How to Make a Board Private on Pinterest: The Definitive Guide

So, you’re looking to squirrel away some inspiration, create a mood board just for your eyes, or perhaps orchestrate a surprise party without spilling the beans? You’ve come to the right place! Making a board private on Pinterest is simpler than you might think. It’s a crucial step for anyone looking to curate their online experience and maintain a degree of privacy on this visual discovery platform.

The core process is straightforward:

1. Log in to your Pinterest account. This should be a no-brainer, but always worth stating the obvious!
2. Navigate to the board you wish to make private. You can find this either on your profile page or by searching for it directly.
3. Click on the “Edit” button. This usually looks like a pencil icon and is located near the top of the board.
4. Toggle the “Secret” switch to “On”. You’ll typically find this option within the board settings. It’s a simple on/off switch that, when activated, renders your board visible only to you (and anyone you specifically invite).
5. Save your changes. Don’t forget this crucial step! Failing to save will leave your board public for all to see.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully made your Pinterest board private. Now, let’s delve into the nuances and address some common questions that often arise when navigating the world of Pinterest privacy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Pinterest Privacy

Pinterest privacy settings can sometimes seem a little opaque. Let’s shed some light on the most pressing queries to ensure you’re in complete control of your Pinning experience.

1. Will My Followers Be Notified When I Make a Board Private?

No, your followers will not receive any notification when you make a board private. The change happens silently in the background. Think of it as a stealth operation – they won’t even know it happened.

2. Can Others Still See Pins I’ve Saved From My Private Board?

This is a common point of confusion. If you’ve saved a Pin from a public source to your private board, the original Pin remains publicly visible on Pinterest. Your private board simply contains a copy of that Pin that only you can see on your private board. The original Pin’s visibility is unaffected.

3. How Do I Invite Collaborators to a Private Board?

Collaborating on a private board is a great way to share ideas with specific individuals. Here’s how:

• Go to the private board you want to share.
• Click the three dots (more options) icon.
• Select “Edit board”.
• Look for the “Collaborators” section.
• Enter the email addresses or Pinterest usernames of the people you want to invite.
• Click “Invite.”

Those you invite will receive a notification and, once they accept, will be able to add Pins to the board. This allows for shared planning and brainstorming in a secure, private space.

4. Can I Make a Section Within a Board Private?

Unfortunately, Pinterest doesn’t currently offer the functionality to make individual sections within a board private. The privacy setting applies to the entire board. If you need to segregate Pins further, consider creating separate boards.

5. How Do I Know If a Board Is Private?

A small lock icon will appear next to the board’s name on your profile page. This visual cue confirms that the board is indeed private. It’s a quick and easy way to verify your privacy settings at a glance.

6. What Happens If I Accidentally Pin Something to a Public Board When I Meant to Pin It to a Private One?

Don’t panic! Simply navigate to the Pin on the public board, click the “Edit” button (pencil icon), and then change the board destination to your private board. This effectively moves the Pin from the public eye to your private sanctuary.

7. Can I Make a Board Public After It’s Been Private?

Absolutely! Reversing the process is just as easy as making the board private in the first place. Simply go back to the board’s settings (edit option) and toggle the “Secret” switch to “Off”. This instantly makes the board visible to all Pinterest users.

8. Are Secret Boards Really Secret? Can Pinterest Employees See Them?

While Pinterest employs strict privacy measures, it’s important to remember that no online platform is entirely impervious to security breaches. However, generally speaking, your secret boards are only accessible to you and those you explicitly invite as collaborators. Pinterest employees only access data when legally required (e.g., responding to a valid subpoena) or to troubleshoot technical issues with your consent.

9. Can People Tell If I’m Looking at Their Public Boards?

No, Pinterest does not notify users when someone views their public boards. You can browse freely without leaving a digital footprint. So, feel free to glean inspiration from other users’ boards without worrying about sending them a notification.

10. Is It Possible to Hide My Entire Pinterest Profile?

While you can’t make your entire profile private, you can control the visibility of individual boards. Furthermore, you can deactivate your account entirely if you wish to remove your presence from Pinterest. To deactivate, go to your account settings and select the “Deactivate account” option.

11. I’ve Invited Someone to Collaborate on a Private Board, But They Can’t See It. What’s Wrong?

There are a few potential culprits:

• They haven’t accepted the invitation yet. Remind them to check their notifications or email.
• They’re logged into a different Pinterest account. Ensure they’re using the account you invited.
• There might be a temporary glitch. Ask them to try logging out and back in, or clearing their browser cache.
• Verify that you did, in fact, invite them. Double-check the collaborators list to be sure.

12. Does Making a Board Private Affect My Search Visibility?

Yes, making a board private completely removes it from Pinterest search results. No one will be able to find it by searching for keywords related to the board’s content. This is a key benefit for those seeking complete privacy and control over their online presence. Only public boards and Pins contribute to your overall Pinterest search visibility.

In conclusion, mastering the art of making boards private on Pinterest empowers you to curate a personalized and secure online experience. Whether you’re planning a surprise, safeguarding sensitive information, or simply prefer to keep certain inspirations under wraps, these privacy settings provide the control you need. Happy Pinning!