Negative Google reviews can seriously damage your business or personal brand. Whether the review is fake, misleading, or just plain inappropriate, there are proven steps you can take to request its removal.
This guide shows you exactly how to delete a Google review—or have it taken down—if it violates Google’s policies.
Can You Delete a Google Review?
You can’t delete a review left by someone else unless they remove it themselves. However, if the review breaks Google’s rules, you can flag it for removal.
Here are the most common violations:
- Fake or spam content
- Profanity or obscene language
- Personal attacks, harassment, or bullying
- Conflicts of interest (posted by competitors or insiders)
- Personal information (like phone numbers or home addresses)
- Irrelevant or off-topic content
If a review meets any of these criteria, it’s eligible to be reported and removed.
How to Remove a Google Review in 5 Simple Steps
Step 1: Flag the Review in Google Maps
- Search your business on Google Maps
- Find the review in question
- Click the three dots next to it
- Select “Flag as inappropriate”
- Choose the reason for the report
Step 2: Report It Through Google Search
- Google your business
- Click on your reviews
- Find the offending review
- Click the three-dot menu
- Select “Report review” and follow the prompts
Step 3: Use Your Google Business Profile
- Log into your Google Business Profile
- Go to the “Reviews” tab
- Click the three dots next to the review
- Choose “Flag as inappropriate” and select a reason
Step 4: Use the Google Reviews Management Tool
- Visit the Reviews Management Tool
- Log in using your business account
- Select your business
- Click “Report a new review for removal”
- Choose the reason and submit the request
Step 5: Submit a One-Time Appeal (If Needed)
If your initial request is denied:
- Go back to the Reviews Management Tool
- Choose “Appeal eligible reviews”
- Select the review
- Submit an appeal with detailed information and supporting documentation
What If You Know the Reviewer?
If you’ve resolved the issue, the fastest way to remove the review is to ask the customer directly.
In 2024, Google made this easier—reviewers can now delete or edit their review by simply revisiting the business page. Politely explain how to do it and thank them for reconsidering.
If Removal Doesn’t Work
If you’re unable to get the review removed, you still have options:
- Respond publicly to show professionalism
- Encourage satisfied customers to leave more reviews
- Use SEO to suppress negative content
- Work with review removal professionals
Why Google Reviews Matter
Your star rating affects more than just perception. It impacts clicks, calls, and revenue. Consider these stats:
- 98% of consumers read reviews before choosing a business
- A single negative review can turn away up to 22% of potential customers
- Businesses with a 4-star rating or higher generate 46% more revenue
- It takes about 40 positive reviews to balance the impact of one bad one
Online reviews are the new word-of-mouth. Make sure yours reflect your best.
Need Help Removing a Google Review?
At Reputation Galaxy, we help businesses and professionals remove damaging Google reviews and protect their online presence. Whether it’s a fake review, competitor sabotage, or personal attack, we’ve seen it all—and we know how to handle it.
- Over 5,000 businesses helped
- 15,000+ reviews successfully removed
- No charge unless we remove the review
Let us take care of the hard part. Get a Free Quote or call us now to get started to learn more about how to delete a Google review.