Google Business Profile phone number not showing: how to fix it

Check what customers actually see

Search for your business from a private browser window, on both Google Search and Google Maps, and on a phone. Sometimes the number shows on one and not the other, and logged in you may see your own pending edit.

Common reasons the number is missing or wrong

A pending edit

If you recently changed your phone number, it may be under review. Until it is approved, Google may show the old number or none at all. Phone number changes can take a few days, and sometimes trigger a new verification. See why edits get stuck.

Google or a user changed it

Google sometimes updates numbers from other sources, such as your website or a directory showing an old number, or from user suggestions. Check for a notice that Google has updated your information, and put the right number back. See why Google changes your business information.

Someone else changed it

If the number now goes to a business you do not recognise, someone may have taken control of your profile to steal your calls. This happens in competitive trades like locksmiths, garage doors and plumbing. Follow what to do if your profile is hacked straight away.

The number field is empty or restricted

Sometimes a profile simply has no number saved, or Google has restricted the number because it is shared with other listings or flagged by its systems. If you have entered a number and it will not show, contact Google Business Profile support.

How to update your phone number

1. Open your Business Profile and choose Edit profile.
2. Go to the contact section.
3. Enter your primary phone number, and add any additional numbers.
4. Save, and then update your website and other listings to match.

What Google's rules say about your number

Google's current guidelines set out a few rules for the phone number on your profile:

• It must be under the direct control of your business.
• Use a local number in preference to a central call centre line where you can.
• No premium rate numbers, and no numbers that redirect or refer callers to other numbers.
• You can list a primary number plus up to two additional numbers. Fax numbers are not allowed.

What about call tracking?

Google's guidelines no longer say anything about call tracking numbers. Many agencies still use a tracking number as the primary number with the main number listed as an additional one, but that setup is industry practice, and Google's rule against numbers that redirect callers makes it a grey area. The safest choice is your own local number on the profile.

You can still measure calls without a tracking number. Your Business Profile performance shows how many people tapped to call you each month, and we report that alongside your rankings in our monthly reports.

Make sure the number gets answered

The best profile in the world loses customers if the call goes unanswered. Most people do not leave a voicemail. They call the next business on the map. If you miss calls on jobs, a call answering service or call forwarding to whoever is free can be worth more than any ranking improvement.

Questions owners ask

Can I use a call tracking number on Google?

Google's current guidelines do not cover call tracking. They say your number must be under your direct control and must not redirect or refer callers to other numbers. Many agencies still put a tracking number first and the main number as an additional one, but that setup now comes from industry practice, so the safest choice is your own local number.

Should I use a mobile or landline number?

Either is fine. What matters is that it is a local number for your area, answered by your business, and the same number you use on your website and other listings.

Can I use a toll free number?

You can, but a local number usually looks more trustworthy to people searching nearby, and matches the local nature of your listing better. Many businesses list a local number as primary and add the toll free number as an additional number.