How to Remove a Google My Business Account: A Definitive Guide

So, you’re looking to scrub a Google My Business (GMB) listing from the face of the internet? Maybe your business has closed, relocated, or simply evolved beyond its current online representation. Whatever the reason, permanently removing your GMB account is a significant step, and it’s crucial to understand the process and its implications. Let’s get straight to the heart of the matter. Removing a Google My Business profile involves marking the business as permanently closed or removing yourself as a manager, and then ultimately deleting the listing (if you are the primary owner). This process ensures the business is no longer displayed on Google Search or Maps. Keep in mind, deleting a listing is irreversible, so tread carefully.

Steps to Remove Your Google My Business Account

Think of this as a calculated demolition. You’re not just knocking down walls; you’re ensuring the foundation is properly managed before it disappears entirely.

1. Sign in to Google My Business: Navigate to google.com/business and log in using the Google account associated with your GMB profile. This is your command center.
2. Select the Business Listing: If you manage multiple listings, choose the one you want to remove. Precision is key here; you don’t want to accidentally erase the wrong business.
3. Mark as Permanently Closed (Recommended Initially): Before outright deletion, marking your business as “Permanently Closed” is a wise intermediate step. This informs potential customers that your business is no longer operating at that location.
   • In the dashboard, click on “Info” in the left-hand menu.
   • Locate the “Close or remove from Google” section. You might see it directly, or it might be hidden under a dropdown menu.
   • Select “Mark as permanently closed.”
   • Follow the prompts to confirm.
4. Remove Yourself as a Manager (If Applicable): If you’re not the primary owner and simply managing the listing, you’ll need to remove yourself as a manager.
   • In the dashboard, go to “Users” on the left-hand menu.
   • Find your name in the list of users.
   • Click the three vertical dots next to your name and select “Remove user.”
   • Confirm the removal.
5. Request Listing Removal (Primary Owner): If you are the primary owner and want the listing completely gone, here’s how to initiate the final act:
   • In the dashboard, click on “Info” in the left-hand menu.
   • Locate the “Close or remove from Google” section.
   • Select “Remove listing.”
   • You’ll typically have the option to mark it as “Closed or Never existed”
   • Follow the prompts to confirm the removal.
6. Confirm the Action: Google will likely ask you to confirm your decision. Read the warnings carefully! Deletion is permanent, and recovering a deleted listing can be extremely difficult, if not impossible.
7. Monitor for Changes: After completing these steps, monitor Google Search and Maps to ensure the listing is no longer appearing. It may take a few days or even weeks for the changes to fully propagate across Google’s systems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are the answers to the questions that I get asked most often.

1. What’s the difference between marking a business as “Permanently Closed” and “Removing the listing”?

Marking a business as “Permanently Closed” indicates that the business is no longer operating at that location, but the listing remains visible on Google Maps and Search, often with a “Permanently Closed” label. This can still be useful for historical information or if the business might reopen in the future (though that’s a separate process). Removing the listing entirely deletes it from Google’s database, making it disappear from search results and Maps. “Permanently Closed” offers a soft closure, while “Remove listing” is a hard shutdown.

2. Can I recover a deleted Google My Business listing?

Generally, no. Deleting a GMB listing is a permanent action. While there might be rare exceptions depending on the circumstances and Google’s policies, you should operate under the assumption that a deleted listing is gone forever. This is why marking it as “Permanently Closed” first is often the wiser strategy.

3. What happens to my reviews after I remove my Google My Business account?

If you simply mark the business as permanently closed, your reviews will remain visible on the listing. However, if you completely remove the listing, the fate of your reviews becomes uncertain. In most cases, reviews associated with a completely deleted listing are also removed or become inaccessible. Consider this carefully, as positive reviews are valuable assets.

4. What if my business has simply moved to a new location?

Don’t delete your listing! Instead, update the address and service area within your Google My Business dashboard. This ensures customers can still find you at your new location. Furthermore, you can add a opening date for that location. Removing the listing would erase all the history and hard work you have poured into your existing GMB profile.

5. I no longer own the business, but my name is still associated with the listing. How do I remove myself?

As an ex-owner, If you were a manager or owner, follow the steps to remove yourself as a user from the listing. This will disassociate your Google account from the business. The current owner needs to grant your request. If you no longer own it, reach out to the new owner to remove your access, providing them with the Google Account associated with the Listing. If they are non-cooperative you need to contact Google Business Profile Support.

6. Someone created a Google My Business listing for my business without my permission. What should I do?

First, claim the listing. Follow the verification process outlined by Google. Once you have control, you can either update the listing with accurate information or, if it’s entirely inaccurate or unwanted, request its removal. If verification cannot happen, you can also contact Google Business Profile Support.

7. How long does it take for a Google My Business listing to be removed after I request deletion?

It typically takes a few days to a few weeks for the removal to be fully processed and reflected in Google Search and Maps. Google needs time to update its index and propagate the changes across its servers.

8. Can I temporarily hide my Google My Business listing without deleting it?

No, there isn’t a direct “hide” feature. However, marking the business as “Permanently Closed” is the closest equivalent. It effectively removes the listing from active search results while still preserving the data for potential future use (or if Google needs to verify the closure).

9. I’m getting spam calls and messages after creating my Google My Business listing. Is there anything I can do?

While Google My Business itself doesn’t directly cause spam, having your business information publicly available can attract unwanted attention. Ensure your contact information is accurate and up-to-date. Consider using a call filtering service or app to block spam calls. You can also report abusive behavior to Google.

10. How do I transfer ownership of my Google My Business listing to someone else?

Transferring ownership is a crucial step if you’re selling your business or handing over management responsibilities. Within the Google My Business dashboard, go to “Users,” add the new owner as a manager, then change their role to “Primary Owner.” You will have to transfer primary ownership from your account to theirs. The new owner needs to accept the transfer. Ensure they have a valid Google account before initiating the transfer.

11. What if I accidentally removed my Google My Business listing?

Act quickly! Contact Google My Business support immediately and explain the situation. While recovery isn’t guaranteed, the sooner you reach out, the better your chances. Provide them with as much detail as possible about the listing and the circumstances of the accidental deletion.

12. Will deleting my Google My Business listing affect my website’s SEO?

Potentially, yes. Your Google My Business listing contributes to your local SEO efforts. Removing it entirely will remove a significant citation and can negatively impact your visibility in local search results. If you rely on the Google Listing as your primary online presence, then the effect can be much more dire. Consider the SEO implications before deleting your listing and explore alternative strategies, such as optimizing your website for local search. If you have a website and are confident in its SEO, the effect should be negligable.

Removing a Google My Business account is a serious decision. By understanding the steps involved and carefully considering the potential consequences, you can ensure a smooth and successful process. Remember, when in doubt, marking as “Permanently Closed” offers a less drastic and potentially reversible option.