Why is my Google review not showing? Here’s the fix

After asking your customers for reviews, they are pleased, but when you check your Google Business Profile, nothing appears. It seems like the reviews have either disappeared or never arrived.

Google typically hides or removes reviews that trigger specific signal patterns, even when the reviews are authentic. This may be due to an account issue, flagged content, a technical issue, or a listing issue.

It is essential to note that automated filtering is in place, so even legitimate reviews can still be missed. The positive side to this is that most missing reviews can generally be recovered or avoided.

In this guide, we will walk you through why Google reviews go missing and what steps you can take to locate and ensure they appear correctly.

Google’s hidden review filter algorithm

Google utilizes a complex, automated algorithm that incorporates machine learning to filter reviews and combat fake content, analyzing patterns, content, and user behavior.

The filter accounts for suspicious behavior, which can include sudden bursts of reviews, duplicate reviews, reviews containing spammy elements, off-topic content, or reviews originating from the same device or Wi-Fi network.

Key signals that trigger review filtering

Google’s algorithm watches for these red flags:

• Sudden review spikes – Getting 10+ reviews in a single day when your average is 2-3 per week
• Generic or template language – Reviews that sound copied or scripted
• New Google accounts – Profiles created recently with little activity
• Shared IP addresses – Multiple reviews from the exact location
• Off-site incentivized reviews – Patterns suggesting paid or exchanged feedback
• Missing local signals – Reviewers with no location history near your business
• Promotional content – Links, discount codes, or business promotion language

Temporary vs permanent filters

Temporary filters hold reviews for verification for a short period. These usually resolve within 24-72 hours. The review may appear, disappear, and then reappear once Google’s systems have finished checking.

Permanent filters remove reviews that violate policies or trigger multiple fraud signals. These will not be reinstated unless you appeal successfully or the reviewer’s account is reinstated.

How to stay safe from the filter

Prevention beats recovery. Here’s how to avoid triggering Google’s system, and how long it takes to recover from filters :

• Send review requests gradually (2-5 per day maximum)
• Ask for honest feedback, not just positive reviews
• Never offer incentives or discounts in exchange for reviews
• Encourage customers to use their real, established Google accounts
• Avoid sending batch review requests from the same device or location

4 Common reasons why a Google review isn’t showing

Reviews disappear for several reasons. Here are the four main categories:

1. Business/Listing-side causes

These problems with your business profile can block reviews from appearing:

• Unverified or suspended profile: Google hides reviews until the listing is verified or reinstated.
• Duplicate or merged listings: Reviews may go to the “other” version instead.
• Recent changes or claims: When a listing is claimed or changes ownership, there may be a delay before it becomes visible.
• Business category issues: Certain categories (e.g., education, medical) may have stricter review controls.
• Listing flagged for review abuse: In some circumstances, Google may temporarily disable new reviews or conceal previous reviews if it has a suspicion of misuse.

2. Review/Content-side causes

The review itself may violate Google’s content format-specific criteria or trigger filters:

• Contains URLs, promotion, or advertising: Google removes any reviews that contain links or written overt promotion.
• Too short, vague, or generic: “Great” or “5 stars” without context often get filtered.
• Has profanity, hate speech, or personal info: These violate content policy.
• Copied or duplicate content: Reviews that appear copied or reused may be flagged.
• Posted by employees, family members, or connected individuals: Google may perceive a conflict of interest.

3. Reviewer/Account-side causes

Problems with the person who posted the review also matter:

• New, inactive, or low-activity account: Accounts with little history or flagged for spam are less trusted.
• Account deleted or suspended: When a reviewer’s account is deleted or suspended, the review is also removed.
• Multiple reviews at once: Producing several reviews simultaneously raises flags.
• Reviewer writes outside their locale without ties: If there’s no connection to your business, the review may be filtered.

4. Technical & system causes

Sometimes it’s not your fault; the platform or Google settings cause the issue:

• Delays in processing: Google may take 1-5 days to approve new reviews.
• Display glitches or bugs: Google has stated that, in some cases, reviews and counts may temporarily disappear due to a system issue.
• Update to review filtering algorithms (2025): In mid-2025, Google introduced increased filtering strength for reviews, potentially causing legitimate reviews to be filtered out that would not have been previously.
• Caching or browser sync: If you are using an outdated browser or application, the web may not display the latest reviews because it is using an outdated version.

How to diagnose what’s happening

Follow these steps to figure out why your review isn’t showing:

Check your Google account review history

Ask the customer to open Google Maps, tap their profile icon, and go to “Your contributions” → “Reviews.”

If the review is present in their Google account but not displayed under your Google Business Profile, this review is likely filtered or under manual review.

In cases where the review content violates Google’s review policies or community guidelines, such as including external links, making personal attacks, or using inappropriate language, the review will likely be filtered by Google.

As a Business Owner, it is essential to note that filtered or removed reviews will not be seen in your dashboard. Only reviews that meet Google’s policies and pass the moderation process will be publicly displayed.

Try incognito or another account

Be sure to open your listing in either an incognito browser window or when not signed in to your Google account. Then search your specific business name in either Google Search or Google Maps.

If the review displays in Incognito but not when signed in, then this is most often a cache issue or an issue specific to your Google Account.

Be sure to keep your browser and your Google Business Tools up to date to avoid technical issues.

Check Business Profile for flagged reviews

Access your Google Business dashboard and look for alerts in relation to policy violations, profile suspension, or pending verification.

Sometimes Google limits new business reviews during moderation if it notices suspicious pattern activity, incomplete business information, or reports of inappropriate content.

You need to monitor your profile regularly to confirm it is following Google guidelines.

Look for duplicate listings

Search for your business name and city on Google Maps. If you find multiple listings for the exact location or outdated profiles, reviews might be split or attached to the wrong page.

Duplicate or merged Google Business Profiles can confuse Google’s system, preventing the correct listing from displaying Google reviews.

Contact Google support

If the review still doesn’t appear, go to your Google Business Profile Help Center. Choose “Manage reviews” → “Missing reviews,” and provide as many details as possible, the reviewer’s name, date, and a short content preview.

Include screenshots or URLs where possible. This helps Google’s team locate and manually review your case. Always document everything so you can follow up.

Wait a few days for delays

Reviews may not always appear immediately. Depending on the account age and activity of the person leaving the review, it may take 24 to 72 hours for the new reviews to be published.

Reviews from accounts created recently or reviews that include user-generated content will likely take longer to complete during the review process.

During this time, Google’s automated systems verify that the review complies with its policies and doesn’t contain offensive language, sexually explicit material, or misleading claims.

How to recover a Google review (Step-by-step)

Recovery depends on whether you’re the business owner or the reviewer.

For Business Owners

Verify or re-activate your Business Profile: Unverified or suspended Google Business Profiles often can’t show reviews properly. Use phone, email, or video verification to activate it.

Merge or delete duplicates; request review transfer: If you have multiple business listings, those duplicates may hold reviews. Mark them as duplicates in your Google Business dashboard and send a support ticket to request review migration.

Keep business info accurate and updated: If your category, address, hours, or phone number is not accurate or current, it can trigger filtering. Be sure your business information is correct & matches your customer’s expectations.

Use Google’s help form for missing or delayed reviews: Go to Google Business Profile support → “Missing reviews” and file a request. Include reviewer name, date, screenshot, and short content preview. Google’s policies state that reviews removed for policy violations generally cannot be restored.

Appeal legitimate reviews if removed: If you receive a notification of a review being removed for violating Google’s guidelines, you may appeal that review removal. You will need to provide evidence to demonstrate that the review is what it claims to be. You may provide customer emails, order IDs, or other relevant evidence to demonstrate that the review is legitimate, follows our policies, and is not fake or promotional.

Ask customers for honest, balanced reviews: If the original review is no longer available or hidden, reach out to the customer (if possible) and ask them to repost it. Advise them to avoid URLs, promotional content, or language that might trigger filtering.

For Reviewers

Update the Google Maps app and device: If your app is outdated, the review may not post correctly. Update Google Maps, clear cache, or use the web/desktop version to post.

Repost if the review didn’t submit: If your review never appeare or disappeared immediately, wait a day, then repost with more precise wording. Avoid external links, phone numbers, promotions, or irrelevant content.

Follow Google’s review policies: Your review must adhere to Google’s guidelines: no offensive language, no promotional content, no personal contact information, and no off-topic comments. Google filters out low-quality content or reviews that violate its policy.

Use an active Google account: Accounts with little activity or no history are more likely to be filtered. Use your Google account regularly (e.g., Maps, reviews of other places) and fill in your profile details to establish trust.

Avoid links or promotions that don’t include website URLs, discount codes, or calls to visit social media pages. Google filters this type of content as self-promotion or low-quality material. Write about your personal experience instead, what service you used, how the staff treated you, or what stood out most.

Preventive best practices

Send review requests gradually: Avoid sending too many review invitations at once. Spread them over a few days so Google doesn’t flag the sudden activity as spam. Tools like WiserReview help manage review requests via Email safely and automatically.

Ask for detailed, honest reviews: Generic reviews, such as “Good” or “Nice,” often get filtered. Encourage customers to write about their genuine experiences, including what they purchased, who assisted them, and their overall satisfaction with the service. This adds credibility and meets Google’s content format criteria.

Check reviews regularly for issues: Monitor your Google Business Profile frequently for missing reviews or sudden drops in review count. Save screenshots or notes weekly. If you spot a loss, act quickly by checking duplicates or opening a support ticket.

Keep your profile active by posting and responding to others: An active business profile builds trust with Google’s system. Post updates, add new photos, and reply to both positive and negative reviews. It demonstrates that you regularly manage your profile and value feedback from potential customers.

Pro Tip: Consistency matters more than volume. A steady flow of genuine, detailed reviews from real customers builds long-term trust and keeps your Google profile visible and credible.

What to do if nothing works

Contact Google support for missing reviews

Use the official Google Business Profile Help Center to open a support ticket. Choose “Reviews” → “Missing reviews” or “Removing reviews” as your issue.

Include details like the reviewer’s Google account name, the date, partial content, and screenshots. This helps Google trace the review through its review management system.

Note: Reviews removed for violating Google’s strict policies (spam, promotional content, fake reviews, restricted content) often can’t be restored.

Escalate through Maps or Local Guides forums

Go to the Google Maps Community, Local Guides forums, or the Google Business Profile Community. Share your specific business listing URL and explain what’s happened, along with evidence.

Other users and sometimes Google product experts monitor these forums and may help escalate your support ticket.

Keep records like screenshots and emails

Decision makers pay attention to proof. Take screenshots when reviews are visible. Save emails or notifications from reviewers.

Note the time and date when issues began. Record all support ticket numbers and responses.

Ask customers to post new reviews if needed

In cases where a legitimate review is filtered out or removed, provide a respectful means for customers to repost the review, and hope they will, in fact, do so.

You can ask them to leave reviews, but please refrain from using exact wording, URLs, or any marketing information. Since device and location appear to have an impact on reviews being visible, you could suggest that your customer post from a different device or location.

How to get more Google reviews for your business

WiserReview is the best Google review management software, helping businesses collect, manage, and display Google and other platform reviews.

It automates review requests, syncs data from your Google Business Profile, and shows verified reviews on your website, making it easier to build trust and attract new customers.

Collect Google reviews easily

With WiserReview, you can gather Google reviews in any format, whether that’s text, image, or video, all from one dashboard.

Easily share Google review links using email, WhatsApp, or SMS to allow customers to share their thoughts directly after they visit you or purchase from you.

This will also help you gather authentic stories and experiences that foster stronger trust with new visitors.

Automated review collection process

Instead of reminding your team to follow up, WiserReview does it for you. Set up automatic review requests that are sent out when an order is completed or a service is ended.

You can adjust the timing, choose email or message delivery, and even add small thank-you rewards. This enables your business to collect fresh feedback with minimal effort.

Moderate and respond to every review

Managing feedback is simple with WiserReview’s review dashboard. You can view all Google and platform reviews in one place, filter by rating or source, and reply directly.

The system notifies you about new or low-rated reviews, allowing you to respond quickly and maintain a strong online reputation.

Display genuine reviews where they matter

Once you’ve gathered reviews, display them across your website with customizable Google review widgets. Select layouts such as grids, cards, or sliders to suit your design.

Displaying verified Google reviews on your product pages and homepage enhances visibility, fosters credibility, and encourages potential customers to take action.

Wrap up

Most Google review issues concern visibility, filters, or policy checks, but consistency and transparency ultimately prevail.

Keep your business verified, respond to every Google review, and follow Google’s guidelines to prevent future problems.

WiserReview streamlines the entire process by automating review requests, monitoring missing or filtered reviews, and displaying verified Google reviews publicly, enabling you to maintain a steady review flow, stay compliant, and build stronger customer trust.