Have you ever had a customer rave about your business and leave a glowing review, but then it’s nowhere to be found? Many businesses face the same headache: Google reviews not showing up on their profiles.
Reviews are important for local SEO. They boost rankings, build trust, and convince hesitant buyers. Missing reviews means lost credibility and potential sales walking out the door. Let’s break down why your Google Business reviews are not showing up—and, more importantly, what you can do about it.
TL;DR: Google Reviews Not Showing Up? Here’s the Fix
- Google reviews not showing up? It’s usually due to verification issues, duplicate listings, spam filters, or Google’s policies.
- Google won’t display reviews until your Google Business Profile is verified.
- Reviews may be spread across multiple profiles – merge or remove them to fix it.
- Google sometimes hides reviews that seem fake, overly promotional, or posted too quickly.
- If a customer removes or edits their review, it won’t show up anymore.
- Google can be slow to update—some reviews take up to a week to appear.
- Try clearing your app’s cache, updating the app, or checking from another device.
- What can you do: Keep your business profile active, encourage fresh reviews, and respond to existing ones.
Common Reasons Why Google Reviews May Not Be Showing
Let’s go through the common reasons reviews disappear and what you can do about it.
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Your Business Isn’t Verified
Google doesn’t trust just anyone. If your Google Business Profile isn’t verified, your reviews won’t appear. Google needs proof that you exist and are legitimate.
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You Have Duplicate Listings
Did you create multiple listings for your business at some point? Maybe an old one is floating around, and it’s where customers are leaving reviews. Google also doesn’t like confusion; it might show reviews on one listing while ignoring the other.
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Google’s Moderators Removed Them
Google has rules about reviews. If a review contains profanity, fake claims, personal info, or promotional content, Google may remove it. Even reviews that seem fine can get flagged if they look unnatural, like if a dozen five-star reviews pop up overnight from brand-new accounts.
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The Reviewer Deleted It
People change their minds. A single negative experience after dozens of positive ones is enough. They might’ve removed or edited their review, but you didn’t notice.
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Google’s Spam Filters Are Overactive
Google is paranoid about fake reviews. Sometimes, real ones get caught in its filters, especially if they’re vague, overly promotional, or come from an account that’s left too many reviews in a short time.
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Your Business Has Been Inactive
Google wants businesses to stay engaged. If your profile hasn’t been updated in months, reviews might take longer to appear… or get filtered out completely. Responding to reviews quickly can help. Review responses signal to Google that your business is active and engaged.
Suggested Read: Top Tools for Responding to Reviews
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Technical Glitches
Sometimes, the issue isn’t you. It’s Google. Reviews can disappear due to bugs, delays, or system updates. A recent bug, in fact, surfaced this year that led to many businesses seeing fewer review count on their profile than the actual number of reviews.
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Google Maps Reviews Not Showing?
If reviews show up on your business profile but not on Google Maps, there could be a display issue.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide
Some of the issues listed above have quick fixes, while others might require some patience. Either way, follow these steps to get your reviews back.
1. Your Business Isn’t Verified
- Go to your Google Business Profile and tap “Manage Now”
- If it says “Pending Verification,” click Verify Now.
- Choose your method (postcard, phone, or email).
- Follow the instructions and complete the process.
- Once verified, reviews should start appearing within a day or two.
Pro tip: If you requested a postcard and never got it, request a new one. Google’s mail system is imperfect.
2. You Have Duplicate Listings
- Search for your business name on Google.
- Check if multiple listings pop up.
- If you see duplicates (not businesses in various locations), here’s what to do:
- Pick the correct listing (the one with the most accurate info).
- Go to Google Business Profile Manager.
- Find the duplicate listing, click “Remove Business”, or request a merge.
- Once Google merges the listings, your reviews should consolidate.
Heads up: This process isn’t instant. It can take a few weeks, so check back periodically.
3. Google’s Review Policy Took Them Down
Read Google’s review policies to see if the review broke a rule.
- Common reasons for removal:
- The review contained links, phone numbers, or promotional content.
- It came from the same IP address as your business (Google sees this as self-reviewing).
- It sounded too much like a bot-generated review.
- If a customer’s review vanishes and they’re willing to repost, ask them to rewrite it in a more natural, detailed way.
Real talk: If Google removes a review, it’s usually gone for good. Focus on getting new ones instead. Use a Google Review Management Tool to moderate and respond to reviews.
4. The Reviewer Deleted or Edited Their Review
- If a customer mentioned leaving a review, but it’s not showing, ask them:
- “Hey, just checking—did you remove your review? We couldn’t find it.”
- If they say yes, you can politely ask if they’d be willing to rewrite it.
- If they say no, move on to the next troubleshooting step.
5. Google’s Spam Filters Are Being Overprotective
- Ask the reviewer to tweak their wording and try again.
- Avoid reviews that are too vague (“Great service!”) or too robotic (“Highly professional and efficient business establishment”).
- Encourage customers to share real details: what they bought, who helped them, or why they returned.
Think about it: If you got 20 five-star reviews in one day, Google might get suspicious. Spread out review requests over time.
6. Your Business Has Been Inactive
- Log into your Google Business Profile and freshen things up:
- Update your hours.
- Upload new photos.
- Post an update or a quick announcement.
- Respond to existing reviews.
- The more active your profile, the more trustworthy it looks to Google.
Bonus tip: Responding to reviews (even old ones) helps show Google you’re engaged. A simple “Thanks for your feedback!” makes a big difference.
Google’s System Is Being Difficult
- Wait a day or two. Reviews sometimes take time to show up.
- Clear your browser cache and refresh your business profile.
- Check from a different device or network.
- If it’s been over a week, contact Google Support.
8. Google Maps Reviews Not Showing
- Open Google Maps and search for your business.
- If reviews are missing, try this:
- Update the app for Google Maps on your phone.
- Clear your Google Maps cache (Settings > Apps > Google Maps > Clear Cache).
- Check from another device or browser.
- If that doesn’t work, report the issue to Google.
What If Nothing Works?
If you’ve tried everything and your Google business reviews not showing up, here’s your last move:
- Gather your proof. List missing reviews, including customer names and when they posted.
- Contact Google Support. Visit Google Business Help and submit a request.
- Keep collecting new reviews. The more you get, the less it matters if a few go missing.
Summing Up
At the end of the day, reviews are important—but they’re not the only thing that builds trust. Keep your business active, engage with customers, stay on top of your online reputation, and encourage fresh reviews. Managing your reputation doesn’t have to be a hassle. Synup makes it easy by letting you monitor and reply to reviews from one simple dashboard.
Google Reviews Not Showing Up? Here’s What to Do: FAQs
How long does it take for Google reviews to show up?
Most reviews appear within 24 hours, but sometimes it takes longer. If a review isn’t showing up immediately, give it a few days before assuming there’s a problem.
Why can’t I see my reviews on my business page?
Your business profile might not be verified, Google’s spam filter could have flagged it, or there could be a duplicate listing. Check your Google Business Profile, ensure it’s active, and see if the review is visible on a different device or browser.
What violates Google’s review policy?
Google removes reviews that violate its guidelines, including fake reviews, spam, offensive content, and paid reviews. Reviews written by employees, competitors, or fake accounts meant to harm or boost a business are against the rules. If a review gets flagged, it may be removed permanently without warning.
