Google Business Profile verification: every method, and what to do when it fails

Quick summary

• Short answer: Verification is how Google confirms you own or manage a business. Until then, you can't edit your business info or interact with customers.
• Who picks the method: Google does, based on your business type, public info, region and hours, and you can't change it.
• Best option if you see it: A video recording. Google recommends it whenever your business is eligible.
• How long it takes: Reviews take up to 5 business days, on rare occasions longer. Most postcards arrive within 14 days.
• Mistake to avoid: Creating a second profile when verification stalls. Google wants one profile per business: try the other methods offered, then contact support.
• Key takeaway: Make the profile match the real world first: the name on your sign, a real address or a service area, and a phone you answer.

What verification is

Google Business Profile verification is the check Google runs to confirm that you own or manage a business before you can control its profile on Search and Maps. Passing it gives you ownership of the profile.

Only owners or authorized representatives may verify, and the business must make in-person contact with customers during its stated hours. Not on Google yet? Add your business. Found two profiles for it? Read our duplicate listings guide first.

The verification methods

Google shows only the options available to your profile, and some businesses have to verify with more than one.

Google sometimes verifies a profile instantly, for example when you've verified your website in Google Search Console.

How to prepare

1. Use your real-world name

Enter your name exactly as it appears on your signage and stationery. Google says unnecessary information in the name could result in suspension.

2. Get the address right, or hide it

A storefront needs a precise, real-world address with permanent signage of the business name. P.O. boxes, remote mailboxes and virtual offices aren't accepted.

If you visit customers instead, as plumbers and cleaning services do, you're a service-area business: remove the address and set up to 20 service areas.

3. Plan your video

Google doesn't accept pre-recorded video. You record live in your Business Profile on a mobile device, in one unedited take of at least 30 seconds, with no ID numbers, private info or other people's faces. Show:

• Where you are: street signs, building numbers or nearby businesses.
• That the business exists: your name on a permanent sign, matching the profile. Service-area businesses show their tools and equipment.
• That you manage it: opening the register or storeroom, or unlocking your branded van. Service-area businesses can also show a permit, invoice or utility bill in the business name.

What to avoid while you wait

If you chose a postcard, Google's rules for the wait are strict:

• Don't edit your business name, address or category, or the code won't work.
• Don't request a new code. That cancels the one in the mail and makes the wait longer.
• Enter the code within 30 days, and share it with no one. Google will never ask for it.

After you're verified, a new name or category might mean verifying again, and a move always does. Update your other listings when you move, too: see our NAP consistency guide. Our citation cleanup updates old listings after a move.

When verification fails

Google describes three signs that verification didn't go through:

• The Get verified button is back: Google couldn't completely verify you. Re-verify, with another method if one is offered.
• A Review issues notice after a video: Google didn't accept the video. Open the notice to see why.
• A request for more info, usually after a recent change to your details: select Get verified and follow the steps.

When you're stuck

1. No verification options left

If every method you were offered has failed, or none is left to try, Google's verification help says to contact support once you've tried the options available to you. Its video help explains why the order matters: support can help more easily after you've tried the available methods.

2. Your video was rejected or won't upload

Google's examples of rejected videos: business name not visible on the storefront, no nearby area shown, and no proof that you're authorized to operate the business. Record a new one with everything from the first video plus what was missing.

If the upload fails, Google says some videos fail to upload on the first try, so upload it again. Don't cancel a slow upload: a canceled upload loses the video for both you and Google. Still stuck after a few tries? Use another method if your profile offers one.

3. A service-area business whose address doesn't match its area

Removing your address only hides it: you turn off Show business address to customers, and Google still needs a business address it can find to verify you. A video has to show identifiers at that address, not the towns you serve. Keep the area realistic too: Google says its boundaries shouldn't be more than about 2 hours of driving time from where the business is based.

4. Reaching Business Profile support

Google's verification and video help pages both send you to the Business Profile contact page, which asks you to sign in to your Google Account first. For answers from community members, the verification help also points to the Business Profile community forum.

If your profile is suspended

Google may suspend or disable profiles that don't follow its guidelines. A suspended profile can't be seen by the public, but owners and managers can still edit it and appeal.

1. Fix the cause

The appeals tool shows the reason and a link to the policy involved. Bring your profile in line with the guidelines before you appeal.

2. Gather evidence

Google suggests business registration, a business license, tax certificates or utility bills, each showing the same name and address as the profile.

3. Appeal once

Use the appeals tool and attach everything first: appeals can only be submitted once. If your whole Google account is restricted, appeal the account on your My accounts page first.

4. Wait, and don't start over

Reviews can take up to 5 business days. Don't send repeat appeals or create a new profile for the same business. If you're denied, you may be able to request an additional review with new evidence.

Before you press Get verified