The bitcoin mining difficulty experienced its largest negative adjustment (-11.16%) since the july 2021 china mining ban, which preceded a major market crash. this marks the 10th biggest downward adjustment in btc history, signaling a significant reset in hash power dynamics and potentially validating an ongoing bear market.
Based on on-chain data from a reputable cryptoquant analyst (j.a maartunn) and historical comparisons, providing specific metrics and context.
The difficulty drop is presented as a metric validating the emergence of a bear market, suggesting current bearish conditions and potential security challenges. however, the article also hints at a 'bullish reset incoming,' citing historical rebounds after significant crashes, an oversold relative strength index (rsi), and growing btc accumulation, suggesting a potential recovery point from current lows.
A major mining difficulty adjustment, especially one compared to a historical market-moving event like the china ban, typically has long-term implications for miner profitability, network security, and overall market sentiment, potentially signaling a prolonged market phase or a significant turnaround.
Cover image via U.Today Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by our writers are their own and do not represent the views of U.Today. The financial and market information provided on U.Today is intended for informational purposes only. U.Today is not liable for any financial losses incurred while trading cryptocurrencies. Conduct your own research by contacting financial experts before making any investment decisions. We believe that all content is accurate as of the date of publication, but certain offers mentioned may no longer be available. Read U.TODAY on Google News Bitcoin (BTC) is currently facing drawdowns in multiple metrics, with on-chain data showing a significant crash in its mining difficulty. Per an insight from CryptoQuant analyst J.A Maartunn, the Bitcoin mining difficulty is down 11.16% following the latest network adjustment. Advertisement Bitcoin's hash value faces reset Specifically, the analyst said this Bitcoin mining difficulty drawdown is the largest negative adjustment since July 2021. For reference, this was when the China mining ban was implemented, preceding a major market crash. Notably, this mining reset also marked the 10th biggest downward difficulty adjustment in Bitcoin’s history. This is described as a major reset in hash power dynamics. Difficulty Shock ⚡ Bitcoin mining difficulty just dropped -11.16% — the largest negative adjustment since the July 2021 China mining ban crash. This marks the 10th biggest downward difficulty adjustment in Bitcoin’s history. A major reset in hash power dynamics. pic.twitter.com/jJCb5ywUm6 — Maartunn (@JA_Maartun) February 12, 2026 By implication, this reset means it is now easier to mine one Bitcoin block . However, this comes with a major security challenge, as it also implies the network is less secure. This Bitcoin hashrate adjustment is one of the metrics around Bitcoin that validates the emergence of a bear market. As of writing time, the price of the coin is down by 46% from its all-time high (ATH) of $126,198.07. But it has rallied by 1.45% in the past 24 hours to $68,334.21. Bullish reset incoming? Over the past decade, a massive crash in some of the most visible BTC metrics has always been accompanied by a gradual but confirmed rebound. You Might Also Like Thu, 02/12/2026 - 13:02 Bitcoin Trades Above $66,000 With Long-Term Indicators in Focus By Tomiwabold Olajide With indicators like the Fear & Greed Index also dropping to levels not seen since the FTX crash, the market is probably at its worst point in history. Judging by its previous price, the price of Bitcoin may start its recovery from this point, backed by the oversold Relative Strength Index (RSI). One crucial catalyst under watch is the growing BTC accumulation from Strategy and other top treasury companies. While critics like Peter Schiff see BTC price falling to $10,000 , proponents like Samson Mow still maintain a million-dollar target. #Bitcoin