Pinterest website verification not working: what to check
By HeyMark · Updated
If Pinterest cannot verify your business website, start with the method you selected and where you placed its verification proof. This walkthrough helps you check the HTML tag, file and DNS options on a computer. You need control of the website and permission to make the relevant changes.
Check whether you can claim that website
You must own the domain, subdomain or subpath and be able to add Pinterest’s verification proof. Most stores hosted on marketplaces such as Etsy, eBay and Amazon do not let you claim their domain. Also, a website can be claimed by only one Pinterest account.
If someone on your team already claimed it, agree which account should keep the association. Adding a website URL to your profile does not complete domain verification. Pinterest’s website-claiming instructions explain the requirements and methods.
Get the verification proof from the correct account
Pinterest recommends a business account to get more from a claimed website, but it is not required for verification.
- Sign in to the Pinterest account that should be associated with the site.
- Open the menu at the top right and select Settings.
- Open Link to Pinterest and select Claim next to Websites.
- Choose a method you can complete with your access to the website or domain provider.
Copy the tag or record generated for your own account, or download its file. A sample verification code will not claim your website. If you cannot sign in because Pinterest suspended your account, see how to appeal the suspension before continuing.
Check placement for your chosen method
| Method | Where it goes | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| HTML tag | Inside your website’s HTML <head>, before <body>. |
The personalized tag is saved and published in that section. |
| HTML file | In your web server’s root folder. | You uploaded the file downloaded from Pinterest to the root, without a subfolder. |
| TXT record | In your domain provider’s DNS records. | You pasted the personalized value; use @ in Host if your provider requires it. |
Diagnostic example: if you uploaded the file to a folder called /files/, put it in the root instead, as required by the HTML-file method. Pinterest says it cannot access the verification file when it is in a subfolder.
For TXT records, changes may take up to 72 hours to take effect. Keep the domain’s other DNS records and check that you saved the new record before verifying again. The steps within your hosting service or builder depend on the provider; use a method you have permission to complete.
Some accounts also offer a Google Merchant Center connection. If that option is missing, review the other methods above.
Return to Pinterest and check the result
After adding the proof, return to Pinterest, enter the website URL and select Verify. If verification still fails, check the method and proof location again; allow for pending DNS propagation where applicable.
Pinterest’s instructions place successfully claimed sites under Settings → Claimed accounts → Websites. Find the correct domain there to confirm its association. For help preparing your content and destination links next, continue with the Pinterest for business guide.
If your website is already claimed but your products are not publishing, see how to check Pinterest catalog errors.
After claiming your website, you can review how to auto-publish Pinterest Pins from your RSS feed.
See it on your own accounts.
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