If you’ve been trying to figure out how to delete your business from Google Business, you’re in the right place. Maybe your business is permanently closed. Or maybe it moved. Or you just don’t want your information out there anymore.
No worries — we’ve got you covered.
This simple guide will walk you through the steps to remove your business from Google and answer every question you might have along the way.
Let’s jump right in.
Table of Contents
- Introduction to Google Business Removal
- Steps to Delete a Business from Google Business
- Alternate Ways to Remove a Business from Google
- Common Issues When Deleting Google Business Listings
- Effects of Removing Your Business from Google
- Tips to Manage Business Info Without Deleting
- Table: Quick Comparison of Removal Options
- Final Thoughts
- FAQs About Deleting a Google Business Listing
Introduction to Google Business Removal
Why You Might Want to Remove Your Business
There are several reasons you might want to take your listing off Google:
- Your business has shut down
- You’re no longer serving customers at the listed location
- You’ve sold or transferred ownership
- The information is outdated or incorrect
- You want to reduce your online footprint
Google makes this process simple if you follow the right steps.
What Happens When You Delete a Google Business Listing
Here’s what changes when your listing is removed:
- It won’t show up on Google Maps or Search.
- Customers won’t be able to find or review it.
- You won’t be able to manage or edit the profile anymore.
Steps to Delete a Business from Google Business
Step 1 – Sign in to Your Google Business Profile
Go to Google Business Profile Manager and log in with your Gmail or business account.
Step 2 – Choose the Business You Want to Remove
If you manage more than one location, select the listing you want to delete from your dashboard.
Step 3 – Mark the Business as Permanently Closed
You can’t directly “delete” a business in most cases. Instead:
- Click on Edit Profile
- Go to Business Information
- Under Status, select Permanently Closed
This signals to Google that the business is no longer operating.
Step 4 – Remove the Business Listing Completely
To go a step further:
- Click the three dots (⋮) on your profile dashboard
- Select Remove Business Profile
- Choose the option to remove the business from your account
⚠️ Note: This does not immediately remove the listing from search. It just detaches your account from the profile.
Step 5 – Confirm Removal and Wait for Changes
Google will process your request. It might take a few days. You’ll get a confirmation email once done.
Alternate Ways to Remove a Business from Google
How to Report a Duplicate or Fake Listing
If there are multiple listings or fake ones:
- Search the business on Google
- Click “Suggest an edit”
- Choose “Remove this place”
- Select the reason (duplicate, spam, etc.)
Removing a Business You Don’t Own
If you’re not the owner:
- Go to the listing on Maps
- Click “Claim this business”
- Once verified, you can then close or remove it
If that doesn’t work, submit a Business Redressal Complaint Form to Google.
Common Issues When Deleting Google Business Listings
Can’t Remove the Listing? Here’s What to Do
Sometimes the option to delete doesn’t appear. That’s because:
- You’re not the verified owner
- The listing was created by users, not by you
- It’s a sensitive or protected listing
In that case, you’ll need to:
- Get verified
- Contact Google Support for help
How Long Does It Take for Removal to Reflect?
It usually takes 3–7 business days. But in some cases, it could be longer if Google needs to review the request manually.
Effects of Removing Your Business from Google
Will It Affect Your Search Rankings?
Yes, if you had good SEO and reviews, they’ll be gone with the profile.
If you plan to reopen or rebrand, consider updating the listing instead.
What Customers Will See After Removal
Once removed:
- Visitors will see a “Permanently Closed” status
- The map pin may still appear for a while
- No reviews or photos will be shown
Tips to Manage Business Info Without Deleting
Make Your Business Temporarily Inactive
If you’re just closing for a while:
- Set the status to Temporarily Closed
- Keep your info and reviews for later
Hide Your Address or Details Instead
Don’t want people visiting you?
- Remove your address from the listing
- Mark it as a service-area business
Table: Quick Comparison of Removal Options
Option | Effect | Visibility | Editable |
Permanently Close | Business marked as closed | Still appears | No |
Remove From Google Account | Detaches listing from your control | Still visible | No |
Delete Listing via Report | Google may review and remove | Might disappear | No |
Temporarily Closed | Marks as inactive temporarily | Visible with notice | Yes |
Hide Address/Details | Reduces exposure, keeps profile | Limited info visible | Yes |
Final Thoughts
Removing your business from Google doesn’t have to be hard. Whether you’re closing up shop, moving to a new location, or just done with digital listings — following these steps makes it simple.
Just be sure you’re clear on whether you want to permanently delete, temporarily hide, or just edit your info.
Your digital footprint matters — so manage it wisely!
FAQs About Deleting a Google Business Listing
1. Can I delete my Google Business account completely?
You can remove a listing from your account, but the actual profile might still appear online unless reported and removed.
2. How long does it take to remove a business from Google?
Usually between 3 to 7 business days, depending on Google’s review.
3. Can customers still see my listing after I delete it?
If marked as “Permanently Closed,” yes — but they won’t see updates, photos, or be able to interact.
4. Is there a way to hide my business without deleting it?
Yes, set it to Temporarily Closed or hide your address if privacy is your concern.
5. What if I need to remove a business I no longer own?
Claim the listing first, then follow the steps to mark it as closed or request removal.