How to Combine Two Google Business Locations and Keep All Reviews?

Quick Answer: You can only combine two Google Business Profiles if they represent the same business at the same address. If one location has closed or moved, mark it as “moved” and request Google support to transfer reviews to the active listing. Merging profiles from different addresses isn’t allowed unless it’s a legitimate relocation with clear proof.

When managing multiple business locations on Google Business Profile, the idea of combining them into one unified listing seems like the most efficient route, especially if you’re rebranding, consolidating, or relocating. But here’s the catch: Google doesn’t allow you to merge two active locations into one master profile unless very specific conditions are met. And when you want to keep all reviews, the rules get even stricter.

This guide breaks down what’s really possible, what’s not, and how to go about consolidating your presence without losing the reputation you’ve worked so hard to build.

Why Business Owners Want to Merge Listings?

Let’s say your brand has two physical storefronts or service areas, maybe you expanded a few years ago but recently decided to downsize or move operations entirely to one place. Or perhaps the second location was an experimental satellite office that didn’t work out, and now you want all attention redirected to your main location.

The problem? Reviews, rankings, and search visibility are tied to each location’s individual profile, and simply closing one listing can often result in the loss of hard-earned credibility.

What you really want is one central listing, with all your reviews and search weight, pointing to your active business.

So, can you merge listings and retain reviews? Let’s walk through the realities.

Google’s Policy: When Can Listings Be Merged?

Here’s the golden rule:

Google only allows you to merge two listings if they represent the same business at the same address.

In most cases, that means one of the following must be true:

• You accidentally created two profiles for the same location
• You’ve moved locations, and the old profile can be marked as “Moved”
• You’re consolidating or closing one location and want to redirect its presence

If the listings represent two distinct addresses, you cannot merge them directly into a single active listing. However, you can close one and potentially transfer its reviews if the move is legitimate and meets Google’s criteria.

Scenario 1: Merging Two Listings at the Same Address

If you have two GBP profiles that represent the same business at the same address, merging is easy.

Here’s what to do:

1. Go to Google Business Profile Manager
2. Select both listings
3. Choose the option to “Request to merge”
4. You’ll need to confirm that:
   • Both listings represent the same business
   • The address is exactly the same
   • Business names are either identical or clearly tied

Google will typically merge these within a few days. All reviews, media, and rankings will be combined under the older or more established listing.

This works best when there was an accidental duplicate, or when an agency created multiple profiles without realizing it.

Scenario 2: One Location Is Moving or Closing, You Want to Retain Reviews

This is where things get tricky.

Let’s say your business is closing one location and moving operations to another city or storefront. If the business name stays the same, and the brand identity and services are consistent, you may be eligible to request a review transfer from the old location to the new one.

But Google is very cautious with this. They’ll only approve the request if:

• The move is permanent
• You can prove it’s the same business
• The name, phone number, and core offering are unchanged
• You close the old listing properly using the “Mark as moved” feature

Here’s how to do it:

1. Go to the old listing and click “Mark as permanently closed”
2. Choose the reason: Moved to a new location
3. Add the link to the new business profile
4. Contact Google Business Profile support and request a review transfer
5. Provide clear documentation showing it’s the same business:
   • Old and new addresses
   • Same business name and contact info
   • Website showing the updated location
   • Photos, signage, licenses if needed

Once approved, Google may migrate the reviews to your new profile, but note that they do this manually, and not every request is granted.

Important: What You Cannot Do?

Many business owners try to get creative, but Google has strict limits on merging or manipulating listings.

You cannot:

• Merge two listings at different addresses just to combine reviews
• Keep both listings active while combining reviews
• Use a review transfer as a workaround to boost a weaker profile
• Change a listing’s address without documenting the move properly

Doing any of these may violate Google’s guidelines and result in review loss or even suspension.

Best Practices to Consolidate Listings the Right Way

Before you rush to hit “merge” on two Google Business Profiles, let’s make one thing clear: you can only merge business listings if you have access to both profiles. This is not optional, it’s a strict requirement. If you don’t own both, Google will not proceed until you gain ownership or managerial access to the second listing.

Step 1: Gain Ownership of Both Listings

Start by logging into your Google Business Profile Manager and making sure you have full access to both the listings you want to merge. If one of them is not in your dashboard, you’ll need to claim or request access to it. Google may prompt you to verify ownership through email, phone, postcard, or video verification.

Once you have control over both, you’re ready to start the merge process.

Step 2: Contact Google Support to Request the Merge

Google does not offer an automated “merge” button for business listings. Instead, you’ll need to fill out a Google Business Profile support form, choosing the option related to duplicate or multiple listings.

In the form, clearly explain that you are trying to merge two profiles of the same business, and that you are the owner of both. A support agent will review your request and follow up, usually by email.

Step 3: Prepare the Required Information

Once you hear back from the support team, they will likely ask for structured information to proceed. Providing this in a clean, organized format will speed things up dramatically.

Here’s what you’ll want to include in your email response:

1. Business Information – Primary Listing (The One You Want to Keep):

• Business Name:
• Address:
• Phone Number:
• Website:
• Business Category:
• Google Maps URL:

Duplicate Listing (The One You Want to Merge):

• Business Name:
• Address:
• Phone Number:
• Website:
• Business Category:
• Google Maps URL:

2. Reason for Merge

Briefly explain why the listings should be merged. Be honest and specific. For example:

“Both listings represent the same physical business location. One was created by a third party during our rebrand, and it is now causing confusion among our customers. We’d like to merge the listings to maintain accurate information and avoid duplicate appearances in search results.”

If the duplicate listing contains incorrect data or misleading reviews, make sure to point that out too.

3. Supporting Documents (if requested)

To verify that this is a legitimate request, support may ask for proof. It’s best to gather these in advance:

• Business Registration Certificate, with your business name and correct address
• Utility Bill, to confirm you occupy the listed address
• Lease Agreement or Tax Documents, to prove you legally operate at that location

Attach these as clear PDF or image files.

4. Preferred Listing to Keep

Be absolutely clear which listing you want to remain active. Include its Google Maps link or Business Profile ID. Mention that the other should be merged and then marked as removed or closed.

5. Confirmation of Ownership

Finish by confirming your authority:

“I am the authorized owner/manager of both business listings and have full access. I am requesting this merge to maintain consistency and prevent duplicate listings from confusing our customers.”

Once Google has all this information, they’ll typically process the request in 3 to 7 business days. You’ll receive a confirmation once the merge is complete.

Pro Tip: If your situation is complicated or if the support thread stalls, don’t hesitate to reply with follow-up context or screenshots. Clear, polite communication, backed with verifiable data, is often the difference between a fast resolution and a month-long wait.

Be Strategic, Not Impulsive

Consolidating your Google Business Profiles is not just about cleaning up clutter, it’s about preserving trust, reviews, and visibility. And when done wrong, it can cost you more than just a few stars, it can wipe out your local search presence.

Before merging, moving, or requesting a transfer, evaluate which profile is stronger, gather documentation, and build a case. Google will reward clean, consistent, and verifiable actions.

If in doubt, seek help from a Google Product Expert or a professional local SEO consultant. The difference between keeping and losing 300+ reviews often comes down to how well you present your case, and how patient you’re willing to be with the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

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