You can delete a Google Business Profile in a few minutes, but the process depends on whether you own the business or just manage it
If you own the business, you can delete the profile yourself through Google Business Profile Manager. If someone else owns it and added you as a manager, you cannot delete it — only the owner can. The deletion is permanent: Google removes the listing from Search and Maps within a few days, and you cannot recover the profile or its review history afterward.
Before you delete, consider whether you want to keep the profile but close the business temporarily, or whether you truly want it gone. A closed profile stays on Google Maps and Search but shows "Permanently closed" — customers can still see your past reviews and hours. A deleted profile disappears entirely.
Key Takeaways
- Only the business owner can delete a Google Business Profile; managers cannot remove it even if they have full access.
- Deletion is permanent and removes the listing from Google Search and Maps within a few days, along with all reviews and photos.
- If you want to keep the profile but show the business as closed, mark it "Permanently closed" instead of deleting it.
- You need to sign in to the Google account that owns the profile, not just any manager account, to complete deletion.
How to delete a profile you own
Open Google Business Profile Manager at business.google.com and sign in with the Google account that owns the profile. If you manage multiple profiles, select the one you want to delete from the list on the left side.
Click the three-dot menu icon in the top right corner of the profile card. Select "Delete profile" from the dropdown. Google will ask you to confirm — read the warning carefully, because this action cannot be undone. Click "Delete" to finish. The profile will disappear from Google Search and Maps within a few days, though it may take longer for cached versions to clear.
What happens to your reviews and photos after deletion
All reviews, photos, and posts associated with the profile are deleted along with it. Customers who left reviews cannot retrieve them, and you cannot access them for reference. If you want to preserve review content, take screenshots or export them before you delete.
The business name and address may still appear in Google's index for a while after deletion, but clicking on them will show an error or direct users to a search results page. This cached information typically clears within a few weeks.
If you are a manager but not the owner
You cannot delete a profile if you do not own it. Only the account that created the profile or was designated as the owner during setup has deletion rights. If you want the profile removed, you must ask the owner to do it.
If you no longer want to manage the profile, you can remove yourself instead. Open the profile, click the three-dot menu, select "Managers," find your name, and click the trash icon next to it. This removes your access without affecting the profile itself.
Marking a profile as permanently closed instead of deleting
If you think you might reopen the business later, or if you want to keep the review history visible, mark the profile as "Permanently closed" instead of deleting it. Open the profile in Business Profile Manager, click the three-dot menu, and select "Close or reopen." Choose "Permanently closed" and save.
A permanently closed profile stays on Google Maps and Search results with a "Permanently closed" label. Customers can still see your past reviews, hours, and photos. If you reopen, you can change the status back to "Open" without losing any data. This option is useful if you want to preserve your business history or may resume operations in the future.
Removing a profile you do not recognize
If someone created a Google Business Profile for your business without your permission, you can claim ownership and then delete it. Go to business.google.com, search for your business name, and click "Manage this business." Follow the verification steps — Google will ask you to confirm your address or phone number.
Once you verify ownership, the profile moves to your Google account and you gain full control. You can then delete it using the steps above, or edit it to correct information. If you cannot verify ownership through the standard process, you can report the profile to Google as a duplicate or fraudulent listing.
What to do before you delete
Export or screenshot any information you want to keep, including customer reviews, photos, posts, and your business hours or description. Google does not provide a bulk export tool, so manual screenshots are your only option.
If you have a website, update any links that point to your Google Business Profile. Remove the profile link from your social media accounts and email signature. Tell regular customers about the closure through email or social media if you want them to know the business is no longer operating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I delete a Google Business Profile from my phone?
Yes. Open the Google Business Profile app or go to business.google.com on your phone's browser, sign in, and follow the same steps: three-dot menu, "Delete profile," confirm. The process is identical to desktop.
What if I deleted the profile by mistake?
Google does not restore deleted profiles. Once deleted, the profile and all its data are gone permanently. If you need the business listing back, you must create a new profile from scratch and re-add your information, photos, and hours.
Does deleting my Google Business Profile affect my Google Search ranking?
Removing the profile will not harm your website's search ranking, but it does remove a local search result that may have driven traffic. If you have a website, it can still appear in Google Search results independently of the Business Profile.
Can I delete the profile if the business is still operating?
Yes, but it is not recommended. Deleting removes your business from Google Maps and local search results, which means customers cannot find you. If the business is open, marking it as "Permanently closed" is usually a better choice, or you can keep it open and update the information instead.
How long does it take for the profile to disappear from Google Maps?
The profile typically disappears from Google Search and Maps within a few days, though cached versions may linger for up to two weeks. You cannot speed up this process — Google removes it on its own schedule.