Short answer: The ownership request is sent from the claim link on the business’s Google listing, and the current owner’s response is awaited first; if no response comes, the profile can be claimed through profile verification. To transfer the profile to someone else, the current owner first adds the new person as a manager, then transfers primary ownership to them.
The process of requesting Google business ownership is the official route that allows a business to regain control when someone else created or manages its Maps listing. The listing may remain in a former employee’s personal account, with an agency whose relationship has ended or with the previous owner who transferred the store. Google’s prescribed process for claiming a business is clear: first request access from the current owner, then proceed to a claim through verification if no response arrives.
This article explains the difference between owner and manager roles, the request form, waiting period, appeals, adding users and transferring primary ownership step by step, based on Google’s Turkish help pages. Onur Freelance is not an official Google support channel; in every case, Google is the party that approves or rejects the ownership request, and no third party can make that decision on its behalf.
Video transcript
How do you request Google business ownership? First request access from the current owner; if no response arrives within three days, proceed to a claim through verification. An ownership request is needed when the verified listing is not in the business owner’s account: it may be with a former employee, an agency whose relationship has ended, the previous owner or an inaccessible old email account. Sign in with the account that will manage the business, enter the business name and address and select it from the list. Select Request access, complete the form and submit it. The current owner is given three days. There is only one primary owner. An owner can add and remove users and delete the profile. A manager handles daily work but cannot add users or delete the profile. Do not create a new listing when the business is sold. The seller adds the buyer’s account as an owner; after seven days, primary ownership is transferred and the seller’s access is removed. Rejections, appeals and steps for recovering access from a former agency are on this page. If you get stuck with ownership, you can send a message on WhatsApp. Onur Freelance dot com.
Let’s identify together who holds the profile
Whose account holds the Maps listing, whether it is verified and which route should be followed are examined in a free preliminary assessment. Request and verification steps are performed through the business owner’s own Google Account; no password or verification code is requested.
When is requesting Google business ownership necessary?
An ownership request becomes relevant when the business’s Google listing is verified but is not in the business owner’s account. Google’s profile creation page says to request ownership of the profile when receiving a message that the business has been verified by someone else. Creating a new, second listing is not a solution in this situation. The most common scenarios in practice are:
- Former employee: The profile was created years ago with a staff member’s personal Gmail address, and that person has left.
- Former agency: The agency or freelancer who performed setup holds the profile in their own account, and the working relationship has ended.
- Previous business owner: The store has changed hands, but the Maps listing remains in the previous owner’s account.
- Forgotten account: The profile is linked to an old email address the business owner can no longer access.
The first question is the same in every scenario: can the current owner be reached? If so, the shortest route is for the owner to add the business as an authorized user through profile settings; if not, Google’s request process comes into play.
When communicating with a reachable former owner, making the request clear simplifies the work: first add the business’s permanent email address as an owner, transfer primary ownership after seven days, and then have the former owner remove their own role. This sequence preserves both reviews and profile history and can be completed without entering Google’s request process at all. Written communication serves as a record if a dispute arises later.
Owner, primary owner and manager: differences between the roles
A Business Profile has two roles: owner and manager. According to Google’s managing owners and managers page, a profile can have multiple owners but only one primary owner. A manager has almost the same access as owners; the difference is being unable to add or remove users or delete the profile. An agency added as a Google business manager can handle daily work but cannot determine the profile’s fate.
| Permission | Primary owner | Owner | Manager |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edit information, photos and review responses | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Add and remove users | Yes | Yes | No |
| Delete the profile | Yes | Yes | No |
| Remove themselves from the profile | Not without transferring primary ownership | Yes | Yes |
According to Google, Google Groups cannot be added as owners or managers. Keeping primary ownership with the business itself, preferably under an email using the business’s domain, is the most critical point in this table; the need to request Google business ownership often arises when this point is neglected.
Check first: is the profile verified or unclaimed?
The route depends on whether the listing is verified. According to Google’s adding and claiming a business page, if an unverified profile appears on Maps, select ‘Claim this business’ on the business card, followed by ‘Manage now.’ In this case, there is no waiting for someone else’s permission; proceed directly to a verification option, and Google does not charge for this process.
If the profile is already verified, the same page states that a person authorized to manage the business can ask the current owner to transfer ownership. The Google Business Profile ownership request process is designed precisely for this second situation. If you want the steps for creating a profile from scratch, the guide to adding a business to Google Maps covers them separately.
Requesting Google Business Profile ownership step by step
For a verified listing, the request is submitted through a few screens at business.google.com. The sequence on Google’s requesting ownership of a Business Profile page is as follows:
- Sign in with the Google Account that will manage the business and go to business.google.com/add.
- Enter the business name and address.
- Select the correct business from the suggestion list.
- Select ‘Request access.’
- Complete the form that opens.
- Select ‘Submit’ and wait for the confirmation email acknowledging receipt of the request.
The account submitting the request will become the profile owner in the future; therefore, use the business’s permanent account rather than an employee’s personal address. Google recommends contacting Google if this option does not appear for businesses that serve customers at their locations and do not have a physical storefront.
Page contents
The request sent to the current owner and the three-day waiting period
When a request is submitted, the current profile owner receives an email notification, and Google allows three days for a response. During that period, the owner may approve or reject the request. Request status can be tracked in two ways:
- Sign in to Business Profile with the account that submitted the request
- Click the link in the confirmation email
If approved, the profile becomes manageable; if rejected, a rejection email arrives. Creating a new listing, trying to change profile information from another account or pressuring the former owner during the wait does not speed up the process. The healthiest step in the Google business ownership request process is to use these three days for direct communication with the former owner.
If there is no response: claiming through verification
If the current owner does not respond within three days, Google’s page states that a claim can be made. Open the confirmation email, select ‘View request’ followed by ‘Verify,’ and follow the verification steps on screen. The ‘Claim’ or ‘Verify’ button in Business Profile serves the same purpose.
Verification time frames are provided on Google’s verification page : review can take up to five business days, and with the postcard method the code usually arrives within 14 days. Google determines methods automatically, and the business owner cannot change them. The verification code is not shared with anyone, including profile managers; Google never asks for this code either.
Points to watch during verification
Do not change the business name, address or category while waiting for a postcard; a change can invalidate the arriving code. Consistency between signage, address and telephone information and the Google listing helps verification proceed smoothly. No service promising a result beyond Google’s decision on approval or timing should be trusted.
Appealing and suggesting an edit if the request is rejected
A rejection by the current owner does not mean the process is over. According to Google’s ownership request page, after receiving a rejection email you can suggest an edit to the profile and try appealing the decision. Rejection usually indicates that the person holding the listing believes they still have a connection to the business; separation of business partners or unpaid-service disputes are examples.
Before appealing, preparing a consistent picture showing actual ownership of the business is useful: the same name, address and telephone number on signage, the website and official documents. If there is a legal dispute, Google does not resolve it like a court; seeking a lawyer’s opinion is recommended in such disputes.
If a former agency or employee will not release the profile, let’s map out the route
Which account holds the profile, whether a request or verification is needed and what should remain untouched during the waiting period are clarified together in the preliminary meeting. Steps are taken through the business owner’s account; the ownership decision belongs to Google and cannot be accelerated externally.
Adding a Google Business Profile manager and removing users
The first task after gaining control is to organize who can access the profile. The sequence for adding users on Google’s owners and managers page is:
- Sign in to Business Profile.
- Select ‘More,’ then ‘Business Profile settings’ and ‘People and access.’
- Select ‘Add’ and enter the email address of the person to add.
- Choose ‘Owner’ or ‘Manager’ as the role and send the invitation.
The invited person gains immediate access when they accept the invitation. To remove a user, select the person on the same screen and use ‘Remove user’; the removed person receives an email. Access for departing employees and providers whose relationships have ended is cleared promptly on this screen; performing this check regularly removes the need to go through Google business ownership request steps again later.
The seven-day waiting period for new users
Google states that a new owner or manager must wait seven days before managing all features. During this period, the new user cannot delete the profile, remove other owners or be made primary owner. If a new owner or manager leaves within the first seven days, they are also removed from the profile.
How do you transfer a Google business? Transferring primary ownership
When a business is sold or a partner leaves, primary ownership of the existing profile is transferred rather than creating a new listing. Google’s transferring primary ownership page emphasizes transferring primary ownership to the new owner when business ownership changes, thereby preserving all business information such as reviews. Only owners can perform the transfer, and the new primary owner must first have been added to the profile as an owner or manager.
The transfer screen is in the same place as the add-user screen: select the user under ‘People and access,’ use ‘Edit’ beside ‘Access,’ select ‘Primary owner’ and save. Attempting the transfer before the newly added person’s seven-day period expires produces an error message. After transfer, the former primary owner can remain as an owner or manager or be removed entirely.
Recommended sequence when selling a business
The Maps listing is often forgotten during a transfer and returns as a problem months later. Include the profile among transferred assets in the sale or transfer discussion. The practical sequence is:
- Identify the buyer’s Google Account created in the business’s name.
- The seller adds this account to the profile as an owner.
- After the seven-day period expires, primary ownership is transferred to the buyer.
- The buyer removes the seller’s access or temporarily retains it according to the agreement.
Recovering a Google business account from a former agency
An agency managing a profile on behalf of a business is specifically addressed in Google’s rules. Google’s eligibility and ownership guidelines define SEO/SEM companies and agencies managing profiles they do not own as ‘authorized representatives.’ According to the same page, representatives should not claim ownership without the business owner’s express consent, should encourage owners to create their own accounts where possible, and must immediately transfer ownership to the business when requested.
When the relationship ends, ownership is likewise expected to be transferred to the business owner on request; Google states that failure to follow these rules can lead to suspension of the profile or Google Account. The recommended sequence for recovering a Google business account from a former agency is to first request in writing that the agency make the business account the primary owner, then start the ownership request process if no response arrives. Warning signs to watch when choosing a third party are also provided on the Google Business Profile support page .
Ownership stays with the business when working with an agency: common practice and our approach
A frequently seen industry habit is for the party performing setup to create the profile, domain and hosting account in their own account. This arrangement may appear practical in the short term, but when the relationship ends, the business has to wait for permission to access its own digital assets. The following table places the two approaches side by side:
| Subject | Common practice | Onur Freelance’s approach |
|---|---|---|
| Business Profile | Created in the agency’s account | Created in the business’s account; we are added as managers |
| Primary ownership | Remains with the agency | Always remains with the business |
| Password and verification code | Sent to the agency | Not requested or shared |
| Domain and hosting | May be registered in the agency’s name | Created in the business’s name |
| When the relationship ends | The agency’s approval is awaited for transfer | The business removes our access itself |
Hosting at 2,000 TL annually and a domain at 1,000 TL, totaling 3,000 TL, are created in the business’s name; the same principle applies to profiles and advertising accounts. Google’s tips for working with third parties page also states that only profile owners control access and can update permissions whenever they wish.
At the beginning of work, which account is the primary owner and who has been added as owners and managers are documented. When the working relationship ends, the business can remove our manager role, or we remove our own role from the profile. This eliminates the need to wait for anyone’s approval for a transfer.
Common ownership mistakes and the correct method
Most ownership problems arise from small choices made when the profile is first created. Common mistakes and the correct alternatives are as follows:
- A profile created with personal Gmail: When the employee leaves, the account goes too. Google recommends registering with the business’s email domain when creating a new account.
- A profile with a single owner: If access to the primary owner’s account is lost, the profile becomes locked; add an account trusted by the business as a second owner.
- Leaving departing employees on the list: Remove access through ‘People and access’ on the day the employee leaves.
- Creating a second profile: Google states that an account may be suspended if more than one profile exists for the same business in the same metropolitan area.
- Sharing the verification code: Do not forward the code to anyone; Google does not ask for it.
- Giving primary ownership to an agency: Always add the service provider as a manager.
All these mistakes can be prevented by a settings check taking a few minutes, avoiding the need to recover access later. Optimization steps after correct profile setup are explained in the Google Business Profile optimization guide .
Is the ownership process paid, and who does what?
No payment is made to Google for requesting business ownership, making a claim or verification; the distinction between free and paid items is detailed in the article is Google Business Profile paid? The business owner can carry out the process independently. If outside support is obtained, the provider’s role is to show the correct route, make information consistent and take the steps together through the owner’s account.
Onur Freelance is a web design and digital marketing studio based in Maltepe since 2019; it is not an official Google support channel, does not speak on Google’s behalf and has no influence over ownership decisions. Profile editing is addressed as part of the local SEO service ; monthly SEO fees start at 9,000 TL, and the scope is clarified in the preliminary meeting.
Once ownership is clear, let’s strengthen the profile together
During the information-gathering stage, the steps on Google’s help pages are sufficient on their own. If there is uncertainty about which route to choose, the current situation is examined in a free preliminary assessment. If control has passed to the business, you can contact us through WhatsApp or telephone to strengthen the profile in local search.
If fake or rule-breaking reviews are encountered after gaining control of the profile, use the reporting and appeal steps in the removing Google business reviews guide.
If the business is closing or relocating rather than changing hands, how to mark the profile is explained in the closing a Google business guide.
Related guides
- Adding a business to Google Maps
- Is Google Business Profile paid?
- Google Business Profile support channels
- Removing Google business reviews
- Closing and relocating a Google business
- Google review link generator
- Google Business Profile optimization
- Adding Google business photos
- Google Business Profile verification problems
- If the former agency will not provide access
Frequently asked questions
How do you request Google business ownership?
At business.google.com/add, enter the business name and address, select the business from the list, choose ‘Request access,’ complete the form and submit it. The request is emailed to the current profile owner.
How long does the current owner have to respond to an ownership request?
Google gives the current profile owner three days to respond. If no response arrives during that time, a claim can be made through the ‘View request’ and ‘Verify’ steps in the confirmation email.
What should you do if the ownership request is rejected?
After receiving the rejection email, you can suggest an edit to the profile and try appealing the decision. Google makes the final decision.
How long does verification take?
According to Google, verification review can take up to five business days; with the postcard method, the code usually arrives within 14 days. Google determines the method automatically.
How do you add a Google Business Profile manager?
In Business Profile, select ‘More,’ ‘Business Profile settings’ and ‘People and access,’ enter the email address through ‘Add,’ select the ‘Owner’ or ‘Manager’ role and send the invitation.
How is the Google profile transferred when a business is sold?
The new owner is first added to the profile as an owner or manager and, after seven days, made primary owner through ‘People and access.’ Google states that this preserves business information such as reviews.
What should you do if the former agency will not return the profile?
First ask the agency in writing to make the business account the primary owner; if this produces no result, start Google’s ownership request process. Google’s guidelines require authorized representatives to transfer ownership to the business owner when requested.
Can Onur Freelance approve an ownership request on Google's behalf?
No; Onur Freelance is not an official Google support channel, and only Google makes ownership decisions. The process is carried out through the business owner’s account, and no password or verification code is requested.
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