How To Request Ownership of a Google Business Profile

If your business is already showing up on Google Maps but you’re not in control of the profile, don’t worry — it’s possible to request access from the current owner and take charge of your listing. Whether you own a storefront, operate a service-based business, or manage multiple locations, this guide explains how to take ownership of your Business Profile the right way.

How To Tell If You Already Own the Profile

Before requesting access, make sure you’re not already the profile owner. Google sometimes connects your account automatically, especially if you've set up the profile before.

Here are a few signs you already manage the listing:

• You see a badge that says “You manage this Business Profile”
• Searching your business on Google shows a profile with management access
• In Google Maps, it says “Manage your Business Profile”

If any of these apply, you likely don’t need to request access. If not, here’s what to do.

Requesting Ownership of a Storefront or Hybrid Business

If your business has a physical location (or if customers can visit your location even part of the time), follow these steps:

1. Visit business.google.com/add
2. Enter your business name and address
3. Choose the matching business from the list
4. Click “Request Access”
5. You’ll see a message that someone else currently manages the profile
6. Complete the request form and click Submit

Google will notify the current manager via email, and you’ll receive a confirmation email as well.

Taking Control of a Service-Area Business Listing

Service-area businesses (like plumbers or mobile groomers) typically don’t list a physical address. If this applies to your business, you’ll need to request help directly from Google.

1. Go to Google’s contact page
2. Select “Transfer ownership of listing” from the dropdown menu
3. Follow the prompts to submit your request

Once submitted, the current owner will be contacted on your behalf.

Requesting Access With a Bulk-Verified Account

If you manage multiple business locations and use a bulk-verified Google account, follow this method:

1. Upload your location data using a spreadsheet
2. Open the uploaded profile in Business Profile Manager
3. If you see an “Owner conflict” message, click “Request Access”

Just like with the other methods, Google will notify the current manager, and you’ll get an email confirmation.

What To Expect After You Submit a Request

Once your access request is submitted, the current profile owner has up to 3 days to respond.

Here’s what can happen next:

• If approved, you’ll receive a confirmation email and gain full access to manage the profile
• If denied, you’ll get a rejection notice, but you can still suggest edits or appeal
• If no response after 3 days, Google may allow you to claim and verify the profile yourself

To move forward after 3 days:

1. Open your confirmation email
2. Click “View Request” and choose “Verify”
3. Follow the prompts to confirm your ownership

If the claim button isn’t visible, that means Google has temporarily restricted this option.

Limitations After Gaining Access

When you first gain access to a Business Profile, there are limits in place for the first 7 days:

• You cannot delete or restore the listing
• You can’t remove or change other managers or owners
• You won’t be able to transfer primary ownership

If your account is deleted during this period, you’ll be removed from the listing and will need to be added again manually.

Need Help Navigating This Process?

If claiming your business listing feels overwhelming or confusing, you’re not alone. Whether the previous owner is unresponsive or you’ve hit a technical snag, Space Age Mediaworks is here to help.

Reach out to us and we’ll help you take full control of your Google Business Profile so you can start getting found online.