Duplicate Google Business Listings: How to Find and Remove Them

What is a duplicate Google Business listing?

A duplicate Google Business listing is a second profile on Google Maps for the same business at the same location. Google's guidelines allow one profile per business per location, so a duplicate needs to be removed, merged, or marked as closed. The right fix depends on whether you own the duplicate and why it exists.

Why do duplicate listings appear?

Most duplicates come from a change in the business's history or from someone other than the owner adding the place. Common sources:

• An old address after a move. The listing at the previous location stayed up, and a new one was created at the new address.
• A previous owner. The business changed hands, and the new owner made a fresh profile instead of taking over the existing one.
• A customer adding the place. Anyone can add a missing place to Google Maps, and Google may create a listing from that suggestion.
• An old agency's profile. A former marketing company or web designer created a profile under its own account, and a later one was made under yours.
• Practitioner and practice listings. A doctor, lawyer, or agent has a listing of their own alongside the practice, which may or may not be allowed (more on that below).

Why duplicate listings hurt you

Duplicates split your reviews, show customers wrong information, and can cause Google to filter one of your listings out of results. Specifically:

• Reviews land on whichever listing a customer happens to find, so neither profile shows your full reputation. See why Google reviews go missing.
• An old listing may show a former address, phone number, or hours, and send customers to the wrong place.
• When Google sees two similar listings, it often shows only one in Maps results. It may not be the one you manage.
• Keeping a duplicate on purpose breaks Google's guidelines and can put your main profile at risk.

How to find duplicate listings

Search Google Maps for your business name, your phone number, and every address you've used. Duplicates often hide under an old phone number or a slightly different version of the name. Also try:

• Your name with and without words like "Inc.", "LLC", or a city
• Names of practitioners or partners who work at the business
• Previous business names, if you've rebranded
• Zooming in on the map at old locations to see if a pin is still there

For each one you find, save the Maps link and take a screenshot showing the name, address, phone, and review count. You'll need these if you contact support or have to show which listing is the real one.

If you own both listings

If both profiles are under your control, you can remove the extra one or ask Google to merge them. Decide which listing to keep first, usually the verified one with the most reviews and the correct details.

• Remove the extra profile. You can remove a profile you manage from your account. Removing it from your account doesn't always take the listing off Maps, so if it still shows, mark it as a duplicate or closed through Maps.
• Ask Google to merge them. Business Profile support can merge duplicate listings in some cases. Whether reviews carry over is Google's decision, so don't count on it.

Fix any wrong details on the listing you're keeping at the same time. Our guide to fixing wrong information on your profile covers that.

If you don't own the duplicate

If someone else manages the duplicate, or nobody does, you have two options: request ownership of it, or report it through Google Maps.

• Request ownership. If the listing is claimed by a former employee, agency, or previous owner, you can request access through Google. Once you control it, you can remove it or ask for a merge. See getting your profile back from someone else.
• Suggest an edit. On the duplicate listing in Google Maps, use "Suggest an edit" and look for the option to report it as a duplicate, or as closed or moved if it's at an old address. Google reviews the suggestion. It can take time, and it isn't guaranteed to be accepted.

When a second listing isn't a duplicate

Some separate listings at the same address are allowed. Google's guidelines let individual practitioners, such as doctors, lawyers, and real estate agents, have their own listing at a practice with several practitioners. Different businesses sharing a building, or departments with their own entrance, hours, and phone number, may also qualify.

A solo practitioner is different. If you're the only practitioner and the business is under your name, Google generally expects one listing. Check Google's current guidelines for your situation before you report a listing that might be legitimate.

After the duplicate is gone

Check the remaining listing every few weeks for a while to make sure the duplicate hasn't returned and the details are still correct. Keep the same name, address, and phone number on your website and directory listings, which makes it less likely that Google or a customer creates a new duplicate. Our local listing management service monitors this for you.

Key takeaways

• Google allows one profile per business per location. A second one splits reviews and can get filtered.
• Find duplicates by searching your name, phone number, and old addresses in Google Maps.
• If you own both, remove the extra or ask support to merge. If you don't, request ownership or report it through "Suggest an edit".
• Individual practitioners at a multi-practitioner office can be allowed their own listing.
• Keep screenshots and Maps links of every listing you find.

Common Questions

Will I lose reviews if I remove a duplicate Google listing?

You can. Reviews on a removed listing don't automatically move to the one you keep. If Google merges the listings, reviews may carry over, but that's Google's decision. Keep the listing with the most reviews when you can.

How long does it take Google to remove a duplicate listing?

Google doesn't publish a timeline. Edits suggested through Maps and requests to support can take anywhere from days to several weeks, and some aren't accepted.

Can a doctor have a separate listing from their practice?

Generally yes, if the practice has more than one practitioner. A solo practitioner whose practice is under their own name is usually expected to have a single listing.

Someone else created a listing for my business. Is that a duplicate?

If you already have a profile at that location, yes. Request ownership of the extra listing or report it as a duplicate through Google Maps.