How to remove a Google review
Google won't remove a review just because it's negative, but it does remove the ones that break its rules. Here's which ones can go, how to report them step by step and what to do when you can't.
Which reviews can be removed
A negative but genuine review can't be removed. Google only takes down reviews that break its content policies. These are the most common cases:
- Spam and fake content: reviews from accounts that were never customers, several reviews from the same person or coordinated attacks.
- Off-topic: opinions about politics, the news or anything unrelated to the experience at your business.
- Conflict of interest: reviews from a competitor, a former employee or the business itself.
- Offensive content: insults, harassment, threats, hate speech or sexual content.
- Personal information: private details about an employee or someone else, such as their phone number or address.
- Illegal or restricted content: for example, promoting prohibited products.
Key point: the reason you choose when you report matters a lot. A report without a clear reason rarely succeeds. One that points to the exact rule being broken has a much better chance.
How to report a review step by step
- Search for your business on Google or Google Maps while signed in to the account that manages the profile.
- Open the Reviews section of your Business Profile and find the review.
- Click the three dots next to the review and choose Report review.
- Pick the reason that best matches the rule it breaks and submit the report.
Google reviews the report and makes a decision. There's no fixed timeline: sometimes it takes a few days, sometimes weeks. In the meantime, respond to the review calmly, because anyone who reads it will see your side.
What to do if Google rejects it
Google has a review management tool where you can check the status of your reports. If it rejects one, you can appeal the decision from there. Include everything that proves the violation: that there's no purchase or visit under that name, that the account left many negative reviews on the same day or that the person works for a competitor.
Prepare your appeal carefully. It's your second chance, so don't waste it on generic text.
Know right away which ones you can remove
Revioos checks your reviews, flags the ones that break Google's rules and writes the report for you with the exact reason, ready to send.
See how it works Start for freeThe legal route
If a review is defamatory or violates your rights, you can request its removal on legal grounds through Google's legal removal form. It's a separate process from a regular report and a different team reviews it.
There are also lawyers and specialized services that handle these removals. They usually charge per review, often around $100, so it makes sense for serious cases, not for every bit of criticism.
If it can't be removed
Most negative reviews are genuine and they stay. Even so, you can make them count for much less:
- Respond well. A friendly reply that offers a solution is more convincing than the complaint. You'll find examples in our guide on how to respond to Google reviews.
- Fix the problem and, if the customer ends up happy, they may edit or delete the review themselves. You can suggest it politely, without pressure.
- Get more good reviews. One bad review among many recent positive ones barely shows. We explain how in our guide to getting more Google reviews.
Frequently asked questions
Can I turn off reviews on my Google profile?
No. A Business Profile doesn't let you turn off reviews. What you can do is report the ones that break the rules and respond to all of them.
Who can delete a Google review?
The person who wrote it can edit or delete it whenever they want. The business can only report it so Google reviews it.
How long does Google take to remove a reported review?
There's no fixed timeline. It can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the case.
Can I delete a negative review that's genuine?
No. If the review describes a real experience and follows the rules, Google won't take it down. Your best move is to respond well and get more positive reviews.