How to Search for People on Pinterest

Pinterest is a great resource for finding and following individuals who share your interests, as well as a fantastic place to discover recipes and DIY projects. Pinterest simplifies the process of finding a friend, influencer, or company profile.

In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to search for someone on Pinterest and start growing your network. Let’s get straight to it.

Ways to Find People You're Looking For on Pinterest

Pinterest is a platform that relies on creativity and connections. Being aware of various search techniques is essential if you want to reconnect, expand your network, or explore a particular person's carefully curated online presence.

Let's explore effective ways to track down the people you’re looking for, providing a proper guide to your Pinterest people-finding journey.

Ways to Find People You're Looking For on Pinterest

1. Finding a Person Using Their Name

The most straightforward way to locate someone on Pinterest is by using their name or username. However, the process can vary slightly depending on the device you're using. Here's a breakdown for different devices:

a. On Your Desktop (Windows/MacOS)

Your trusty desktop offers a clear and efficient way to conduct your Pinterest search.

Step 1: Launch Your Browser and Navigate to Pinterest: Open your preferred web browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, etc.) and go to the official Pinterest website: https://www.pinterest.com/. Once there, log in to your Pinterest account using your email, Google, or Facebook credentials.

‍

Step 2: Locate the Search Bar and Enter the Details: At the top of the Pinterest page, you'll find a search bar. Click inside this bar and carefully type the full name or the specific username of the person you are trying to find.

Accuracy is crucial here, as even slight misspellings can yield no results. After entering the name or username, press the "Enter" key on your keyboard or click the magnifying glass icon next to the search bar.

Step 3: Filter Your Results for "People" or "Profiles": After initiating the search, Pinterest will display a range of results, including pins, boards, and user profiles.

To narrow your search specifically to individuals, look for filter options, typically located below the search bar or on the left side of the results page.

Click on the "Profiles" or "People" option. This will filter out pins and boards, showing you only Pinterest user accounts that match your search term.

Step 4: Review the Profiles and Identify Your Target: Once you've entered the name or username in Pinterest's search bar, a list of profiles that match your search will appear. Since Pinterest usernames are unique, you won’t have to worry about duplicate accounts under the same name, making it easier to pinpoint the right person.

Carefully review each profile by looking at key details such as the profile picture, display name, bio, and board descriptions. If the person you're looking for has a common name, you can narrow down your search by considering:

Profile Picture: Check for a recognizable image, such as a professional photo or an image that reflects the person’s identity.
Bio Information: Look for any identifying information mentioned in their bio. Shared interests, job titles, or location can help you confirm whether you've found the right person.
Activity and Boards: Review the boards and pins they've created or interacted with. The type of content they pin or the names of their boards can offer additional clues.

Step 5: Follow or Message: Once you've identified the profile you're looking for, click on their name or profile picture to visit their full Pinterest page. On their profile, you'll find a prominent "Follow" button.

Clicking this button will add their pins and boards to your Pinterest feed. If you wish to send them a direct message (if their settings allow), you may also find a "Message" button or an icon that will enable you to initiate a private conversation.

b. On Your Android Phone

Step 1: Open Pinterest, Access the Search Bar, and Enter the Name: At the bottom of the Pinterest app screen, you'll see a navigation bar with several icons. Tap the "Search" icon, usually represented by a magnifying glass. This will take you to the search interface.

Tap on the search bar that appears at the top of the screen and type in the name or username of the person you're looking for. After typing, tap the "Search" button on your on-screen keyboard.

Step 2: Navigate to the "Profiles" Section: Below the search bar on the results page, you'll see different tabs or options to filter your search. Swipe left or tap on the tab labeled "Profiles" (it might be next to "Explore" or "All"). This will filter the search results to display only user profiles that match your query.

Step 3: Locate and Select the Correct Profile: After conducting your search, you'll be presented with a list of Pinterest profiles that match the name or username you entered. Since Pinterest usernames are unique, you can rely on these to distinguish between different users. Here's how to efficiently identify the right profile:

Username: The username, located right below the profile picture, is unique for each person. If you know the exact username, it will make it easier to find the correct person in the search results.
Profile Picture: Even though usernames are unique, it’s still helpful to confirm the profile by looking at the profile picture. If the person has a recognizable photo, it can serve as a quick visual cue.
Display Name and Bio: The display name may provide additional details such as the person’s full name or a nickname. The bio often includes a brief description of the user, such as their interests or profession, which can further help you identify the right profile.
Activity and Boards: Review the types of pins and boards the profile has. You’ll often see clues in the themes of their boards (e.g., “Travel Ideas,” “Home Decor,” “Baking Tips”) that match the person you're looking for.

Once you’ve found the correct profile based on these identifiers, tap on their name or profile picture to view their full Pinterest page and confirm you've found the right individual.

Step 4: Follow or Message: On the person's profile page, you'll see a "Follow" button, usually located near their profile information.

Tap this button to start following their content. Depending on their privacy settings, you might also see a "Message" button or an envelope icon that allows you to send them a direct message.

c. On Your iPhone/iPad

The process for searching for individuals on the Pinterest app for iPhone or iPad is very similar to the Android version, with slight variations in interface elements.

Step 1: Open Pinterest, Access the Search Bar, and Enter the Name: At the bottom of the screen, you'll find a navigation bar. Tap the "Search" icon (magnifying glass). This will open the search interface.

Tap the search bar at the top of the screen and type the name or username of the person you're trying to find. Tap the "Go" or "Search" button on your on-screen keyboard.

Step 2: Filter by "Profiles": Below the search bar on the search results page, look for filter options. Tap on the "Profiles" tab (it might be located under a "Filters" menu or directly visible next to options like "All" and "Boards"). Then, tap "View Results" if prompted to apply the filter. This will display only user profiles matching your search.

Step 3: Identify and Select the Desired Profile: Once the search results are displayed, you'll be able to browse through the profiles that match the name or username you entered. To find the correct person, follow these steps:

Username: Each Pinterest user has a unique username, which can be a reliable indicator of their identity. If you know the exact username, it will be easier to identify the correct profile.
Profile Picture: Look at the profile picture to see if it matches what you expect. Many users upload recognizable photos, so this can be a helpful clue in confirming the correct person.
Display Name and Bio: Pay close attention to the display name and bio. If the person has a common name, their bio might offer additional identifying information, such as their profession, interests, or location. This will help you differentiate between users with similar names.
Board Themes and Activity: Check out the boards they have created or the pins they interact with. The topics they curate on their boards—like "Travel Ideas," "Art Inspiration," or "Healthy Recipes"—can give you insight into whether it's the person you're looking for.

Once you've located the correct profile based on these details, tap on their name or profile picture to visit their full Pinterest page and verify you’ve found the right person.

Step 4: Follow or Message: On the person's profile, you'll find a "Follow" button. Tap it to add their content to your feed. If the user's settings allow direct messaging, you might also see a "Message" button or an icon to initiate a private conversation.

2. Finding People by Syncing Your Phone Number

You can easily connect with people from your phone's address book. Pinterest allows you to sync your contacts, making it simple to discover and follow friends who are already sharing their interests on the platform.