Negative Google reviews can stick around longer than you’d like—but removal isn’t always instant. Whether you flagged it yourself, escalated through support, or took legal action, the timeline depends on how the review was reported and what steps you’ve taken.
Here’s what to expect.
Dig Deeper: How to Delete a Google Review
How Fast Can a Google Review Be Removed?
It depends on how it’s flagged and why. Some reviews disappear in hours. Others take weeks. Some stay up forever.
Here’s a breakdown of average removal timelines based on method:
| Removal Method | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|
| Flagging via Google Maps or Search | 3 to 10 business days |
| Using the Reviews Management Tool | 3 to 14 business days |
| One-Time Review Appeal | 5 to 21 business days |
| Google Support Escalation | 2 to 4 weeks |
| Legal Removal (Court Order) | 30 to 90+ days |
These timelines are estimates. Some removals happen quickly, especially if the violation is obvious (like hate speech or spam). Others get stuck in review queues or are rejected with no explanation.
Flagging a Review: 3 to 10 Days
The fastest way to request removal is flagging the review directly from Google Maps or your Business Profile.
If the review clearly breaks Google’s rules—like containing profanity, personal info, or spam—it may be removed within a few business days. But if it’s borderline (like a bad customer experience or harsh tone), it often stays.
Pro tip: Include as much detail as possible when you flag it. The more obvious the violation, the faster the result.
Reviews Management Tool: 3 to 14 Days
If you manage a verified business profile, Google’s Reviews Management Tool lets you track review reports across multiple locations.
You can:
- Report new reviews
- See which ones are eligible for appeal
- Track the status of flagged reviews
This tool tends to speed things up—especially if you’re reporting multiple reviews at once.
Appeal a Denied Request: 5 to 21 Days
If your flag is rejected, you can submit a one-time appeal for certain reviews.
Here’s how long it usually takes:
- Appeal submitted: 1–3 days
- Reviewed by Google: 5–21 days
It helps to include documentation: screenshots, timestamps, or anything proving the review is fake, misleading, or inappropriate.
Escalating to Google Support: 2 to 4 Weeks
If you’re not getting traction through standard tools, you can contact Google Business Profile Support directly.
You’ll need:
- A case number
- Evidence of the violation
- A detailed explanation
Escalation works best for serious violations like fraud, impersonation, or repeated spam across multiple listings.
Legal Removals: 30 to 90+ Days
If a review includes false and damaging claims, legal removal might be the only path.
To do this, you’ll need:
- A lawyer
- A defamation case
- A court order addressed to Google
Once Google receives a valid court order, they usually act within 30 days—but legal reviews and filing can take months. It’s slow, expensive, and not always necessary unless serious harm is involved.
What If It Still Won’t Come Down?
Even if a review doesn’t meet removal standards, you still have options:
- Respond publicly to clarify the situation
- Bury the review with new, genuine 5-star reviews
- Suppress it in search results with SEO and press
- Work with professionals to remove negative Google reviews or minimise their impact
If the review includes private images or sensitive content, you can often get it removed faster under Google’s content policies.
Final Thoughts
Removing a Google review isn’t always quick—and sometimes it’s not possible at all. But knowing what to expect can help you plan your response.
Some removals take 48 hours. Others take 3 months. The key is knowing which tools to use, when to appeal, and when to bring in extra help.
At Reputation Galaxy, we’ve helped remove over 15,000 reviews and know the fastest path based on your case. If you’re stuck or unsure what to do next, we’re here to help.