In this article, I am discussing how to make your Pinterest account private. I understand privacy is a huge issue for many internet users.
It has become so much of a deal that best practice requires you to connect to the internet using a VPN.
Pinterest is a social media and image-sharing service created to enhance information discovery on the internet via images, and on a lesser scale using videos and animated GIFs.
Without much ado, let me take you through the most efficient hacks for using or making your Pinterest account private.
How to Make Your Pinterest Account Private
1. Make Use of Pinterest Secret Boards
Just like the name seems to imply, a Pinterest secret board is a private board consisting of secret Pinterest pins.
If you would rather have an image or website pinned so that no one else on the Pinterest platform can view it, then a secret board should be your go-to.
While it remains secret and just for you, Pinterest invites collaborators to the board. These specially invited collaborators would be able to see what is pinned as well as comment on them. They would also be able to pin websites and images of their own.
Whenever a new secret board is created, only the owner is able to make the board available for public view. All comments associated with this board would also be private unless the owner changes it to a public board.
It even gets better because Pinterest allows users to have an unlimited amount of secret boards.
Here is how to make your Pinterest account private by creating a secret board:
First, navigate to your profile page and click the plus icon.
From the menu, select the ‘Board option‘.
Next name the board and make sure to check the ‘Keep this board secret‘ option.
Finally, click on create.
To add collaborators to the board follow these steps:
Select the secret board you have just created. Next to your profile picture click on the plus sign. Copy the link provided and share with prospective collaborators or search for the collaborators using the search box, then invite them.
2. Update Your Search Engine Pinterest Account Privacy
Here is another way of making your account private.
Search engines may crawl Pinterest. This simply means they may be able to display your boards or profile on SERPs (Search Engine Result Pages). Pinterest gives you the liberty to choose not to be visible on SERPs. All you need to do is edit your search privacy in the Pinterest settings.
Here is how to make your Pinterest account private by turning on your search privacy:
Click the downwards pointing arrow at the top right corner of the Pinterest home page. This reviews a few options. From the options list, click on ‘Settings‘.
On the right pane of the display page, select the ‘Privacy and data‘ option. Then from the list of options displayed on the other pane check the ‘Hide your profile from search engines (Ex. Google)’ option.
Finally, select ‘Save‘.
3. Using Pinterest’s Block and Report Feature
This is essential to control how followers see and interact with your pins. The downside to blocking Pinterest profiles is that you would have to do it for individual profiles, which can be exhausting especially if there are many profiles you want to be blocked.
However, this is still a valid way of making your account private to some.
Here is how to make your Pinterest account private by Using Pinterest’s Block and Report Feature.
User Accounts:-
First, start by opening the person’s profile. Click to the left and select block. When asked to confirm, confirm.
Business Accounts:-
Navigate to the business account profile and click just next to follow. Then select the block option, and confirm when prompted to.
Please note that even after someone has been blocked, they still appear in feeds, searches, boards, and groups. If you have saved pins from them, they will be on your profile until you manually remove them one after the other.
4. Using Pseudo Names
This would be my last go-to. While it in fact would not make the very Pinterest account private, it hides the identity of the account owner.
A pseudo name is an equivalent of a Ghost account. So, for instance. If I open a Pinterest account, I want to give it my name; Afam Onyimadu. But if I am using a pseudo, I may rather name the account John Doe.
Pinterest would allow you to change both your username and display name even after the account has been created if you are going down this part.
You should also consider changing the profile picture to something else.
Here is how to make your Pinterest account private by editing the display name, username, and profile picture:
First, log in to your Pinterest account. Afterward, click the dropdown arrow on the top right corner of the page.
This reveals a set of options from which you should select settings.
When on the settings page, click on the edit profile option at the window’s left pane. This will bring out your profile.
You can click Change beside the profile image to edit it or change the display name and username, as shown in the image below.
Once this is done, save the changes made before editing the page. This process would work on an individual and business account.
And even though I have done this using the web, it is in fact a very similar process on the mobile app.
Controlling Pinned Content From Your Website
We have mainly talked about how to keep your Pinterest account private, but just as a note of caution to content owners, you must know you can also manage what and how your content is pinned on Pinterest.
I will explain how this is achieved using the No Pin feature.
For this to work, you must have administrative access to the back end of your website. Simply open the HTML code and paste the code below in the header:
<meta name=”pinterest” content=”nopin” />
This will display the warning text that the website doesn’t allow pins on Pinterest.
You can be fancier by customizing the display text using the code below:
<meta name = “pinterest” content = “nopin” description = “Sorry, you are not permited to save to Pinterest!” />
FAQ
How can I completely hide my Pinterest profile from everyone except invited collaborators?
Pinterest doesn’t offer a fully private account option like some other platforms, where your entire profile is invisible to non-followers.
Instead, the closest you can get is by combining secret boards (which hide specific content) with search engine privacy settings to prevent your profile from appearing in Google or other searches.
To maximize this, create all your boards as secret ones—Pinterest allows unlimited secret boards—and only invite trusted collaborators. Keep in mind that your profile might still be discoverable within the app if someone knows your username, so consider using a pseudo name and avoiding public interactions like following others or commenting on public pins.
What are the differences between secret boards and public boards on Pinterest, and how do I convert one to the other?
Secret boards are private collections visible only to you and any invited collaborators, ideal for personal inspiration without public exposure. Public boards, on the other hand, are discoverable by anyone on Pinterest and can appear in searches or recommendations.
To create a secret board, go to your profile, click the plus icon, select “Board,” name it, and toggle “Keep this board secret.” For conversion: From a secret board, you (as the owner) can make it public via the board’s settings, but this will expose all pins and comments.
Converting a public board to secret isn’t directly supported; you’d need to create a new secret board and repin the content manually, then delete the original public one to avoid duplicates.
Will turning on search privacy on Pinterest remove my existing pins from Google search results?
Enabling search privacy in your settings (under “Privacy and data” > “Hide your profile from search engines“) prevents new crawls by search engines, but it won’t retroactively remove content that’s already indexed.
For older pins or profiles showing up in SERPs, you may need to wait for search engines to re-crawl (which can take weeks or months) or use tools like Google’s URL removal request if the content is from your linked website.
This setting primarily affects future visibility, so for immediate privacy, focus on secret boards and blocking unwanted users.
Blocking a user stops them from following you, messaging you, or seeing your future activity, but it doesn’t erase history—any pins they’ve already saved from you remain on their boards, and they might still encounter your content in searches or feeds if it’s public.
For shared secret boards, blocking won’t automatically remove them as collaborators; you’ll need to manually revoke their access via the board’s invite settings.
If privacy is critical, audit your boards post-block and remove any saved pins from blocked users manually. Note that blocked users can create new accounts to circumvent this, so it’s not foolproof.
Is it safe to use a fake name and profile picture for anonymity on Pinterest, and how does it affect account recovery?
Using a pseudonym (like “ArtLover123” instead of your real name) and a non-personal photo can enhance anonymity by making it harder for others to link the account to you personally, especially if you’re avoiding real-life connections.
Pinterest allows easy changes via settings > edit profile, and this works for both personal and business accounts. However, for account recovery, link a verified email or phone number that’s not publicly tied to you.
Be cautious: If Pinterest suspects spam or violations, they might require verification, and using fakes could complicate appeals. This method hides identity but doesn’t privatize content—pair it with secret boards for better results.
How do I stop people from pinning images from my website to Pinterest without banning all pinning?
If you’re a website owner, add the “nopin” meta tag to your site’s HTML header (<meta name="pinterest" content="nopin" />) to block pinning site-wide, or customize it with a message like <meta name="pinterest" content="nopin" description="Pinning not allowed here!"/>. For selective control, use it on specific pages only.
This won’t affect existing pins, so monitor via Pinterest’s search for your domain and request removals if needed. Alternatives include watermarking images or using Pinterest’s claimed website feature to manage saves, but remember, determined users might screenshot and pin manually.
Can I make my Pinterest account private on the mobile app, and are there any differences from the web version?
Yes, privacy settings are accessible on the mobile app (iOS or Android) via your profile > three-dot menu > Settings > Privacy and data. The process for secret boards, search privacy, and blocking mirrors the web version—tap the plus for boards, toggle secrecy, and edit invites.
One app-exclusive tip: Use the app’s notification controls to limit who can message or tag you. No major differences exist as of 2025, but the app might offer quicker access to reporting features during browsing. If syncing issues arise, log out and back in to ensure changes apply across devices.
What should I do if I want ultimate privacy and am considering deleting my Pinterest account?
For complete privacy, deletion is the nuclear option: Go to settings > Account settings > Deactivate or delete account, confirm via email, and your data will be removed (though backups might linger per Pinterest’s policy).
Before deleting, download your data (pins, boards) via settings > Privacy and data > Get your data. Post-deletion, your username becomes available for others, and any linked website claims are revoked
. If you’re unsure, start with deactivation—it hides your profile temporarily without permanent loss. Reconsider if privacy tools like secret boards suffice, as rebuilding an account later means starting from scratch.
Are there any advanced privacy tips or tools beyond Pinterest’s built-in features to enhance anonymity?
Beyond basics, enable two-factor authentication (in settings > Security) to prevent unauthorized access. Use a VPN for all Pinterest sessions to mask your IP, reducing location-based tracking.
Third-party browser extensions like Privacy Badger can block trackers on Pinterest’s site, but avoid unofficial apps claiming “private Pinterest” modes—they often violate terms and risk data breaches.
For analytics, if you have a business account, review audience insights to spot unwanted viewers and adjust accordingly. Always review Pinterest’s updated privacy policy for changes, as features evolve.
Secret boards’ data is encrypted and visible only to invites, with comments staying private unless the board goes public. Collaborators can pin their own content but can’t export or share the board’s pins directly outside Pinterest without manual saves or screenshots.
If a collaborator is untrustworthy, revoke access immediately—removed users lose visibility but retain any pins they’ve saved personally. Pinterest doesn’t notify you of screenshots, so trust is key. For extra caution, communicate rules with collaborators upfront and monitor board activity logs if available.
How do I opt out of Pinterest using my data for generative AI training?
Pinterest introduced GenAI settings in recent updates to allow users control over whether their content is used to train AI models. To opt out, log in to your account, go to Settings > Privacy and data, and uncheck the box for “Use my saved content to train Pinterest’s generative AI models.”
This prevents your pins, boards, and activity from contributing to AI development, though it doesn’t affect existing training data. Note that this setting is on by default for new accounts as of 2025, so check it promptly for better privacy.
What privacy controls are available for managing personalized ads on Pinterest?
You can customize how Pinterest uses your data for ads by editing personalization settings. Navigate to Settings > Privacy and data, then toggle options like “Personalized ads based on your activity” or “Ads from Pinterest partners.”
Disabling these reduces tailored recommendations but may show more generic content. For off-Pinterest data, opt out of “Use info from our partners” to limit third-party tracking. This helps minimize data sharing with advertisers while still allowing basic platform use.
How do privacy settings differ for teen accounts on Pinterest compared to adult accounts?
Teen accounts (under 18) are set to private by default, hiding profiles, boards, and activity from non-followers and searches to prioritize safety. Users aged 16-17 can choose to go public, but those under 16 remain private.
Additional features include parental passcodes for settings changes and restricted messaging. Adult accounts lack automatic privacy but can mimic this by hiding profiles from searches and using secret boards. Parents can manage teen settings via a linked passcode, ensuring stricter controls against unwanted interactions.
Can I control who can send me direct messages on Pinterest, and how?
Pinterest allows messaging controls to enhance privacy. In Settings > Privacy and data > Messaging, you can toggle “Allow messages from anyone” off to restrict DMs to only followers or mutual follows.
For added security, enable “Filter messages from strangers” to route unknowns to a requests folder. If issues arise, block senders directly from chats. This feature, updated in 2025, helps prevent spam or harassment, though it doesn’t retroactively hide past conversations—delete those manually for full control.
How do I download or request deletion of my personal data from Pinterest?
To access your data, go to Settings > Privacy and data > Get your data, select what to download (e.g., pins, search history, contacts), and request a file via email—it typically arrives within 72 hours.
For deletion, use the same section to submit a request under “Delete your data,” specifying categories like activity logs or inferred interests. Pinterest complies with privacy laws like GDPR/CCPA, but some data (e.g., anonymized analytics) may remain. After deletion, your account stays active unless you also deactivate it.
Linking accounts like Facebook or Google simplifies login but shares data such as contacts or interests, potentially exposing more personal info across platforms. To manage, go to Settings > Apps and sessions > Connected apps, and revoke access to unlink.
Avoid linking if privacy is a concern, as it enables cross-site tracking. If already linked, review shared data in Privacy and data > Personalization from partners, and opt out to limit info flow. Unlinking doesn’t delete past shared data, so act early.
How can I report a privacy violation or unsafe content on Pinterest?
If you encounter violations like unauthorized use of your images or harassment, tap the three-dot menu on the offending pin, profile, or message, and select “Report.”
Choose categories such as “Privacy violation” or “Spam,” provide details, and submit—Pinterest reviews within 24-48 hours. For broader issues, email privacy@pinterest.com with evidence.
Blocked users can still be reported post-block. This process, strengthened in 2025 updates, helps maintain community safety, and repeated violations may lead to account suspensions.
Is there a way to browse Pinterest anonymously without creating an account?
Yes, you can view public pins and boards via web browsers without logging in, but features like saving or searching are limited. Use incognito mode or a VPN to mask your IP for added anonymity, avoiding data collection on your activity.
However, Pinterest may still track via cookies—clear them regularly or use extensions like uBlock Origin. For full access without personal data, consider guest browsing on the app, though it prompts for sign-up. This method suits casual users prioritizing privacy over interaction.
How does making my profile private affect my existing followers?
When you set your profile to private, your existing followers will no longer be able to see your profile, boards, or Pins unless you specifically invite them to follow you again.
They will lose access to your content in search results on Pinterest and external search engines, and you will need to manually send invitations for them to continue following your private profile.
Can I switch back and forth between private and public profiles, and are there any limitations?
Yes, you can switch between private and public profiles by toggling the Profile visibility setting in your account settings.
However, if you had a business account previously, you must ensure it is changed to a personal account to enable the private option. There are no specific limitations mentioned for switching, but you must be at least 16 years old to make these changes.
Does making my profile private hide my activity from people I’ve interacted with on Pinterest?
Making your profile private hides your profile, boards, and Pins from appearing in search results on Pinterest and search engines, but it does not explicitly hide your activity (like likes, comments, or shares) from people you’ve interacted with unless those interactions are tied to your public profile content.
To fully control visibility, ensure your interactions are limited to private boards or invited followers after setting your profile to private.
How can teens under 18 in the EU or UK control ads personalization on Pinterest?
Teens under 18 in the EU or UK are automatically opted out of ads personalization settings. They will be opted in when they turn 18, but they can adjust this preference in their privacy and data settings at any time.
Can teens under 16 make their boards and Pins visible to others on Pinterest?
By default, boards and Pins created by teens under 16 are visible only to themselves. However, they can collaborate on group boards with people they know, as long as they meet the minimum age requirement to have a Pinterest account.
What options do teens have to keep their identity private on Pinterest?
Teens can keep their identity private by optionally adding a nickname instead of their last name on their profile, ensuring their profile remains undiscoverable if under 18, and controlling who can follow or interact with them through privacy settings.
How can I prevent Pinterest from using information from sites I visit for personalization?
You can prevent Pinterest from using information from sites you visit by logging into your account, navigating to “Privacy and data” in settings, and unchecking or toggling off the “Use info from sites you visit” option. This can be done on desktop by clicking “Save” after changes, or on mobile where changes save automatically.
Can I control how Pinterest uses data from ad partners for recommendations?
Yes, you can control this by logging into your Pinterest account, going to “Privacy and data” in settings, and unchecking or toggling off the “Use of partner info” option. This is available on both desktop (click “Save” after changes) and mobile (changes save automatically).
How can I control recommendations based on my activity or interests in the home feed?
You can use the home feed tuner to turn off recommendations based on Pins you have looked at (Activity) or remove topics you no longer wish to see (Interests) by accessing the tuner via desktop or mobile and editing the relevant tabs.
Does turning off recommendations affect the ads I see in my home feed?
No, turning recommendations on or off does not affect the ads you see, but you can limit the information Pinterest uses to pick which ads are shown to you.
How do I enable two-factor authentication and other security measures on Pinterest?
To add an extra layer of security, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) which requires your phone in addition to your password. While specific enabling steps aren’t detailed here, access it via your account settings under security options.
Other protections include using a strong, unique password with numbers and symbols (change it if compromised), only logging in on official pinterest.com or the app, avoiding suspicious requests for info, and keeping devices updated with anti-virus software. Never open attachments claiming to be from Pinterest.
If you notice unknown logins, immediately change your password to a strong, unique one and enable two-factor authentication. Review your login history in settings for unfamiliar devices and log out of them.
Update your device’s software and anti-virus, avoid logging in on untrusted sites, and report any phishing attempts. Pinterest monitors for suspicious activity but relies on users to secure their credentials.
How can I manage app permissions on iOS for Pinterest to improve privacy?
On iOS, open your device settings, scroll to “Pinterest,” and toggle permissions like location (for relevant ads), photos (for uploads), microphone/camera (for creating Pins), notifications, and cellular data.
This limits data access; for example, denying location prevents geo-based tracking. Changes apply immediately. For Android, the process is similar via device settings > Apps > Pinterest, though specific options may vary—check your phone’s app management for details.
How do I edit my personal information such as birthday, gender, or location on Pinterest?
Log in, go to Settings > Account management > Personal information. Update birthdate, gender, country/region, or language, then save. On the app, tap profile > Account management > Personal information and edit accordingly—changes auto-save.
For business accounts, also edit contact name or business type/goals. All this info remains private and isn’t visible to others, helping maintain anonymity without affecting public profile details.
How can I adjust notification settings to control mentions and enhance privacy?
Go to Settings > Notifications, then edit categories like on Pinterest, email, or push. Select preferences for activity alerts and save. On the app, tap profile > Notifications for auto-saving changes.
To restrict mentions in comments or Pins, adjust in Privacy and data settings. This reduces unwanted interactions; if getting spam emails, remove your address from unauthorized accounts.
How do I set up or manage a parental passcode for a teen’s Pinterest account?
Log in to the teen’s account, go to Settings > Account management > Parental passcode, create a 4-digit code, add your email, and verify via confirmation link (valid 24 hours).
This locks edits to email, password, visibility, ads, messaging, etc., but not privacy-increasing changes. To turn off, enter the code in the same section. It expires at age 18, with emails deleted post-expiration.
What is the process for appealing age verification on Pinterest, and what features might be restricted?
If deactivated for age (must be 13+), use the email link to appeal by submitting a government ID photo and selfie (clear, no filters) via camera—not uploads.
Processing takes up to one business day; if denied, email privacy-support@pinterest.com for a new link. Without verification (if under 18), features like public profiles or certain interactions are limited per teen safety settings. Don’t email sensitive docs directly.
What resources and tips are available for parents and caregivers of teens on Pinterest?
Request deletion for under-13 accounts via privacy-support@pinterest.com. Use parental passcode to lock settings. Teen accounts are private by default, with restricted messaging.
Report/block inappropriate content, review Privacy Policy for data handling, and use features like body-positive searches. Check the “Empowering the next generation” board for resources. Tips: Discuss Pinterest usage, explore Pins together (e.g., DIY projects), and note school-hour pauses for focus.
Final Thoughts on How to Make Your Pinterest Account Private
I have covered this topic because privacy especially on the web is becoming a big issue by the day. Users daily seek new ways of accessing their favorite platforms more anonymously. Making Pinterest accounts private would give you a level of security and animosity.
I have so far given my inputs in order of efficiency, but I would love to know what your thoughts are and what hacks you may have successfully used in the past to maintain privacy while on Pinterest.
