Where to find and change your business details on Google
Your business information on Google lives in Google Business Profile, a free tool that shows your name, address, phone number, hours, and photos to people searching for you. You reach it by going to google.com/business, signing in with the Google account connected to your business, and finding your business name in the list. Once you open your profile, you can edit almost any detail directly — the changes usually appear within a few days, though Google sometimes takes longer to update the map or search results.
If you have never claimed your business on Google, you will need to do that first. Search for your business name on Google Maps, find your listing, and click "Own this business" or "Claim this business" at the bottom. Google will send a verification code by postcard to your address (or sometimes by phone or email, depending on your business type). Once you enter that code, you become the owner and can edit freely.
The most common reason people cannot edit their business info is that they are signed into the wrong Google account. If you set up the profile years ago with a personal email you no longer use, you will need to access that same account to make changes. If you have lost access to that account, you can request ownership through Google Business Profile itself, though the process takes longer.
Key Takeaways
- Google Business Profile is where your business name, address, phone, hours, and photos appear in Google search and Maps — you reach it at google.com/business.
- You must own or manage the business and verify your identity (usually by entering a code Google mails to your address) before you can edit anything.
- Changes to hours, phone number, address, and description usually show up within a few days, though Google Maps sometimes takes longer to update.
- If you cannot edit your profile, you are likely signed into a different Google account than the one that originally claimed the business.
Step-by-step: editing your hours and basic details
Open google.com/business in your web browser and sign in with the Google account that owns your business profile. Search for your business name in the search box at the top left, or scroll through the list of businesses under your account. Click on the business you want to edit.
Once your profile opens, you will see tabs on the left side: Overview, Customers, Posts, and Reviews. Click Overview if it is not already selected. On the right side of the screen, you will see your business information laid out in sections — Name, Address, Phone, Website, Hours, and more. To edit any of these, hover your mouse over the section and click the pencil icon that appears. Type your changes and click the checkmark or "Update" button to save.
Hours are a common edit. Click the pencil next to your hours, and you will see a box for each day of the week. If you are closed on a day, click the X next to that day. If your hours change seasonally or you have special holiday hours, click "Add special hours" at the bottom. Enter the date range and the hours for that period, then save.
After you make changes, Google usually shows them within a few days. During that time, the old information may still appear in some search results or on the map — this is normal and will resolve on its own.
Adding and changing photos, description, and services
Photos are one of the first things people notice when they find your business on Google. To add or change photos, click the Photos section on your profile (you may need to scroll down to see it). Click the camera icon or "Add photos" button, then upload images from your computer. You can add photos of your storefront, interior, products, team, or anything that represents your business. Google lets you add up to 10,000 photos, though most businesses use 5 to 20.
Your business description appears under your name and address. Click the pencil next to "About" or "Description" and type a short summary of what you do — keep it under 750 characters. This is where you mention your main services, specialties, or what makes you different. For example, a plumber might write "Licensed plumber serving the north side since 2015. We specialize in leak detection and water heater repair."
If you offer specific services, scroll down to the Services section and click "Add service." Type the name of each service you offer — Google will suggest common ones based on your business type. You can add a description and price for each service if you want. Services help people understand what you do without having to call or visit your website.
Fixing address and location problems
If your address is wrong on Google, it can prevent customers from finding you or getting directions. To change it, click the pencil next to your address on the Overview tab. Type the correct address and click "Update." If Google does not recognize your address, it will ask you to confirm the location on a map — click and drag the pin to the exact spot where your business is located, then save.
Sometimes Google shows your business in the wrong location on the map even though the address is correct. This usually happens if your building is new, the map data is outdated, or your address is on a boundary between two areas. Click the pencil next to your address, then click "Edit location on map." Drag the pin to the correct spot and save. You may also need to verify your address again by entering a code Google sends you.
If you have moved to a new address, update it the same way. Google will ask you to verify the new address, usually by entering a code from a postcard. Until you verify, both the old and new addresses may appear in search results. Once verified, the old address will disappear.
Managing multiple locations and team access
If you own more than one location of the same business, each one needs its own Google Business Profile. You can manage all of them from one Google account by adding them to your profile list. Go to google.com/business, and you will see all your businesses listed on the left. Click the one you want to edit, make your changes, and click the next one when you are done.
You can also give other people permission to edit your business profile without giving them access to your Google account. On the Overview tab, scroll down and click "Users" or "Manage users." Click "Add user," type their email address, and choose their role — "Owner," "Manager," or "Editor." Owners can add and remove other users; Managers can edit most information but cannot change ownership; Editors can only edit specific details like hours and photos. Send them the invitation link, and they can start editing once they accept.
What to do if you cannot claim or edit your business
If you search for your business on Google and do not see a listing at all, you may need to create one. Go to google.com/business, click "Create a business," and fill in your name, address, phone, and category. Google will send a verification code to your address, usually within 5 to 7 business days. Once you enter the code, your profile is live and you can edit it anytime.
If your business is listed but you cannot find the "Claim this business" button, it may already be claimed by someone else. Click the three dots at the bottom of the listing and select "Suggest an edit" or "Report a problem." Explain that you own the business and provide proof (a business license, tax ID, or utility bill with your name and address). Google will review your request and may transfer ownership to you or ask for more information.
If you claimed the business years ago and no longer have access to that Google account, you can request ownership again. Search for your business, click the three dots, and select "Claim this business." Google will ask you to verify your identity and may require documentation. The process takes longer than a normal claim, but you will regain control of your profile.
Common mistakes that slow down or prevent edits
The most frequent problem is being signed into the wrong Google account. Check the account name in the top right corner of google.com/business. If it is not the account you used to claim your business, sign out and sign back in with the correct one. You can also check which account owns your business by going to your profile, scrolling to the bottom, and looking for "Account owner" or "Primary owner."
Another common mistake is uploading photos that are too large or in the wrong format. Google accepts JPG and PNG files up to 32 MB each. If a photo will not upload, try making it smaller (under 5 MB is safest) or converting it to JPG format using free tools like Canva or Pixlr.
Some people edit their profile but do not see the changes appear on Google Maps or search results for days or weeks. This is normal — Google can take up to a week to update, especially for address or category changes. If it has been more than two weeks and the old information still appears, try editing the field again and saving it, or contact Google Business Profile support through the help menu in your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for changes to show up on Google Maps?
Most changes to hours, phone number, and description appear within a few days. Address changes and new photos can take up to a week. If you change your business category or location, it may take two weeks or longer. During this time, old information may still appear in some search results — this is normal and will resolve on its own.
Can I edit my business profile on my phone?
Yes. read the Google Business Profile app from the App Store or Google Play, sign in, and tap your business name. Most edits work the same way as on a computer — tap the pencil icon next to the information you want to change. Some features like uploading many photos at once work better on a computer, but basic edits are fine on a phone.
What if someone else claimed my business and I cannot get them to give it back?
Go to your business listing on Google Maps, click the three dots, and select "Claim this business" or "Report a problem." Explain that you own the business and upload proof like a business license, lease, or utility bill with your name and address. Google will review your request, which usually takes a few days to a week. If Google confirms you own it, they will transfer ownership to you.
Do I need a website to have a Google Business Profile?
No. Your profile works without a website. You can add a website URL if you have one, but it is optional. Many small businesses use only their Google Business Profile for their online presence, with their phone number and address as the main way customers reach them.
Can I delete my business profile?
Yes, but it is permanent. Go to your profile, click the three dots at the top right, and select "Close or remove this business." Google will ask you to confirm. Once you delete it, it will no longer appear on Google Maps or search results, and you cannot recover it. If you just want to hide it temporarily, you can mark it as "Temporarily closed" instead.