Where to Find Your Google Reviews

Last Updated: August 25, 2025

Who this is for: Any local business owner or marketer who wants a definitive, step‑by‑step playbook for where to see Google reviews, how to respond, share your review link/QR, flag problems, and fix common issues on desktop and mobile.

Table of Contents

1. Quick Answers

2. Where to See Your Google Reviews (Desktop)

   • Method A: Google Search (fastest on desktop)

   • Method B: Google Maps on the web

   • Method C: Business Profile Manager (bulk & multi‑location)

3. Where to See Your Google Reviews (Mobile)

   • iPhone/Android: Google Maps app

   • iPhone/Android: Google Search app or mobile browser

4. Multi‑Location & Agency Workflows

5. Understanding the Reviews Screen

6. How to Reply to Google Reviews (with templates)

7. How to Get & Share Your Google Review Link + QR Code

8. How to Report/Remove Problem Reviews & Track Status

9. Troubleshooting: Missing, Delayed, or Disappearing Reviews

10. Turn On Email/Push Notifications for New Reviews

11. Who Can See & Reply to Reviews (Roles & Permissions)

12. Best Practices: Response, Timing, & Tone

13. Policy Essentials: What’s Allowed & Not Allowed

14. FAQ: Common Questions from Local Businesses

15. Copy‑Paste Resources: Scripts, Checklists, and SOPs

16. Appendix: Glossary + Image Kit

Quick Answers

Where can I find my Google reviews on desktop?

Search your business name in Google while logged into the owner/manager account. In the knowledge panel that appears at the top/side, click “Reviews”. Or go to Google Maps (maps.google.com), search your business, then click “Reviews.” For multi‑location/agency work, open Business Profile Manager (business.google.com) and select a location, then Reviews.

Where can I find my reviews on my phone?

Open Google Maps (iOS/Android). Tap your profile picture → Your Business Profile (or Business button), then Reviews. Or simply search your business in the Google app/mobile browser, tap your profile card, then Reviews.

Can I reply to reviews from Search or Maps?

Yes. Open your Business Profile in Search or Maps, go to Reviews, and tap Reply next to a review.

Where do I get my review link/QR?

On your Business Profile, look for “Get more reviews” → Share to copy your link or download the QR. (Step‑by‑step below.)

How do I report a fake or abusive review?

On the review, use More → Report. Then track it in the Reviews Management tool. (Guide below.)

Where to See Your Google Reviews (Desktop)

Method A: Google Search (fastest on desktop)

1. Sign in to the Google account that owns/manages your Business Profile.

2. In Google Search, type your business name + city (or just type my business).

3. You’ll see your Business Profile controls at the top/side. Click Reviews (sometimes labeled “Read reviews”).

4. You can sort by Most relevant or Newest, view the rating distribution, and reply inline.

Pro tip: Bookmark your Business Profile in Search by saving the results page after clicking “See profile.” It’s the quickest path into reviews for daily use.

Method B: Google Maps on the web

1. Go to maps.google.com and sign in.

2. Search your business name + city.

3. On your listing, click the Reviews tab.

4. Reply, sort, and filter as needed.

Why this method? Great for teams that live in Maps all day, and for checking how customers see the review feed.

Method C: Business Profile Manager (bulk & multi‑location)

1. Visit business.google.com and sign in.

2. If you manage multiple locations, select the location group (a.k.a. account) first.

3. Click a specific location → choose Reviews.

4. You can reply, search within reviews, and move between locations faster.

When to use: Multi‑location brands, franchises, or agencies that need a consistent workflow across dozens of profiles.

Where to See Your Google Reviews (Mobile)

iPhone/Android: Google Maps app

1. Open the Google Maps app and make sure you’re signed in to the owner/manager account.

2. Tap your profile photo (top right) → Your Business Profile (or the Business shortcut at bottom right).

3. Tap Reviews.

4. Tap Reply on any review to respond.

Tip: On some phones you’ll also see an Inbox/Notifications icon where you can open new review alerts directly.

iPhone/Android: Google Search app or mobile browser

1. Open the Google app or Chrome/Safari.

2. Search your business name + city.

3. Tap your Business Profile card and then Reviews.

4. Reply inline and manage as on desktop.

Multi‑Location & Agency Workflows

• Use location groups in Business Profile Manager to separate regions/brands.

• Create an internal SOP: daily triage of new reviews, weekly sentiment check, monthly keyword analysis (what customers praise/complain about), and quarterly policy training.

• For large portfolios, maintain a roles matrix (Primary owner, Owner, Manager, Site manager). Assign who can reply, who escalates removals, and who owns playbook updates.

• Build a Shared Labels taxonomy (e.g., delivery, pricing, staff, wait time, parking) so your team can tag themes and pull quick insights.

  
  

Understanding the Reviews Screen

When you open Reviews, you’ll typically see:

• Aggregate rating (average stars) and total review count.

• A rating distribution chart (how many 5★, 4★, etc.).

• Sort: Most relevant (default) or Newest (sometimes Highest/Lowest).

• Filters may include reviews With photos, From your country/language, or From Local Guides (UI can vary).

• An inline reply box for each review (and Edit/Delete for your reply).

• A Share menu to copy a link to a specific review (handy for customer success stories or internal QA).

• A Get more reviews card with your review link and downloadable QR code.

How to Reply to Google Reviews (with templates)

Step‑by‑Step (Search, Maps, or Manager)

1. Open your Business Profile → Reviews.

2. Next to a review, click/tap Reply.

3. Write your response (see templates below).

4. Click/tap Reply to publish.

5. You can Edit or Delete your reply later if needed.

Best practice: Reply to all new reviews within 24–48 hours. Timely, empathetic replies are visible to future customers and often boost conversion.

Templates (copy/paste)

Positive (5★)

“Thank you, {First name}! We’re thrilled you loved {specific service/product}. We’ll share this with {team member}—you made their day. See you again soon!”

Constructive (3–4★)

“Thanks for the thoughtful feedback, {First name}. We’re glad {positive detail} and we’re already working on {issue area}. If you’re open to it, email us at {support@} with ‘{Store} visit on {date}’ so we can make this right.”

Negative (1–2★)

“Hi {First name}—we’re sorry for the experience with {specific issue}. This isn’t our standard. Please reach out at {support@} referencing ‘{order/visit date}’ so our manager can help ASAP. We’ll also review this with our team today.”

Policy‑sensitive (mentions profanity/abuse/off‑topic)

“Hi {First name}, we take all feedback seriously. We’ve reported this review for violating Google’s content guidelines and will cooperate with moderation. If you’re a real customer, please email {support@} so we can help.”

How to Get & Share Your Google Review Link + QR Code

From your Business Profile (Search/Maps):

1. Open your Business Profile.

2. Go to Reviews → look for Get more reviews / Share.

3. Copy your review link or download the QR code.

4. Share it via SMS, email, receipts, packaging, signage, or as a tap‑to‑review NFC card at checkout.

From Google Maps (specific review link):

1. Open Reviews on your listing.

2. Find the review → More (⋮) → Share review to copy a direct link.

Placement ideas that actually drive reviews:

• Checkout counter: tent card with QR + short headline (“How did we do?”).

• Appointment follow‑ups: automated SMS 30–90 minutes after service.

• Email receipts: one‑line ask with a recognizable link + staff photo.

• Wi‑Fi captive portal: post‑visit ask (never gate access).

• Thank‑you stickers or NFC tap cards near exits.

How to Report/Remove Problem Reviews & Track Status

Flag from your profile:

1. In Reviews, click/tap More (⋮) → Report review.

2. Choose the reason (fake engagement, hate speech, personal info, off‑topic, etc.).

3. Submit.

Track & appeal in the Reviews Management tool:

1. Open the Reviews Management tool (bookmark it).

2. Select your Business Profile.

3. Choose “Check the status of a review I reported previously.”

4. If the review wasn’t removed and you disagree, submit an appeal with context (order IDs, timestamps, staff logs, screenshots).

5. Status updates can take several days.

What’s removable vs. not:

• Usually removable: spam/fake engagement, off‑topic rants, slurs/harassment, doxxing/personal info, explicit content.

• Usually not removable: actual customer opinions (even rude), competitor comparisons, pricing complaints, or “I didn’t like the vibe.”

Troubleshooting: Missing, Delayed, or Disappearing Reviews

Common scenarios & fixes:

1. Review never appears publicly

   • Ask the customer to confirm it’s visible on their profile.

   • If it contains links, contact info, profanity, or off‑topic content, it may be filtered. Ask them to edit and repost.

   • New profiles or edits to your listing can delay display; check again in 24–72 hours.

2. Reviews disappeared after suspension/reinstatement

   • When a profile is reinstated, some reviews may take time to republish. If they don’t return, contact support and provide proof of continuity (utility bills, signage, tax docs) and reviewer details (names/dates).

3. You’re not getting email alerts for new reviews

   • Ensure notifications are enabled (see the next section).

   • Check spam filters and filters/rules in your inbox.

   • For agencies with many profiles, consider centralizing notifications to a shared email or task queue.

4. You can’t find your Business Profile to manage reviews

   • Make sure you’re signed into the right Google account.

   • Try searching my business in Google Search to surface the admin panel.

   • If you still can’t see it, verify ownership or request access from the current owner.

5. Customer says they left a review but you can’t see it

   • Ask them to open maps.google.com → Menu → Your contributions → Reviews to confirm.

   • If they used banned words or posted off‑topic content, it may be filtered. Ask them to edit.

   
   

Turn On Email/Push Notifications for New Reviews

Desktop (Search/Maps):

1. Open your Business Profile.

2. Look for Settings or Notifications.

3. Enable Customer activity → New reviews.

Mobile (Maps app):

1. Tap your profile photo → Settings → Notifications.

2. Enable Business Profile → Reviews.

Tip: Keep notifications on for owners/managers who triage reviews daily. Use a shared inbox or help desk to avoid missed responses.

Who Can See & Reply to Reviews (Roles & Permissions)

• Primary owner/Owner: full control, can manage users, reply to reviews.

• Manager/Site manager: can update the profile and reply to reviews without full ownership rights.

• Use Users in your profile menu to invite/remove teammates. Follow least‑privilege: grant only what’s needed.

  
  

Best Practices: Response, Timing, & Tone

• Speed: Reply within 24–48 hours; faster for 1–2★.

• Specificity: Reference details (“{stylist name},” “{dish},” “{service date}”).

• Empathy over defensiveness: Acknowledge feelings first; then share steps you’re taking.

• Offer an offline path: Provide a direct email/phone for resolution.

• Close the loop: If you fix an issue, edit your public reply to reflect the resolution.

• No incentives for review edits: Don’t offer discounts/gifts to change or remove a review.

• Maintain voice: Create a brand style guide for replies (greetings, sign‑off, emojis policy, when to escalate).

Policy Essentials: What’s Allowed & Not Allowed

• Reviews must be genuine, on‑topic, and reflect real experiences.

• Prohibited content includes: fake engagement, hate speech, harassment, personal/private info (doxxing), obscene/explicit content, and off‑topic rants.

• Businesses can’t offer incentives (money, gifts, discounts) in exchange for reviews or to change/remove negative reviews.

• If you spot a violation, flag it and track status in the Reviews Management tool.

• Train your team annually on these rules—violations can lead to content removal or other restrictions.

FAQ: Common Questions from Local Businesses

1) Can I edit my reply after posting?

Yes—use Edit under your reply. For major updates (e.g., issue resolved), add a date in the edited reply.

2) Are owner replies public?

Yes. Replies are public and visible to everyone viewing the listing.

3) What if my review count drops suddenly?

This often indicates policy filtering (e.g., a sweep of spam/fake engagement). Check your profile health and recent activity, then report if needed.

4) Can staff/owners review our own business?

No. That’s considered conflict of interest/fake engagement and is removable.

5) Can I send a mass email asking for reviews?

Yes, but avoid incentives and don’t gate (e.g., sending only happy customers to Google and others elsewhere). Keep the ask simple and opt‑in.

6) How fast do removal decisions happen?

Typically several days. You can appeal decisions you believe are wrong.

7) Can I share a specific customer review link?

Yes. In Maps → Reviews → More (⋮) → Share review.

8) Why is “Most relevant” the default sort?

Google prioritizes reviews it believes are most helpful (not necessarily newest). Switch to Newest to audit recent feedback.

9) Do responses affect rankings?

Replies won’t directly boost ranking, but an active profile with authentic review activity supports prominence and conversion.

10) Do reviews auto‑translate?

Often, yes. Customers may see an inline translation. Consider replying in the reviewer’s language if you can.

Copy‑Paste Resources: Scripts, and Checklists

SMS & Email Ask Scripts

After-service SMS (90 minutes post‑visit)
“Hey {First}, this is {Name} from {Business}. Thank you for choosing us today! If we earned it, would you leave a quick Google review? It helps a lot: {short review link}.”

Receipt footer/email
“Love your experience? Two clicks to share it on Google: {short review link}.”

QR signage copy
“How did we do? Point your camera here to review us on Google.”

Examples of Great Owner Responses (Real‑World Patterns)

• Name the win: “We’ll share this with Alyssa—she’s our balayage specialist.”

• Own the miss: “We’re sorry a 20‑minute wait wasn’t communicated. We’ve updated our queue signage.”

• Invite back: “Ask for table 4 next time—best view of the patio.”

• Protect privacy: “For safety, please email us at {support@} with order details so we can help directly.”

Appendix: Glossary

Glossary

• Business Profile: Your free listing on Google Search & Maps with hours, photos, posts, and reviews.

• Business Profile Manager: The dashboard at business.google.com (useful for multi‑location).

• Reviews Management tool: A separate interface to report reviews and check status or appeal.

• Location group: An account container for multiple locations.

• Prominence: A local ranking factor; authentic review activity contributes to perceived prominence.

• NFC tap‑to‑review: Physical card or stand customers tap with a phone to open your review link.