How to delete a Google review and what you can actually do about it?

Negative reviews can hit hard. Whether it is a one star comment that feels unfair or a piece of feedback that seems completely fake, seeing it live on your Google Business Profile is frustrating.

So what can you actually do about it? Can you delete a review? And if not, how do you respond in a way that protects your reputation and improves trust?

Can you delete a Google review?

There is no delete button in your business profile. You can't remove reviews at will, even if they feel wrong. Google protects the integrity of reviews by only allowing removal when a review violates their content policy.

That means if a review is rude, offensive, irrelevant or fake you can report it. If it breaks Google’s rules, they might take it down. If it doesn't, it stays.

You can report a review in two ways. First, through your Google Business dashboard. Go to reviews, click on the three dots next to the review and select report as inappropriate. Second, you can use the dedicated review management tool from Google to report and track the review status.

Reviews that clearly include hate speech, personal information, spam or misleading content are the most likely to be removed. But even if you think a review is unfair, that doesn't guarantee Google agrees.

When should you try to remove a review?

If the review violates Google’s policies, always flag it. If it includes private info, threats or fake claims, report it!

But if the review is just negative, you are better off responding than trying to delete it. Google sees genuine responses as a sign of trust and business engagement. And users often read the response more than the review itself.

Removing fake reviews isn't easy...

It is important to know that Google uses automated systems to catch fake reviews, but it is far from perfect. Competitors, bots or unhappy people might still find ways to leave fake feedback.

Even then, unless the review is obviously fake or spam, Google might leave it up. That is why having a strategy for handling negative reviews is more valuable than hoping to remove them.

Responding is more powerful than removing!

A professional response can do more for your reputation than a perfect review score. People trust businesses that handle criticism with honesty and care.

When replying to a negative review:

• Thank the reviewer by name

• Mention something specific they said

• Stay calm and respectful, even if the review feels unfair

• Show empathy and, if needed, explain your side of the story

• Offer a clear next step or contact info to follow up

Fuzz Marketing offers review response services that take this off your plate. We help businesses turn negative feedback into moments that build trust.

Google prefers real world engagement

Having no negative reviews can actually look suspicious. People expect a mix of opinions. What matters more is how you respond to them.

According to recent data:

• Most users are more likely to choose a business that replies to all reviews

• Negative reviews with thoughtful replies often drive more conversions than silent five star ratings

• Google’s algorithm tracks review activity and responses to measure engagement

• So instead of avoiding or ignoring negative feedback, address it. Turn it into a signal of trust.
  

What about reviews on other platforms

The same approach applies across all platforms. Whether it is Tripadvisor, Booking.com, Facebook or Yelp, the strategy is the same.

Check if the review violates platform rules
If it does, report it. If not, respond with professionalism and empathy.

Fuzz Marketing manages reviews across Google, Tripadvisor, Booking.com and more, with replies written and posted within 24 hours. We also offer review automation tools to help you collect more positive feedback over time.

Final thoughts

You cannot delete every negative review and you should not try. Instead, focus on responding in a way that builds credibility.

Explore our NFC products and services and let us help you turn reviews into results.