Bitcoin: Mining Difficulty Is Only 0.7% Above Its 2026 Low

The Bitcoin network has just passed a new adjustment confirming the fragility of mining in 2026. At block 963,648, mining difficulty decreased by 1.31% after a slight rebound recorded two weeks earlier. Since January, miners have alternated between declines and recoveries without managing to establish lasting growth. This dynamic brings difficulty to only 0.7% above its annual low, while nearly 150 EH/s have left the network.

Bitcoin: Mining Difficulty Decreasing Since January

The last adjustment reduced Bitcoin mining difficulty by 1.31% at block 963,648. This movement comes after a limited increase of 0.99% at block 961,632. Since the beginning of 2026, the data shows ten decreases against only seven increases. Recoveries thus remain difficult to maintain between adjustments.

Mining difficulty was nearly 148.25 trillion before the first adjustment on January 8. It is now at 125.81 trillion, about 15.1% below its initial level. This change reflects mining activity struggling to find a stable trajectory.

This trend reflects several phases of miner withdrawal. Bitcoin recorded rebounds, but these have often been followed by new declines. Power changes directly influence mining difficulty.

The June Low Almost Reached Again

On June 13, mining difficulty reached 124.93 trillion, its lowest level in 2026. It then climbed back to 133.87 trillion before falling to 127.17 trillion. After another drop to 126.23 trillion, it rebounded to 127.48 trillion. It finally hits 125.81 trillion, only 0.7% above the annual floor.

This sequence shows that the recovery since June has almost completely disappeared. For Bitcoin, the level remains close to the year’s lowest point. Mining difficulty has not retained gains from previous rebounds.

The last adjustment takes on particular significance after the previous 0.99% increase. This progress seemed to show improvement, but the following decline canceled it out. Mining difficulty thus returns near its annual low point. Bitcoin’s recovery remains to be confirmed in upcoming adjustments.

Nearly 150 EH/s Have Disappeared from the Network

Data cited by Bitcoin News indicate that about 150 exahash per second, or EH/s, of effective mining power have disappeared from the network. The hashrate remains significantly below its historical peak. This decline reflects the withdrawal of some of the computing power used to secure the blockchain. Bitcoin is therefore operating with lower computing capacity than at its previous peak.

The market has also weighed on operators. BTC’s price has lost over 50% since its historical peak above 126,000 dollars reached in October 2025. However, the gap with that former record has narrowed to 38.8%. This improvement has supported mining revenues.

In this context, mining difficulty becomes more favorable to miners still having operational capacities. Improved margins could allow some inactive power to return. This return depends, however, on the market’s ability to maintain its gains.

A Next Adjustment Under Watch

The next adjustment will be a new test for miners. About 150 EH/s of idled power could return if the price maintains its gains. Such a return would quickly reduce the advantage provided by the current difficulty. Difficulty could then begin to rise again.

The context remains fragile, though, as Bitcoin is still about 39% below its all-time high. Margins remain exposed to price fluctuations. If the market stagnates, the annual floor could once again be threatened. Prolonged increase could support revenues.

Mining difficulty will therefore remain a central indicator during the next cycle. Figures mainly show incomplete recoveries since January, without lasting stabilization signals. Bitcoin maintains a dynamic capable of directly influencing operators’ revenues. The next adjustment will measure the strength of the respite.

In the short term, the trajectory will depend mostly on Bitcoin’s price and the possible return of inactive power. Mining difficulty remains near its annual low, but this advantage can quickly disappear. BTC will need to maintain its gains to favor durable improvement in mining conditions. The next adjustment will provide a new evaluation element.