Download Not Working? Fixes for Pinterest
Most failures have a simple cause. Work through this list.
Last updated · Reviewed by the PinSaveHD team · How we check facts
Most failed Pinterest downloads have one of four causes: the link is not a pin link, the pin is private or deleted, you hit the fair-use limit (about 30 lookups a minute), or the browser played the file instead of saving it. Check the table below to match your error to a fix.
Symptom → cause → fix
- 1Is it a pin link?It must contain /pin/ or pin.it
- 2Is the pin public?Open it while logged out
- 3Too many tries?Wait 60 seconds, then retry
- 4Still failing?The pin may have been removed
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| “Not a valid Pinterest link” | Copied text, or a search / ideas page | Use Share → Copy link; the link must contain /pin/ or pin.it |
| “Pin not found” or private | Pin is private, secret or deleted | Open it while logged out; if it does not show, it cannot be saved |
| “Too many requests” | Fair-use limit (~30 lookups a minute) | Wait 60 seconds and try again |
| Video plays instead of saving | Safari or the browser opened the MP4 | iPhone: Share → Save to Files. Computer: right-click → Save video as |
| No sound | Pin has no audio, or app-added licensed music | Nothing to fix; licensed music is not in the public file |
| File will not open | HEVC or WebP not supported by the app | Pick the H.264 MP4, or convert WebP with the Media Converter |
More fixes: Download not working?
More details
- “Pin not found” — the pin was deleted, is from a secret board, or the link is incomplete. Open it in a private window to check.
- Only an image appears — the pin is an image or links to an external video (YouTube etc.) which Pinterest doesn't host.
- Board has fewer pins — public feeds return about 50 recent pins.
- pin.it link fails — paste the full link, including https://.
Device
- Video won't play → choose H.264 instead of HEVC.
- Nothing happens on iPhone → long-press the button → Download Linked File.
- Ad/script blockers rarely interfere, but try disabling them for this site.
Check the status page to see whether a backend is currently up.
Related tools
Video DownloaderHD MP4 from any public pin
Image DownloaderOriginal full-size photos
GIF DownloaderAnimated GIF pins
Idea Pin / StoryEvery page of an Idea Pin
Carousel DownloaderAll slides at once
Board DownloaderWhole board → ZIPExplore: all Pinterest tools · creator tools · guides · FAQ hub · how-to guide · Pinterest glossary · use cases · blog
Frequently asked questions
Why won’t my Pinterest video download?
Usually the pin is private or deleted, the link is incomplete, or you hit the rate limit. Wait a minute and try a fresh Share → Copy link.
Why do I get “too many requests”?
You passed the fair-use limit of about 30 lookups a minute. Wait 60 seconds.
Is PinSaveHD free?
Yes. It is free, with no sign-up and no watermark. A fair-use limit of about 30 lookups a minute applies.
Can I download private Pinterest pins?
No. Only public pins work. Private boards, secret boards and deleted pins cannot be saved, and we never ask for a login.
Does PinSaveHD add a watermark?
No. You get the file exactly as Pinterest serves it.
Where do downloaded files go?
On Android and computers, to your Downloads folder. On iPhone, Safari saves to Files › Downloads; tap Share → Save to move it to Photos.