ZKsync to Phase Out Lite Network by 2026, Focusing on Era and Elastic

Summary:
ZKsync plans to discontinue its original Lite network in 2026, directing users to its more advanced Era and Elastic networks. While the transition occurs, user funds will remain protected, and current withdrawal options will stay available.

Key Takeaways

ZKsync will shut down its Lite network in 2026 while maintaining support for withdrawals.
A migration plan will be released next year to guide users through the transition.
ZKsync Lite was initially launched in December 2020, offering lower transaction costs via zero-knowledge rollups on Ethereum.
Successors, ZKsync Era and Elastic Network, enhanced blockchain interoperability.
The platform received backing from Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin, attracting institutional interest.
ZKsync experienced security breaches in 2025, but user funds were mostly recovered.

ZKsync to shut down legacy Lite network in 2026.

Transition from ZKsync Lite Network

ZKsync is set to retire its original Lite network by 2026 and is shifting its focus toward newer technologies, specifically the Era and Elastic networks. This change comes after extensive pilot programs, security challenges, and a network upgrade supported by Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin.

Details on the Change

According to the development team, user funds will remain secure throughout the transition phase. The company plans to issue a detailed migration schedule next year that will outline the steps users need to follow.

ZKsync Lite was launched in December 2020 as a test platform for implementing zero-knowledge rollups on the Ethereum blockchain. This innovative technology allowed for significant reductions in transaction fees by processing batches of transactions and validating them with cryptographic proofs submitted to the Ethereum main chain.

The protocol was succeeded by ZKsync Era in 2023 and the Elastic Network in 2024, which allowed different blockchain networks to conduct transactions without needing conventional bridge infrastructure.

Growing Institutional Interest

Following a network upgrade in late 2025, Vitalik Buterin publicly endorsed ZKsync, boosting institutional interest in the platform and its associated ZK tokens. This endorsement had a positive impact on ZKsync’s market presence, causing an increase in token prices, as noted by market analysts.

Notably, Tradable, a financial services firm, utilized ZKsync for private credit tokenization, while major financial institutions like Deutsche Bank and UBS conducted pilot projects centered around asset tokenization on ZKsync’s infrastructure under regulatory guidance.

Security Challenges

In 2025, ZKsync faced two significant security incidents. In April, a hacker exploited a vulnerability that allowed them to mint unclaimed tokens during a distribution event. However, most of the stolen funds were recovered thanks to a bounty agreement with the attacker.

Shortly after, unauthorized individuals compromised official ZKsync social media accounts, disseminating false information about governmental investigations. These posts contained malicious links aimed at stealing user funds. Following this incident, the affected social media accounts were disabled.

ZKsync has reassured users that the current withdrawal functions to the Ethereum mainnet will remain operational throughout the deprecation of the Lite network. Users are encouraged to wait for official migration instructions as the transition evolves.