Tether releases open-source mining software for Bitcoin

Tether has open-sourced its Bitcoin mining operating system, aiming to make mining operations easier and more accessible for operators of all sizes.

Summary

• Tether released its Mining OS under an open-source license.
• The software supports both home and industrial mining setups.
• The move reduces reliance on paid management platforms.

The announcement was made by Tether chief executive officer Paolo Ardoino on Feb. 3, who said the company’s Mining OS is now fully open source.

In a post on X, Ardoino described the software as a modular platform designed to support operations across multiple locations, with encrypted peer-to-peer networking and broad hardware compatibility.

Open-source platform targets small and large miners

The software, officially known as MiningOS or MOS, was unveiled as open source during the Plan ₿ Forum in San Salvador on Feb. 2. It is designed to manage and automate Bitcoin (BTC) mining infrastructure through a single interface.

MOS allows operators to monitor hardware performance, energy usage, cooling systems, and site operations from one dashboard. Its modular design lets users customize features through independent components linked by a shared system.

Unlike many commercial mining tools, MOS runs locally and does not rely on centralized servers. It uses peer-to-peer networking technology to enable direct communication between devices, which Tether says improves reliability and privacy.

The platform has been released under the Apache 2.0 license, meaning it can be used, modified, and distributed freely. It is built to run on lightweight devices for small setups, while also supporting large-scale deployments with thousands of machines.

Tether (USDT) is also preparing a companion Mining SDK, which will allow developers to build custom tools and extensions on top of the system. The company said the framework will be finalized with input from the open-source community.

Part of Tether’s broader Bitcoin strategy

By open-sourcing MOS, Tether is seeking to reduce reliance on proprietary mining software such as Hive OS and Foreman, which often charge recurring fees. The company says this approach can help smaller operators compete more effectively with large public mining firms.

The move fits into Tether’s wider involvement in Bitcoin infrastructure. The business has expanded its role in network support and backed mining projects that prioritize operational efficiency and renewable energy in recent years. 

Although Tether scaled back some mining operations in late 2025 due to rising energy costs, the MOS release is focused on software development rather than hardware ownership. The company has framed the project as a long-term investment in decentralized infrastructure.

Additionally, Tether’s direct exposure to Bitcoin has been growing. In addition to traditional holdings, it has treated Bitcoin as a strategic reserve by allocating a portion of its profits to its acquisitions since 2023. As of early 2026, Tether held about 96,185 BTC, valued at more than $8 billion at the time, placing it among the largest corporate Bitcoin holders globally. 

The open-source release may promote greater industry cooperation regarding mining tools and standards. At a time when mining costs and network complexity are still high, widespread adoption of MOS could help simplify operations and reduce entry barriers.