Troubleshooting Google Business Profile (GBP) review problems involves addressing common issues like missing reviews, inappropriate content, or policy violations that may cause reviews to disappear or fail to appear. The process typically requires verifying account details, reporting violations, and contacting Google Support when necessary. Most review-related problems stem from automated filters, display glitches, or violations of Google’s review policies, such as spam, fake content, or offensive language.

Key findings from the sources include:

• Missing reviews are often temporary due to display issues or automated filtering, with Google actively working to resolve these (noted in February 2025) ^[7].
• Businesses can report missing or inappropriate reviews via the Reviews Management Tool or Google Maps, providing details like the Business Profile ID ^[2].
• Verification and ownership conflicts can indirectly affect review visibility, requiring users to confirm their management email or request ownership transfers ^[3].
• For persistent issues, contacting Google Support with specific details (Profile ID, business link, number of missing reviews) is recommended ^[2][7].

Solving Google Business Profile Review Problems

Identifying and Reporting Missing Reviews

Missing reviews on a Google Business Profile are frequently caused by temporary display glitches, policy violations, or automated filtering. Google acknowledged a widespread issue in February 2025 where review counts fluctuated due to a system error, assuring businesses that reviews were not permanently deleted ^[7]. However, if reviews remain missing beyond Google’s announced fixes, businesses should take proactive steps to investigate and report the problem.

To diagnose missing reviews:

• Check for policy violations: Reviews may be removed if they violate Google’s policies, such as containing spam, offensive language, or fake content. Google’s automated systems flag these without prior notice ^[2].
• Verify the management email: Ensure the email associated with the Business Profile is correct, as mismatches can limit access to review management tools ^[2].
• Compare review counts: Cross-reference the number of reviews visible on the profile with past records or screenshots to confirm discrepancies.

If reviews are confirmed missing, businesses should:

• Submit a support ticket via the Google Business Profile Help Center, including:
• Business Profile ID (found in the profile URL)
• Direct link to the business listing
• Number of missing reviews and approximate dates they disappeared ^[7]
• Use the Reviews Management Tool: Navigate to the tool, confirm the management email, and click "Report missing reviews" to initiate an investigation ^[2].
• Avoid reactive measures: Google advises against recreating the profile or mass-reporting, as these actions can exacerbate issues during system-wide fixes ^[7].

For example, a business noticing a drop from 50 to 30 reviews in February 2025 should first monitor for Google’s updates before submitting a ticket, as the issue may resolve automatically ^[7]. If reviews remain missing after 7–10 days, escalating to support with precise details increases the likelihood of recovery.

Handling Inappropriate or Fake Reviews

Inappropriate reviews—such as those containing spam, offensive content, or fake accounts—can harm a business’s reputation and violate Google’s policies. Businesses have two primary methods to address these: flagging reviews directly or requesting removal via Google Support.

Steps to flag or remove problematic reviews:

• Flag via Google Maps:
• Open Google Maps and locate the business profile.
• Find the review in question, click the three-dot menu, and select "Flag as inappropriate" ^[2].
• Choose a reason (e.g., "Spam," "Offensive," or "Conflict of interest") and submit. Google’s team reviews flagged content within 1–3 business days ^[2].
• Use the Reviews Management Tool:
• Access the tool through the Google Business Profile dashboard.
• Select the review, click "Flag," and provide a detailed explanation of the violation ^[2].
• For urgent cases (e.g., hate speech or legal threats), use the "Request removal" option and include evidence like screenshots.

Google’s policies explicitly prohibit:

• Fake reviews: Created by competitors, bots, or incentivized customers ^[2].
• Offensive content: Hate speech, profanity, or personal attacks ^[2].
• Conflict of interest: Reviews from current/former employees or business owners ^[2].

If a review is not removed after flagging, businesses can:

• Escalate to Google Support: Provide the review’s direct link, the flagging date, and a clear explanation of the policy violation ^[2].
• Respond publicly: While awaiting removal, craft a professional response (e.g., "We’ve reported this review for violating Google’s policies and are seeking its removal") to mitigate reputational damage ^[3].

For example, a restaurant receiving a 1-star review from a competitor’s employee can flag it as a "Conflict of interest" and submit proof (e.g., LinkedIn connections) to Google Support. If the review persists, a public response like, "We take feedback seriously but have reported this review as it violates Google’s guidelines," maintains transparency ^[3].