To delete a review you wrote on Google, open Maps > Your profile > Reviews, select the post, choose Edit or Delete, and confirm.
There are two situations. You either want to erase a rating you posted, or you want a comment about your business taken down. The path is different in each case. This guide walks you through both, shows where the buttons live on phone and desktop, and explains what removal Google will and won’t do.
Remove A Google Review You Wrote — Step-By-Step
You can erase your own post at any time. The menu label might say Edit on some screens; the Delete option sits inside that menu. Here’s the quickest route on each device type.
On Android And iPhone
- Open the Google Maps app.
- Tap your profile photo > Your profile or Your contributions.
- Open Reviews.
- Find the post, tap the three-dot menu, choose Delete, and confirm.
On Desktop
- Go to Google Maps.
- Click the menu (☰) > Your contributions > Reviews.
- Click the three dots next to the post, pick Delete, and confirm.
Edit Instead Of Deleting
If the place fixed the issue, you can change the star rating or rewrite your note. Use the same menu and choose Edit. The edit replaces the old text and date stamp; businesses and readers will see the updated version.
Quick Paths And Where To Tap
Use this map of actions to get the job done fast.
| Situation | Action | Where |
|---|---|---|
| I posted a rating and want it gone | Delete the post from your contributions | Maps > Profile/Contributions > Reviews > ⋮ > Delete |
| I want to change what I wrote | Edit the text and/or star score | Maps > Reviews > ⋮ > Edit |
| Someone else posted about my business and it breaks rules | Report for removal (flag) | Business Profile Manager > Reviews > More > Report |
| The post includes legal issues (e.g., court-ordered takedown) | Use Google’s legal request path | Legal forms portal |
| The place merged or changed names and I can’t see my post | Search the new listing; repost or edit if visible | Maps search > New listing |
Flagging A Review About Your Business
Owners and managers can report a review that breaks policy. That includes spam, off-topic rants, fake engagement, hate speech, doxxing, or content that isn’t based on a real visit. When a post matches a policy break, moderators can pull it from Search and Maps.
Flag Steps Inside Business Profile
- Sign in to the Business Profile you manage.
- In Search, type your business name and open the management view.
- Open Read reviews.
- Find the post, click the three dots, choose Report review.
- Pick the reason that fits the policy break and submit.
What Happens After You Report
The post enters a policy review. If it matches a rule break, it’s removed. If not, it stays up. You can submit one more review request if you have new context. For stubborn cases that involve slander, impersonation, or court orders, use the legal request portal.
What Google Will And Won’t Remove
Moderation follows strict written rules. Here’s how that plays out in plain terms.
Eligible For Removal
- Spam and fake engagement (bot-like patterns, paid posts, review swaps).
- Off-topic rants that don’t describe a customer experience.
- Harassment, hate, personal info, or threats.
- Obscene or illegal content, or links to malware.
- Conflicts of interest, such as employees rating their own company.
Usually Not Removed
- Honest negative comments about service, price, or wait times.
- First-hand stories that are blunt but policy-compliant.
- Star ratings with few words, as long as they aren’t spammy.
Proof Helps Your Flag Stick
When you claim a policy break, show your work. Keep short notes, add a calm reply for readers, and include context in your report where the form allows it.
Build A Clean Case File
- Match the rule. Quote the part of the policy that fits the issue.
- Point to patterns. Several near-identical posts on the same day help prove fakery.
- Avoid attacking the poster. Stick to facts and timestamps.
- Reply once on the thread with a short, polite line for customers. State that the post doesn’t reflect a real visit (if applicable) and that you reported it.
Common Roadblocks And Fixes
You Can’t Find Your Own Post
Listings merge or move. Search the place by address, not just the name. Check the Reviews tab in your profile. If it’s missing, write a new post on the current listing.
Your Delete Button Isn’t There
Make sure you’re signed in with the account that posted the original text. If you used a different email when you wrote it, switch accounts and try again.
Your Flag Was Rejected
Read the policy again and compare your claim to the rule text. If you have a better reason, submit another report. If the post involves defamation or a court order, move it to the legal path.
Timelines, Reviews, And Realistic Expectations
Once you submit a removal report, the wait can vary. Some get reviewed quickly; others take longer, especially during peak loads or wide sweeps against fake engagement. Owners can’t fast-track a standard report, but a clear rule match and clean evidence improve the odds.
| Stage | Who Handles It | Typical Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Initial flag | Automated checks + moderators | Post removed if it breaks rules; stays live if not |
| Second look | Manual review team | Confirms removal or keeps the post |
| Legal route | Specialized legal team | Removal or geo-blocking when a request meets legal standards |
Write A Better Edit If You Decide Not To Delete
When the business fixes the problem, an edit can be more helpful than a full erase. Readers value updates. Keep it short, mention the fix, and adjust the stars. That change shows fairness and often earns trust with future customers.
Sample Rewrite
“Service was slow during lunch rush. The manager followed up and made it right a week later. Updated to four stars.”
Owners: Reply The Smart Way While You Wait
A calm reply helps customers and moderators. Keep it brief. Offer a direct contact. Don’t reveal customer data. Don’t guess who the person is. If you filed a report, you can mention that without arguing the case in public.
Owner Reply Template
“Thanks for the note. We can’t match this to a visit, so we filed a report for review. If this was your visit, email care@yourdomain.com with the date and receipt, and we’ll help.”
Policy Links You’ll Use
When you need the official text, go straight to the source. Read the removal rules and the content standards in detail before you submit a flag. You’ll find the delete and edit steps for your own posts in the Maps help as well. Link these in your internal playbook for easy access.
Step-By-Step: Legal Route Basics
Some posts raise legal issues that go beyond standard policy. In those cases, use the legal forms portal. You’ll choose a category, describe the issue, and attach documents. Results can include removal or blocking in a region. Keep copies of any court orders, police reports, or attorney letters that support the request.
Pro Tips For Clean Review Management
Keep Your Team Ready
- Assign one owner for daily checks.
- Create saved replies for common cases.
- Log every flag with date, URL, and reason.
- Don’t ask for only five-star posts. Incentives break rules and can trigger sweeps that pull batches of comments.
Reply Tone That Works
- Short, human, and specific.
- No canned legal threats.
- Offer a direct fix when you can.
- Move personal details to email or phone.
When You Should Start Fresh
If your post reads angry or includes heat-of-the-moment lines, deleting and rewriting later is often better than a rushed edit. Wait a day, then write a clear note that helps the next person make a decision.
Recap: Your Fast Action Plan
- For your own post: Maps > Profile/Contributions > Reviews > ⋮ > Delete or Edit.
- For a policy break on your business: Flag inside Business Profile with the right reason.
- For legal issues: Use the legal forms portal with documents attached.
- Reply calmly to help readers while the review is under review.