Profile claimed by someone else: how to get ownership back
Updated 3 Oct 2026 by TopOnMaps team
Quick answer
If someone else verified your business profile, request ownership through Google. Go to business.google.com/add, find your business and select Request access when you see the message that someone else may manage it. Google emails the current owner. Google's help page says they have 3 days to respond. If they approve, you get access. If they don't reply, you may get the option to claim and verify the profile yourself. If they deny it, you can appeal.
Why it happens
An old agency or freelancer set it up
Whoever created and verified the profile is the owner, even if they did it on your behalf.
A former employee or partner
Staff or partners who left may still own the profile on their personal Google account.
Someone verified it by mistake or on purpose
Occasionally a competitor or stranger claims a business that isn't theirs.
You own it on another account
If you can't see a 'Claim this business' button, you may already own it on a different Google account you've forgotten.
How to fix it
Check your other Google accounts
Sign in to any other Gmail accounts you or your staff use for the business and see if the profile is already there.
Ask the person directly
If you know who has it, such as an old agency, ask them to add you as owner. This is usually the fastest route.
Send an ownership request
Go to business.google.com/add, enter your business name and address, choose your listing, select Request access and fill in the form.
Follow up on the response
Watch for Google's emails. If there's no reply after the waiting period, open the confirmation email, select View request and look for the option to verify.
If denied, appeal or contact support
If the request is denied, you can appeal. For a service-area business with no shop, Google's help page says to contact support and choose the ownership transfer option.
For businesses in India
- Keep proof ready that you run the business: a GST certificate, shop licence, Udyam registration or utility bill in the business name. It helps if you need to appeal or contact support.
- When an agency sets up your profile, ask them to make you the primary owner from day one, using an email you control.
Questions
Should I just create a new profile instead?
No. That creates a duplicate, which breaks Google's rules and can stop either profile from showing. Get the existing profile back instead.
Is the option to claim always available after 3 days?
No. Google says the option to claim isn't always available. If it doesn't appear, contact Business Profile support.
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