Pinterest gives you two ways out: deactivation and deletion

Deactivation hides your account for 30 days. Your profile, boards, and pins disappear from Pinterest, but the company keeps your data. If you log back in during those 30 days, your account reactivates. After 30 days, Pinterest deletes the account and your data together.

Deletion is permanent when ready. You cannot undo it. Pinterest removes your profile, boards, pins, and saved content right away. The company still keeps some information for legal and safety reasons — things like your email address and payment history if you've made purchases — but they stop using it to show you ads or recommend content.

Most people choose deactivation first because it gives you a month to change your mind if you realize you want your account back. Deletion is the right choice only if you are certain.

Key Takeaways

  • Deactivation hides your account for 30 days and can be reversed if you log in again; deletion is permanent when ready and cannot be undone.
  • To deactivate, go to Settings, scroll to Account, and click Deactivate Account; to delete, use the same path but choose Delete Account instead.
  • Pinterest keeps some of your information after deletion for legal reasons, including payment history and email address, but stops using it for ads or recommendations.
  • If you deactivate and the 30 days pass without logging in, Pinterest automatically deletes your account — you do not need to take a second step.
  • Pins you posted to other people's boards or group boards may remain visible even after your account is gone, because those boards are not yours to delete.

How to deactivate your account on desktop

Open Pinterest in a web browser and log in. Click your profile icon in the top right corner and select Settings. Scroll down to the Account section and click Deactivate Account. Pinterest will ask you why you are leaving — you can skip this or tell them. Click Deactivate again to confirm.

Your profile, boards, and pins will disappear from Pinterest when ready. Other users cannot find you or see your content. If you change your mind within 30 days, straightforward log in with your email and password, and your account comes back exactly as it was.

How to deactivate your account on the mobile app

Open the Pinterest app and tap your profile icon at the bottom right. Tap the gear icon to open Settings. Scroll down and tap Account. Look for Deactivate Account and tap it. Confirm your choice when Pinterest asks.

The process is the same as desktop — your account hides for 30 days and reactivates if you log in. If you do not log in within 30 days, Pinterest automatically deletes everything.

How to permanently delete your account

The deletion path is almost identical to deactivation, but you choose a different option. Go to Settings, find Account, and this time click Delete Account instead of Deactivate Account. Pinterest will warn you that deletion is permanent and cannot be undone. Click Delete Account to confirm.

Your account, profile, boards, and pins are removed from Pinterest when ready. You cannot recover them. If you try to log in with the same email address later, Pinterest will tell you the account no longer exists.

What happens to pins you posted on other people's boards

Pins you added to someone else's board or a group board will usually stay on that board after your account is deleted. Those boards belong to other people, so Pinterest does not remove content from them when you leave. The pin will show as posted by a deleted account, but the image and description remain.

If you want those pins gone before you delete your account, remove them yourself first. Go to each board, find your pins, and delete them one by one. This takes time if you have posted to many shared boards, so plan accordingly.

What data Pinterest keeps after you delete

Pinterest does not keep your profile, boards, pins, or saved content. However, the company retains some information for legal and business reasons. This includes your email address, any payment information from purchases you made, IP addresses from your login history, and records of what you reported or flagged as inappropriate.

Pinterest uses this retained data only to comply with laws, prevent fraud, and handle disputes — not to send you ads or recommendations. The company cannot use it to rebuild your profile or target you with content. After a set period (usually one to three years depending on the type of data), Pinterest deletes this information too.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I read my pins before I delete my account?

Pinterest does not offer a built-in read tool for your pins. If you want to save images, you can take screenshots or use a browser extension that downloads images in bulk, but you will need to do this before you delete. Once your account is gone, you cannot access your pins through Pinterest.

What if I deactivate but do not log back in — do I have to delete manually?

No. If you deactivate and let 30 days pass without logging in, Pinterest automatically deletes your account. You do not need to take any additional steps. Your data is removed the same way it would be if you chose permanent deletion.

Will deleting my Pinterest account remove me from group boards?

Yes, you will be removed from any group boards you were part of. However, pins you posted to those boards before deletion may remain, showing as posted by a deleted account. The board owner can remove those pins if they choose.

Can I use the same email address to create a new Pinterest account after deletion?

Yes, but you will need to wait a short time after deletion — usually a few days to a week. Pinterest needs time to fully process the deletion before the email address becomes available again. If you try when ready, you may see an error saying the account still exists.

Does Pinterest sell my data to advertisers before I delete?

Pinterest does not sell your personal information to third parties. The company uses your data to show you targeted ads and recommendations. After you delete your account, Pinterest stops using your data for these purposes, though it keeps some information for legal compliance as described above.