Google Business Profile (GBP) photos showcase your business to potential customers. However, anyone with a Google account can upload photos to your profile, sometimes leading to inappropriate or inaccurate content. This guide explains how to remove photos from your Google Business Profile.
Reporting inappropriate photos on Google Business Profile
Who Can Upload Photos to My Google Business Profile?
Any Google user can contribute photos and videos to any GBP. Google encourages this user-generated content to provide a comprehensive view of businesses. They even prompt users via Google Maps to upload photos after visiting a location. Unfortunately, this open system can result in undesirable images appearing on your profile.
Deleting Photos: Manager vs. Customer Uploads
Deleting photos depends on who originally uploaded them:
- Manager-Uploaded Photos: If you or another authorized manager uploaded the photo, you can delete it directly.
- Customer-Uploaded Photos: You can’t directly delete photos uploaded by customers. You can, however, report them to Google if they violate content guidelines.
How to Remove Photos from Google Business Profile
There are two ways to address unwanted photos: deleting manager uploads and reporting customer uploads. We recommend using Google Search on a desktop for the best experience.
Deleting Manager-Uploaded Photos via Google Search
- Log into your Google account with GBP manager access.
- Search for your business name on Google.
- Click the cover photo in your knowledge panel to access all photos.
- Click “Manage Your Photos” to view manager-uploaded images.
- Click the trash can icon on any photo to delete it.
Reporting Customer-Uploaded Photos via Google Search
- Follow steps 1-3 above to access all photos.
- Click on the unwanted customer-uploaded photo.
- Click the flag icon in the lower right corner.
- Select the most relevant reason for reporting the photo. If none fit, choose “Other” and provide a detailed explanation. Refer to Google’s Prohibited and Restricted Content List for guidance.
- Enter your email address to receive updates from Google.
- Complete the anti-spam verification and submit.
An example of an offensive Google Business Profile photo
Reporting Customer-Uploaded Photos via Google Maps (Mobile)
While Google Search is preferred, you can also report photos using the Google Maps mobile app:
- Log into your Google account with GBP manager access on your smartphone.
- Search for your business on Google Maps.
- Go to “Photos and Videos” and click “All.”
- Locate the photo you want to report.
- Tap the three dots (or the flag icon) and select “Report a Problem.”
- Choose the appropriate reason or “Other” and explain the issue.
- Click “Report.” Google will send updates to your Google Maps email address.
Conclusion
Managing your GBP photos is crucial for presenting a positive image of your business. While you can’t control customer uploads, understanding how to report inappropriate content empowers you to maintain a professional online presence. Remember to consult Google’s content guidelines when reporting photos.
