diff --git a/core/commands/pin/pin.go b/core/commands/pin/pin.go
index de8098b5d6d..49c1581f473 100644
--- a/core/commands/pin/pin.go
+++ b/core/commands/pin/pin.go
@@ -204,6 +204,14 @@ var rmPinCmd = &cmds.Command{
 		ShortDescription: `
 Removes the pin from the given object allowing it to be garbage
 collected if needed. (By default, recursively. Use -r=false for direct pins.)
+`,
+		LongDescription: `
+Removes the pin from the given object allowing it to be garbage
+collected if needed. (By default, recursively. Use -r=false for direct pins.)
+
+A pin may not be removed because the specified object is not pinned or pinned
+indirectly. To determine if the object is pinned indirectly, use the command:
+ipfs pin ls -t indirect <cid>
 `,
 	},