How to Delete Google Reviews

Google Reviews play a crucial role in shaping a business’s reputation. Customers rely on these reviews to make informed decisions, while businesses use them to build trust and credibility. However, there are instances where a business owner or individual may wish to delete a review—whether due to fake content, outdated information, or a policy violation.

While directly deleting a Google review is not possible, there are ways to request its removal or manage its impact effectively. This guide will walk you through the process of handling Google Reviews, including when they can be removed and how to respond to negative feedback professionally.

Can You Delete Google Reviews?

Business owners cannot directly delete reviews left on their Google Business Profile. However, Google provides a process for flagging inappropriate reviews that violate its policies. When a review is flagged, Google assesses whether it meets its removal criteria and takes appropriate action.

If a review does not qualify for removal, businesses can take alternative steps, such as responding professionally to mitigate its impact or encouraging more positive reviews from satisfied customers to balance the overall rating.

How to Delete Reviews Posted By Others

If a review violates Google’s policies, you can request its removal by following these steps:

Step-by-Step Guide to Flagging a Review for Removal

1. Sign in to Google Business Profile:
   • Go to Google Business Profile Manager.
   • Select the business location where the review was posted.
2. Locate the Review:
   • Click on “Reviews” in the left-hand menu.
   • Find the review you want to report.
3. Flag the Review:
   • Click the three-dot menu next to the review.
   • Select “Report review” and choose the appropriate reason, such as “Spam,” “Fake review,” or “Inappropriate content.”
4. Wait for Google’s Decision:
   • Google will assess whether the review violates its policies and decide if it should be removed. This process can take several days or weeks.
5. Follow Up if Necessary:
   • If Google does not remove the review and you believe it violates policies, consider submitting another request or reaching out to Google Business Profile Support.

Drawbacks of Flagging Reviews

While flagging inappropriate reviews can be helpful, the process is not always guaranteed to result in removal. If the review is legitimate, Google is unlikely to take it down. Additionally, excessive flagging of honest reviews may be seen as an attempt to manipulate ratings, which could impact your business’s credibility.

What Happens After You Report a Review?

Once a review is reported, Google evaluates it against its content policies. If the review violates guidelines—such as containing hate speech, spam, or personal information—it will be removed. If it does not breach any policies, it will remain live, and businesses must explore other options to address it.

Google does not notify the business about the final decision, so it’s essential to check back periodically to see if the review has been removed.

Want to see how your business is performing? Use our Review Management Services tool to collect, display, and manage your reviews effortlessly. 

Google’s Review Policy: What Can & Cannot Be Removed

Google enforces strict guidelines on what reviews qualify for removal. Understanding these policies can help set realistic expectations and prevent unnecessary disputes.

Reviews That Google Will Remove

Google may remove reviews that include:

• Fake reviews from competitors or bots attempting to manipulate ratings.
• Spam and promotional content unrelated to genuine customer experiences.
• Hate speech or offensive language targeting individuals, groups, or businesses.
• Personal information leaks, such as phone numbers, home addresses, or email addresses.
• Illegal content or threats that violate Google’s community standards.

Reviews That Google Will NOT Remove

Certain types of negative reviews do not qualify for removal, including:

• Negative but honest reviews from real customers.
• Complaints about pricing, service, or experience, even if the business disagrees.
• Reviews without text, as star ratings alone are still considered valid.
• Subjective opinions, such as personal preferences about products or services.

How to Respond to Negative Google Reviews Instead

If a negative review cannot be removed, responding professionally is the best approach. Thoughtful responses demonstrate your commitment to customer satisfaction and help future customers gauge your business’s professionalism.

How to Write a Professional Response

Follow these steps to craft a well-composed reply:

1. Stay calm and professional – Avoid emotional or defensive reactions.
2. Acknowledge the complaint – Show that you value customer feedback.
3. Apologise if necessary – A simple apology can go a long way in defusing tension.
4. Provide a solution or clarification – Address the issue constructively, whether it’s resolving a misunderstanding or offering assistance.
5. Invite further discussion offline – Offer to resolve the issue via phone or email to avoid prolonged public disputes.

What to Do If Fake or Harmful Reviews Aren’t Removed

If Google does not remove a fake or harmful review, you can escalate the issue by contacting Google Business Profile Support. To do so:

1. Visit the Google Business Support page.
2. Select “Contact Us” and describe your issue.
3. Provide screenshots or evidence if available, such as proof of fake accounts or bots.
4. Wait for Google’s response and follow up if necessary.

If the review is particularly damaging and violates legal standards, businesses may consider seeking legal advice to explore further action.

Handling Google Reviews in the Future

Proactively managing reviews can help maintain a strong business reputation. Key takeaways include:

• Understand Google’s review policies to know when removal is possible.
• Respond to negative reviews professionally to showcase strong customer service and build credibility.
• Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews, balancing out occasional negative feedback.
• Monitor your reviews regularly and address any concerns before they escalate.

If you need expert guidance on online reputation management, branding, and marketing, contact our team at IGV today to learn how we can help your business thrive.