How to Fix: Reviews Missing or Filtered #
Reviews are visible to the person who wrote them but not publicly displayed, or your total review count doesn’t match visible reviews.
Step-by-Step Solution #
Step 1: Understand Why Reviews Get Filtered #
Google filters reviews that:
- Violate content policy (spam, fake, offensive)
- Come from suspicious accounts (new, no profile photo, single review)
- Appear solicited or incentivized
- Come from the same IP address repeatedly
- Contain prohibited content (personal info, links, etc.)
Step 2: Check If Reviews Violate Policy #
Review Google’s policies:
- No spam or fake content
- No conflicts of interest (employees reviewing their own business)
- No reviews in exchange for payment
- No offensive or illegal content
- Must be based on actual experience
Step 3: For Legitimate Missing Reviews #
If you believe reviews were filtered incorrectly:
- Have the reviewer sign in to their Google account
- Ask them to check if their review is visible to them
- If visible to them but not publicly, it’s filtered
Step 4: Request Review Restoration #
For incorrectly filtered positive reviews:
- Click Support in Google Business Profile
- Select Reviews
- Explain that legitimate reviews are missing
- Provide review details (date, reviewer name if known)
- Note: Google rarely restores filtered reviews
Step 5: For Negative Reviews You Want Removed #
If inappropriate reviews are visible:
- Click Reviews in your dashboard
- Find the review
- Click the three dots (⋮)
- Select Flag as inappropriate
- Choose the policy violation
- Submit for Google review
Google typically responds within 2-3 days.
Step 6: Prevent Future Filtering #
Best practices:
- Don’t incentivize reviews (no discounts for reviews)
- Don’t use review stations or kiosks in your business
- Spread out review requests over time
- Make sure customers review from their own devices/networks
- Encourage detailed, specific reviews
What You CANNOT Do #
- You cannot see which specific reviews are filtered
- You cannot restore filtered reviews yourself
- You cannot prevent Google’s filter algorithm
- Buying reviews will get your profile suspended
Official Resources #
Need Professional Help? #
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