Your reply to a Google review isn't showing
Google checks every owner reply before it goes live. Most pass within minutes; some take up to 30 days, and some are sent back for editing.
What Google says happens
- Verification first: you can reply to reviews only after your business is verified.
- Review of the reply: Google checks replies against its content policies. Usually up to 10 minutes, sometimes up to 30 days.
- Not approved: you'll be asked to edit the reply.
- Approved: it is posted publicly under the review as your business, without your personal name, and the reviewer is notified.
- Reviews not available: reviews exist only in certain countries or regions and business categories, and that can change over time.
Source: Manage customer reviews.
Checks, in order
- Is the profile verified? If not, see verification pending.
- Are you signed in with an account that manages this profile?
- Has it been less than 30 days? Google says a check can take that long.
- Were you asked to edit? Remove anything a policy could catch, then post again.
- Are reviews off for your profile or category? See reviews restricted. Profile suspended? See suspended.
What to take out of a reply
Google says replies must follow the same policies as reviews (reply tips). From the content policy:
- Personal information posted without consent: a full name or last name, a face in a photo or video, financial, medical or identification details.
- Unsubstantiated allegations of unethical behaviour or criminal wrongdoing, attacks and deliberately provocative content.
- Profanity used to offend or to emphasise criticism.
- Deals and promotions: Google's reply tips say not to use replies to offer them.
Edit the reply
Business Profile, Read reviews, Edit under your reply, change it, Update. To start over, select Delete (Manage customer reviews).
Replies written for your real reviews
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FAQ
How long does Google take to approve a review reply?
Google says replies usually take up to 10 minutes to review, but sometimes up to 30 days.
Does the reviewer see my name?
No. Google says an approved reply appears as your business and your personal name is not shown.
Why can't I reply at all?
Google says you must verify your business before you can reply. Reviews are also only available in some countries, regions and categories.
Sources
- Google, Manage customer reviews
- Google, Tips to get more reviews (incl. tips to write better review replies)
- Google, Maps user generated content policy: prohibited & restricted content
Checked on 25 Oct 2026. If these pages change, the source wins. Revunda is not affiliated with Google or the FTC, and this is not legal advice.
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