Account security and hacked accounts

It's possible someone got into your account.

You should change your password to secure your account. 

Once you have a new password, you can delete any Pins or boards that were added to your account. Unfortunately, we can't restore deleted boards or Pins. 

We'll send you an email when you change your email, username or password.

We'll also tell if you if you log in from a computer or place that we don't recognize (ex: if you log in while you're traveling). 

If you didn't do this, then it's possible someone got into your account. You should lock your account to protect your Pins and then reset your password:

1. In the email we sent you, click Lock my Account
2. Reset your password

You just need to reset your password.

Check out our help center article about protected accounts for more info.
 

Pick a strong password 

1. Pick one that has symbols and/or numbers
2. Use a unique password for Pinterest—don't use the same password on every site
3. Don't share your password with anyone—we won't ask for your password by email, instant message or phone

Watch where you log in

1. Only enter your password on pinterest.com or our official Pinterest, Inc. mobile app (remember that our apps are free!)
2. Check your address bar for pinterest.com: help.pinterest.com and m.pinterest.com are good, but pinterest.somethingelse.com is not
3. If ever you're not sure whether to log in, go to https://pinterest.com to be safe 
4. Be cautious when you're online—don't complete suspicious requests for personal information, including any offer that seems too good to be true

Protect your devices 

1. Make sure your computer and browsers are up-to-date with the most recent updates and anti-virus software
2. Only install browser add-ins or plug-ins from publishers that you trust
3. Don't open attachments or install software from an email that looks like it's from Pinterest—we'll never ask you to download or open files from an email

Enable two-factor authentication

Make sure you have a trusted phone that can receive text messages and a safe place to save your backup code.

1. Log in to Pinterest on a trusted web browser
2. Open your profile and click the bolt
3. Under Security, click Require code at login
4. Confirm your password and add your phone number details
5. Check your text messages. We’ll send you a code by SMS
6. Enter your code and click Verify
7. Write down your backup code and keep it somewhere safe

Note: If you enable two-factor authentication, your backup code is the only way you can log in to Pinterest without access to your phone.

Know the risks of using unsecured Wi-Fi

1. Pinterest uses extra security precautions (HTTPS: Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) on the log in and settings pages. This encrypts the credentials you use to log in to Pinterest and is designed to keep others from stealing your login credentials, even on an unsecured network.
2. When you use an unsecured Wi-Fi network (one that doesn't require a password) such as those found at coffee shops or airports, it's possible for someone to see most of the internet traffic sent to and from your device. This includes your Pins (even secret Pins).    
3. To reduce the risk of using public Wi-Fi, read this article from the National Cyber Security Alliance.