How to Delete or Deactivate Your Pinterest Account in 2026

Last Updated on December 31, 2025 by Himanshu Rawat

Pinterest is a great place to find ideas and save inspiration, but sometimes you may feel like taking a break or leaving the platform completely. This can happen if you’re spending less time on social media, managing too many accounts, or simply not using Pinterest anymore.

In this guide, we’ll explain how to delete or deactivate a Pinterest account in simple steps. You’ll also learn the difference between deactivating and deleting your account, so you can decide what option is best for you.

Deactivate vs Delete Pinterest Account: What’s the Difference?

Before you make any changes, it’s important to understand the difference between deactivating and deleting your Pinterest account. Both options do different things.

Deactivating your Pinterest account is a temporary option. Your profile, boards, and Pins are hidden from everyone, but your account is not removed. If you log in again, everything will come back just like before. This option is best if you only want a short break from Pinterest.

Deleting your Pinterest account is permanent. Once deleted, your profile, Pins, boards, and data are removed completely. Pinterest gives a short waiting period, but after that, you cannot recover your account. This option is best if you’re sure you no longer want to use Pinterest.

In short, deactivate if you’re unsure or just need a break. Delete only if you’re certain you want to leave Pinterest for good.

How to Deactivate a Pinterest Account

If you don’t want to delete your account forever and just need a break, deactivating your Pinterest account is the better option. When you deactivate your account, your profile and Pins are hidden, but your account stays safe.

Steps to deactivate your Pinterest account:

1. Log in to your Pinterest account
2. Click on your profile picture in the top-right corner
3. Go to Settings
4. Open Account Management
5. Click on Deactivate account
6. Choose a reason and confirm

Once your account is deactivated, it won’t be visible to others. You can reactivate it anytime by simply logging back in.

This option is perfect if you want a temporary break without losing your saved ideas.

How to Delete a Pinterest Account Permanently

If you’re sure you no longer want to use Pinterest, you can delete your account permanently. This option removes your profile, boards, and Pins for good.

Steps to delete your Pinterest account:

1. Log in to your Pinterest account
2. Click on your profile picture
3. Go to Settings
4. Select Account Management
5. Click on Delete account
6. Choose a reason and confirm

After you confirm, Pinterest starts a 14-day waiting period. If you log in during these 14 days, the deletion will be canceled automatically.

Once the waiting period ends, your Pinterest account and all your data will be permanently deleted and cannot be recovered.

How to Delete or Deactivate a Pinterest Account on Mobile

You can also delete or deactivate your Pinterest account using the Pinterest app on your phone. The steps are simple and almost the same for both Android and iPhone.

Steps on mobile:

• Open the Pinterest app on your phone
• Tap your profile icon at the bottom
• Go to Settings

• Tap Account Management

• Choose Deactivate account or Delete account
• Select a reason and confirm

After deactivating, your account will be hidden until you log in again. If you choose to delete your account, Pinterest will start the 14-day waiting period before removing it permanently.

What Happens After You Delete a Pinterest Account?

Once you delete your Pinterest account, a few important things happen that you should know about.

Your profile, boards, and Pins are removed from Pinterest. Other users will no longer be able to find your account or see your content. Your followers and following list will also be deleted.

Pinterest gives a 14-day waiting period before permanent deletion. During this time, you can still recover your account by logging back in. After the 14 days are over, your account and all related data are permanently deleted and cannot be restored.

If you’re using Pinterest for business or content planning, it’s a good idea to save or download any important Pins before deleting your account.

Can You Recover a Deleted Pinterest Account?

Yes, you can recover your Pinterest account—but only for a short time. Pinterest gives you 14 days after you request deletion to change your mind.

If you log back into your account within these 14 days, the deletion process will stop automatically, and your account will be restored. Everything, including your boards and Pins, will remain the same.

However, once the 14-day period ends, your Pinterest account is permanently deleted. After that, it cannot be recovered, and you’ll need to create a new account if you want to use Pinterest again.

Should You Delete or Deactivate Your Pinterest Account?

Choosing between deleting and deactivating your Pinterest account depends on your situation.

You should deactivate your account if you just want a break from Pinterest, feel unsure about leaving, or plan to come back later. This option keeps your account safe and lets you return anytime.

You should delete your account if you no longer use Pinterest, want to reduce your online presence, or are sure you don’t need the account anymore. This option removes everything permanently.

If you’re still not sure, deactivating your account is the safer choice. You can always delete it later if you decide not to return.

Common Issues and Problems You May Face

While deleting or deactivating a Pinterest account is usually simple, some users may face small issues along the way.

If you can’t find the delete or deactivate option, make sure you’re logged into Pinterest using a web browser or the latest version of the app. Sometimes, older app versions don’t show all settings.

If you signed up using Google, Facebook, or Apple, you still need to log in to Pinterest and follow the same steps from Account Management. Deleting the connected social account will not delete your Pinterest account automatically.

For business accounts, deleting or deactivating works the same way. However, it’s a good idea to save any important data or Pins before making changes.

Final Thoughts

Deciding what to do with your Pinterest account is completely up to you. If you just need a break, deactivating your account is a simple and safe option. You can always come back whenever you want. If you’re sure you don’t need Pinterest anymore, deleting your account will remove everything for good.

Before taking any step, make sure you’ve saved anything important. Once that’s done, choose the option that feels right for you and move forward with peace of mind.