Google Maps · Field notes · 4 min read · By Alexander Bishop
How to get your Google Business Profile back from a former agency
Do not start a second profile. Request ownership of the existing one, keep the proof, and put the business owner back in control.
Find out whether you already have access
Sign in to the Google account the business owner controls and search for the business. Google may show a “You manage this Business Profile” badge or management option. Check before starting a claim. A duplicate profile can split reviews and create more work.
Request ownership of the real listing
For a storefront or hybrid business, Google directs you to business.google.com/add. Find the existing profile, choose Request Access, and submit the form. The current owner gets three days to respond. If no response arrives, Google may offer a verification path. For a service-area business without a customer-facing shop, Google says to contact support and select “Transfer ownership of listing.”
Secure it after recovery
Once access returns, add a business-controlled Google account as an owner. Google allows several owners, but only one primary owner. An agency can be a manager or owner when it is actively helping, but the business owner should retain direct access. New owners and managers must wait seven days before they can make certain sensitive changes, including removing users or transferring primary ownership.