Deactivate vs Delete Pinterest Account: Which Is Better?
Many users confuse Pinterest account deactivation with deletion, but the two options serve very different purposes. Think of it as the difference between taking a break from Pinterest versus permanently moving out.
Key Differences
| Feature | Deactive Account | Delete Account |
| Account visibility | Hidden from other users | Completely erased |
| Pins & Boards | Preserved but invisible | Deleted permanently |
| Reactivation | Anytime by logging in | Not possible after 14-day grace |
| Grace period | Instant reactivation | 14 days only |
| Best for | Temporary break | Permanent exit |
Quick Rule of Thumb
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Deactivate → If you might return.
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Delete → If you’re absolutely done.
This distinction saves you from regretting a hasty decision.
How Can I Delete Pinterest Account Permanently?
Deleting your Pinterest account means all your pins, boards, and profile will be permanently erased after a short grace period. Here’s how you can do it.
How to Delete Your Pinterest Account On Desktop
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Log in to your Pinterest account.
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Click on the arrow icon at the top-right corner → select Settings.
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Navigate to Account Management.
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Under “Account changes,” click Delete account.
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Pinterest will ask for confirmation. Choose a reason and click Continue.
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Confirm via email verification.
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Your account will be deactivated immediately and permanently deleted after 14 days (unless you log in again).
How to Remove Pinterest Account On Mobile App
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Open the Pinterest app → log in.
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Tap your profile icon.
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Tap the three dots (⋮) or Settings → Account management.
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Scroll down to Delete account.
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Confirm via email or SMS verification.
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Your account will be removed after 14 days.
Bonus: Can I Delete Pinterest Account Without Log-ins?
If you’ve forgotten your credentials or can’t access your account, here are 3 practical solutions to help you delete Pinterest account without any log-in steps:
Option 1: Reset Password
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Go to the Pinterest Login Page.
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Click Forgot password?.
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Enter your registered email.
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Reset password via the link sent.
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Log in and proceed to deletion steps.
Option 2: Use Linked Accounts
If you signed up with Google, Facebook, or Apple, try logging in with that option.
Option 3: Contact Pinterest Support
If you’ve lost access to both email and linked accounts:
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Visit Pinterest Help Center.
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Submit a request under Account Access Issues.
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Provide proof of ownership (old email, screenshots, device info).
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Ask support to delete your account manually.
Temporary Options: Steps to Deactivate Pinterest Account
If you don’t want to permanently lose your boards, deactivation might be the right choice.
Deactivation means:
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Your profile becomes hidden from other users.
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Pins and boards remain saved but invisible.
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You can reactivate anytime by logging back in.
Deactivate Pinterest Account via Desktop
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Go to Settings → Account Management.
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Select Deactivate account instead of Delete.
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Confirm the action.
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Log back in anytime to restore your account.
Deactivate Pinterest Account on iPhone & iOS
- Open the Pinterest app and log in to your account.
- Tap your profile icon in the bottom-right corner.
- Go to the menu (three dots or gear icon) in the top-right corner.
- Select Settings > Account Management.
- Tap Deactivate account and confirm your choice.
Can I Recover My Pinterest Account After Deletion?
Once you delete your Pinterest account, the platform gives you a 14-day grace period. During this time:
- You can log back in using your email and password.
- If you log in, you’ll see an option to restore your account before it’s permanently erased.
However, after the 14-day window passes:
- All your boards, pins, followers, and saved ideas are permanently deleted.
- Your username and email may eventually become available for new accounts, but your old content cannot be recovered.
If you think there’s even a small chance you’ll want to return to Pinterest, consider deactivating instead of deleting. Deactivation allows you to restore everything instantly, while deletion is final once the grace period ends.
Pinterest Account Management Tips
If you don’t want to completely delete Pinterest, consider managing your account more effectively:
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Adjust Privacy Settings – Limit search engine visibility and hide sensitive boards.
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Update Email Preferences – Reduce notification overload by customizing alerts.
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Use Secret Boards – Keep personal inspiration private.
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Two-Factor Authentication – Add extra security against unauthorized access.
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Regular Cleanup – Delete old boards and pins you no longer need.
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Log Out on Shared Devices – Protect your account when using public or shared computers.
These small steps may save you from needing to delete your account altogether.
FAQs
How long does it take to delete my Pinterest account?
Your account enters deactivation immediately and is fully deleted after 14 days if you don’t log back in.
Can I delete my Pinterest account without email access?
Yes, but you’ll need to contact Pinterest Support and prove ownership.
Will my Pinterest followers be notified when I delete my account?
No. Your account will just disappear from their following list.
