CatchAFace

Opt-out guide

How to Remove Yourself from PimEyes (Step-by-Step Guide)

Last reviewed: August 2026Time: 10–20 minDifficulty: EasyVerification: Required

Overview

PimEyes is a facial recognition search engine that finds publicly available images matching a face photo. If you do not want your face searchable there, use PimEyes’ dedicated Opt-Out Request Form — the process is free.

PimEyes says it stores face fingerprints from public websites, not names or emails. That is why the form asks you to upload a photo of yourself: so they can locate fingerprints associated with your likeness and block matching results.

Before you begin

  • Have a government-issued photo ID or passport available. PimEyes currently requires an anonymized copy for identity confirmation.
  • Prepare clear photos of your face. PimEyes recommends uploading more than one photo showing different face angles for better results.
  • Use an email address you check regularly — PimEyes uses it for confirmation and outcome notifications.
  • Understand that opting out of PimEyes does not remove the original images from the websites where they are hosted.

Step-by-step

  1. Step 1

    Open the official PimEyes Opt-Out Request Form

    Go directly to PimEyes’ official Opt-Out Request Form. The opt-out process is free and is specifically designed to remove your face from PimEyes search results.

    Open PimEyes Opt-Out Form

  2. Step 2

    Upload clear photos of your face

    Upload a clear photo so PimEyes can locate face fingerprints associated with your likeness. PimEyes recommends providing more than one photo showing different face angles for better results. They use the photo because they do not store identifying details such as your name or email with indexed fingerprints.

  3. Step 3

    Upload an anonymized government-issued ID

    PimEyes currently requires an anonymized scan of a government-issued ID or passport to confirm that you are the person making the request. Follow PimEyes’ current anonymization instructions on the form carefully, and conceal the sensitive information they tell you to obscure before uploading.

  4. Step 4

    Provide your email and submit

    Enter an email address where PimEyes can contact you about the outcome of your request, complete the required confirmations on the form, and submit.

  5. Step 5

    Wait for processing

    PimEyes’ published guidance indicates that opt-out processing generally takes about 48 hours. Actual processing time may vary — watch the email address you provided for updates.

  6. Step 6

    Remember what opt-out removes

    Opting out removes your likeness from PimEyes search results. It does not remove the original photographs from the websites where they are hosted. To remove a source image itself, you generally need to contact the website hosting it or use that site’s removal process.

What happens next?

If approved

  • PimEyes states that an approved opt-out removes your likeness from its current and future search results.
  • This removes results from PimEyes only. It does not delete the original photos or webpages from the websites where they are hosted.

Keep in mind

  • PimEyes is not responsible for taking down photos from the sites that host them — contact those websites separately.
  • PimEyes notes that images can have different index combinations; in some cases, submitting additional opt-out requests using images that appear in your search results may improve coverage.
  • The photo you upload for opt-out is used to fulfill the request; PimEyes states it will not be included in future search results or used for other purposes beyond the opt-out and related legal obligations.

Frequently asked questions

Does PimEyes delete my photos from the internet?

No. Opting out removes your likeness from PimEyes search results. The original websites continue hosting the images unless those sites remove them.

Can my images appear again after I opt out?

PimEyes describes its opt-out as blocking your likeness from current and future search results. However, PimEyes also notes that images can have different index combinations and that, in some cases, submitting additional opt-out requests using images that appear in your search results may improve coverage.

How long does removal take?

PimEyes’ published guidance generally indicates about 48 hours for opt-out processing. Treat that as typical, not guaranteed — check your confirmation email for status updates.

Is the PimEyes opt-out free?

Yes. PimEyes presents the Opt-Out Request Form as a free way to request removal of your face from their search results.

Does CatchAFace remove my images?

No. CatchAFace does not submit removal requests on your behalf. We provide educational guides explaining each company’s published opt-out process.

CatchAFace is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by PimEyes. This guide is educational only. Opt-out requests must be submitted through PimEyes's own official process; CatchAFace cannot file or manage those requests for you.

Last reviewed: August 2026. Opt-out procedures can change over time. If you notice that a guide is out of date, please let us know so we can update it.