/ How to

How to Permanently Delete Your Pinterest Account and Data

  • Learn the difference between deactivating and deleting your Pinterest account
  • Follow step-by-step instructions to permanently delete your account on desktop and mobile
  • Discover how to download your Pinterest data before deleting your account
  • Get answers to frequently asked questions about deleting your Pinterest account

Understanding the Difference: Deleting vs. Deactivating

When considering removing your presence from Pinterest, it’s important to understand the distinction between deactivating and deleting your account:

  • Deactivating: When you deactivate your Pinterest account, your profile, boards, and pins become invisible. It appears as though you are no longer on Pinterest. However, your data is not deleted but rather stored, allowing you to reactivate your account whenever you choose by simply logging back in.
  • Deleting: When you delete your Pinterest account, your data is permanently removed, including your profile, pins, and boards. If you delete your account, you cannot recover its data. To use Pinterest again in the future, you would need to create a new account from scratch.

How to Permanently Delete Your Pinterest Account

If you’ve decided that you no longer wish to use Pinterest, follow these steps to permanently delete your account. The process is straightforward and should only take a few minutes.

Backing Up Your Data

Before deleting your account, it’s crucial to back up any data you might need in the future. As a Pinterest user, you can export your data, such as boards, pins, and account information:

  1. Log in to your Pinterest account on the website
  2. Click on your profile picture in the upper-right corner
  3. Select “Settings” from the drop-down menu
  4. In the left-hand menu, select “Privacy and data”
  5. Click on “Request data” to download your data

You will then receive an email with your data. Note that currently, you can only download your Pinterest data using a desktop device, not on Android devices or iPhones.

Deleting Your Account on Desktop

  1. Go to the Pinterest website and log in to your account
  2. Click the down-pointing arrow icon at the upper-right corner to open the menu
  3. Click “Settings”
  4. Click “Account management” in the left-hand side menu
  5. Under “Account changes,” click “Delete account”
  6. Click “Continue”
  7. Select a reason for leaving Pinterest and click “Send email”
  8. Check your email and follow the instructions to confirm the deletion

Deleting Your Account on Mobile (Android and iOS)

  1. Open the Pinterest app and log in to your account
  2. Tap on your profile icon
  3. Go to “Settings” > “Account management”
  4. Scroll to the bottom and tap “Delete account”
  5. Tap “Continue”
  6. Choose a reason for leaving and tap “Send email”
  7. Open the email from Pinterest and follow the instructions to confirm deletion

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I recover my account after deleting it?

No, once you delete your Pinterest account, all of your data, including your profile, pins, and boards, is permanently removed. You cannot recover a deleted account.

What happens to my business account if I delete my personal account?

If you have a Pinterest business account linked to your personal account, deleting your personal account will also delete the associated business account. To prevent this, unlink your business account before deleting your personal account.

How long does Pinterest keep my data after I delete my account?

According to Pinterest’s data retention policy, they may retain certain information even after you delete your account, but only for as long as necessary for legitimate business purposes or legal requirements. Most of your personal information will be deleted within 14 days.

Can I reactivate my account after deactivating it?

Yes, if you deactivate your Pinterest account, you can reactivate it at any time by simply logging back in. All of your data will be restored, and your profile, boards, and pins will be visible again.

Will my pins still appear on Google after deleting my account?

While Pinterest will remove your profile and content from their platform, it may take some time for search engines like Google to update their cache. Your pins may still appear in search results temporarily, but they will eventually be removed.

By following these steps and considering the information provided, you can confidently navigate the process of permanently deleting your Pinterest account and data. Remember to back up any content you wish to keep before proceeding with the deletion.

Related Posts