Pinterest
How to Delete Pinterest Account (Permanently or Temporarily) 2026
· Updated 8 min read
Two options: Delete (permanent) or Deactivate (temporary).
The number most guides get wrong: Pinterest permanently deletes your account and personal data 7 days after you delete it, not 14. That is Pinterest's own published figure, and it is your entire window to change your mind.
Jump to: Quick steps | Delete vs deactivate | Download your data first | Delete permanently | Deactivate | Alternatives | FAQ
Create content, post everywhere
Create captions, images, and videos with AI. Schedule to 9 platforms in seconds.
Start your free trial
Quick Steps
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
Quick Quiz
EasyYou 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
- A 7-day window begins before permanent deletion
Mobile Steps
- Open app → Profile
- Settings (gear icon)
- Account management
- Delete account
- Confirm via email
Timeline
Want to cancel? Log back in within those 7 days and the account is restored.
If you are in California, Pinterest asks you to contact it directly to reactivate rather than simply logging back in, so do not leave it until day six.
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 does it take to delete a Pinterest account?
Your public profile is deactivated immediately, and Pinterest permanently deletes your account and personal data 7 days later. That 7-day window is the figure Pinterest publishes in its own help documentation, so treat guides quoting 14 or 30 days as out of date.
Can I recover a deleted Pinterest account?
Only within the 7-day window, by logging back in, which cancels the deletion. After 7 days there is no recovery. If you are in California, Pinterest asks you to contact it directly to reactivate rather than just logging in, so do not leave it to the last day.
What's the difference between deactivating and deleting?
Deactivating hides your profile and boards while keeping everything, and you can reactivate whenever you like with no deadline. Deleting removes the account and your personal data permanently after 7 days. If there is any chance you will come back, deactivate.
Does uninstalling the Pinterest app delete my account?
No. Uninstalling removes the app from your device and nothing else. Your account, boards and Pins all still exist, and you are still findable. Deletion has to be done through Settings and confirmed by email.
What happens to Pins other people saved from me?
Copies saved to other people's boards stay where they are. Deleting your account removes your originals, your profile and your boards, but it cannot pull back what others have already saved. The same applies to comments you left on other people's Pins.
Should I download my data before deleting?
Yes, and do it first, because the request is not instant. Go to Settings, then Privacy and data, and request your data. Pinterest emails you a ZIP file, which can take up to 48 hours to arrive. Once the account is gone there is no way to retrieve any of it.
Do I need to do anything extra for a business account?
Yes. Cancel any active ad campaigns, export your analytics, disconnect claimed websites and remove team members before you delete, since none of that is recoverable afterwards. If you only want to stop being a business, converting back to a personal account is the lighter option.
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:
Was this article helpful?
Let us know what you think!