This site is not affiliated with Pinterest; this is an independent explanation.
Pinterest not working often looks like a home feed full of grey boxes, pins that never open, a board that will not save, or a login that goes back to the start. Because the service is made of pictures, it is heavy on data, and small network troubles show up fast.
The fixes are simple and safe. Work from the network to the app, then to your account. If you only see the problem in the browser, the browser section further down will help. Other apps with the same trouble are gathered at apps and websites not working.
Common causes
1Slow or restricted network
How to tellGrey boxes in the feed, pins load one at a time
What fixes itChange to mobile data or another Wi-Fi
2Outdated app
How to tellButtons do nothing or the app closes
What fixes itUpdate from the app store
3Full cache
How to tellOld pins keep showing, feed will not refresh
What fixes itClear the cache or reinstall
4Browser extension or tracking blocker
How to tellWebsite blank or images missing, app fine
What fixes itTry a private window
5Login or session expired
How to tellRepeated sign-in screens
What fixes itLog out, restart, log in once
6Short outage at the service
How to tellContacts on other operators report the same trouble
What fixes itWait and try later
7Low storage on the phone
How to tellPhone slow, saving images fails
What fixes itFree up space
How to fix it, step by step
Test your connection with another site
Open any other site or app. If everything is slow, fix the connection first with internet not working.
Move to a different network
If you were on home Wi-Fi, borrow your SIM data for a test, and the other way round. Data saver mode can also stop pictures loading, so switch it off for this app.
Pull down to refresh and reopen
On the home feed pull down to refresh. When the feed stays the same, shut the app down properly and launch it again.
Update the app
Search for the app in your app store and tap Update. Also keep your phone software current.
Clear the cache
On Android, the Storage page of the app inside Settings has a Clear cache button. iPhone users should remove the app and install it fresh.
Log out and log in again
Tap log out in profile settings, reboot, and sign in afresh. Keep your email and password ready.
Check date, time and permissions
Set automatic date and time. Allow photo or storage access if you cannot save pins to your device.
Try the website instead
If the app keeps failing, use the website in the browser as a stopgap while you wait for an update.
Why is Pinterest not working in India
Readers in India often ask this when pictures stop loading on mobile data. Often it is a weak signal where you stand, a data saver switch, or a connection that struggles with picture-heavy pages. Test at another place, or on Wi-Fi. If the same fault shows on a friend's phone on a different operator, the service may be having a problem.
For operator-specific trouble see mobile network problems or another operator guide.
Pinterest not working on the browser
On a computer or phone browser, the page depends on scripts and images. Try a private window, then a different browser. Turn off ad and tracker blockers for the site, and clear its cached files. Make sure the browser is current.
The page opens with only the top bar and white space below. This is typical when a blocker stops the scripts that load the pins. Pausing the blocker for this site brings the feed back.
What the problem looks like and what it means
| Symptom | Probable cause | First fix |
|---|---|---|
| Grey tiles | Slow data or data saver | Change network |
| Pin opens blank | Cache | Clear cache |
| Cannot save to board | Session or app bug | Log out and in, update |
| Login loop | Cookies or time mismatch | Allow cookies, set time automatic |
| Cannot download image | Storage permission | Allow storage or photos access |
Keep your account safe
Only sign in through the official app or website. Do not click login links sent in messages that say your account will close. Never share your password or codes.
If you are comparing with other picture apps, photo app problems shares many of these fixes.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my Pinterest not working today?
Likely a weak connection, an old app or a full cache. Switch networks, update the app and clear the cache, then check with a friend if the service is slow.
Why is Pinterest not working on my phone but opens on a laptop?
The app or the phone's network is the cause. Install the latest version, wipe the cache, then test on SIM data and on Wi-Fi.
Why are Pinterest images not loading?
Grey images usually mean a slow connection or a data saver. Change network and turn off data saver for the app.
Why is Pinterest not working in my browser?
An extension or blocker is a common cause. Use a private window, then pause blockers for the site.
Do I lose my boards if I reinstall?
No. Boards and pins are stored on your account and come back after you log in.