Recently, many business owners have observed sudden fluctuations and decreases in their Google Business Profile (GBP) review counts. Google has acknowledged this issue, attributing it to a display problem rather than the actual removal of reviews. Google is working actively to resolve this issue & trying to restore correct review counts.
Timeline and Scope
- First Reports: Appeared around February 7–9, 2025.
- Google’s Response: Officially confirmed on February 10, 2025.
Google’s Statement
Victoria Kroll from Google confirmed the issue happened from a backend error, and the team is working on a fix.
There are a lot of discussions going on in Google Support:
Some people are also providing solutions for this issue –
In the meantime, it is important to note that displayed review count may be incorrect but that doesn’t mean your actual reviews are deleted.
This is just a temporary issue, which will be fixed in some time.
Why This Matters for Businesses
- Reviews significantly influence local search rankings and customer trust.
- A sudden drop in reviews can alarm both businesses and customers, potentially harming credibility.
What We Know So Far As Possible Reasons for Recent GBP Review Fluctuations
Automated Filters
Google uses automated filters to find and remove content that breaks its rules, like fake or spam reviews. Because of this, businesses might notice changes in their review numbers when this kind of content is found and taken down.
Accidental Removal
These reviews might have been removed all at once, which could explain the lower total count. In the past, Google has sometimes removed real reviews because of technical problems. However, these reviews may come back later after the problem is resolved.
Display Glitch, Not Actual Review Loss
Google already knows this. This is a display error, not a deletion or removal of reviews.
What Can You Do?
- Manually check your review count and wait for Google’s fix
- Wait for the update from Google as they are already aware and working on this.
- If you notice discrepancies in your review count, keep an eye out for GBP updates.
- If the issue persists after Google announces a fix, reach out to GBP Support for further assistance.
- No immediate action is required. Do not delete or re-upload your profile, as this may worsen the issue.
If the Issue Persists After Google’s Fix:
File a support ticket with your Profile ID, business listing link, and number of missing reviews.
The issue is temporary and expected to be resolved soon. It is advisable to stay calm and avoid drastic measures.
