When we first started working with NanakAccountants, they had a common problem. Their brand had undergone a major restructuring, and an outdated Google Business Profile (GBP) still showed their old name and address. Clients were showing up at the wrong office, and reviews kept mentioning the old location. Instead of deleting the listing, we introduced local schema markup to help Google clearly understand their updated information. This move not only fixed their confusion issues but also helped them secure prominent positions in local search results.
This experience taught us a crucial lesson: while removing a Google My Business account might be necessary in some cases (like when a business shuts down), often you can optimize or update it to boost your visibility. But if you’ve decided removal is the best route, here’s a complete, clear, and safe guide to do it.
(Want to understand why local SEO matters before taking this step? Check our blog on local SEO benefits for small businesses).
Understanding Google Business Profile (GBP) vs. Google Account
Before you hit the delete button, it’s vital to know what you’re deleting.
A Google Business Profile (GBP) is completely different from your personal Google account. Deleting your GBP does not affect your Gmail, Drive, or other Google services.
When you remove your GBP:
- It disappears from Google Maps and Search results
- Customers can no longer leave reviews
- Your historical insights and data become inaccessible
If you simply want to stop showing up in search temporarily or keep your reviews intact, you can mark the business as permanently closed instead of deleting it. This keeps the record but removes it from active visibility.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Remove Google My Business Account
Remove Through the Google Business Profile Dashboard (Official Method)
This is the cleanest and most reliable way to remove your listing:
- Go to Google Business Profile Manager.
- Log in with the account that owns the business.
- Select the business location you want to delete.
- Click the three-dot menu → Business Profile settings → Remove Business Profile.
- Choose “Remove profile content and managers” to permanently delete it.
- Download your data (reviews, photos, posts) using Google Takeout before confirming.
Once you do this, Google usually removes the listing from Maps and Search in a few days.
Use the Google Maps Interface (Alternate Official Method)
This method works well if you no longer have access to the dashboard or if the listing is unclaimed:
- Open Google Maps.
- Search your business name.
- Click “Suggest an edit” → “Close or remove”.
- Choose a reason: “Permanently closed” or “Doesn’t exist”.
- Submit the request — Google reviews and removes the listing if valid.
This approach is slower but effective for removing outdated or duplicate profiles.
Are There Any Third-Party Tools or Software to Remove GMB Profiles?
No.
There are no third-party apps or software that can delete a GBP directly.
- Google’s API allows edits but not deletions.
- Platforms like BrightLocal, Yext, Moz Local can help you suppress or update listings, but they cannot delete them entirely.
- Only the verified owner or manager can delete the listing from their dashboard.
So, always perform removals manually for accuracy and security.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
We’ve seen business owners rush through the removal process and regret it later. Avoid these common pitfalls:
- Deleting the wrong profile or location when managing multiple branches
- Skipping a data backup of reviews, insights, and customer photos
- Forgetting to transfer ownership when selling or handing over the business
- Not responding to customers before shutting the profile, which can harm your brand reputation
Take a few minutes to review your profile and plan before clicking delete.
What Happens After You Remove Your Google Business Profile?
Once you delete your GBP:
- It vanishes from Google Maps and local search results
- Reviews, photos, and posts are permanently lost
- You can’t recover insights or old performance data
- Google may take a few days to fully remove it from public view
If you want to retain your reviews and SEO equity, it’s smarter to update or rebrand the profile instead.
We’ve done this successfully with clients like ByronBayAirportTransport and Serenity Hostels, where instead of deleting, we used local SEO best practices and schema to retain rankings while changing business info.
(Curious how schema works? Read our guide on schema markup for local SEO).
Conclusion
Removing your Google My Business account is not complicated — but it is final.
Do it only when your business has shut down or completely rebranded. Otherwise, consider optimizing, merging, or updating the listing.
At Mohit’s SEO Training, we’ve helped brands like NanakAccountants, ByronBayAirportTransport, and Serenity Hostels clean up their local presence without losing their hard-earned visibility. Our FPDP framework ensures your local SEO continues to grow even as your business evolves.
(If you’re unsure whether removal is the right step, read our blog on how to do local SEO audit and local SEO ranking factors to evaluate your current status.)
FAQs
Can I permanently delete my Google Business Profile?
Yes. You can permanently delete your Google Business Profile from the dashboard by selecting “Remove Business Profile.” This deletes all associated data including reviews, photos, and posts. Once done, it can’t be recovered — so only do this if the business has closed permanently and won’t reopen.
What’s the difference between removing and marking as permanently closed?
Marking a business as permanently closed leaves the listing visible with a “Permanently Closed” label. This can help customers know you’re no longer in operation. Removing it completely deletes the listing from Google Search and Maps, and users will no longer see it at all.
Can I remove my GMB listing without signing in?
Yes. If you don’t have access to the Google account that manages the listing, go to Google Maps, find the listing, click “Suggest an edit,” then choose “Close or remove.” Google will review your request and remove it if it’s valid.
How long does it take to remove a GMB listing?
It typically takes a few days to one week. Google will send you an email once the removal request is processed. If extra verification is needed, it might take longer.
Will removing my GMB account affect my website’s SEO?
Removing your GMB listing won’t harm your website’s organic SEO, but it will eliminate your local visibility in the Map Pack and on Google Maps. If local customers are important to your business, consider optimizing your listing instead of deleting it. Learn more about Local SEO Ranking Factors to improve your presence.
