How to Merge Duplicate Google Business Profiles – A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is one of the most powerful tools for local businesses. It helps customers find your business on Google Search and Google Maps, view reviews, check business hours, and contact you easily. However, many business owners face a common issue: duplicate Google Business Profiles.

Duplicate listings can confuse customers, split reviews, harm local SEO rankings, and even cause suspension issues. That’s why learning how to merge duplicate Google Business Profiles correctly is extremely important.

In this detailed guide, you will learn:

Why duplicate or merge issues matter
The step-by-step process to merge duplicate Google Business Profiles
Common problems and their solutions
Tips to avoid delays
FAQs and best practices

You’ll also see how How to Verify Your Google Business Profile plays a key role during the merge process.

How to merge duplicate Google Business Profiles And Why Merging Duplicate Google Business Profiles Is Important

Duplicate Google Business Profiles usually happen due to:

Multiple owners or managers creating listings
Business relocation or rebranding
Automatic listings created by Google
Agency or previous employee actions

Problems Caused by Duplicate Listings

If duplicates are not fixed, your business may face:

❌ Confused customers (different addresses or phone numbers)
❌ Split reviews across profiles
❌ Lower local SEO rankings
❌ Risk of suspension by Google
❌ Loss of trust and credibility

How to merge duplicate Google Business Profiles , Merging duplicate profiles helps Google clearly understand your business and improves visibility, rankings, and customer experience.

Understanding Verified vs Unverified Business Profiles

Before you merge duplicate Google Business Profiles, it’s important to understand verification status.

Verified Profile → Controlled by an owner who has proven ownership
Unverified Profile → No confirmed owner

In most cases, Google allows merging only when:

You own or manage both profiles, or
One profile is verified and the other is unverified

This is where How to Verify Your Google Business Profile becomes essential, as verification often decides which profile will remain active after merging.

Step-by-Step Process to Merge Duplicate Google Business Profiles

Step 1: Identify Duplicate Profiles

Search your business name on:

Google Search
Google Maps

Check for:

Same business name
Same address
Same phone number
Same category

Make a list of all duplicate profiles.

Step 2: Check Ownership & Verification Status

Which profile is verified
Which one has reviews
Which one has complete information

If none is verified, first focus on How to Verify Your Google Business Profile to avoid complications later.

Step 3: Decide Which Profile to Keep and How to merge duplicate Google Business Profiles

Usually, you should keep the profile that:

Has the most reviews
Is already verified
Has accurate business details
Is ranking better on Google

The other profile(s) will be merged or removed.

Step 4: Request Ownership (If Needed)

If a duplicate profile is owned by someone else:

Open the duplicate listing
Click “Own this business?”
Request access from the current owner

Once access is approved, you can proceed with merging.

Step 5: Contact Google Business Profile Support

Currently, How to merge duplicate Google Business Profiles, Google does not offer a direct “merge” button. You must contact support:

Go to Google Business Profile Help
Choose Contact Us
Select:
- Fix duplicate listings
- Merge business profiles
Fill in details:
- URLs of both profiles
- Which profile to keep
- Reason for merging

Google may take 3–14 days to process the request.

Step 6: Verification (If Asked)

In some cases, Google may ask you to re-verify the main profile. This is another reason why understanding How to Verify Your Google Business Profile is critical during the merge process.

What Happens After Merging Duplicate Profiles?

After a successful merge:

Reviews from duplicate profiles may be combined
Old profile URLs redirect to the main profile
Rankings stabilize or improve
Customers see one clear business listing

How to merge duplicate Google Business Profiles

Note: Some photos or reviews may not always transfer fully.

Common Problems and Their Solutions

Problem 1: Google Rejects Merge Request

Solution:

Ensure both profiles have identical business details
Verify ownership
Contact support again with clear explanation

Problem 2: Reviews Don’t Transfer

Solution:

Unfortunately, Google does not guarantee review transfer
Always choose the profile with maximum reviews

Problem 3: Business Gets Suspended

Solution:

Ensure NAP (Name, Address, Phone) consistency
Avoid frequent edits
Follow Google’s guidelines strictly

Problem 4: Verification Delays

Solution:

Use correct business documents
Choose the recommended verification method
Follow best practices for How to Verify Your Google Business Profile

Tips for Faster & Smooth Merging

✔ Keep business information identical on all profiles
✔ Verify the primary profile before requesting merge
✔ Avoid making multiple changes during review
✔ Use official support channels only
✔ Maintain proper documentation

How Verification Plays a Key Role

Many business owners underestimate verification. Without verification:

Google may reject merge requests
Ownership conflicts can arise
Profiles can get suspended

That’s why learning How to Verify Your Google Business Profile properly ensures:

Faster approvals
Better control
Long-term stability

Use this knowledge before and after merging duplicate profiles.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Can I merge two Google Business Profiles myself?

No, you must contact Google Business Profile Support to request merging.

Q2. How long does it take to merge duplicate Google Business Profiles?

Usually between 3 to 14 business days, depending on verification and review.

Q3. Will I lose reviews after merging?

Google may combine reviews, but it’s not guaranteed. Always keep the profile with maximum reviews.

Q4. Can unverified profiles be merged?

Yes, but having at least one verified profile increases success chances.

Q5. Is verification mandatory for merging?

In most cases, yes. That’s why understanding How to Verify Your Google Business Profile is very important.

Final Conclusion

Duplicate Google Business Profiles can seriously damage your local SEO, customer trust, and online visibility. Knowing how to merge duplicate Google Business Profiles is essential for every business owner who wants long-term success on Google.

How to merge duplicate Google Business Profiles

By following the correct step-by-step process, keeping your information consistent, and focusing on verification, you can resolve duplicates safely and effectively. Always remember that How to Verify Your Google Business Profile is not just a technical step—it’s the foundation of managing, merging, and protecting your business listing.

If done correctly, merging duplicate profiles will improve rankings, consolidate reviews, and create a stronger online presence for your business.

Search on Google