What you can edit in Google Maps and who can do it
Google Maps lets you edit certain information about a business or location directly from the map — things like the business name, phone number, address, hours, website, and photos. You do not need to own the business or have special permission to make edits. Anyone with a Google account can suggest changes, and Google reviews them before they appear on the map.
The edits you can make fall into two categories: information that appears when ready under your name (like hours or phone number) and information that requires Google's review first (like the business name or address). Small corrections usually show up within hours or a day. Larger changes or disputed information can take longer.
If you own the business, you can claim it through Google Business Profile to get faster approval and more control over what appears. But you do not need ownership to fix obvious errors — a wrong phone number or outdated hours can be corrected by anyone.
Key Takeaways
- Open the business listing on Google Maps, tap or click the pencil icon next to the information you want to change, and submit your edit for review.
- Phone numbers, hours, and websites you edit appear when ready if you have claimed the business, but take longer if you are suggesting a change as a non-owner.
- Photos and business descriptions you upload go through Google's review process and may take a few days to appear.
- If you own the business, claiming it through Google Business Profile gives you direct control and faster approval for all edits.
- Edits that conflict with existing information — like changing a business name or address — may be rejected if Google cannot verify the change.
Finding the edit button for a specific business
Start by searching for the business on Google Maps or finding it on the map itself. Once the business card appears on the right side of the screen (on desktop) or at the bottom (on mobile), look for a pencil icon or "Suggest an edit" link. On desktop, this usually appears near the business name. On mobile, you may need to scroll down slightly to see it.
Tap or click that pencil icon. A menu will appear showing you what can be edited: name, address, phone, website, hours, and sometimes other fields like parking or payment methods. The fields available depend on what Google already knows about the business.
If you do not see an edit option, the business may be a private residence or a location Google does not allow edits for. Government offices and some institutions have restricted editing for this reason.
Editing hours, phone numbers, and website information
These three pieces of information are the most common edits. Click or tap the pencil icon next to "Hours" to change when the business opens and closes. A calendar will appear showing each day of the week. Enter the opening time, closing time, and whether the business is closed that day. If hours vary by day, fill in each one separately.
For phone numbers, click the pencil next to the number listed. Delete the old number and type the new one in the same format Google shows. Make sure you include the country code if you are editing a business outside your own country.
To edit the website, click the pencil next to the URL. Delete the old address and paste or type the correct one. The website must start with http:// or https:// — Google will reject it otherwise. If the business does not have a website, leave this field blank rather than entering a social media page.
Once you have made your changes, click "Submit" or "Save". If you own the business and have claimed it, the changes appear when ready. If you are suggesting edits as a non-owner, Google will review them and notify you when they are live.
Changing the business name or address
These edits require more scrutiny from Google because they are harder to verify. Click the pencil next to the business name or address. Make your change and click submit. Google will ask you to provide a reason for the change — select from options like "The business moved", "The name changed", or "This information is incorrect".
If you own the business, Google may ask for supporting documents like a lease, business license, or utility bill showing the new address. Upload these files if prompted. Without them, Google may reject the change or mark it as pending while they investigate.
If you are not the owner, Google is more cautious. They may reject the change if they cannot find independent confirmation — for example, if the business website or social media still lists the old address. In that case, contact the business owner and ask them to claim the listing and make the change themselves, which will be approved faster.
Adding and uploading photos
Photos help customers recognize the business and see what it looks like inside or outside. To add a photo, look for a camera icon or "Add photos" option on the business card. Click it and choose a photo from your device. You can upload multiple photos at once.
Google will review your photos before they appear. They reject photos that are blurry, show only a logo, contain watermarks, or do not actually show the business. A photo of the storefront, interior, or products is much more likely to be approved than a generic image.
If you own the business and have claimed it, your photos appear faster — usually within a day. If you are a customer or non-owner uploading photos, Google may take several days to review them. You can upload photos even if you do not own the business, and they will appear under a "Photos from the web" section once approved.
Claiming the business for faster edits and more control
If you own or manage the business, claiming it through Google Business Profile gives you direct control over all information. Go to google.com/business and search for your business. Click "Claim this business" and follow the verification steps. Google will send a postcard to the business address with a verification code, or verify you when ready if you have a Google Workspace account linked to the business.
Once verified, you can edit any information without waiting for Google's review. Changes appear when ready. You also get access to customer reviews, insights about how people find you on Google Maps, and the ability to post updates or special offers.
Claiming takes about a week if you wait for the postcard, or minutes if Google can verify you when ready. If you manage the business but do not own it, ask the owner to claim it — they can add you as a manager afterward so you can make edits on their behalf.
What to do if your edit is rejected
Google sometimes rejects edits if they conflict with information from other sources, if the change cannot be verified, or if the photo violates their guidelines. When this happens, you will receive a notification explaining why.
If your edit was rejected, check whether the information you submitted is actually correct. For example, if you tried to change a business address and Google rejected it, verify the new address against the business website, Google Street View, or a recent photo. If you are certain the change is right, you can submit it again with additional details or supporting documents.
For photos that were rejected, look at the reason given. If it says the photo is blurry or does not show the business clearly, take a new photo in better lighting and try again. If it says the photo contains a watermark, remove it before uploading.
If you own the business and your edits keep getting rejected, claiming the business through Google Business Profile will give you the ability to contact Google support directly and explain the situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for my edit to show up on Google Maps?
If you own the business and have claimed it, changes appear when ready. If you are suggesting an edit as a non-owner, most small changes like hours or phone numbers appear within a few hours to a day. Photos and larger changes like address or name corrections can take several days while Google reviews them.
Can I edit a business I do not own?
Yes. You can suggest edits to any business listing — phone numbers, hours, photos, and descriptions. Google will review your suggestions before they appear. If you want direct control without waiting for review, the business owner needs to claim the listing through Google Business Profile.
What happens if someone edits my business information incorrectly?
If you own the business, claim it through Google Business Profile so you can revert incorrect edits when ready and prevent others from changing it without your approval. If you do not own it but manage it, ask the owner to claim it. Google also has a system to detect and reject edits that conflict with the owner's verified information.
Can I delete a business listing from Google Maps?
If you own the business, you can close or remove the listing through Google Business Profile. If you do not own it, you cannot delete it, but you can report it to Google if it is a duplicate, spam, or no longer exists. Google will investigate and remove it if it meets their criteria.
Do I need a Google account to edit a business on Google Maps?
Yes. You must be signed into a Google account to suggest edits or upload photos. The account does not need to be associated with the business — any personal Google account works.