Can I choose how to verify my business?

No. Google decides which methods each profile gets, based on its business type, public information, region and opening hours, and they can't be changed. If Google offers more than one and one fails, you can try another.

Why did the "Get verified" button come back?

It means Google couldn't completely verify the business. Google's advice is to verify again, and to try another method if the profile offers more than one.

Should I create a new profile if verification fails?

No. Google's help says not to create a new Business Profile for the same business. A second profile for the same business counts as a duplicate and doesn't show on Search or Maps.

Why are my Business Profile insights missing?

If the profile isn't verified, Google doesn't share performance data for it. Verified profiles get calls, website clicks and views. GBPilot shows which of your profiles are affected and imports the last 18 months once Google verifies them.

Can GBPilot verify my business for me?

No. Only Google verifies Business Profiles, and only the owner or a manager can complete the steps. This tool explains each status and links to Google's own pages, and GBPilot alerts you when a connected profile's status changes.

Free tool

Google Business Profile verification help, step by step

Pick what Google shows for your profile, from a "Get verified" button to a suspension, and see what it means, what Google asks you to do and where to do it. Every step comes from Google's own help pages.

What does Google show for your profile?

Key takeaways

Google picks the verification methods for each profile, and you can't change them. The options include phone or text, email, a live video call, mail and a video recording.
After you finish the steps, Google's review takes up to 5 business days, and rarely longer.
If the "Get verified" button comes back, Google couldn't verify the profile. Try again, or try another method if one is offered.
A suspended profile is reinstated through Google's appeals tool. Each decision can be appealed once, and documents with a matching name and address help.
An unverified profile has no insights: Google only reports performance for verified profiles.

Last updated November 5, 2026 · GBPilot Editorial Team

How it works

How to use the verification helper

01
Pick what Google shows
Choose the message or button you see on your Business Profile, such as "Get verified", pending, or a suspension.
02
Read what it means
See what the status means, the steps Google asks for, and links to Google's own help pages for it.
03
Take the next step
Follow the steps on Google, or copy the ready-made message to Google's support or appeals team and edit it first.

Why verify

Why does Google make you verify a Business Profile?

Verification proves you own or manage the business. Until a profile is verified, you can't edit its details on Google, interact with customers as the owner or see its performance. According to Google's Business Profile Help, verifying gives you ownership of the profile, so you can keep its information accurate.

It matters for reporting too. Google only shares calls, website clicks and views for verified profiles, so an unverified profile has no insights at all.

Methods

What verification methods does Google offer?

Google chooses which methods your profile gets, based on its business type, public information, region and opening hours, and you can't change them. The options are phone or text, email, a live video call, mail and a recorded video, and some profiles need more than one.

Google recommends the video option when it's offered.

Method	How it works
Phone or text	Google sends a code to the business phone number
Email	Google sends a code to an email address it lists for the business
Live video call	You show the business to a Google agent on a call
Mail	Google posts a code to the business address
Video recording	You record and upload one unedited clip from your phone

Timing

How long does verification take?

Up to 5 business days after you finish the steps, according to Google, and on rare occasions longer. Some profiles are verified straight away, for example when the business website is already verified in Google Search Console, or when a business with many locations uses bulk verification. Google emails you when the profile is verified.

Video

How do you pass video verification?

Record one unedited clip of at least 30 seconds, live from your phone through the Business Profile. Google wants three things in it: where the business is, proof that it exists, such as permanent signage with the same name as the profile, and proof that you manage it, such as opening the till or a staff-only room.

01Record it live in one take. Pre-recorded or edited videos aren't allowed.
02Show the location: street signs, building numbers or nearby businesses.
03Show the business: a storefront, showroom or sign with the profile's exact name. Service-area businesses can show tools, equipment or branded vehicles.
04Show you manage it: open the till, a stockroom or the kitchen, or a business permit with the same name.
05Leave out bank, tax or ID numbers, private information and other people's faces.

Stuck

What can you do when verification is stuck?

Start with Google's verification status tool, signed in to the account that manages the profile. If it shows the same status as your profile, it's a delay, and waiting is the fix. Owners on Local Search Forum report that when the tool and the profile disagree, contacting Google support is what gets it moving.

01Check the status in Google's verification status tool first.
02Compare the tool with your profile: the same status means wait, and a mismatch means contact support.
03Avoid edits while you wait. Google says recent changes to business details are a common reason it asks for more information.
04Don't create a second profile for the same business. Google treats it as a duplicate.

Suspensions

How do you get a suspended profile back?

Appeal through Google's Business Profile appeals tool. First check that the profile follows Google's guidelines, then attach evidence such as a business registration, a license, a tax certificate or a utility bill with the same name and address. Each decision can be appealed once. If your whole account is restricted, appeal that first.

See what GBPilot keeps while a profile is unavailable

FAQ

Questions about verification

Know when Google stops sharing your data

Connect your profiles, and GBPilot flags any that Google won't share insights for, then imports their history once they're verified.

Start free