Got a Google Review Meant for a Different Business? How to Reply and Get It Removed

Quick answer: First confirm the review really describes another business — products you don't sell, a location you don't have, staff names you don't recognise, or a competitor's name. Reply briefly and politely ("We think this review may be meant for another business; we don't offer home delivery and have no branch in Andheri. Please contact us at [number] if we've misunderstood."). Report it from your profile as "Not relevant" or "Off topic", and if you can identify the reviewer, kindly ask them to move it. Then reduce future mix-ups with your own review link and distinctive branding.

Misdirected reviews are common, especially for businesses with common names, branches of different brands nearby, or old listings at the same address (same-name confusion).

Signs a review was meant for someone else

• Mentions products or services you don't offer.
• Mentions a branch, area or address that isn't yours.
• Names staff who never worked for you.
• Mentions a competitor's name or brand.
• Describes a visit when you were closed.
• Refers to an online order when you don't sell online.

Check your records (bills, bookings, CCTV) to be sure before replying.

Step 1: reply politely

Future customers read your reply. Keep it calm and factual:

"Thank you for your feedback. We think this review may have been meant for another business — we don't sell laptops and have only one shop in Satellite. If we've misunderstood, please contact us at [number] so we can help."

Avoid accusing the reviewer of lying (reply mistakes).

Step 2: report the review

From your profile's Reviews section, tap the three dots next to the review and choose Report review. Choose the option closest to "Off topic" or "Not relevant to this place". Google may remove reviews that clearly don't describe your business (remove a Google review).

If the first report isn't successful, see reported review not removed.

Step 3: contact the reviewer (if possible)

If the reviewer's name matches a known customer, or they reply to your response, politely explain and ask them to delete it and post on the correct business. Many people are embarrassed and fix it quickly (customer edit or delete a review).

Step 4: help the other business (optional)

If you know which business the review was meant for, and it's a neighbour or similarly named shop, you can mention it in your reply: "You may be looking for XYZ Electronics on MG Road." It helps the customer and shows goodwill.

Why misdirected reviews happen

• Similar names: "Krishna Sweets" vs "Shree Krishna Sweets".
• Same building or market: customers tap the wrong pin (crowded markets).
• Old business at your address: reviews meant for the previous tenant (previous business at my address).
• Franchises and branches: reviews posted on the wrong branch (review on the wrong branch).
• Delivery apps: customers confuse the app's kitchen with your restaurant.

Prevent future mix-ups

• Share your direct review link instead of saying "search us on Google" (review link opens wrong business, review request templates).
• Put a review QR code at the counter (review QR poster).
• Make your signage and Google name match exactly (business name rules).
• Fix your pin and photos so customers recognise your shop (fix map pin).
• Mark old businesses at your address as closed or moved.

If Google won't remove it

A polite reply stays visible and explains the mistake to readers. One misdirected review has little effect when you have steady genuine reviews (how many reviews to reach a rating).

Example: an electronics shop

An electronics shop received a 1-star review about a laptop repair, a service it didn't offer. The owner replied that the review seemed meant for another shop, reported it as off-topic, and the reviewer later deleted it after reading the reply.

Example: a restaurant at an old address

A restaurant at an address previously used by another eatery kept getting reviews about the old menu. It reported them, asked Google to mark the old listing as closed, and added "New restaurant since 2025" to its description. Misdirected reviews stopped.

Checklist

• Confirm the review describes another business
• Reply politely with facts
• Report as off-topic or not relevant
• Contact the reviewer if possible
• Share your direct review link
• Fix name, pin and old listings

Key takeaways

• Misdirected reviews are usually honest mistakes.
• A calm reply and a report are your best tools.
• Direct review links and distinct branding prevent future mix-ups.

Sources and further reading

• Google Maps Help — report inappropriate reviews: support.google.com/maps
• How to handle negative and fake reviews

Reply examples for different mix-ups

• Wrong product: "We think this may be meant for another shop. We only sell mobile accessories and don't repair laptops. Please call us at [number] if we've misunderstood."
• Wrong branch: "Thank you for your feedback. This seems to be about our Vastrapur branch; we've shared it with them. You can also review them directly here: [their listing]."
• Previous tenant: "We opened at this address in 2025 and aren't connected to the earlier restaurant. We'd love to welcome you to try our new menu."
• Similar name: "We're Krishna Sweets, Navrangpura. You may be looking for Shree Krishna Sweets on CG Road."

Frequently asked questions

Can Google remove a review meant for another business?

Often yes, if it's clearly not relevant to your business.

Should I reply to it?

Yes, politely, explaining the likely mix-up.

Can I ask the reviewer to move it?

Yes, kindly, if you can identify them.

What if it's a 5-star review meant for someone else?

Thank them and mention it may be for another business; honesty builds trust.

How do I stop this happening?

Use your direct review link and make your listing distinct.

Does one wrong review hurt much?

Less as you collect more genuine reviews.