Can You Remove Google Reviews? Options for Australian Businesses

Can a business delete someone else’s Google review?

No. A business owner cannot directly delete a review written by another person. The reviewer can edit their own contribution, while Google decides whether reported content should be removed. Disagreeing with a rating alone does not establish a removal reason.

Start by separating the outcome you want from the evidence you have. A low rating, an unrecognised name and a factually inaccurate statement are different concerns. Describe the specific issue without assuming the identity or motives of the reviewer.

Build a useful Google review removal evidence pack

Save the direct review link, a dated screenshot, the branch profile and a short chronology. Note which parts of the review you dispute and which records are relevant. Keep original records private; redact unrelated customer names, addresses and payment details before sharing supporting material.

A missing customer-name match is not conclusive. Customers may book under another name or interact without a purchase. Include both what your records show and what remains uncertain. This makes the assessment more useful than a broad claim that the review is fake.

Report the review and keep the reference

Google provides a reporting process through your Business Profile and its Reviews Management Tool. Choose a reason supported by the actual content and keep the decision or reference number. Check the official guidance for current status and appeal options rather than submitting repeated identical reports.

If you use professional help, ask for a written scope, fee and payment trigger. ReviewResolve offers an initial free assessment and agreed removal work on no-removal, no-payment terms. The platform remains the decision-maker; no provider can promise every review will be removed.

When a professional reply is the better next step

A short, respectful reply can acknowledge a concern without admitting facts you have not checked. Do not reveal private records, argue about the reviewer’s identity or make threats. If the content contains threats or raises legal concerns, preserve it and seek appropriate professional advice.

For multiple locations, keep a separate record for each review and profile. A successful request on one listing does not decide the outcome for another. Monitoring and genuine, unbiased customer feedback are useful ongoing work even when removal is not available.

Official sources

• Google Business Profile: report inappropriate reviews

Platform processes can change. This is general information, not legal advice.