How To Remove a Google Review You Wrote: A Comprehensive Guide

So, you’ve written a Google review. Maybe it was a spur-of-the-moment thing, perhaps you’ve changed your mind, or the circumstances have drastically altered. Whatever the reason, you’re now wondering: How do I remove a Google review I wrote? The short answer is: You can easily delete a Google review that you authored directly through your Google account. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

1. Open Google Maps: Head to Google Maps on your computer or mobile device. Ensure you’re logged into the same Google account you used to write the review.
2. Access Your Contributions: Click on the three horizontal lines (the “hamburger menu”) in the top left corner of the screen. This will open a sidebar menu. Look for “Your contributions” and click on it.
3. Navigate to Reviews: Within “Your contributions,” you’ll find different tabs. Select the “Reviews” tab. This will display all the reviews you’ve written.
4. Locate the Review: Scroll through your list of reviews until you find the one you want to remove.
5. Delete the Review: Once you’ve found the review, click on the three vertical dots (more options) located next to it. A dropdown menu will appear. Select “Delete.”
6. Confirm Deletion: Google will likely ask you to confirm your decision. Click “Delete” again to permanently remove the review.

That’s it! The review will be removed from Google’s platform. It may take a few minutes for the change to reflect publicly. It’s a simple process, but understanding the nuances is crucial. So, let’s dive deeper with some frequently asked questions.

FAQs About Removing Google Reviews

Here are 12 frequently asked questions that delve into more specific scenarios and considerations around deleting Google reviews:

How Long Does it Take for a Deleted Review to Disappear Completely?

Typically, a deleted review vanishes from public view almost instantaneously. However, cached versions might persist for a short period, usually no more than a few minutes. If you’re still seeing the review after a considerable time, try clearing your browser’s cache and cookies.

Can the Business Still See a Review After I Delete It?

No. Once you delete a review, it’s permanently removed from the business’s view as well. They won’t have any way of accessing it or knowing what you wrote.

What If I Can’t Find the Review I Want to Delete?

There are a few possible reasons why you can’t locate a specific review:

• Wrong Google Account: Double-check that you’re logged into the correct Google account – the same one you used to write the review. This is the most common issue.
• Review Was Never Posted: It’s possible you started writing a review but never actually submitted it. Check your drafts or recent activity to confirm if it was ever posted.
• Technical Glitch: In rare cases, there might be a technical issue with Google Maps. Try refreshing the page or logging out and back in. If the problem persists, contact Google support.

Can I Edit a Google Review Instead of Deleting It?

Absolutely! Editing a review is often a better option than deleting it, especially if your opinion has changed slightly or you want to update the information. To edit a review, follow the same steps as deleting, but instead of selecting “Delete,” choose “Edit.” You can then modify your rating, text, and photos.

If I Delete a Review, Can I Write Another One Later?

Yes, you can. Deleting a review doesn’t prevent you from writing a new one for the same business at a later time. Just be sure your new review is accurate and reflects your current experience.

Can a Business Delete a Google Review That I Wrote?

No, a business cannot directly delete a review that you wrote, even if it’s negative or unflattering. The only person who can delete your review is you. However, a business can flag a review as inappropriate if they believe it violates Google’s review policies (e.g., contains offensive language, is factually incorrect, or is from a competitor). If Google agrees, they will remove the review.

What Happens If a Business Flags My Review as Inappropriate?

If a business flags your review, Google will investigate to determine if it violates their policies. If Google finds that the review does violate their policies, it will be removed. You’ll likely receive a notification from Google explaining why the review was taken down. If you believe the removal was unwarranted, you can appeal the decision.

Is It Possible to Recover a Deleted Google Review?

Unfortunately, no. Once you delete a Google review, it’s gone for good. There’s no “undo” button or way to retrieve it. Therefore, think carefully before deleting a review, especially if you might want to reference it later.

Can I Delete Multiple Google Reviews at Once?

Unfortunately, Google Maps doesn’t offer a feature to delete multiple reviews simultaneously. You have to delete them one by one, following the steps outlined earlier. This can be time-consuming if you have a large number of reviews to remove.

Does Deleting a Google Review Affect My Google Account in Any Way?

Deleting a Google review has no negative impact on your Google account or its overall reputation. It simply removes that specific review from the platform. Your other reviews, contributions, and account standing remain unaffected.

What Are Google’s Policies Regarding Reviews?

Google has specific policies in place to ensure that reviews are helpful, accurate, and unbiased. These policies prohibit:

• Fake or misleading content: Reviews should be based on genuine experiences.
• Offensive language: Reviews should not contain profanity, hate speech, or personal attacks.
• Conflicts of interest: Reviews should not be written by competitors or individuals with a vested interest in the business.
• Illegal content: Reviews should not promote illegal activities.
• Spam and advertising: Reviews should not be used for spam or promotional purposes.

I Have a Google Local Guide Badge; Will Deleting Reviews Affect My Status?

Potentially, yes. Being a Google Local Guide involves earning points for contributions, including writing reviews. Deleting reviews will reduce your total point count. If deleting enough reviews lowers your point total below the threshold for your current Local Guide level, you could be demoted to a lower level. However, if you continue to contribute and earn new points, you can quickly regain your lost status.