Reading list: Can You Delete a Google Review? Here's What You Need to Know
In today’s digital landscape, online reviews can shape a company’s reputation more powerfully than any advertising campaign. Among all platforms, Google reviews carry exceptional weight, influencing both customer decisions and local search rankings. But what if someone leaves a review that is false, defamatory, or violates Google’s policies? Can you delete Google reviews?

Here’s everything you need to know.

Who Can Delete a Google Review?

Let’s start with a basic yet important fact: you cannot delete reviews left by others on your Google Business Profile. Only the person who wrote the review can remove it. If the review violates Google’s content guidelines, you can flag it for removal, but the final decision rests with Google.

That said, you can delete a review you posted yourself. Simply go to Google Maps or your review history, find the review, click the three-dot menu, and select Delete.

Google’s Review Policy: What Qualifies for Removal?

Google will only consider removing reviews that clearly violate its policies. This includes content that is:

Spam or fake

Off-topic

Contains hate speech, harassment, or personal attacks

Conflicts of interest (like a former employee leaving a false review)

Explicit content or illegal activity

You can read the full list of guidelines on Google’s Review Policies to better understand what’s allowed and what isn’t.

If the review qualifies under these violations, you can flag it for removal. Go to your Google Business Profile, locate the review, click the three-dot menu, and select Flag as inappropriate. After that, you’ll need to wait for Google’s moderation team to review the request.

What to Do If Google Doesn’t Remove the Review

Sometimes, even after flagging a review that seems clearly unfair or fake, Google refuses to take it down. In that case, here are some proactive steps you can take:

Respond Professionally: Always respond to negative reviews in a calm, professional tone. Clarify misunderstandings without sounding defensive. This shows potential customers that you take feedback seriously.

Encourage Positive Reviews: One of the best strategies to handle an unfair review is to bury it with positivity. Ask happy customers to leave genuine reviews. A stream of 5-star ratings can significantly reduce the impact of one bad review.

Consult a Reputation Management Service: If the review is causing major reputational damage or impacting business, consider working with professionals who specialize in online reputation management. These experts understand the nuances of Google’s policies and can help you navigate the process to delete Google reviews effectively—either through official channels or legal routes if necessary.

Legal Options: When a Review Crosses the Line

If a review contains defamation, false claims, or libel, you may have legal grounds to pursue its removal. It’s crucial to document the review, communicate with an attorney, and, if applicable, send a legal request to Google with supporting evidence.

While legal action is often a last resort, it can be effective when dealing with malicious or fraudulent content. Google occasionally complies with legal takedown requests under specific circumstances.

Use Google's New “Manage Reviews” Tool

Business owners now have access to a helpful dashboard called the Google Business Profile “Manage Reviews” tool, which allows businesses to view, report, and track the status of review removals. This can be especially useful if you're handling multiple reports or reviews across locations.

Visit Google’s Review Management Tool to learn how to manage your online reputation efficiently.

What You Can Do Today

While you may not always be able to delete Google reviews instantly, taking smart steps can minimize the damage. Monitor your reviews regularly, understand Google’s policies, and respond with professionalism. Encouraging loyal customers to speak up with positive feedback will always work in your favor.

A strong review strategy isn't just about fighting negatives—it's about amplifying the good.