Bitcoin split into two chains after the BIP-110 enforcement chain produced blocks and then halted, leaving the main network to continue advancing while the minority enforcement chain stalled.
Bitcoin split into two chains after the BIP-110 enforcement chain produced blocks and then halted, leaving the main network to continue advancing while the minority enforcement chain stalled.
A chain split occurs when nodes following different consensus rules diverge, each treating a different set of blocks as valid. In this case the divergence centered on BIP-110 enforcement, a rules change that entered mandatory signaling with less than 3% miner support. For related coverage, see Coldcard Hack Hits Bitcoin Hardware Wallets.
The enforcement chain briefly produced blocks before stalling, an outcome tracked in real time on a dedicated BIP-110 monitor. The broader background to the divergence was covered when a data debate turned into a live consensus test on the network.
- The split: Bitcoin diverged into two observable chains, one continuing to add blocks and one enforcing BIP-110 rules.
- The halt: The BIP-110 enforcement chain stopped advancing after an early run of blocks.
Why the BIP-110 enforcement chain halted
BIP-110 enforcement created a rules-based distinction between the two chains, meaning nodes running the enforcement rules recognized a different valid chain than the rest of the network. This is a consensus-rule split, not ordinary transaction congestion.
With enforcement activating at very low miner support, the chain following those rules had little hash power behind it. The scheduled activation was published on the project’s own activation page, which set out the signaling and enforcement timeline.
The result was that the minority enforcement chain mined an early set of blocks and then stalled, while the majority chain kept extending. That pattern was documented when the minority fork mined two blocks, then stalled, and when BIP-110 supporters split to the minority chain as Bitcoin mainnet led.
The main chain’s continued progress can be verified directly on-chain through the block explorer entry for a recent mined block, which shows the majority chain adding blocks after the divergence.
What the split means for users, exchanges, and node operators
Chain splits create uncertainty around chain selection, because software must decide which chain to follow. For most users the practical question is which chain their wallet and exchange treat as Bitcoin.
Exchanges and service providers may pause deposits, withdrawals, or confirmations while network conditions are unclear, since transactions valid on one chain may not carry the same status on the other. Users should watch announcements from exchanges, wallet providers, and node software maintainers for guidance on which chain is being followed.
Resolution of a minority split of this kind typically depends on hash power and adoption. With the enforcement chain stalled after only an early run of blocks, the majority chain remains the one continuing to advance. The earlier stages of this event were also covered when Bitcoin hit block 961,632 as the BIP-110 fork attempt began.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Cryptocurrency and digital asset markets carry significant risk. Always do your own research before making decisions.
