Reviews disappeared
Google's spam filter removes reviews it thinks are fake, and it doesn't warn either side. Some come back; many don't. Here's how to tell which.
Common causes
- Several reviews from the same Wi-Fi network or device (a review station in your shop).
- Reviewers with brand-new accounts and no other activity.
- A burst of reviews in a short time after a quiet period.
- Reviews that mention a competitor, a URL, or a reward.
- The reviewer deleted it, or their account was closed.
What you can do
- Ask the customer to check their own Maps contributions; if it's still there, it's live and simply filtered from your profile, which sometimes resolves itself within a few weeks.
- Stop any practice above (review stations, incentives, asking only happy customers).
- Google does not restore filtered reviews on request. Support can only confirm whether a review violates policy.
- Build steady reviews over time with a QR card or a follow-up text; that's what a healthy pattern looks like to the filter.
Google: Missing reviews · checked Oct 2026
Questions
A review is defamatory. Can it be removed?
Flag it from the profile (Report review). Google removes reviews that break its content policy, not reviews that are merely unfair. For legal removal you need a court order.