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How to change ownership of your Google Business Profile

The profile that shows your business on Google Maps and Search belongs to whichever Google account owns it. If that is a former employee's account or an agency's, the business can lose control of it. Google has two routes: a transfer by the current owner, or a request when you cannot reach them.

At a glance

  1. 1. If you can reach the current ownerAsk them to add your company Google account as an owner first.
  2. 2. If you cannot reach them, request ownershipSearch for your business at business.google.com/add and choose Request access when it says someone else manages the profile.
  3. 3. If the request is turned downYou can appeal the denial from the link in Google's email.
  4. 4. Do not make a second profileA new profile for the same business is treated as a duplicate and can lead to a suspension.
  5. 5. Set it up so one person leaving does not matterMake a company Google account the primary owner, not a person's own account

1. If you can reach the current owner

Ask them to add your company Google account as an owner first. Then, in Business Profile settings, under People and access, they select your account, choose Edit next to Access and make it Primary owner. Google says the new primary owner has to wait 7 days before they can use every setting.

2. If you cannot reach them, request ownership

Search for your business at business.google.com/add and choose Request access when it says someone else manages the profile. Google emails the current owner, who has 3 days to respond. If they do not respond, you may be offered a way to claim or verify the profile yourself, but Google says that option is not always available. Keep the confirmation email; you may need it later.

3. If the request is turned down

You can appeal the denial from the link in Google's email. Have proof ready that you run the business, such as a business registration, a utility bill or photos of your signage.

4. Do not make a second profile

A new profile for the same business is treated as a duplicate and can lead to a suspension. Recover the existing one instead, so you keep its reviews and history.

5. Set it up so one person leaving does not matter

  • Make a company Google account the primary owner, not a person's own account
  • Add a second owner from inside the business
  • Give agencies manager access, which they can do their job with but cannot remove you
  • Check People and access when someone leaves

Updated 2026-10-29. General guidance, not advice for your situation; we scope each project in writing before any work starts.

Want us to handle it?

We can gather what the platform asks for, file the request, follow it up and set up access so one person leaving never locks you out again.

Get help with this

Questions people ask first

How long does an ownership request take?

The owner has 3 days to reply. After that, the option to claim, if offered, and verification can take longer.

Does the old owner keep access?

Until they are removed. Once you are primary owner and the 7 days have passed, remove anyone who should not be there.

What if the profile is for a service-area business?

Google's request access route is the same. If it does not work, contact Google Business Profile support and choose the ownership option.

Will I lose my reviews?

No. Reviews stay with the profile when ownership changes.

Tell us what you need built.

Tell us the process and the tools involved, or call. We reply with questions or a written scope.

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