Reading list: Can You Remove Google Reviews? Here’s What You Need to Know
For many businesses, online reviews—especially on platforms like Google—are a major factor in shaping public perception. A glowing 5-star review can bring in new customers, while a harsh 1-star comment can turn people away. Naturally, business owners often wonder: Can you remove Google reviews? The short answer is yes, but only under specific circumstances.

Why Google Reviews Matter

Before diving into removal, it's important to understand why Google reviews are so impactful. Google is often the first touchpoint between a potential customer and your business. Reviews appear directly in search results and Google Maps listings. These reviews influence local SEO rankings, credibility, and the decision-making process of consumers. According to BrightLocal’s Consumer Review Survey, 87% of consumers read online reviews for local businesses in 2023.

Because of this, managing your online reputation is no longer optional—it’s essential. That includes knowing how and when you can remove Google reviews.

When Can You Remove a Google Review?

Google has a clear review policy that outlines what is and isn’t allowed. You can flag and request the removal of a review if it falls under any of these violations:

Spam and fake content: Reviews generated by bots, or those that are copied and pasted repeatedly.

Off-topic content: Reviews that don’t relate to the actual customer experience.

Hate speech or offensive content: Reviews that contain harassment, explicit content, or discriminatory language.

Conflict of interest: Reviews written by current or former employees, or those posted by the business itself.

If a review clearly violates one of these policies, you can report it directly through your Google Business Profile.

How to Remove Google Reviews That Violate Policies

To initiate the removal of a review:

Sign in to your Google Business Profile Manager.

Choose the location (if you manage more than one).

Go to the “Reviews” section.

Find the review in question.

Click the three-dot menu next to it, then select Flag as inappropriate.

After reporting, Google will review the flagged content. If it finds the review in violation of its policies, it will be removed—though the process can take several days to weeks.

What If the Review Doesn’t Violate Google’s Policies?

This is where it gets tricky. If a negative review doesn’t break the rules, Google typically won’t remove it. Even if the review is unfair or from a disgruntled customer, as long as it’s a genuine experience and doesn’t contain prohibited content, it will likely stay.

That’s why it’s critical to manage your online reputation proactively. Encouraging satisfied customers to leave positive feedback can help dilute the impact of the occasional bad review.

Should You Respond to Reviews?

Absolutely. Responding to both positive and negative reviews shows that your business is engaged and cares about customer feedback. A professional and empathetic response to a negative review can often do more to boost your credibility than deleting it would.

For instance, thanking the reviewer for their feedback, apologizing if necessary, and offering to resolve the issue offline can show prospective customers that you take complaints seriously and are willing to improve.

What About Fake Reviews That Slip Through?

If you suspect a fake review wasn’t removed after reporting it, you can take further action:

Contact Google Support via your Business Profile.

Use the Review Removal Tool (available to verified business owners).

Consider legal options in extreme cases of defamation, though this route can be costly and time-consuming.

Use of Professional Help

Many businesses turn to online reputation management (ORM) services to monitor, report, and respond to reviews. These services often use tools to flag patterns in suspicious reviews and push positive content higher in search rankings. However, always choose a reputable ORM firm—steering clear of those that offer fake review services, which violate Google's policies and can harm your business long-term.