You've spent time crafting a thoughtful review for a business on Google, only to find it mysteriously vanished a few days later. Or perhaps you're a business owner watching in dismay as your hard-earned customer reviews seem to disappear into thin air. If this sounds familiar, you're not alone – especially given the recent wave of review deletions reported since Friday, February 7, 2025.
Many business owners and customers have been left scratching their heads, with one frustrated user on Reddit noting, "I don't think people are deleting the reviews, it doesn't make sense." The situation has become particularly concerning as numerous users report seeing their reviews still present in their Google Business Profile (GBP) dashboard but not displaying on the public-facing side.
The Current Situation
The recent spike in missing reviews can be attributed to two main factors:
A confirmed technical glitch that emerged on Friday, February 7, 2025, affecting review visibility worldwide
Google's ongoing algorithmic enforcement of review policies
According to multiple reports on Reddit and other community forums, this isn't just isolated incidents – it's a widespread issue affecting businesses across different industries and locations. One business owner reported, "we have around 5/8 reviews disappearing per day," highlighting the significant impact this issue is having on business profiles.
Understanding Why Reviews Disappear
Before diving into the recent technical issues, it's important to understand the common reasons why Google might remove reviews:
1. Violation of Google's Review Policies
Spam or fake content
Duplicate reviews
Off-topic content
Restricted content or illegal activities
Conflict of interest (reviews from employees or competitors)
2. Technical Issues
System bugs and glitches (like the current February 7 issue)
Algorithmic false positives
Backend synchronization problems
3. Automated Filtering
Sudden influx of reviews triggering spam filters
IP address patterns raising red flags
Multiple reviews from the same user or device
The current situation is particularly frustrating because, as one user reported, "when I go deep down this issue, I have found all the reviews are still in my GBP dashboard panel, but not showing in front end." This suggests that rather than being permanently deleted, many reviews are caught in a technical limbo between the backend and frontend systems.
The February 7, 2025 Bug: What We Know
The recent bug has created significant disruption in the Google review ecosystem. Here's what we know about the situation:
Symptoms of the Bug
Reviews visible in business dashboards but not on public profiles
Incorrect review counts showing on business listings
Legitimate reviews being flagged as violations
Inconsistent display of ratings across different devices and platforms
According to discussions in the Google Business Profiles Help Forum, Google has acknowledged this as "a known glitch" affecting review counts and visibility. One forum moderator confirmed that "if you have lost more than 10 reviews, then you are part of this problem."
Impact on Businesses
The bug has created several challenges for businesses:
Decreased visibility and potentially lower rankings in local search results
Loss of social proof for potential customers
Confusion among customers who can't see their submitted reviews
Potential impact on business credibility
As one business owner expressed their frustration: "I have had dozens of reviews and even ratings removed from Google to the point where I no longer trust Google." This sentiment is echoed across various community forums and social media platforms.
What Can You Do About It?
If you're experiencing issues with disappearing reviews, here are the steps you should take:
1. Document Everything
Take screenshots of your existing reviews
Keep a record of review counts and ratings
Document any patterns you notice in review disappearances
Save copies of any communication with Google support
2. Report the Issue
Submit a support ticket through your Google Business Profile
Provide specific details about when reviews disappeared
Include screenshots and documentation
Reference the February 7 bug in your support ticket
3. Monitor Your Reviews Regularly
Check your GBP dashboard daily
Compare frontend and backend review counts
Keep track of new reviews as they come in
Document any discrepancies you notice
Best Practices to Protect Your Reviews
While waiting for the current bug to be resolved, here are some preventive measures you can take to protect your reviews going forward:
1. Implement a Review Management Strategy
Maintain a steady flow of reviews rather than getting them all at once
Respond to all reviews, both positive and negative
Keep copies of important reviews in a separate document
Use a review management tool to track and monitor your reviews
2. Follow Google's Guidelines
To minimize the risk of review removal, ensure your review acquisition practices align with Google's policies:
Don't offer incentives for reviews
Avoid using review stations or kiosks
Don't ask employees to review your business
Don't request reviews in bulk
3. Diversify Your Review Platforms
As one business owner suggested, "It seems like a total waste of time to interact with Google's review and rating system." While Google reviews are important, consider:
Encouraging reviews on other platforms
Building presence on industry-specific review sites
Maintaining your own testimonial system
Using multiple channels for customer feedback
4. Maintain Detailed Records
Create a system to track your reviews:
Date and time of review submission
Reviewer's name (if public)
Review content
Star rating
Whether the review is visible in dashboard vs. public view
Any communication with Google about specific reviews
What to Expect Moving Forward
According to community discussions, Google is aware of the February 7 bug and is working on a resolution. However, as one user pointed out, "The standard reply by Google moderators are - must have violated ToS," suggesting that getting clear answers might take time.
Long-term Solutions and Recommendations
1. Establish a Review Monitoring System
Create a systematic approach to tracking your reviews:
Set up daily monitoring schedules
Use automated tools to track review changes
Document any unusual patterns or sudden changes
Keep backup copies of important reviews
2. Build Direct Communication Channels
Don't rely solely on Google reviews:
Develop an email list for customer feedback
Create a customer feedback portal on your website
Maintain active social media presence
Build relationships with customers through multiple channels
3. Stay Informed and Connected
Keep up with the latest developments:
Join relevant business forums and communities
Follow Google's official communication channels
Participate in discussions about review management
Share experiences and solutions with other business owners
Conclusion
While the current situation with Google reviews is frustrating, particularly with the February 7, 2025 bug affecting many businesses, it's important to remember that these technical issues are usually temporary. The key is to stay proactive in managing your online reputation while maintaining documentation of your reviews.
As one community member wisely noted, "Google's review system can be a bit of a mystery sometimes." The best approach is to diversify your review strategy, maintain good documentation, and follow Google's guidelines while waiting for technical issues to be resolved.
Additional Resources
Remember to check Google's official channels and community forums regularly for updates on the current situation and maintain open communication with your customers about any review-related issues they might experience.
