Google Reviews Disappearing? Here’s What Local Businesses Should Know

If you’ve checked your Google Business Profile lately and noticed that some of your reviews have disappeared, you’re not the only one. Over the past week, many business owners have reported that their reviews vanished unexpectedly and in some cases, entire batches gone overnight.

Google has acknowledged the situation and confirmed that it’s a technical issue on their end.  The problem appears to be connected to recent changes in Google’s review moderation system which filters out spam, fake, or duplicate reviews. In this case, it seems the cleanup went a little too far.

What You Should Do If Your Reviews Went Missing

1. Don’t panic.
If your reviews disappeared suddenly, it doesn’t mean your account is in trouble. Google has a record of resolving similar bugs in the past, and most legitimate reviews reappear once the issue is fixed.

2. Don’t ask customers to repost.
The original reviews still exist in Google’s system, they just aren’t visible right now. Asking people to leave a second review could cause duplication issues later when the originals come back.

3. Wait and monitor.
In most cases, Google restores missing reviews within a couple of weeks. Keep an eye on your profile and check for updates through your GBP dashboard.

4. Contact Google Support if needed.
If your reviews haven’t returned after a reasonable amount of time, you can report the issue directly through Google’s support form. Include screenshots or records of what’s missing to make it easier for their team to verify.

The Bigger Picture

This latest bug is another reminder that your online reputation can change overnight, even when you’re doing everything right. While this issue appears temporary, it highlights why maintaining a consistent flow of new reviews matters.

Your business depends on local search visibility, so you need to make sure you’re building a steady stream of recent, authentic feedback. New reviews not only help with credibility but also strengthen your position in local search results.

To learn how to improve and protect your visibility, explore Google Business Profile optimization through Local Howl. Our team can help you attract more verified reviews, respond effectively to feedback, and stay ahead of Google’s constant updates.