Question
Can I remove negative reviews from Google?
Reach · AttractShort answer 55 words
You can only get a Google review removed if it breaks Google's content policies, such as fake, spam, off-topic or abusive reviews. A review that is simply negative but honest stays, and you cannot delete it yourself. You can report a policy-breaking review, reply publicly, or ask the reviewer to edit or delete their own.
The fuller answer
Can you delete a Google review yourself? No. As a business owner you can report a review and reply to it, but only Google can remove it, and only the reviewer can delete their own. Google says do not report a review just because you disagree with it or dislike it ([Google](https://support.google.com/business/answer/4596773)).
Which reviews does Google remove? Google removes reviews that break its Maps user-generated content policy ([policy](https://support.google.com/contributionpolicy/answer/7400114)). Categories include: - **Fake engagement:** not based on a real experience, paid or incentivized, or from the owner or a competitor ([fake engagement](https://support.google.com/contributionpolicy/answer/11414422)). - **Off-topic content:** rants and commentary not about the experience. - **Harassment, hate speech and offensive content,** including attacks and unsubstantiated allegations of criminal behavior. - **Personal information** posted without consent. - **Advertising and solicitation:** promotions, phone numbers or links in a review. The decision rests with Google, not with how unfair it feels.
How do you report a Google review? - Sign in to the profile and open the reviews. - Choose Report next to the review and pick the closest reason. - Check the status in the Reviews Management Tool. Google says evaluation usually takes several days. - If it is not removed, you can submit a one-time appeal through that tool, with up to 10 reviews per appeal. Steps and limits are on [Google's help page](https://support.google.com/business/answer/4596773).
What if the review is defamatory? Google has a separate legal route: you can request removal under local law through its [Report Content On Google](https://support.google.com/legal/troubleshooter/1114905) page, and you choose the product and reason, such as defamation. A policy report does not count as legal notice. Talk to a lawyer before relying on this, since results depend on your country and the facts.
What about review extortion? If someone leaves a wave of 1-star reviews and demands money to remove them, do not pay or negotiate. Keep evidence and use Google's [extortion report form](https://support.google.com/business/answer/16404809).
What can you do when a review stays? Reply politely and specifically. Fix the cause. When the issue is solved, you may ask the reviewer to update their review, but never offer anything in return. See [how to handle negative reviews](/questions/how-to-handle-negative-reviews-online/) and [Google review response examples](/guides/google-review-response-examples/). Never pay a service to remove reviews: it is often a scam, and fake removal methods can put your profile at risk. For fake reviews specifically, see [dealing with fake reviews on Google](/questions/how-to-deal-with-fake-reviews-google/).
- Is it from a real customer experience?NoIt may be fake engagement. Report it.Yes
- Does it contain abuse, personal data, ads or off-topic rants?NoHonest negative: it stays. Reply and fix the cause.Yes
- Is it defamatory under your local law?NoStay with policy reporting.YesConsider the legal request route and ask a lawyer.
| Review type | Removable? | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Honest but negative | No | Reply, fix, ask later for an update |
| Fake or paid | Yes, if Google agrees | Report as fake engagement |
| Abusive or hate speech | Yes | Report |
| Off-topic rant | Often | Report |
| Contains personal data | Yes | Report |
| Extortion demand | Separate form | Do not pay; use the extortion form |
Sources: Google Business Profile Help and the Maps policy pages linked above.
- 01ReportIn your profile
- 02WaitSeveral days
- 03Check statusReviews tool
- 04Appeal onceIf not removed
- 05Legal requestIf defamatory
Mistakes to avoid
- Paying a removal service
Instead: Often a scam; report through Google instead.
- Reporting every bad review
Instead: Report only real violations.
- Retaliating against the reviewer
Instead: Reply politely; it risks more reviews.
Your next steps
Today
- List reviews that may break policy.
This week
- Report them with evidence.
This month
- Reply to the rest and ask for new reviews.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I delete a Google review myself?
No. Only Google removes a review, or the reviewer deletes their own.
How do I remove a bad review from my business profile?
Report it in the profile if it breaks a policy. Otherwise reply.
How long does review removal take?
Google says evaluation usually takes several days.
Can the reviewer delete their review?
Yes, they can edit or delete it from their own contributions.
Will Google remove a review that is unfair?
Not unless it breaks policy.
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