Overview
Subnets on Bittensor can be removed from the network through a process called deregistration. If this happens to a subnet you're staked in, your alpha tokens are automatically converted back to TAO and returned to your wallet.
Why subnets get deregistered
Bittensor has a hard limit of 128 active subnets. When that limit is reached and someone tries to register a new subnet, the network removes the worst-performing subnet to make room.
The subnet chosen for removal is the one with the lowest EMA price (a smoothed average of its token price over time) among subnets that have passed their immunity period.
Key details:
Immunity period: New subnets are protected for 4 months after registration. During this time, they cannot be deregistered.
Rate limit: Only one subnet can be deregistered every 4 days.
Selection: If multiple subnets are tied for lowest price, the oldest one is removed first.
What happens to my stake?
When a subnet is deregistered, all alpha tokens in that subnet are liquidated automatically. Here's what that means for you:
Your alpha tokens are destroyed. They no longer exist after deregistration.
You receive TAO directly. The subnet's TAO pool is distributed proportionally to all alpha holders based on how much alpha you held.
TAO goes to your coldkey. The funds appear in your wallet's free balance, not as staked TAO.
Example: If you held 10% of a subnet's total alpha supply and the subnet's TAO pool contained 1,000 TAO, you would receive approximately 100 TAO.
Note: This process is automatic and immediate. You do not need to take any action to claim your TAO.
Common questions
Can I prevent a subnet from being deregistered? Not directly. Subnets with higher demand (reflected in higher alpha prices) are less likely to be targeted. Staking in active, high-performing subnets reduces this risk.
Will I lose money? It depends. You receive TAO proportional to your share of the subnet's pool at the time of deregistration. If the subnet's alpha price dropped significantly since you staked, you may receive less TAO than you originally put in.
How do I know if a subnet is at risk? Subnets with low alpha prices and low trading activity are more vulnerable. If a subnet has passed its 4-month immunity period and has one of the lowest prices on the network, it could be deregistered when space is needed for a new subnet.