How to Remove Bad Google Reviews

How to Remove Bad Google Reviews: A Step by Step Guide

In today’s digital-first world, your online reputation can make or break your business.

For most customers, the first thing they see when they Google your company isn’t your website—it’s your Google Business Profile.

So what happens when a bad review appears? Even if it’s fake, unfair, or from someone who’s never used your service, the damage is instant.

The good news? You can take action. While not all negative reviews can be removed, there are steps you can take to challenge inappropriate ones, protect your reputation, and even turn the situation around.

Let’s walk through it.

Why Do Google Reviews Matter So Much?

Before we dive into how to remove them, let’s look at why Google reviews carry so much weight:

• They appear front and centre on Google Maps and Search
• They influence click-through rates and local rankings
• 93% of people say online reviews impact buying decisions
• A single negative review can decrease trust by up to 30%

If you’ve worked hard to build your brand, a bad review can feel like a punch in the gut.

But the way you respond and what you do next, can make all the difference.

Can You Actually Remove a Bad Google Review?

Yes, but only under certain conditions.

Google has strict content policies, and if a review violates them, you can request its removal.

Here are some of the most common reasons a review can be flagged:

• Spam or fake content (reviews from bots, or people who’ve never used your service)
• Off-topic reviews (e.g., commentary unrelated to your business)
• Offensive or hateful language
• Conflicts of interest (e.g., a competitor trying to sabotage your rating)
• Impersonation or fake identities

Unfortunately, you can’t remove a review just because it’s negative or you don’t like it. Honest criticism, even if it’s harsh, is allowed—so long as it follows Google’s policies.

Step-by-Step: How to Flag and Request Removal

Step 1: Log Into Your Google Business Profile

Head to Google Business Manager and sign in.

If you haven’t claimed your business yet, you’ll need to do that first.

Step 2: Find the Review in Question

Go to the “Reviews” tab and scroll through to find the one you want to remove.

Step 3: Click the Three Dots and Select “Flag as Inappropriate”

This tells Google you believe the review violates their terms.

Step 4: Submit the Flag with a Reason

You’ll be prompted to explain why the review should be removed. Be concise but specific. If you have evidence (like proving the reviewer was never a customer), make a note of it.

Step 5: Wait for a Response

Google usually responds within 3–5 business days, but it can take longer. If they agree with your claim, the review will be taken down.

What If Google Doesn’t Remove It?

Sometimes Google won’t remove a review, even if you’re convinced it’s unfair.

In this case, you have a few options:

1. Respond Professionally

Don’t ignore it. Craft a calm, polite reply that addresses the concern, provides context, and shows other readers that you take feedback seriously.

Example response:

“Hi John, we’re sorry to hear about your experience. We’ve looked into our records and can’t find any transactions under your name, but we’d love to discuss this further. Please contact us directly so we can resolve it.”

This shows professionalism and often neutralises the damage.

2. Escalate with Google Support

If you’ve already flagged the review and nothing happened, you can contact Google Business Support directly. Use the “Support” link in your Business dashboard and provide clear evidence.

3. Gather Evidence if It’s Defamatory

If the review is false, malicious, or defamatory (e.g., accusing your staff of illegal activity), you may want to consult legal advice or explore a court order for removal. This is rare, but it is an option for serious cases.

Proactive Tips to Handle and Prevent Bad Reviews

Removing a bad review is good, but preventing them in the first place is better. Here’s how to do both.

Keep Reviews Flowing In

Google is more likely to take action on a clearly fake review if your genuine reviews outweigh it. Ask happy customers to leave feedback regularly to dilute the impact of any negatives.

Reply to Every Review (Good and Bad)

Show the public you care. Thoughtful responses build trust—even when the review isn’t glowing.

Train Your Team on Customer Service Touchpoints

Most negative reviews stem from a poor customer interaction. Fix the cause, not just the symptom.

Use Review Monitoring Tools

Tools like Whitespark, BirdEye, or Google Alerts help you track new reviews and respond fast.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Panic—Be Proactive

Bad reviews happen to the best of us. What matters most is how you respond.

If the review violates Google’s rules, flag it. If not, reply with grace and let your excellent service speak for itself.

Need help managing your Google Business Profile or improving your online reputation? At Primed Pixels, we help UK businesses monitor, respond to, and recover from negative feedback—so you can stay focused on what you do best.

Book a free reputation check-up today and let’s protect your digital presence.