In February 2025, Google implemented significant measures to enhance the integrity of its review platform, resulting in the removal of millions of reviews. These actions were primarily aimed at eliminating fake, incentivized, or otherwise inauthentic reviews that could mislead consumers and undermine trust in the platform.
A substantial portion of the deleted reviews were five-star ratings. This indicates that Google is actively targeting artificially positive feedback, which often stems from businesses engaging in practices like purchasing reviews or offering incentives for favorable comments. Such actions violate Google’s policies and compromise the authenticity of the review ecosystem.
In addition to addressing fake reviews, Google has taken steps to remove user comments and ratings for certain institutions. For instance, following a petition by a UK teacher, Google announced it would eliminate all user comments and ratings of UK and Irish schools from Google Maps. This decision aims to provide parents with more reliable information about schools, free from potentially outdated or biased reviews.
These initiatives reflect Google’s commitment to maintaining a trustworthy platform for both businesses and consumers. By removing inauthentic reviews and preventing manipulative practices, Google strives to ensure that its review system remains a reliable resource for users seeking genuine feedback.
As a business owner, you understand the significant role that Google Reviews play in shaping your online reputation. Positive reviews can attract new customers, build trust, and provide credibility for your business. But what happens when your valuable reviews go missing? Unfortunately, many businesses face issues with disappearing or stuck reviews, but all hope is not lost. In this guide, we’ll show you how to recover your missing Google reviews, so you can regain the trust and visibility you deserve.
Step 1: Access Google Support
The first thing you need to do is reach out to Google Support for assistance. To begin, visit the Google My Business Help Center. This page is where you’ll find the necessary tools to get in touch with a support agent who can help you recover your missing reviews.
Step 2: Select Your Business Profile
Once you’re on the support page, you’ll need to select your business from the list. If you manage multiple businesses, be sure to choose the correct one that’s experiencing issues with missing reviews. Providing the right business details will help Google’s team process your request more efficiently.
Step 3: Report the Missing Reviews
In the “Tell us what we can help with” section, type “Google Reviews Missing.” This ensures that your request is directed to the team that specializes in review-related issues. Afterward, you’ll be prompted with more options; click on “Review Missing” and proceed to the next step.
Step 4: Fill Out the Email Form
At this point, Google will present you with several resources. Skip through them and select the option to contact Google via email. You’ll be directed to a form that asks for basic information regarding your missing reviews. Provide as much detail as possible, including the names of customers who left reviews, if known. The more thorough you are, the easier it will be for the support team to investigate the issue. Once completed, submit the form.
Please note that this process can take anywhere from 1-3 weeks, depending on Google’s workload. In some cases, responses can arrive sooner, so check your inbox regularly.
Step 5: Check Your Email Regularly
After submitting your request, it’s crucial to monitor your inbox for any responses from Google. This email may contain updates on the status of your case or provide further instructions. Checking your inbox every couple of days will keep you informed about any progress made in recovering your reviews.
Step 6: Respond to Google’s Automatic Message
When Google responds, you might receive an automated message that provides general information about why your reviews might be missing. While this might feel like a dead end, don’t be discouraged. At the bottom of the email, you’ll find a prompt offering additional assistance if needed. Reply to this message and inform Google that the resources provided did not resolve your issue.
A sample response could be: “Thank you for your response. However, the resources did not help me resolve the issue. I would appreciate further assistance in recovering my missing reviews. Thank you.”
Step 7: Provide Additional Information if Requested
Once you’ve replied to Google, you may be assigned a dedicated support agent. They might request additional information, such as screenshots of your business profile or specific details about the missing reviews. If you’re unable to provide screenshots, explain the situation and politely request their assistance in reinstating the reviews without further involvement from your customers.
A sample response: “I’ve been informed by several customers that they submitted reviews, but due to the nature of my business, it would not be appropriate to request screenshots from them. I kindly ask for your help in restoring these reviews.”
Step 8: Review Your Case Resolution
If your reviews were mistakenly removed or held up, the support team should help reinstate them. Once resolved, you’ll receive a confirmation email from Google, and your missing reviews should reappear on your Google My Business profile. Keep in mind that this process may take time, and patience is key.
Recovering missing Google reviews is essential for maintaining your business’s online reputation. While it can be frustrating to see valuable customer feedback disappear, following the steps outlined above can help you regain those reviews and continue building trust with potential customers.
Should you require assistance in recovering your missing Google reviews, Ecstatic Web is here to help. Our team can guide you through the process, ensuring that your reviews are restored and your online presence remains strong. Don’t let missing reviews impact your business—contact us today!
