# Pinterest Two-Factor Authentication: Locked Out or New Phone > Changed your phone number or lost the phone for Pinterest two-factor codes? Learn how Pinterest 2FA works, the backup code, Google login and how to get help. - URL: https://www.awarexone.com/research/pinterest-two-factor-locked-out - Author: Md Shariar Shanaz Shuvon, Founder & CEO, AwareXone - Published: 2026-10-20 - Topics: Pinterest, Two-factor authentication, Account recovery - Related service: Social media problem solutions: https://www.awarexone.com/all-types-of-social-media-problem-solutions ## Short answer Try the backup code Pinterest gave you when you turned on two-factor authentication. If you connected Google, or Apple on iOS, try logging in that way. If you still cannot get in because of two-factor authentication, or need to change the phone number linked to the account, Pinterest says to contact it through its help centre. ## Summary - Pinterest two-factor authentication sends a code by text to the phone number on your account. - Pinterest gives you a backup code during setup; write it down somewhere safe. - A connected Google or Apple account can help you log in or recover your account. - If 2FA stops you logging in, or you need to change the linked number, Pinterest says to contact it. - A phone number can only be linked to one Pinterest account. Pinterest's two-factor authentication, often shortened to 2FA, asks for a code sent to your phone each time you log in. That protects your account, but it can also lock you out if you lose your phone, change your number or stop receiving texts. Pinterest's help pages describe a backup code, connected Google or Apple logins, and a contact route for 2FA problems. This guide explains each, and how to set things up so a phone change does not cost you the account. Last checked: 20 October 2026 against Pinterest Help. ## How does Pinterest two-factor authentication work? Pinterest says two-factor authentication requires you to enter both your password and a code every time you log in. To set it up, you provide a phone number so Pinterest can text you a login code. Pinterest notes that a phone number can only be linked to one account, and that 2FA is not yet available in all regions ([Pinterest Help](https://help.pinterest.com/en/article/two-factor-authentication)). During setup on desktop, Pinterest shows a backup code and asks you to write it down somewhere safe, or to choose Get a new code if you want a different one. That backup code is the most useful thing to have if you lose access to your phone. ## Which route can I use? | What you have | What to try | | --- | --- | | The backup code from setup | Use it in place of the texted code | | A connected Google account | Log in with Continue with Google | | A connected Apple account on iOS | Log in with Continue with Apple | | Pinterest still logged in on another device | Update your phone number or turn 2FA off and on again in Security settings | | None of these | Contact Pinterest about two-factor authentication trouble | ## Can I log in with Google or Apple instead? Pinterest says you can log in with your email and password, or use a connected Google or Apple account, and that a connected account can help you recover your account if you forget your email or password. Apple login is only available on iOS, and Pinterest says your Apple ID must match an existing Pinterest account to log in with Apple. It also says Facebook login is no longer available ([Pinterest Help](https://help.pinterest.com/en/article/log-in-and-out-of-pinterest)). If you connected Google or Apple before you were locked out, try that option on the login screen. ## What if I am still logged in somewhere? If Pinterest is still open on a computer or another phone, you can manage two-factor authentication from there. On desktop, Pinterest says to open Settings from the more options icon at the bottom left, click Security, and use the Require code at login box under Two-factor authentication. You will be asked for your password ([Pinterest Help](https://help.pinterest.com/en/article/two-factor-authentication)). 1. Turn two-factor authentication off by unticking Require code at login and entering your password. 2. Turn it back on and enter your new phone number. 3. Enter the verification code Pinterest texts you and click Verify. 4. Write down the new backup code somewhere safe, then click Done. On the app, Pinterest's route is your profile, then your profile photo at the top-left, then Security, and the toggle next to Two-factor authentication. ## Can a QR code help me log in on a computer? Pinterest offers a QR code login on the web. It says to go to pinterest.com/login, select Use QR code, then scan the code with your phone's camera while logged in to the Pinterest app, and confirm on the phone. Pinterest says your phone should be on the same WiFi as your computer, and that QR code login is currently only available on web ([Pinterest Help](https://help.pinterest.com/en/article/log-in-and-out-of-pinterest)). If you are still logged in on your phone, this can get you into a computer session, where you can then update your two-factor settings. ## How do I contact Pinterest about 2FA? Pinterest says that if you are having trouble logging in because of two-factor authentication, or need to update the phone number linked to your account, you should contact it for help through the link on its two-factor help page ([Pinterest Help](https://help.pinterest.com/en/article/two-factor-authentication)). - Use the email address connected to your Pinterest account. - Give your Pinterest username or profile link. - Explain that you cannot receive the 2FA code and why, for example a lost phone or new number. - Say whether you still have the old number or the backup code. > Note: **Logged out by Pinterest?.** If Pinterest reset your password and logged you out after spotting strange activity, that is a protective step rather than a 2FA problem. Pinterest says to reset your password, or log in with Google if you used it before. ## How do I avoid being locked out again? - Save the backup code in a password manager or another safe place as soon as Pinterest shows it. - Connect a Google account, or Apple on iOS, as another way in. - Update your phone number in Pinterest before you change or cancel it. - Keep your email address up to date, since Pinterest uses it for account notices. - Use a Pinterest password you do not use anywhere else. ## Common mistakes - Cancelling an old phone number before updating it in Pinterest. - Skipping the backup code during setup. - Trying to link the same phone number to a second account, which Pinterest does not allow. - Sharing a texted code or backup code with anyone who asks for it. ## Watch out for recovery scams Pinterest's routes are its own login screen, settings and help centre contact form. Strangers who message you offering to remove two-factor authentication, or who ask for your codes, are not part of that process. Our guide on [spotting fake recovery services](https://www.awarexone.com/research/account-recovery-scams-how-to-spot-fake-recovery-services) lists the warning signs. If you think someone else got in, see [Pinterest account hacked](https://www.awarexone.com/research/pinterest-account-hacked). ## What are the realistic limits? Pinterest controls account access and decides how it handles 2FA requests. The backup code and a connected Google or Apple login make the biggest difference. If your account was deactivated for a rules breach rather than locked by 2FA, see [Pinterest account suspended](https://www.awarexone.com/research/pinterest-account-suspended). AwareXone helps people review account access problems through official platform routes. 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](https://www.awarexone.com/all-types-of-social-media-problem-solutions). ### How does Pinterest send two-factor codes? Pinterest says it texts a code to the phone number you add when you turn on two-factor authentication. ### Where is my Pinterest backup code? Pinterest shows it during setup and asks you to write it down somewhere safe. You can generate a new one at that step. ### Can I use one phone number for two Pinterest accounts? No. Pinterest says you can only link a phone number to one account. ### Who do I contact if 2FA locks me out? Pinterest says to contact it through the help link on its two-factor authentication page if 2FA stops you logging in or you need to change the number. ## Official sources - [Pinterest Help, Two-factor authentication](https://help.pinterest.com/en/article/two-factor-authentication) - [Pinterest Help, Log in and out of Pinterest](https://help.pinterest.com/en/article/log-in-and-out-of-pinterest) - [Pinterest Help, We protected your account](https://help.pinterest.com/en/article/we-protected-your-account) --- AwareXone is an independent Malaysia-based provider, not affiliated with any platform. The platform makes the final decision on every account. AwareXone never asks for passwords, OTP codes, backup codes or session cookies.