How to Recover a Suspended Google Business Profile in 2025
Understanding Google Business Profile Suspensions
If you try to access your Google Business Profile and see a red warning, or if you've received an email saying your listing has been suspended, that means your business has disappeared from Google Maps and Search. You will not be able to make updates or interact with customers until it's resolved.
Suspensions are frustrating, but usually fixable.
Why You Should Never Create a New Listing
Do not try to bypass a suspension by creating a new listing at the same address. Google will likely suspend that one as well, and you will make recovery more difficult.
Stick with your original listing and resolve the issue properly.
Common Reasons for GBP Suspensions and How to Fix Them
Most Google Business Profile suspensions happen for one or more of the reasons below. Fixing these first improves your chance of a successful appeal.
Keyword Stuffing Your Business Name
Adding keywords like your city or services to your business name is against Google's rules unless those words are part of your actual registered name.
Fix: Use the exact business name on your signage, business license, or tax records.
Using an Invalid Address
Google does not allow PO Boxes, virtual offices, or shared coworking spaces unless you rent a private office with signage and customer access.
Fix: Use a physical address where your business operates and customers can visit.
Displaying an Address for a Service-Area Business
If you travel to clients rather than serve them at your location, your listing should not show an address.
Fix: Remove the address and list your service areas by city or zip code.
Making Too Many Changes at Once
Editing your name, address, category, and phone number too quickly can trigger Google's spam filters.
Fix: Appeal now, but space out major updates next time to avoid suspension.
No Physical Customer Contact
Businesses that operate online only are not eligible for a Google Business Profile. You must meet or visit customers in person.
Fix: If you are fully digital, do not appeal. Google will deny it.
Misleading Business Hours
Listing your business as open 24 hours when you are not can cause problems, especially in industries like locksmithing and towing.
Fix: Use accurate business hours. Mention after-hours availability on your website, not in your profile.
Invalid Website Link
Do not link to a social media profile, redirect, or any site not owned by your business.
Fix: Link to your official website. If you do not have one, leave the field blank.
Need help creating one? We can help.
High-Risk Industry Category
Some categories like HVAC, plumbing, legal, or garage door repair are flagged more often because of past abuse.
Fix: Make sure your listing is 100 percent compliant with all GBP guidelines.
Switching Between Storefront and Service-Area
Switching your listing type can flag your account if your business model does not support the change.
Fix: Only update this setting if it reflects how your business actually serves customers.
Multiple Listings for Different Service Areas
Separate listings are allowed only when locations are at least two hours apart and each one is fully staffed and non-overlapping.
Fix: Remove extra listings that do not meet this criteria. Save their Maps URLs and include them in your appeal.
Multiple Listings at the Same Address
Do not create multiple listings for similar services under one roof unless your business is located in a mall or multi-office complex.
Fix: Combine services under one listing and use multiple categories.
Suspended Manager Accounts
If someone who helped manage your profile had their Google account suspended, it can affect your listing.
Fix: Review and remove all old managers you no longer work with.
Step-by-Step: How to File a Google Business Profile Appeal
Once you've made the necessary fixes:
- Open the suspension email from Google.
- Click the appeal link inside.
- You will be taken to the Appeals Tool.
- Log in with the email tied to the suspended profile.
- Select your business from the list.
- Confirm that it is eligible for appeal.
- Do not click "Submit" until your documentation is ready.
What Evidence to Submit (With a 60-Minute Deadline)
Once you click "Submit," Google starts a 60-minute countdown for you to upload your evidence.
Accepted documents:
- Business license or registration
- Tax documentation
- Utility bills showing your business name and address
- A photo of permanent exterior signage
Everything must match what your profile says. Personal names or home utility bills will not be accepted.
Tip: Put all your documents in a zip folder for fast upload.
Use the comment field to briefly explain the issue, what you fixed, and why your listing should be reinstated.
If Your Appeal Is Denied: Your Final Option
If your first appeal is rejected, you still get one more chance through Google’s reconsideration form.
Provide:
- New or corrected documentation
- A clearer explanation of the issue and resolution
If that is also denied, the listing cannot be recovered.
Summary: Get Back on Google Faster
Google suspensions are common, but most are fixable. With the right steps, documents, and timing, your business can be restored.
If this process feels overwhelming or you want to avoid making a costly mistake, we can handle the appeal process for you.
