First, find out which situation you’re in

Search your business name and suburb in Google Maps and open the listing.

  • You see “Claim this business”: nobody has verified it. You can claim it yourself (below).
  • No claim option: someone already manages it. You’ll need to request ownership.
  • No listing at all: create a new profile. See how to set up a Google Business Profile.

Claiming an unclaimed listing

  1. On a computer: choose Claim this business → Manage now.
  2. In the Google Maps app: open the listing, go to the About tab, then Claim this business → Manage now.
  3. Choose a verification option. Google picks which ones you’re offered (often a short video). See how to verify.
  1. Step 1: in Google Maps, open the listing, go to About and tap Claim this business
  2. Step 2: tap Manage now and sign in with the account that should own the profile
  3. Step 3: choose one of the verification options Google offers you
Claiming a listing in the Google Maps app. Illustration: Google’s screens can look slightly different. Scroll to see every step.

It’s free. Anyone asking you to pay to “claim” your Google listing is not Google.

Requesting ownership from someone else

  1. Go to business.google.com/add, enter your business name and address, and select it.
  2. Google says someone else may manage this profile. Choose Request access, fill in the form and submit.
  3. The current owner gets an email and has 3 days to respond.
  • If they approve: you get access. Ask them to make you primary owner, then remove anyone who shouldn’t be there.
  • If they deny it: Google emails you. You can still suggest edits to the listing and try to appeal.
  • If they don’t respond: after 3 days you may be able to claim it. Open Google’s confirmation email and choose View request → Verify. Google says this option isn’t always available.

Google’s steps are in Request ownership of a Business Profile.

Service-area businesses (hidden address)

If your listing hides its address, the request-access form often doesn’t work. Instead, use Google’s Contact us form, type Transfer ownership of listing in the “Tell us what we can help with” box, and pick that issue. Have your ABN record and proof you run the business ready.

Tips if the old owner won’t cooperate

  • Try asking nicely first. An ex-employee or agency can transfer ownership in two minutes. Our owners and managers guide shows them how.
  • Keep records: your ABN, business name registration, signage photos and any emails with the person who holds it.
  • Don’t create a second profile to get around it. Duplicates get suspended, and you’d lose your reviews.