You should remove your business from Google Maps for numerous valid reasons, and it is possible to do so. In this guide, we will explore various scenarios that may lead you to consider removing your business from Google Maps and discuss the alternatives available to you. If you determine that removing your Google Maps listing is necessary, we will also provide instructions on how you can do it. Additionally, we will share extra tips for effectively managing the deletion of your Google Maps listing.
Deciding to delete your Google Maps Listing can feel intimidating at first because you will have to deal with your profile settings and wait for Google’s approval. But don’t worry, you are already in our hands, and we will guide you through every step or variable you may find during the process. It will be simpler than you think.
Why Delete a Google Maps Listing?
Customers rely on Google Maps listings to quickly find what they are looking for, restaurants, stores, or services. A modern customer will decide where to go based on a business’s reputation on Google Maps. They will browse through ratings, pictures, and reviews written by other customers. To keep a high standard and stay on top as one of the highly trusted platforms, Google needs reliable listings to stay relevant and trustworthy. If anyone could simply remove or change information at will, it would lead to complete chaos, and customers might slowly start losing trust.
The system of Google Maps functions well, but it also has its limitations. The rating and review system can sometimes backfire, which is one of the reasons why a business owner would want to remove their listing from the platform. However, we do not recommend you delete the listing due to these issues. Deleting it won’t solve the problems and could permanently damage your reputation. If you attempt to delete your Google Maps listing without a valid reason, the system might flag you, preventing you from relisting the same business and putting you at a disadvantage compared to your competitors.
Deleting the listing to remove incorrect business details is not recommended; they can be easily changed later. Removing access to a particular social media manager who is no longer employed does not justify deleting the listing either. With these examples, it’s clear that not everything leads to the critical decision to remove your business from Google Maps.
Valid Reasons to Remove Your Google Maps Listing
Here are several reasons why you might want to consider removing your Google Maps listing.
You Are Going Out of Business
If your business is closing, it’s important to inform potential customers. People might lose interest if they find you on Google Maps and decide they want to visit you, only to find the place closed or replaced with another establishment. By removing your Google Maps listing, your reputation can remain intact. Keep in mind that failing to update your Google Maps listing, even if you no longer own the business, can harm your professional image.
Your Business Is No Longer Eligible for Listing
There are specific reasons why your business may not be suitable to appear on Google Maps. In such cases, it is best to remove your listing to avoid providing inaccurate information about your offerings.
Some of the issues that make your profile unsuitable for listing are fixable, such as verifying your Google Business Profile via phone or mail. If no other options are available, you may have to resort to removing the listing altogether.
If your business shares office space or is located in the same building as another one, Google might not display your business in the listing. This is because Google prioritizes businesses that have been at the location for a longer period, regardless of the nature of your business. In this scenario, it may be advisable to completely delist yourself to prevent negative ratings or potential suspension of your account due to policy violations by Google.
If Google bans your business from the listing, there is no going back. Once banned, reinstating your business in the listings becomes significantly more difficult and may not be achievable. Therefore, it is essential to carefully consider your options before making any decisions. Taking proactive steps to manage the listing internally may be the most prudent course of action. However, should your business circumstances or reputation improve, re-establishing the profile remains a potential option for the future. It is important to weigh the potential consequences and consider the best approach for your unique situation.
You Are Going Through a Rebranding
Google is all about making sure you get the right information when you need it. If you want to make the best out of Google products, you need to be as accurate as possible with the information you share with it for other users to see.
Let’s say you are not closing your business. Instead of operating a restaurant, you are planning to open a dark kitchen while staying in the same location. You will get to pick a new name, design a fresh logo, revamp the business model, and give everything a makeover. When making changes to the Google Maps listing, there is a risk of retaining outdated information or obsolete reviews that no longer accurately represent the business. It would be more effective to request that Google delete your current business listing before setting up a new profile for your new business.
Your Google Maps Listing is Duplicated
If this is your first venture into business or if you are new to Google technologies, you might accidentally create duplicate Google Maps listings. It happens more often than you realize, so there is no need to feel ashamed. It happens to everyone, even the best of us. Now that you have reached this point, you are faced with two choices: you can either merge the listings or request the removal of one of them.
If you go for the first option, all you have to do is access your verified Google Business Profile and report one of the listings as a duplicate entry. Google will assess your case and determine if it is indeed the same business, eliminating the need for multiple listings.
While easier, merging a duplicate listing comes with some drawbacks. Pieces of information such as reviews, pictures, and ratings may not be merged accordingly, and you will be left with a mess that will need to be fixed. If you decide to delete the duplicated entry, you will have more autonomy in which profile has more useful information for you and your customers.
Invalid Reasons to Remove Your Google Maps Listing
There are also some less valid reasons why you might want to remove your Google Maps listing. Consider them carefully to avoid negative flags.
There Is an Error in the Listing
Deleting your Google Maps listing is not necessary if all you need to do is correct the information about your business. It is not uncommon to inadvertently input an incorrect address or mistakenly select a hotel instead of a guest house. Such occurrences are frequent and easily rectifiable. That is why Google allows business owners to have the autonomy to edit the information themselves.
All you have to do is go to your account on Google Business Profile and correct the wrong information. This also applies to updating information that is now irrelevant or has slightly changed.
Now, it is a straightforward process, but it may take different steps for different corrections. For example, if you need to change your address, you will be required to verify your actual location before making adjustments.
Suppose you need to change a typo on your description, or you just took a picture that would suit your business better. In that case, those kinds of changes are almost immediate because they will not negatively impact your business reputation and will not mess up Google Maps listings. Remember that the quality of the listing is the top priority for Google.
Your Business No Longer Serves Customers
Suppose you are rebranding your business model from a place where customers could receive personalized attention to a location that is only accessible to employees and off-limits to the public. In that case, there is no need to delete your Google Maps listing to make the necessary adjustments. All you need to do is update your information and clearly state that you are no longer serving customers at your facilities.
Things like these are common. Maybe you started as a fintech that would hire executives to serve and inform customers in person, but later on, you decided to switch to an online helpdesk model. If people have already left you a review, they may talk about your good personalized services, so other potential customers may want to have the great experience others had and visit you.
In addition to adjusting your working hours and updating your business model information, it is a good idea to have your manager choose the top reviews on your listing and respond to them with a thank you message. You should also mention that you are no longer accepting in-person customers but will continue to serve them online or through your chosen business model.
You Are Selling Your Business
Despite no longer owning your business, there is no need to panic and remove the listing from Google Maps! If the new owner does not plan to change business models or undergo a complete rebranding, simply provide the necessary information for them to manage the Google Business Profile.
This includes the password for the account and the in-house-generated content related to the business. When you sell your business, it is important to understand that you are giving up the rights to use the pictures, reviews, and ratings associated with the business for any other purpose. Keep in mind that having a strong rating and positive reviews on your Google Maps listing can be a significant advantage when trying to attract potential buyers.
It would be a hassle for the buyer if you delete the Google Maps listing. They would have to go through the process again to keep the business running smoothly. Any type of business must be listed on Google Maps in today’s era. However, creating a new listing for an existing business can lead to problems for the new owner. Google might mistakenly interpret the business as engaging in malpractice or malicious activity, resulting in a permanent ban from the listings.
You Will Close Temporarily
Various circumstances may lead you to temporarily close your business, whether it is for a brief period or an extended duration. Suppose you are planning to redecorate your place of business, or perhaps your business is seasonal. It is not necessary to remove your Google Maps listing in these cases; doing so might cause more trouble in the future.
What you need to do is mark your business as “Temporarily Closed” in your Google Business Profile. Make sure your customers are aware of your operating hours to prevent them from arriving at your business only to find it closed. Even if they visit your competitors in the meantime, if you have a strong reputation on Google Maps, they will likely return when you reopen.
When you mark your business as temporarily closed, it is important to note that this action will not remove your business’s pictures, ratings, and reviews. If your business has received outstandingly positive reviews, they can serve as a testament to your business’s legacy and demonstrate to potential customers why they should look forward to your return. This content will remain up even if you reopen your business in a different location, as long as you provide enough proof that the business is still owned by you.
Removing Negative Reviews
This may be the worst reason to remove your Google Maps Listing. Trying to remove your negative reviews will not solve the problem. Your online presence is crucial for your business success, and you need to take good care of it. However, it’s not advisable to ignore public relations issues by hiding negative feedback.
There could be several reasons why you are receiving an influx of negative comments or bad ratings. Some of these reasons might be related to your actions or inactions, while others could be part of a boycott attempt or an internet troll raid. If you find yourself in this situation, it is normal to feel panicked and have the urge to delete your Google Maps listing to make the issue disappear. However, taking that action will only exacerbate the problem.
In this particular scenario, it would be most beneficial to gather your media and public relations team and engage in collaborative brainstorming to develop an internal solution. Removing negative comments may portray a lack of accountability, potentially undermining your standing in the eyes of your customers, as it may suggest an unwillingness to take ownership of mistakes. When responding to comments, it is important to address those that come from genuinely dissatisfied customers, rather than trolls or those attempting to boycott your business. Offer a solution to their issue, express your apologies, and be transparent about your commitment to improvement in the future.
Also, keep in mind that there are other ways of removing hateful comments and reviews than completely removing your Google Maps listing. For example, if you are receiving reviews that are so clearly ill-intentioned that they do not describe your service as it should, you can report them to Google. The Google review team will evaluate them, and if they conclude that the comments come from internet trolls, the reviews and the bad ratings will be deleted. This method is not 100% guaranteed, as you will need to provide Google with proof that the comments are not truthful, and it may also depend on the profile that made them. If it’s an active profile that leaves good and bad comments alike, chances are Google will think their experience about your business is accurate. On the other hand, if the profile is recently created or has taken part in suspicious activity, it will be completely purged along with all the malicious content it may have generated.
Removing Duplicate Google Business Listings
Duplicate Google Business Profile listings can confuse customers and harm your local SEO. They split up your reviews and visibility, and having multiple listings for the same business also violates Google’s guidelines.
If You Own a Duplicate Listing
Google often flags duplicate locations in your Business Profile Manager. Go to your Account Summary and look for any listings marked “Duplicate.” Select the duplicate location (making sure it’s the unverified or secondary one) and choose “Delete this listing”. This removes the extra profile from your account while keeping your main verified listing intact. Be careful not to delete the verified profile, only remove the duplicate entry.
If a Duplicate Exists on Google Maps (Not in Your Account)
You can request its removal via Google Maps. Find the listing on Maps and click “Suggest an edit.” Then choose “Close or remove” followed by “Duplicate of another place.” Select the correct primary listing if prompted, and submit your edit. Google will review the suggestion and, if valid, merge or eliminate the duplicate within a few days. In many cases, Google support can also merge two listings upon request if you can demonstrate that you legitimately represent the business.
Removing Fake or Fraudulent Listings
Fake or spam listings on Google Business, like a made-up business that does not exist or someone pretending to be your company, can confuse customers and harm legitimate businesses. Scammers sometimes create fake profiles to divert customers or even extort owners, but the good news is Google takes fake Business Profiles seriously and provides ways to remove them.
“Suggest an Edit” on Google Maps
If the listing is bogus (for instance, a business that never existed at the given location), go to Google Maps, find the listing, and click “Suggest an edit.” Choose “Place is closed or not here” and then select the reason, such as “Does not exist here” or “Spam/False listing.” Submit the edit. This marks the profile for deletion. Google might shoot you an email for more details or proof, so be prepared to explain why the listing is not real. Once Google gives the thumbs up on the edit, the fake business will disappear from Search and Maps.
Report via Google’s Redressal Complaint Form
For a thorough approach, use the Business Redressal Complaint Form to report fraudulent listings that violate Google’s guidelines. This form (you can find it on Google Business Profile Help) lets you share info about the fake profile. Just fill in your details, the name and address/URL of the problematic business, and explain what is going on.
Just be as detailed as you can, share what makes the listing questionable or sketchy, and throw in any proof if you have it (like photos, screenshots, or business registry info). Google’s team will take a look at your report, and if it is legit, they usually sort it out in a few days.
Follow Up if Necessary
Google might not always take down a fake listing right away. If you have not seen any changes after a week or two, you can submit another Redressal form with extra evidence or reach out to Google Business Profile support with your case ID. Some experienced users in the community suggest that you keep reporting it and show proof that the business is not real, like pointing out fake reviews or that the business is not registered, to make sure Google takes action.
Dealing with Trademark or Copyright Infringements
Some fake or competing listings might not be entirely fictitious. Still, they could be piggybacking on your brand name or content, for example, a competitor adding your trademarked name to their listing, or someone reusing your photos without permission.
Trademark Violations
If another business profile is using your registered brand name or a confusingly similar name, it may constitute trademark infringement. Google provides a Trademark Complaint Form specifically for this scenario. You (or your legal representative) can file a trademark infringement complaint, explaining that a listing’s name or content violates your trademark and is likely to confuse.
Google’s legal removal team will review the claim, and if valid, it can force changes or removal of the offending content. In other words, you can report the unauthorized use of your trademark, and Google may remove or alter the listing to comply with trademark law. It is a fairly formal process, so ensure you can support your trademark rights with documentation, such as a registration, if requested.
Copyrighted Content
If a competitor or fake listing has stolen your photos, logo, or written content, you have recourse through copyright law. Google’s Legal Help Center allows you to submit a DMCA copyright takedown request for content on Google services. You would identify the specific images or text that you own and that the other profile copied, and Google can remove or disable that content on the listing. For example, if someone copied your storefront photos or website description verbatim, you can file a copyright complaint to have that material removed from their listing. Like the trademark process, you will need to assert your ownership rights and possibly provide evidence of the original work.
Once Google verifies the claim, the infringing content can be taken down. This will not necessarily delete the entire business listing, but it will remove the copyrighted elements, which often defeats the piggybacker’s purpose.
If You Have Lost Access to Your Business Listing
Sometimes, the issue is not about someone else making a fake listing, but rather that you can not get into your own Google Business profile anymore for whatever reason. This can happen if an employee or former partner created the profile and left, if you have forgotten the account credentials, or if you have purchased a business that already had a Google listing. Not having control of your listing means you can not update or remove it normally, but Google provides methods to regain access or remove the listing in such cases.
Attempt to Recover or Transfer Ownership
Google Business Profile has a procedure to request ownership of a listing that is already verified by someone else. If you search for your business on Google and see an “Own this business?” link, you can click it to start the ownership request. Google will ask the current listed owner to respond within 3 days. If they approve (or fail to respond in time), you will get the ability to claim and verify the profile yourself.
This is the recommended first step when a listing is legitimately your business but under a different account. Be logged into a Google account you want to manage the business with, then find the business on Maps and follow the prompts to “Claim this business.” Provide any required verification (Google might call, email, or send a postcard to ensure you are authorized).
If the business were sold to you, you could also use Google’s request ownership. The original owner will be notified to transfer it. In cases where the previous owner refuses or is unreachable, Google may allow you to claim the profile after the 3-day waiting period by verifying you are the new owner. It is helpful to have documentation ready (like proof of business acquisition or your relationship to the business) in case Google Support needs to manually assist.
Get Help from Google Support if Needed
If the usual processes are not working, for instance, if the listing is claimed by someone who will not respond, or your removal requests are not being processed, you can contact Google Business Profile Support.
Provide them the details (business name, address, the issue at hand) and any proof you have of ownership or closure. They can sometimes transfer or remove a profile on the back end after verification. Keep records of any emails (like the confirmation from your ownership request or the status of a suggested edit) to reference when talking to support.
Rebranding vs. Removing: Changing Names or Locations
If it is fundamentally the same business, you do not need to delete your Google Business Profile. It is usually better to update the existing listing gradually and carefully, rather than removing it and starting over. This way, you retain your hard-earned reviews, rankings, and customer familiarity.
Business Name Changes
Google allows you to edit the business name on an existing profile, as long as the change still represents the same entity/business. For example, if “John’s Auto Repair” rebrands to “John’s Auto & Tire Center,” it is essentially the same shop with an updated name. You can simply update the name in your Business Profile manager. Your reviews and ratings will carry over to the new name.
Even more dramatic changes can be handled, one guide notes that if a purchased business remains in the same location with the same services, just under a new name, rebranding the existing profile is a valid approach. Keeping the old profile means customers searching for the old name will be redirected to the updated listing, and you will not lose visibility. Always make sure your new name complies with Google’s name guidelines (avoid stuffing extra keywords, as that could trigger a suspension).
Relocating the Business
If your business moves to a new address, do not create a brand new Google listing for the new location if the business itself has not changed. Instead, use the edit function to update the address on your existing Business Profile. Google treats an address change as a normal update. This way, you keep all your reviews and followers. Only in cases where you are opening an additional location (while keeping the old one) would you make a second listing, but if you are simply moving, update the single listing. After changing the address, also update other details like your phone number or hours if needed, and consider writing a Google Post or update to inform customers of the move.
Google might require re-verification of the new address (they may mail a postcard) since the location changed, but this is routine. The key is that marking the old location as moved or closed and creating a new listing can lead to confusion and loss of review equity, avoid that when it is the same business continuing elsewhere.
Major Changes in Business Type or Offerings
If your business changes fundamentally, far beyond a rename or move, you need to approach the transition with caution. Google’s guidelines say a single Business Profile should represent one consistent business. So if the core identity of the business switches, Google might see the edited listing as inaccurate or even as a new, unrelated business.
For example, imagine you ran a fine dining restaurant and you decided to convert it into a clothing boutique. Simply changing the restaurant’s Google listing to the boutique’s name and category would likely confuse Google (and customers). The categories, reviews, and content all mismatch the new business.
In a case like this, it makes little sense to Google that a restaurant suddenly turned into a retail store overnight. The listing could get suspended for quality issues or require re-verification because the change is so drastic. When you edit critical fields (name, category, address, etc.), a few outcomes are possible: sometimes Google will accept the edit or put it under review, but it could also trigger a suspension or a request for re-verification.
What Should You Do if You Are Transitioning to a Very Different Business Model?
Option 1 is to slowly transition the Google listing: update the name and details in stages, and update your website first (so Google sees corroborating information). This gradual approach might help Google’s algorithms understand that the business evolved.
Option 2 (often safer for a complete change) is to officially close the old listing (mark it as permanently closed) and then create a fresh Google Business Profile for the new business. This way, you start with a clean slate for the new entity, and the old business’s reviews remain with the closed listing for archival purposes.
In some industries (like restaurants or shops), that makes sense to avoid misleading imagery and reviews. However, if the change is not too radical, you can rebrand on the same listing and just update all the info (name, category, description, etc.) to match the new branding.
How to Remove Your Google Map Listing As an Owner
Now that you have evaluated your options, it is time to decide if deleting your Google Maps listing is the right thing to do. If your answer is “Yes, I want to remove my Google Maps listing”, then you will need to follow the necessary steps. But do not worry, we will guide you through each one of them.
Google Business Profile
Make sure you are logged into your Google Business Profile. It has to be the main account associated with your email, under your name, the one you used to initially verify your business.
Permanently Closed
The next thing you need to do is go to:
- Edit profile,
- Then to the Hours tab,
- Identify the “Business profile settings” button.
- Select “Permanently closed”.
Content and Managers
- Go back to “Business Profile Settings”.
- Select “Remove profile content and managers”.
- Here you can choose to save your data for any future use you may give it – we advise you to save it.
- Now you will notice that all the content associated with the business is removed.
- The profile will enter a waitlist for review before being removed completely, it may take from 24 hours up to 50 days.
- Once you are done with this step, there is no going back.
How to Remove a Google Maps Listing as a User
Google Maps users have the option to suggest modifications to the listings, including deleting a business from the search results. There are many reasons a user may want a business removed. For example, if the business never existed, or is permanently closed. If you are not an owner and are looking for a way to get an invalid Google Maps listing removed, you should follow these steps:
Create a Google Business Profile
Even if you don’t own a business, you need to verify yourself as a real person to make a suggestion.
Create it using the same email and name you use for the other Google products you utilize.
Go to Google Maps
Access the Google Maps platform through your PC or Laptop. Do not use your phone.
- Search for the business you want to remove.
- Select it on the map that the platform displays.
- Go to the menu on the left and look for the “Suggest an edit” option.
- Select “Close or Remove”.
Review Process
Once submitted, the query goes to a waitlist. You will get an email for confirmation of the review process.
Google will update you via email. They may ask you to provide more information about why you think the listing deserves to be removed from Google Maps.
When Google is done reviewing your query and concludes your suggestion is valid, the business will be permanently removed.
In some cases, the business you suggested removing may still appear on the map or in search results, but on its profile, it will state that it does not exist or is permanently closed.
Is It Permanently Deleted?
If you delete the business as an owner, you will note that you have no access to its profile anymore. However, the data the listing had before its removal will still exist in the Google Maps database.
Google likes to keep track of data, especially data that pertains to the company. They do it for the sake of keeping their maps updated and to gather statistics and metrics for internal use. If your business had some kind of relation to other businesses, it was part of a franchise or a Google Maps directory, Google will not get rid of your data.
This is nothing to worry about, Google will never use your business data against you, as long as you made good, ethical use of it while you were in charge of its management. What is important is that following our guide, your business has been correctly deleted from the listing, and it will not show to potential customers anymore.
If you need further help related to any issues with Google Maps listing or would like to make a personalized query, you can always open a Google support ticket or make a post in the Forum Community. Google’s helpdesk executives will be more than happy to talk to you. You can also contact us – we will gladly jump in and handle it for you.
