Google reviews can build trust—or destroy it. One harsh comment, fake complaint, or unfair post can turn away customers before you even get a chance to explain. So here’s the big question: can you delete Google reviews?
The short answer: not exactly. But you do have options.
Dig Deeper: How to Delete a Google Review
You Can Delete a Review You Wrote
If you wrote the review, you can delete it any time. Just log into your Google account, go to Your Contributions > Reviews, click the three dots, and hit Delete Review.
That’s the only case where deletion is simple and instant.
You Can’t Delete Other People’s Reviews Directly
If someone else left the review, you can’t just delete it yourself—even if it’s false or damaging. Google controls the platform, and only they can remove reviews that break their policies.
This includes:
- Fake or spammy reviews
- Reviews with hate speech or threats
- Conflicts of interest (like reviews from ex-employees or competitors)
- Off-topic rants or personal attacks
If you think a review crosses the line, you can flag it.
How to Flag a Review for Removal
Here’s how to report a review:
- Go to your Google Business Profile
- Find the review in question
- Click the three dots
- Select “Report Review”
- Choose the reason that best fits
Once flagged, Google may review the case. If it violates policy, they’ll remove it. This can take a few days—or longer if it requires manual review.
What Happens if Google Says No?
If the review stays up, you still have some options:
1. Respond Publicly
Reply calmly and clearly. Share your side of the story. This shows future customers you’re professional and care about feedback—even if it’s harsh.
2. Gather Positive Reviews
Push the bad review down by generating new 5-star reviews. Ask happy customers to leave feedback. Just don’t offer incentives—that’s against policy.
3. Work With a Removal Expert
In serious cases (like defamation, fake reviews, or harassment), companies like Erase.com help businesses remove negative Google reviews by filing legal takedown requests, contacting Google support, or suppressing the content in search.
Can You Sue Over a Review?
In extreme cases, yes. If a review contains false claims that hurt your business, you may be able to file a defamation lawsuit. But lawsuits take time and money. It’s often smarter to start with Google’s process first.
Some businesses also succeed in removing reviews by sending a cease and desist letter. If that works, the reviewer might delete it themselves.
What You Can Do
✅ Delete your own reviews
✅ Flag reviews that break policy
✅ Respond to any review
✅ Push down bad reviews with positive ones
✅ Hire experts or consider legal action if needed
What You Can’t Do
🚫 Delete someone else’s review yourself
🚫 Pay Google to remove it
🚫 Bribe or threaten reviewers
🚫 Hide reviews on your Google listing
Final Tip
Before you try to remove anything, take a screenshot. Reviews can disappear and reappear, and you’ll want a record—especially if you’re pursuing legal removal or need to show Google clear evidence.
If you’re dealing with fake or harmful content, it may also help to remove private images or sensitive content tied to your brand. Clean search results make a real difference in how people perceive your business.
Want help with a specific review or looking to clean up your search presence? Let me know and I’ll point you in the right direction.
At Reputation Galaxy, we help businesses identify and remove fake reviews, protect their reputation, and restore trust—fast.
No win, no fee. Private support. Proven results.
Get a Free Quote or call us now to start your investigation.