Locked out of your Google Business Profile?
Your business shows on Google, but you cannot change the hours, photos or phone number because the login does not work or belongs to someone else. This is common, and there is a proper route back in.
What's usually wrong
- You are signed in to the wrong Google account. Many owners have a personal Gmail and a business one, and set the profile up under whichever was open.
- Someone else is the owner. A former employee, web designer or relative set it up with their own account.
- You have forgotten the Google password. Or lost access to the phone or email on the account.
- The profile was suspended or needs verifying again. This can follow a change of name, address or category.
Things you can try yourself
- Try every email address you may have used. Sign in to each in turn, search for your business name on Google, and see which one shows "Edit profile" or "Manage". You can also check at business.google.com.
- If you have forgotten the password, use Google's account recovery and follow the prompts.
- If the profile is owned by someone else and you cannot reach them, search for your business on Google or Maps, open the listing and choose "Claim this business" or "Manage this profile". Google will say the profile is already owned and offer to request access.
- Request ownership. The current owner is emailed and has 3 days to respond. If they do not, Google often (not always) lets you claim it yourself. Keep the confirmation email, it is how you check the request later.
- You will be asked to verify that you run the business. Depending on the business, Google offers a video call, a phone call or text, an email, or a postcard with a code, which usually usually arrives within 14 days.
- Do not create a second profile for the same business. Duplicates can cause problems for both profiles.
- If the profile has been suspended, look for the reinstatement request form in the Google Business Profile Help pages, and be ready to show proof that the business is real, such as a utility bill, photos of the premises or a business registration.
Questions people ask
Can I just make a new Google Business Profile?
Better not. A second profile for the same business can get both suspended or hidden. It is cleaner to take back control of the existing one.
How long does it take to get access back?
From a day to a couple of weeks. A postcard can take up to 14 days, and a request to a missing owner has a 3-day wait. Starting early helps.
Do I have to give you my Google password?
No. You do the verification yourself, because Google sends the code to you. You can then add me as a manager and remove me whenever you like.
If you'd rather I sorted it
If you'd rather I sorted it: most of these are a £40 to £60 job, usually done the same week. I'm Yehor, 17, based in Easingwold, and I can come to you round York.
Prefer to talk? Ring or WhatsApp 07356 082474, or email [email protected].
Other quick fixes: Business email not working · Domain expired · Wrong opening hours on Google · Website "not secure" warning