How to Delete Your Pinterest Account (Permanently or Temporarily)

Whether you're cutting back on screen time, cleaning up old accounts, or tightening your privacy, closing Pinterest is straightforward once you know where the option lives. This guide walks throughhow to delete your Pinterest account permanently, how that differs from a temporary deactivation, and how to save your data first so nothing you care about is lost.

Deactivate or delete? Know the difference first

Pinterest gives you two very different options, and it's worth being clear on which one you actually want:

• Deactivate — a temporary pause. Your profile, boards, and pins are hidden from everyone, but nothing is erased. Log back in anytime to bring it all back exactly as it was. This is the safe choice if you're just taking a break.
• Delete — permanent closure. After a short grace period, your account and data are wiped and cannot be restored. Choose this only when you're sure you're done.

Step 1: Back up anything you want to keep

Once a deletion finalizes, your boards and pins are gone — so grab a copy first. Pinterest lets you request an archive of your data fromSettings → Privacy and data → Request your data. You'll receive an emailed download containing your pins, boards, and profile info (it can take a little while to arrive, so do this before anything else).

If there are specific videos or images you originally created and still want to use elsewhere, save those directly too. Our freePinterest video downloader andimage downloader let you pull down your own pins in original quality before the account closes — handy for keeping work you plan to repost on another platform.

Step 2: Delete your account on desktop

From a computer browser:

1. Log in, then click the down chevron in the top-right corner and choose Settings.
2. Open Account management in the left-hand menu.
3. Scroll to Delete account and click Delete account.
4. Pinterest sends a confirmation email. Open it and click Yes, close account to confirm.

Your account is deactivated the moment you confirm, and the permanent deletion completes over the following days.

Step 3: Delete your account in the mobile app

On iPhone or Android:

1. Tap your profile picture, then the three dots or gear icon to open Settings.
2. Tap Account management.
3. Tap Delete account and follow the prompt.
4. Confirm through the email Pinterest sends you.

Menu labels shift occasionally between app versions, but the path is always under Settings → Account management.

How to deactivate instead (the reversible option)

If you'd rather pause than quit, go to the sameSettings → Account management screen and chooseDeactivate account. Your profile and pins vanish from Pinterest immediately, and whenever you're ready you simply log back in to restore everything — no data lost. For the full walkthrough, including how to reactivate, see our dedicated guide onhow to deactivate your Pinterest account.

What happens after you delete

Once you confirm a permanent deletion, your profile disappears right away. Pinterest then removes your personal data from its systems, a process it says can take up to around two weeks, with backup copies cycling out somewhat later. Pins other users have already saved from you may linger on their boards, because each save stores its own copy of the image — deleting your account doesn't reach into other people's boards.

Deleting the app is not the same as deleting your account

A common mistake: uninstalling the Pinterest app and assuming you're done. You aren't. Removing the app just clears it off your device; your account, pins, and personal information stay fully active on Pinterest and remain visible in search. To actually close things down, you must delete the account from Settings using the steps above.

If you can't delete your account

• Forgot your password? Reset it first — you'll usually need to be logged in (and sometimes re-enter your password) to confirm deletion.
• Business account? The path is the same, though the menu wording may differ slightly. Look under Account management.
• Confirmation email missing? Check spam, and make sure the email on the account is one you can still access. Without confirming the email, the deletion won't finalize.

In summary

Deleting a Pinterest account is quick, but permanent — so decide between a temporary deactivation and a full deletion, download your data while you still can, and remember that removing the app alone does nothing. When you're ready, it's just Settings → Account management → Delete account, confirmed by email, and you're out.