How to get access to a Google Business Profile someone else owns

Short answer: search for your business at business.google.com/add, choose Request Access, fill out the form and verify by email. If you run a service-area business with no shop or office, you contact Google support instead.

This comes up all the time. An old web designer made the profile, an ex-employee set it up, or an old owner still has it. Now the hours are wrong and you can't fix them.

Step by step

Google's own instructions for a storefront or hybrid business go like this:

• Go to business.google.com/add, signed in with the Google account you want to manage the profile from
• Enter your business name and address
• Choose your business from the list, and you'll see a message that someone else may manage this profile
• Select Request Access
• Fill out the form and submit it
• Open the confirmation email, select View request, then Verify, and follow the on-screen steps

The current owner gets the request and can approve or decline it. If they never respond, ask Google Business Profile support what your options are.

If you're a service-area business

If you travel to customers and don't have a shop or office, the steps above don't apply. Google's help page says to contact Business Profile support and describe the issue as Transfer ownership of listing.

First, check you're not already the owner

Before you request anything, look for your profile in Google Search and Maps. If you don't see a Claim this business or Own this business button, you may already own it, under another Google account. Check any old accounts you use before you ask someone else.

What to do while you wait

Don't create a second profile. Google's guidelines say there should be one profile per business, and duplicates cause problems with how you show up on Maps and Search. Wait for the request, and keep your phone number, hours and website consistent everywhere else in the meantime.

When it's stuck

If the old owner is a web designer who set up the profile for you, ask them directly to add you as an owner or transfer it. A good designer will do it in a minute. If it stays stuck, I can help with the request and the cleanup as part of Google Business Profile setup.

New to profiles altogether? Start with do you need an LLC to have a Google Business Profile.