What to do if your Google Business Profile is suspended

Last updated 13 October 2026 · By the XKey team

Why do Google Business Profiles get suspended?

• Extra words in the business name, such as "Smith Plumbing – Emergency Plumber Blackpool", when that isn't your real trading name.
• An address you can't use: a virtual office, PO box, mailbox service or co-working desk where you don't meet customers or staff the premises.
• Showing an address for a service-area business that visits customers rather than receiving them, or the reverse.
• Duplicate listings for the same business at the same address.
• Big edits at once – changing the name, address and category together can trigger a review.
• A business type Google restricts, or a website that doesn't match the listing.

What's the difference between a suspended and a disabled profile?

Google's wording changes, but broadly: some suspensions hide your profile from Maps and search entirely, while others leave it visible but stop you managing it. Your Business Profile dashboard shows the current status and links to the appeal.

How do I appeal a suspension?

1. Read Google's guidelines for representing your business on Google and fix anything your listing breaks – your real name, a real address or service area, the right category.
2. Gather evidence: a utility bill or business rates bill at the address, your Companies House record, photos of your signage and premises, a business licence if your trade needs one.
3. Submit the appeal from your Business Profile or Google's Business Profile appeals tool, uploading the evidence.
4. Wait, and don't create a new listing in the meantime – that can make things worse.

Reinstated profiles normally keep their reviews.

How do I avoid another suspension?

• Use your exact trading name, matching your signage and website.
• Make changes one at a time.
• Keep your details identical across directories – see business directory listings.
• Never pay for fake reviews or post reviews of your own business.

How do I keep getting enquiries while suspended?

Your website still ranks in normal search results, so make sure your contact and location pages are strong – run them through the local search checker and follow the local SEO checklist. Make sure Bing Places is set up too – see Bing Places and Bing SEO.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a Business Profile appeal take?

Often a few days, sometimes several weeks. Google emails you with the decision.

Can I speak to someone at Google about a suspension?

Google Business Profile support can be reached through the help centre, but appeals are decided through the appeal process with your evidence.

Should I pay a company to fix a suspension?

It's rarely necessary. Fixing the cause and submitting clear evidence yourself works in most cases.