04 Sep How to Edit a Google Review: A Step-by-Step Guide to Editing Your Own Google Review and Updating Your Rating or Written Feedback

Edit your own Google review by signing in to the same Google account you used to post it, opening Google Maps, finding the review under your contributions, and selecting Edit review from the three-dot menu.

TL;DR: You can change both the star rating and the written text of your Google review at any time, as long as you use the original account. For example, if you left a 2-star review after a late delivery and the business later fixed the issue, you can update it to 4 stars and explain what changed. In most cases, the edit appears within a few minutes, though Google may take longer if the text triggers moderation checks. Expect to spend about 60 to 90 seconds if you already know where your reviews are stored.

What You Can and Cannot Edit

Google lets you edit your own public reviews. That includes the star rating, written feedback, and sometimes attached photos or videos. You cannot edit someone else’s review. A business owner also cannot change a customer’s review, even if the review is unfair, outdated, or poorly written.

The catch is that Google does not always make the review list easy to find. It can feel buried, especially on mobile, where one extra tap can send you to your public profile instead of your review controls. Still, once you know the path, the process is simple.

You may want to edit a review when:

• The business resolved your complaint and your old rating no longer feels fair.
• You made a factual mistake, such as naming the wrong employee or visiting date.
• Your experience changed after a second visit.
• Your original review was too emotional and you want to make it clearer.
• You want to add useful details for future customers.

How to Edit a Google Review on Desktop

If you are using a laptop or desktop computer, Google Maps is usually the cleanest route. Use the same Google account that posted the review. If you have several accounts, check your profile icon first. That small check saves time.

1. Go to Google Maps. Open maps.google.com in your browser.
2. Sign in. Use the Google account connected to the review.
3. Open the menu. Click the menu icon in the upper-left corner.
4. Select “Your contributions.” This section stores your reviews, photos, and ratings.
5. Click the “Reviews” tab. Scroll until you find the business you reviewed.
6. Click the three dots next to the review. This opens review options.
7. Choose “Edit review.”
8. Update your star rating or text. You can raise or lower the rating and rewrite the feedback.
9. Click “Post.” Your edited review will replace the old version.

After posting, refresh the page and check the business listing. Sometimes the old version appears for a short time because of caching. Honestly, it feels like Google could show a clearer “updated” status here, but usually the change goes through without any extra action.

How to Edit a Google Review on iPhone or Android

The steps are similar in the Google Maps app, though labels may vary slightly by device and app version. Make sure the app is updated before you start. Older versions can hide review options in odd places.

1. Open the Google Maps app.
2. Tap your profile picture in the upper-right corner.
3. Select “Your profile.”
4. Scroll to your reviews. You may see a list of places you reviewed.
5. Find the review you want to change.
6. Tap the three-dot menu beside that review.
7. Tap “Edit review.”
8. Change the rating, text, photos, or details.
9. Tap “Post.”

If you cannot find the review through your profile, search for the business in Google Maps. Open the business listing, scroll to your review, and tap the three dots there. This second method often works when the profile page feels cluttered.

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How to Update Only the Star Rating

You do not have to rewrite the whole review. If your written feedback still makes sense, you can change only the star rating. Open the review, select Edit review, tap or click a new star rating, and post the update.

This is useful when the facts did not change, but your final opinion did. For example, a restaurant may have served slow food during your first visit, but the manager later apologized and offered a proper fix. You might keep the original note about the wait but raise the rating from 3 stars to 4 stars after the follow-up.

How to Update the Written Feedback

Written edits deserve care. A review can affect a local business, an employee, and future customers. Keep it factual. Avoid insults. Mention dates, services, and outcomes where they help.

A strong edited review might say:

“Update: The owner contacted me two days after my visit and corrected the billing issue. My first experience was frustrating, but the follow-up was professional. I am changing my rating from 2 stars to 4 stars because the problem was handled properly.”

This type of update is clear and fair. It tells readers what happened before and after. It also shows that the new rating is based on a real change, not pressure or guesswork.

Can You Delete a Google Review Instead?

Yes. If editing is not enough, you can delete your review. Go to the review, open the three-dot menu, and choose Delete review. Once deleted, the review is removed from your profile and from the business listing.

Deletion makes sense when you reviewed the wrong business, posted private information, or no longer stand by the review at all. Editing is usually better when the review still contains useful history.

Why Your Edited Review May Not Appear Right Away

Most review edits appear quickly. Some take longer. Google may review changes that include sensitive claims, personal details, links, repeated keywords, or language that looks promotional.

Your edited review may also fail to appear if it violates Google’s review policies. Common problems include:

• Personal attacks against staff or customers.
• Private information, such as phone numbers, addresses, or medical details.
• Conflicts of interest, such as reviewing your own business.
• Fake experiences or second-hand claims.
• Spam-like wording, repeated phrases, or irrelevant links.

If your edit disappears, wait a little while and check again. If it still does not show, rewrite it in plain language. Stick to what you personally experienced.

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Best Practices Before You Change a Review

Before posting an update, read your original review once. Ask whether the rating matches the text. A 5-star rating with angry feedback looks confusing. A 1-star rating after a full refund and apology may also feel outdated.

Use an “Update” label if you want readers to see the full story. This is often more helpful than erasing the past. It gives context and shows that the business had a chance to respond.

Keep these rules in mind:

• Be specific. Say what changed.
• Be fair. Do not punish a business for a fixed issue forever.
• Be brief. Long reviews can lose their point.
• Be accurate. Do not add claims you cannot support.
• Be calm. A measured edit sounds more credible.

Quick Troubleshooting

If you cannot edit your Google review, the most likely reason is that you are signed in to the wrong account. Switch accounts and check again. If the review was removed by Google, you may not be able to recover or edit it.

If the three-dot menu does not show, update the Google Maps app or try a desktop browser. If photos will not save, remove them and post the text first. Then try adding images later.

Editing a Google review is a small action, but it can make your feedback more accurate and useful. When a business improves, your review can reflect that. When your first review had an error, you can correct the record without starting from scratch.