What is the _routing_id cookie?
_routing_id is an HTTP cookie set on the .pinterest.com domain, typically when a page loads a Pinterest widget, "Pin It" button, or embedded Pinterest content. It isn't set directly by the site the visitor is on, but by Pinterest scripts running in a third-party context or by Pinterest iframes.
It usually appears on the first interaction with a Pinterest element on the page and only exists for the current browsing session.
What data it stores
Based on publicly available information, the cookie stores a technical identifier used to route the request to a specific server or data center within Pinterest's infrastructure. The exact value format is not documented in detail publicly and may vary.
The data is sent to Pinterest's servers (.pinterest.com) whenever the browser makes requests to Pinterest services.
What it is used for
Its main purpose is technical traffic routing within Pinterest's server infrastructure, ensuring requests reach the correct backend instance that can respond efficiently. Based on available documentation, it is not used for advertising tracking or building user profiles.
For the site embedding Pinterest content, this cookie indirectly contributes to the correct and fast functioning of the displayed widgets.
Does it require consent?
CookieFix classifies _routing_id as a strictly necessary cookie ("necessary" category), since it supports a technical infrastructure function rather than tracking or marketing. Under GDPR and Law 506/2004 (the Romanian transposition of the ePrivacy Directive), strictly necessary cookies don't require prior consent, but they still must be listed in the site's cookie policy.
- The site administrator should include this cookie in the declared cookie list, with Pinterest as the provider.
- If the Pinterest widget in use also sets statistics or marketing cookies, those must be treated separately, with consent.
How to block or delete _routing_id
A visitor can manually delete or block this cookie from browser settings (for example, managing cookies per domain in Chrome, Firefox, or Safari), which may affect how Pinterest widgets on the page function.
The site administrator can automatically block Pinterest scripts and widgets from loading until consent is given, using a CMP such as CookieFix, which stops non-consented third-party scripts from executing until the visitor accepts the relevant categories.
Frequently asked questions
No, it's a technical cookie used to route requests to Pinterest's servers, not for advertising tracking or profiling, based on publicly available information.
No, since it's classified as strictly necessary, but it must still be listed in the site's cookie policy under ePrivacy and GDPR.
It's a session cookie, so it's automatically deleted when the browser closes or the browsing session ends.
It appears because the page loads a Pinterest widget, button, or embedded content, regardless of whether the visitor has a Pinterest account.