How to Fix Pinterest Validation Error: A Step-by-Step Guide

Published On - November 25, 2025

Sophia Willson blog

Pinterest is a powerful platform for driving traffic, especially for bloggers, e-commerce owners, and content creators. But at times, trying to validate your website for Pinterest can lead to frustrating “Validation Errors”. These errors prevent users from claiming their websites and accessing powerful features like analytics and rich pins. Fortunately, resolving these errors isn’t as difficult as it may seem.

TL;DR

If you’re encountering a Pinterest validation error, it usually stems from incorrect meta tags, misconfigured DNS settings, or ownership verification issues. Start by double-checking that your HTML tag or TXT record was added correctly. Use Pinterest’s debugging tools to identify specific issues and use trusted plugins if you’re working with platforms like WordPress. Read on for a full, step-by-step guide.

Understanding Pinterest Validation Errors

When claiming a website on Pinterest, you’re asked to choose a verification method: either by adding an HTML tag to the header section of your site or inserting a TXT record into your domain’s DNS settings. Errors occur when:

  • The HTML meta tag is missing or inserted incorrectly in your site’s code.
  • You’ve entered the wrong TXT record or placed it in the wrong location.
  • Your site uses JavaScript frameworks (like React or Angular), preventing Pinterest from reading the meta tag.
  • The meta tag was removed before the site was reviewed.

Step-by-Step Guide to Fix Pinterest Validation Errors

Step 1: Choose the Method of Validation

When claiming your site, Pinterest gives you two main options:

  • HTML Tag: Insert a specific meta tag into the <head> section of your website.
  • TXT Record: Add a TXT record to your DNS settings via your domain registrar (such as GoDaddy, Namecheap, etc.).

Choose the method that best suits your technical level and comfort. HTML tag is faster to implement if you have direct access to your website’s code.

Step 2: Add the HTML Tag Properly

Copy the tag provided by Pinterest, which will look like this:

<meta name="p:domain_verify" content="xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx" />

Paste it between the <head> tags on your homepage. Make sure it is placed properly and not regenerated dynamically through JavaScript-based frameworks.

Use the browser’s “View Page Source” feature to ensure the tag is visible in the static HTML when Pinterest bots crawl the site.

Step 3: If Using TXT Record, Check DNS Propagation

If you opted for the TXT method, log in to your domain registrar:

  1. Locate your DNS settings.
  2. Add the TXT record exactly as Pinterest displays it.
  3. Save and wait for DNS propagation (can take 24–48 hours).

Use tools like DNS Checker to confirm that your TXT record has been propagated globally.

Step 4: Use Pinterest’s Debug Tools

Pinterest offers a URL Debugger to evaluate how it reads your site. Enter your homepage URL and click “Fetch new scrape information”.

This will show whether your HTML or DNS verification info was detected successfully. If not, you’ll get specific error messages to guide your troubleshooting.

Step 5: Check for Common Pitfalls

Some frequent but less obvious causes of validation errors include:

  • Meta tag placed in the wrong section: Double-check that it’s in the <head>, not the <body>.
  • Tag removed or changed: If you delete the tag before verification, Pinterest can’t validate your site.
  • Multiple verifications: Only one Pinterest account can claim a domain. If someone else already has, it won’t work for you.
  • Server-side rendering issues: If your site uses WordPress with heavy caching or themes built in React, Pinterest’s crawler may not detect the meta tag.

Step 6: Try WordPress Plugins (Optional)

If you’re managing your site through WordPress, you can use plugins to insert meta tags easily:

  • Insert Headers and Footers: Allows custom code placement in header section.
  • Yoast SEO: Under Settings > Webmasters, paste the Pinterest meta tag.
  • Rank Math: Similar to Yoast—navigate to Webmasters section for Pinterest.

Step 7: Re-submit for Validation

After making the necessary corrections, go back to Pinterest and click the “Claim Website” button again. Pinterest will recheck your site and confirm ownership if everything is in place.

Step 8: Wait and Confirm

Sometimes, even after doing everything correctly, Pinterest may take several hours or even a couple of days to complete validation. Check your email or Pinterest settings to confirm whether validation was successful.

Preventing Further Validation Errors

Once your website is successfully validated, it’s important to make sure the verification method remains untouched. If you switch themes, update your CMS, or change domain names, redo the verification steps to maintain ownership.

Schedule periodic checks (especially after making website updates) to ensure the validation tag or TXT record is still present.

Conclusion

Fixing a Pinterest validation error can feel intimidating at first, but once broken down into actionable steps, it becomes a manageable process. Whether you’re performing DNS updates or editing HTML headers, making sure Pinterest bots can access the required data is key. Stay patient, double-check everything, and soon you’ll unlock all the Pinterest tools your site needs to grow its reach.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • Why does Pinterest say my website couldn’t be verified?

    This typically means the meta tag was not found on your site or the DNS record has not yet propagated. Use Pinterest’s Debugger to confirm.

  • How long does Pinterest verification take?

    Most verifications are completed within minutes but can take up to 48 hours, especially when using DNS TXT records.

  • Can I use both HTML and TXT record at the same time for verification?

    You should choose only one method. Using both is unnecessary and may create confusion.

  • Do I need to keep the meta tag on my website after verification?

    Yes. Removing the tag may result in your domain being unverified. Always keep it in place unless instructed otherwise by Pinterest.

  • How can I check if my Pinterest claim is still valid?

    Go to Pinterest account settings under “Claimed Accounts”. Your claimed domains will appear there. If it’s gone, reverify.