Whether you’ve posted a review you regret or received an unfair one on your business listing, understanding how to delete a review on Google is important. While Google aims to keep its review system honest and transparent, there are ways for both users and business owners to remove or report inappropriate or outdated reviews.
This step-by-step guide explains how to delete your own Google review and how businesses can request the removal of reviews that violate Google’s policies.
Why You Might Want to Delete a Review on Google
There are many reasons someone may want to delete a Google review:
You posted a review by mistake
You changed your opinion after better service
The review was meant for a different business
You used inappropriate language and want to revise it
You want to avoid conflict with the business
For businesses, removing false or misleading reviews can help protect their online reputation.
How to Delete a Review You Wrote on Google
If you posted the review using your Google account, you can delete or edit it at any time.
On Mobile (Android or iPhone):
- Open the Google Maps app
- Tap your profile picture in the top right corner
- Select Your Profile or Your Contributions
- Tap Reviews
- Find the review you want to delete
- Tap the three-dot icon next to the review
- Tap Delete review
- Confirm deletion
On Desktop:
- Go to Google Maps in your browser
- Make sure you’re signed in to the correct Google account
- Click the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top left
- Select Your Contributions
- Click the Reviews tab
- Find the review you want to remove
- Click the three dots and select Delete review
- Confirm the deletion
Once deleted, the review is removed from public view and cannot be restored.
How to Edit a Google Review Instead of Deleting
If you want to update your feedback rather than remove it completely, you can edit the review.
- Follow the same steps as above to access your review
- Tap or click Edit review instead of Delete
- Make your changes
- Tap Save or Post
This is useful if your experience improved or you made a mistake in your original review.
Can You Delete a Google Review You Didn’t Write?
No. Only the person who wrote a review can delete or edit it. However, if a review violates Google’s content policy, you can report it for removal.
How to Report a Review on Google as a Business Owner
If you’re a business owner and received a review that is fake, abusive, or misleading, you can request Google to remove it.
On Desktop:
- Go to your Google Business Profile (via Google Search or Maps)
- Click Reviews
- Find the review you want to report
- Click the three dots next to the review
- Select Report review
- Choose the reason (e.g. spam, off-topic, hate speech)
- Submit the report
On Mobile (Google Maps app):
- Open the app and sign in
- Search your business name
- Tap Reviews
- Find the one you want to report
- Tap the three dots > Report review
- Choose a violation reason and submit
Google will evaluate the report, and if the review violates their policies, it will be removed. This process may take a few days.
Common Reasons Google Will Remove a Review
Google typically removes reviews that include:
Spam or fake content
Off-topic reviews not related to a real customer experience
Hate speech or offensive language
Personal information like phone numbers or addresses
Conflict of interest (e.g. reviews from current employees)
Reviews that express personal opinion, even if negative, are not usually removed.
What to Do If Google Won’t Remove a Review
If Google denies your removal request:
You can respond publicly to clarify your side of the story
Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews to balance the negative one
Contact Google Business Support for further help
Seek legal advice if the review includes defamation or false claims
How to Ask a Customer to Edit or Delete Their Review
If you’re a business owner and believe a review was unfair or left in error, consider reaching out to the customer:
Send a polite message explaining the situation
Offer to resolve the issue offline
Ask if they would consider editing or removing their review if the issue is resolved
Never offer payment or incentives to delete a review—this violates Google’s policy
FAQs About Deleting Google Reviews
Can I delete a Google review I posted?
Yes. Go to your Google account, find the review, and choose the Delete option.
How do I remove someone else’s review from my business page?
You can’t delete it directly, but you can report it to Google for violating policies.
Can a deleted review be recovered?
No. Once a review is deleted, it’s permanently removed and cannot be restored.
Will the business be notified if I delete my review?
No, but the review will disappear from their page and they’ll see that it’s no longer there.
Does editing a review change the original post date?
No. It keeps the original date but marks it as Edited.