The IOTA Rebased mainnet upgrade marks a pivotal milestone in the evolution of the IOTA network, setting the stage for a more scalable, secure, and decentralized future. Scheduled to launch on May 5, 2025, at 9:00 AM CEST, this comprehensive overhaul transitions the network from the Stardust phase to a fully rebased, next-generation blockchain infrastructure.
This guide delivers a clear, in-depth breakdown of what the upgrade entails, how users can prepare, and what to expect during and after the transition. Whether you're a token holder, validator, developer, or ecosystem participant, this article ensures you stay informed and ready.
What Is the IOTA Rebased Upgrade?
The IOTA Rebased upgrade is a foundational network reset designed to enhance performance, governance, and long-term sustainability. Unlike traditional hard forks, this is a coordinated genesis event that establishes a new mainnet with improved consensus mechanics, streamlined staking, and enhanced smart contract capabilities via the IOTA EVM (Ethereum Virtual Machine).
Importantly, no token migration is required for IOTA holders. Your assets will carry over seamlessly—provided you have access to your wallet credentials.
Core Keywords:
- IOTA Rebased upgrade
- IOTA mainnet 2025
- IOTA wallet migration
- IOTA EVM
- Genesis Ceremony
- IOTA staking
- Validator network
- Blockchain upgrade
Preparing Your Assets for the Upgrade
To ensure uninterrupted access to your IOTA tokens and digital assets post-upgrade, preparation is essential.
Wallet Requirements
The legacy Firefly wallet will be deprecated after the upgrade. Users must transition to the new official IOTA wallet, a browser extension available at launch on major platforms like Chrome. To import your funds:
- Export your private key, mnemonic phrase, or stronghold file from Firefly or Bloom Wallet.
- Install the new IOTA wallet extension.
- Restore your wallet using your backup credentials.
Hardware Wallet Support
Ledger devices remain fully supported. However, users must install the new IOTA Ledger app compatible with the rebased mainnet. Note: The Ledger Nano S is deprecated in Ledger Live and requires manual setup.
Backup Best Practices
- Store your recovery phrase offline.
- Verify your backup by testing restoration in a secure environment.
- Avoid sharing credentials or storing them digitally.
For detailed steps, refer to the official wallet documentation—but remember, only the new wallet will function post-upgrade.
Exchange Support and Trading Continuity
Most major exchanges supporting IOTA trading will be compatible with the Rebased mainnet. While trading will continue uninterrupted, deposits and withdrawals will be temporarily paused during the upgrade window.
Expected downtime: 4–8 hours. Services are anticipated to resume shortly after network stabilization. Users should plan accordingly and avoid initiating transfers around the launch window.
The Genesis Ceremony: A Step-by-Step Breakdown
The Rebased launch is not an automatic fork—it's a meticulously orchestrated Genesis Ceremony led by the IOTA Foundation and 12 trusted validator entities, including:
- IOTA Ecosystem DLT Foundation
- Tangle Ecosystem Association
- DLT Green
- P2P.org
- Luganodes
- Twinstake
- KILN
- Stakin
- Nansen
- Blockscope
- DAIC/Coinage
- Staketab
These validators ensure transparency, consensus, and network integrity from day one.
Phase 1: Network Shutdown & Snapshot
At 9:00 AM CEST on May 5, 2025:
- The Stardust mainnet and IOTA EVM are shut down.
- Full ledger snapshots are taken from multiple Hornet nodes.
- Transparent address mappings are created—especially for treasury funds transitioning to a new custody provider.
All data is stored in a publicly accessible repository for external verification.
Phase 2: Genesis Data Construction
The IOTA Foundation compiles:
- A Stardust Objects Snapshot from verified data.
- Validator metadata submissions.
- A finalized delegation map showing treasury stakes.
- An unsigned genesis checkpoint containing initial state data.
- A migration.blob file to reconstruct ledger objects at boot.
Phase 3: Validator Verification
Each validator:
- Downloads the unsigned genesis and migration files.
- Independently verifies data integrity.
- Digitally signs the checkpoint upon confirmation.
This step ensures consensus before launch.
Phase 4: Finalizing the Genesis
Validators run a finalization command to generate the signed genesis.blob, which includes all validator signatures. This file becomes the cryptographic foundation of the new network.
Phase 5: Network Launch
- The genesis.blob is published on public repositories and Amazon S3.
- A new node software version—containing a unique chain ID—is released.
- Validators deploy nodes and bootstrap connections.
- RPC endpoints, APIs, explorers, and wallets go live.
- The IOTA EVM resumes within 4–8 hours.
For technical deep dives, explore the Genesis Ceremony Playbook.
Using the New IOTA Wallet
The new browser-based wallet offers enhanced functionality:
- Import from Firefly or Bloom
- Send and receive tokens
- Stake IOTA for rewards
- Manage NFTs and digital assets
Key features:
- Integrated staking dashboard
- Real-time vesting schedule tracking (from Assembly-to-IOTA conversion)
- Support for multiple account types
Alternative tools:
- IOTA Wallet Dashboard: A web app offering advanced asset visibility (launching pre-upgrade).
- Nightly Wallet: A third-party dApp available on web and mobile.
Exploring the New Network
Two blockchain explorers provide full transparency:
- Official IOTA Explorer (explorer.iota.org)
- IOTAscan.com (community-developed)
Both offer real-time tracking of:
- Transactions
- Validator activity
- Smart contract interactions
- Network performance metrics
Developers and users alike can monitor chain health and ecosystem growth from day one.
IOTA EVM and Cross-Layer Functionality
The IOTA EVM resumes operations on launch day, enabling Ethereum-compatible dApps and tools. Users can continue using MetaMask with updated network settings.
A new IOTA EVM Bridge Web App (formerly EVM Toolkit) will facilitate seamless asset transfers between Layer 1 and the EVM. This tool will be released shortly before launch.
Expanding the Validator Network
The network launches with 13 validators. Growth is planned in phases:
- ~10 new validators added daily
- Target: 50 validators within 5 days
- Long-term goal: 150 validators over several months
Token holders are encouraged to delegate their stake to support decentralization and earn staking rewards.
FAQs:
Q: Do I need to migrate my IOTA tokens?
A: No. Your tokens will automatically appear in the new network if you restore your wallet with valid credentials.
Q: Can I use my Ledger Nano S after the upgrade?
A: Yes, but manual installation of the new IOTA app is required as it’s no longer supported in Ledger Live.
Q: Will exchanges support the new mainnet?
A: Yes, all major exchanges are coordinating support. Deposits/withdrawals will resume post-upgrade.
Q: What happens if I lose my mnemonic phrase?
A: Without your recovery phrase, you will lose access to your funds. Always back up securely.
Q: How can I start staking?
A: Use the new IOTA wallet to delegate your tokens to a validator and earn rewards.
Q: Is the Genesis Ceremony open to public verification?
A: Yes. All snapshots, mappings, and artifacts are published for independent audit.
Infrastructure and Ecosystem Readiness
Post-launch availability includes:
- Immediate access to RPC endpoints and APIs
- Rapid integration of exchange deposit/withdrawal services
- Gradual rollout of decentralized applications (dApps)
Developers can access full documentation via the IOTA Developer Portal.
The IOTA Rebased upgrade ushers in a new era of innovation, scalability, and community-driven governance. With seamless asset continuity, robust infrastructure, and a transparent launch process, the network is poised for long-term growth. Stay prepared, stay informed, and get ready to explore what's next.