How to Download Pinterest Images
Pinterest currently provides a built-in Download image action for some image Pins. This means that if the option is available, you do not need to treat every Pinterest image as a video-style downloader problem.
To download Pinterest images, open the image Pin, access its menu and choose the image-download option Pinterest displays. Pinterest also supports downloading certain images directly from the home feed.
Not all Pins can be downloaded. Pinterest's own help page specifically notes that the download steps may not apply to every Pin.
Downloading saves an image file to your device. Pinterest's Save button instead adds the Pin to one of your Pinterest boards.
Download Pinterest Images on a Computer
If you want to download Pinterest photos on a desktop or laptop, Pinterest's current help instructions begin with the individual image Pin.
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Open the image Pin.
Select the exact image you want rather than staying only on a board or search-results page.
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Open the Pin's menu.
Use the ellipsis or additional-options control Pinterest currently displays beside the image.
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Select Download image.
If Pinterest offers the option for that Pin, choosing it starts the image download.
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Check your browser's download location.
The downloaded file will normally appear in the folder configured by your browser or operating system.
The exact visual position of Pinterest's controls can change over time, so the important action is the current Download image command rather than the exact placement shown in an older screenshot.
How to Save Pinterest Images on iPhone or Android
For users searching how to save Pinterest images to a phone, Pinterest also provides a mobile image-download workflow for supported Pins.
Open the image Pin, access the available options underneath or around the Pin and select Download image when Pinterest provides it.
Pinterest says downloaded images are saved through the device's media storage. Depending on the device, this can appear in a Gallery, Photos app or another default media location.
Device permissions matter. If Pinterest is not permitted to save photos or files, an otherwise available download action may fail to create the local image.
Download Pinterest Photos From the Home Feed
Pinterest's current documentation says that users can also download some image Pins directly from the home feed.
Instead of opening the full Pin first, use the available ellipsis menu associated with the image and choose Download image if that action is displayed.
This can make a Pinterest image download faster when you already know which image you want, but availability still depends on the particular Pin.
Save Pinterest Images vs Download Pinterest Images
The phrase save Pinterest images can mean two different things because Pinterest also uses the word Save for its board system.
Using Pinterest's Save button adds the Pin to a board so it can be found later inside your Pinterest account. This does not necessarily create an image file on your phone or computer.
Using Download image creates a local file on the device. That is the workflow relevant to somebody searching for a Pinterest image download or wanting to view the image offline.
Save = keep the Pin in a Pinterest board. Download = store the actual image file on your device.
Why Can't I Download a Pinterest Image?
Pinterest explicitly notes that not all Pins can be downloaded. If the Download image option is missing, that does not automatically mean something is wrong with your device.
Try the home feed
Pinterest recommends checking the image's menu from the home feed if the download action does not appear after opening the Pin.
Try a browser
Pinterest also recommends trying a desktop or mobile browser if the expected download action is unavailable in the app.
Check device storage
If the download begins but the image is not saved, confirm that your device has enough free storage.
Check photo permissions
Pinterest needs the relevant device permission to save a downloaded image into your local photo or media storage.
Update the Pinterest app
An outdated app can also affect interface behavior, so Pinterest recommends using the latest available version.
Where Are Downloaded Pinterest Photos Saved?
Download location depends on the device and browser. Pinterest's current help information says downloaded images are normally stored in the device's default Downloads folder or Photos-style media app.
On Android this may appear through Gallery, Photos, Files or Downloads depending on the manufacturer and configuration.
On iPhone, a downloaded image can appear in Photos or the browser's file workflow depending on how the current Pinterest interface and browser handle the download.
On a computer, check the browser's configured Downloads folder first.
Pinterest Image Download Quality
Downloading an image does not automatically increase its resolution. The real quality depends on the image Pinterest makes available for that Pin.
If the available Pin image has limited dimensions, saving it locally cannot restore original detail that is not contained in the downloaded source.
This is why terms such as “original quality” should not be promised without inspecting the actual source file. A downloaded image can only preserve the quality of the media that was made available through that workflow.
Can You Download Pinterest Photos Free?
Users searching for download Pinterest photos free usually want to save an image to their device without paying for separate downloader software.
Pinterest's own Download image function is an in-platform feature for Pins where that action is available. It does not require purchasing a separate image-downloader application.
When Pinterest's own Download image option is available, it is the simplest choice. For public Pins where it is not, a browser tool such as ReelDown can save the image from the Pin link.
Before Downloading Pinterest Images
Being able to save an image file does not transfer copyright or ownership. Pinterest contains content created and uploaded by many different people and websites.
If you intend to repost, edit, redistribute or commercially use somebody else's image, make sure you have the necessary permission or rights.
Downloading an image for offline reference and republishing the image as your own work are different actions.
How to Download Pinterest Images FAQ
How do I download Pinterest images?
Open the image Pin, access its additional options and select Download image when Pinterest provides that action.
How do I download Pinterest photos?
Pinterest image Pins can be downloaded through the Download image option when it is available for that Pin. The same basic workflow applies whether you call the media an image or photo.
Can I download Pinterest photos for free?
Pinterest's own image-download option does not require purchasing separate downloader software when the option is available for the Pin.
How do I save Pinterest images to my phone?
Open the image Pin and choose Download image if Pinterest displays it. The resulting file is normally saved through your device's default Photos, Gallery or file-storage workflow.
Why is Download image missing?
Pinterest states that not all Pins can be downloaded. You can also try the home feed or a desktop/mobile browser if the action does not appear in the app.
Is saving a Pinterest Pin the same as downloading it?
No. Saving adds the Pin to one of your Pinterest boards. Downloading stores the actual image file on your device.
Where are Pinterest image downloads stored?
They are generally saved to your device's default Downloads, Gallery or Photos location depending on your device, browser and settings.
Use Pinterest's Image Download Option First
For an image Pin, the built-in Download image action is the most direct supported workflow when Pinterest makes it available.