Whether you want to delete a review you wrote, or you run a business with an unfair review, the process is different. You can always delete your own review. A business owner can’t delete a customer’s review, but can ask Google to remove it if it breaks Google’s policies.
How to delete a Google review you wrote
On a computer
- Open Google Maps and sign in.
- Click the menu (three lines), then Your contributions (or Your profile), then Reviews.
- Find the review, click the three dots next to it and choose Delete review.
On the Google Maps app (Android or iPhone)
- Tap your profile picture, then Your profile.
- Scroll to Reviews.
- Tap the three dots next to the review and choose Delete review.
You can also choose Edit review to change your rating or text instead of deleting it.
Can a business remove a Google review?
Not directly. Businesses can’t delete reviews from their Google Business Profile. But you can report a review that breaks Google’s policies, and Google will remove it if it agrees.
Google may remove reviews that contain, for example:
- Spam and fake content, including reviews not based on a real experience
- Off-topic content that isn’t about the business
- Conflicts of interest, such as a competitor or ex-employee reviewing you
- Offensive content, including hate speech, harassment or obscenity
- Personal information, such as phone numbers or addresses
- Restricted or illegal content
A review that is simply negative, but describes a genuine experience, usually won’t be removed.
How to report a review on your Business Profile
- Sign in to your Google Business Profile (search for your business name on Google, or open Google Maps).
- Open Reviews.
- Find the review, click the three dots and choose Report review.
- Pick the reason that best fits and submit.
You can track the status of reports, and appeal a decision once, through Google’s Reviews Management Tool in the Business Profile help centre.
If many fake reviews arrive at once (review bombing), report each one and contact Google Business Profile support with details.
What if Google won’t remove the review?
- Respond publicly and professionally. Thank the reviewer, acknowledge the issue, and offer to fix it offline. Future customers read your replies.
- Fix the issue and ask them to update it. Customers can edit their review if you solve the problem.
- Get more genuine reviews. A steady flow of recent, positive reviews matters more than one bad one. See our guide on how to get more Google reviews without breaking Google’s rules.
- Consider legal options only for defamatory or illegal content. Google has a separate legal removal request process.
How to reply to a negative review
“Hi [name], thank you for your feedback, and I’m sorry your visit didn’t meet expectations. That’s not the experience we aim for. Please contact us at [email/phone] so we can put this right.”
Keep it short, polite and specific. Don’t argue, share private details or offer incentives in return for changing a review.
Should you pay a company to remove Google reviews?
Be careful. No one can force Google to remove a review that follows its policies, and some services use tactics that break Google’s terms. Legitimate review management companies help you monitor, respond to and report reviews, and build a pipeline of genuine ones. Compare options in our list of the best online review management companies.
Strong reviews also help your local rankings. Read how to rank on Google Maps next.
FAQ
Is it possible to remove a bad Google review?
Only if it breaks Google’s policies, for example if it’s fake, offensive or off-topic. Report it from your Business Profile. Genuine negative reviews usually stay, so respond to them professionally.
Can you remove a Google review from someone else?
You can’t delete it yourself. You can report it, and Google decides whether to remove it.
Can you delete a Google review after you’ve posted it?
Yes. Go to Your contributions in Google Maps, find the review, and choose Delete review.
How long does it take Google to remove a reported review?
It varies, often a few days. You can check the status in Google’s Reviews Management Tool.
