Bitcoin Network Mining Difficulty Falls in Jan 2026
Bitcoin's mining difficulty slightly decreased to 146.4 trillion in the first adjustment of 2026.Summary
The Bitcoin (BTC) network mining difficulty saw a slight decrease to 146.4 trillion in the first adjustment of 2026. However, the next adjustment, estimated for January 22, 2026, is projected to increase the difficulty to 148.20 T, as average block times are currently slightly below the 10-minute target. Mining difficulty had reached new all-time highs in 2025, though the final adjustment of that year kept it below the November peak of 155.9 trillion. The year 2025 was described as the "harshest margin environment" for miners due to the April 2024 halving and macroeconomic pressures. Miner profitability was severely impacted, with the hash price falling below breakeven levels of $40 per PH/s/day, dropping below $35 in November 2025. Further pressure came from a sharp crypto market downturn in October and November, which saw BTC prices dip below $80,000, and tariffs enacted by US President Donald Trump affecting supply chains.
(Source：Cointelegraph)