How to Delete Pinterest Account (Permanently or Temporarily) 2026
TL;DR - Quick Answer
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How to Delete Pinterest Account
Two options: Delete (permanent) or Deactivate (temporary).
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Desktop
- pinterest.com → Settings
- Account Management
- Delete account or Deactivate
- Confirm via email
Mobile App
- Profile → Settings (gear)
- Account Management
- Delete or Deactivate
- Confirm via email
Delete vs Deactivate
You want to take a break from Pinterest but might come back. What should you do?
💡 Tip: Think carefully before selecting your answer!
First: Download Your Data
Get your pins, boards, and messages before deleting.
Steps
- Settings → Privacy and data
- Request your data
- Wait for email (up to 48 hours)
- Download ZIP file
What's Included
- All pins and boards
- Profile info
- Messages
- Search history
- Following/follower lists
Option 1: Permanently Delete
Desktop Steps
- Log into pinterest.com
- Click profile picture → Settings
- Click "Account management"
- Click "Delete account"
- Select reason (optional)
- Click "Send email"
- Click link in confirmation email
- 14-day waiting period begins
Mobile Steps
- Open app → Profile
- Settings (gear icon)
- Account management
- Delete account
- Confirm via email
Timeline
Want to cancel? Log in within 14 days to restore.
Option 2: Temporarily Deactivate
Steps (Desktop or Mobile)
- Settings → Account management
- Click "Deactivate account"
- Select reason (optional)
- Confirm
What Happens
- Profile hidden from everyone
- All data preserved
- No emails from Pinterest
- Log back in to restore anytime
Common Mistakes
Business Account Extra Steps
Before deleting a business account:
- Remove linked ad accounts
- Export analytics data
- Disconnect claimed websites
- Remove team members
- Cancel active campaigns
Optional: Convert to personal account first if you want to keep something.
Lost Email Access?
Options
Alternatives to Deleting
What Gets Deleted
Removed
- Your profile and username
- All boards and pins
- Messages
- Followers/following
- Search history
May Remain
- Repins on others' boards
- Comments on others' pins
- Group board contributions
FAQ
How long to delete an account?
14-day waiting period after email confirmation. After that, permanent deletion takes up to 90 days from backups.
Can I recover a deleted account?
Only within 14 days. Log back in to cancel. After 14 days, no recovery possible.
Does uninstalling the app delete my account?
No. You must delete through Settings. The app removal just removes the app.
What about my pins that others saved?
Copies on other users' boards remain. Only your originals are deleted.
Related Guides
Account Management:
- How to Delete Pinterest Pins
- How to Unblock Someone on Pinterest
- Pinterest Not Working? Fix Issues
- Does Pinterest Show Who Viewed Your Profile?
If You Decide to Stay:
- Pinterest Best Practices
- Pinterest Strategies That Work
- Pinterest Board Ideas
- How to Get More Followers
Getting Started Fresh:
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