Pinterest Account Hacked? How to Lock It and Get Back In

A hacked Pinterest account can be used to post spam Pins, change your boards or message your followers. Pinterest gives you two early warnings: an email when key details change or an unrecognised login happens, and its own protective reset when it spots strange activity. Acting on those quickly is the best way back in. This guide sets out the official steps Pinterest describes, in the order that makes most sense.

Last checked: 20 October 2026 against Pinterest Help.

#How do I know my Pinterest account was hacked?

Pinterest says it sends you an email when you change your email address, username or password, and tells you if it sees a login from a computer or location it does not recognise. If you receive one of those emails but did not make the change, Pinterest says it is possible someone else got into your account (Pinterest Help).

#What do I do if I got an email about a change I didn't make?

Pinterest gives two steps (Pinterest Help):

1. Click Lock my account in the email Pinterest sent you.
2. Reset your password.

Use the link in the genuine Pinterest email rather than one in any other message. If you are unsure whether an email is genuine, go to Pinterest directly in your browser or app and start the password reset there.

#Why did Pinterest log me out and reset my password?

Pinterest says that if it notices strange activity on your account, it sends you an email, resets your password and logs everyone out, including you. It describes strange activity as things like logins from unusual locations, many logins in a short period, or spammy behaviour (Pinterest Help).

To get back in, Pinterest says to reset your password. If your account is connected to Google and you have logged in that way before, you can log in with Google instead.

#How do I check and end recent logins?

Pinterest lets you see a list of recent logins from a desktop browser (Pinterest Help):

1. Click the more options icon at the bottom left of your screen.
2. Select Settings.
3. Click Security on the left side of your screen.
4. Below Connected devices, click Show sessions.
5. Review the devices, dates and locations, and click End activity on any session you do not recognise.

Pinterest says that at the moment you need to use a desktop to see recent logins, so use a computer if you only usually use the app.

#How do I stop it happening again?

Once you are back in, Pinterest recommends adding extra security (Pinterest Help):

• Turn on two-factor authentication.
• Connect your account to Google.
• Make sure your email address is up to date.
• Create a Pinterest password that you do not use anywhere else.

It is also worth securing the email account linked to Pinterest, because whoever controls that inbox can usually reset your Pinterest password. Check that email account's own password and two-factor settings.

#What should I check after getting back in?

• Your email address and username, in case they were changed.
• Recent Pins, boards and comments, and remove anything you did not post.
• Messages sent from your account, and warn anyone who received spam.
• Any copies of your profile set up by the same person; see Pinterest account impersonating you.

#What counts as strange activity?

Pinterest gives examples of the activity that can trigger its protective reset: logins from unusual locations, many logins within a short period of time, and spammy behaviour. If you travel, use a VPN or log in on several new devices at once, you may see this reset even when nobody else has your password. Resetting your password and turning on two-factor authentication covers both cases, so there is no need to work out which one happened before acting. If the reset email does not arrive, check your spam folder and confirm you are using the email connected to the account.

#Common mistakes

• Ignoring the email about a change you did not make, when Lock my account is the fastest step.
• Resetting to a password you already use on another site.
• Only checking the app, when recent logins are on desktop.
• Leaving the linked email account unsecured.

#Watch out for recovery scams

Pinterest's routes are its own emails, the password reset and your account settings. Anyone who messages you offering to recover your account, or who asks for your password or codes, is not part of that process. Our guide on spotting fake recovery services lists the warning signs.

#What are the realistic limits?

Pinterest controls account access, and recovery depends on you being able to reset the password through the email or Google login connected to the account. If someone changed both the password and the email, act on the change email as soon as possible. For general first steps after any hack, see what to do in the first 24 hours.

AwareXone helps people prepare recovery steps through official platform channels. We are independent and not affiliated with Pinterest, the work is best-effort, and Pinterest makes the final decision. Read more about our social media problem solutions.