Once a Google review is deleted, Google doesn’t offer a “trash” or history where anyone can read it again. What you can do depends on whose review it was and why it disappeared. Reviewers can check whether their own review was removed or is just hidden from others. Business owners can see the status of reviews they reported and appeal removals they think were mistakes. This guide explains each case honestly, including what isn’t possible.
Quick answer
You can’t view the text of a review after it’s been permanently deleted. If you wrote it, open Google Maps > Contribute (or your profile) > Reviews to see whether it’s still listed. If you own the business, use Google’s review management tools to check reported reviews and request a second look.
Why reviews disappear
- The reviewer deleted it. Once deleted, it’s gone for everyone.
- Google’s filters removed it for breaking policies, such as spam, fake engagement, off-topic content, or conflicts of interest.
- It’s not public. Sometimes a review stays visible to the person who wrote it but is hidden from everyone else while Google checks it.
- The business listing changed. If a Business Profile is merged, moved, or suspended, its reviews can disappear temporarily or permanently.
If you wrote the review
- Open Google Maps on your phone or computer and sign in.
- Tap Contribute (phone) or click your profile picture and choose Your contributions (computer).
- Open the Reviews tab.
If the review is listed, you can see your own text even if others can’t. If it’s gone, it was removed or deleted. Google sometimes emails you when it removes a review for policy reasons.
Tip: Google Takeout (from your Google Account’s Data & privacy settings) can export the reviews currently saved to your account, which is a good way to keep a personal copy going forward.
If you own the business
- Your Business Profile only shows live reviews. Removed reviews don’t appear in the dashboard.
- If you reported a review, Google’s review management tool in Business Profile Help lets you check the status of that report and appeal the decision.
- If good reviews vanished, contact Google Business Profile support. Some removals are reinstated when they turn out to be filter mistakes, but Google doesn’t guarantee it.
- Keep your own records. Screenshot or export your reviews regularly so you know what you had.
What about “deleted review viewer” tools?
Some websites and apps claim to show deleted reviews. They can only show copies they saved before the review was removed, and many are inaccurate or ask for access to your Google account. Be cautious with any tool that asks you to sign in with Google.
Tips
- Follow Google’s review policies so your own reviews aren’t filtered. Don’t post the same review on many places, include links, or review a business you’re connected to.
- To look up someone else’s public reviews, see finding someone’s Google reviews.
- Business owners can learn more in finding out who left a Google review.
Frequently asked questions
Can I restore a review I deleted by mistake?
No. Write a new review instead. It appears with today’s date rather than the original one.
Why can I see my review but my friend can’t?
Google may have hidden it from the public while still showing it to you. That usually means it was flagged by a filter. Editing it to follow the review policies sometimes helps it reappear.
Can a business owner delete reviews?
No. Owners can report reviews that break the rules, reply to them publicly, or, in some cases, hide their profile’s visibility, but they can’t delete reviews directly. See hiding Google reviews for what’s possible.
Summary
- Deleted Google reviews can’t be viewed again.
- Reviewers can check their own contributions in Google Maps.
- Business owners can check reported reviews and appeal removals.
- Keep your own copies with screenshots or Google Takeout.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.