ignore this section.

digibyte-cli -testnet loadwallet "oracle"
digibyte-cli -testnet -rpcwallet=oracle startoracle <your_oracle_id>

So… Should You Install v9.26 Right Now?

If you are a normal DGB user (mainnet funds):

No. Stay on the latest stable mainnet release (v8.26.2) and keep your wallet/node safe and boring.

If you are a tester/developer:

Yes, on testnet only. That’s how the community helps catch bugs before anything reaches mainnet readiness.

Related on DigiByte.live

Bottom Line

DigiByte Core v8.26.2 is the stable mainnet track most people should run today. DigiByte Core v9.26 RC builds are testnet-only development releases focused on hardening DigiDollar + oracle functionality — and that does not mean DigiDollar is live on mainnet yet.

Upgrade safely, keep mainnet and testnet separate, and if you want to help development: test, break, report — on testnet only.

Sources

DigiByte.org (official downloads) v8.26.2 release notes (stable) v9.26.0-rc23 release notes (TESTNET ONLY) DigiDollar status page (testnet)