Google may contact your business directly by phone, SMS, or WhatsApp to confirm your business details. This is part of Google’s Business Profile automated updates, designed to keep listings accurate for customers.
These calls and messages are automated and monitored by a live supervisor, and any information collected may be used to update your Google Business Profile.
They are placed to the public phone number on your listing and are intended to work with whoever answers, whether that’s a staff member, receptionist, or answering service.
In This Guide
Are Automated Business Profile Updates New?
Not entirely, but it’s becoming more frequent and more visible. Google has always used multiple sources to maintain business information. However, this is part of a broader shift toward AI-driven updates and real-time data collection.
Instead of relying only on business owners to update listings, Google is now:
- Proactively reaching out
- Interpreting responses
- Updating listings automatically
While this gives Google more control over listing data, it introduces some risks for businesses.
Why is Google Automating Profile Updates
The goal is straightforward: make sure customers see accurate, up-to-date business information. These interactions help:
- Confirm details like hours, services, or availability
- Support customer actions like booking or checking inventory
- Reduce manual updates by allowing Google to suggest or create updates
Google’s automated Business Profile updates include safeguards:
- Updates are reviewed and marked “Pending”
- Review may take up to 5 business days
- You can edit or remove changes
- You can opt out at any time
Get Found. Get Chosen. Get Customers.
Manage reviews, improve rankings, stand out in search—all in one place
How Google's Business Profile Update Calls Work
Understanding how these interactions function helps clarify both the value and the limitations.
Most calls follow a simple pattern:
- They identify themselves as Google
- They ask a direct question (e.g., hours or availability)
- They are monitored and recorded for quality assurance
Calls are not routed to a specific person. The system is designed to:
- Speak with whoever answers
- Interact with phone trees or answering services
- Collect quick, factual responses
- Occasionally, a human operator may follow up, but most interactions are automated.
Here’s what Google says:
Google might occasionally contact the phone number listed on your Business Profile through call or text to confirm that your business info on Search is accurate.
These calls and texts are automated and monitored by a live supervisor. When you confirm your current business info, this can encourage customers to visit your business.
Google’s posts on your behalf are available only to businesses with a verified Business Profile.
That provides structure. At the same time, the input still comes from everyday conversations. That means:
- Responses may vary depending on who answers
- Answers might be interpreted differently than intended
- Context might not be fully captured
For example: A team member says, “We close at 5 sometimes.” That answer becomes a signal, and a pending update or post may reflect it. Your listing can become less precise for customers.
The Takeaway: Business owners should regularly check their Google Business Profile for changes, pending updates, and unauthorized information. Also, be sure to follow up on any profile update emails from Google.
How You’ll Know Your Google Business Profile Automatically Updated
If your Google Business Profile is automatically updated, Google provides multiple ways to stay informed.
Email Notifications: You’ll receive an email if Google creates an update or post using information from a call.
“Pending” Status: Updates are marked as Pending while under review (up to 5 business days).
Profile Alerts: You may see “Google updates” notifications in your Business Profile dashboard.
Notification Settings: You can customize how you’re alerted (email or app notifications).
These tools give you visibility, but they still require you to check and review.
What Happens If Information Is Incorrect?
If something isn’t right, you still have control over your updated Google Business Profile changes.
- You can edit or remove updates
- Google-highlighted changes appear separately from your original data
- Manual updates or bulk uploads will override automated changes
You still have final control, but the key is to stay aware and review your Google Business Profile regularly.
Opting Out of Automated Google Business Profile Updates
If this feature doesn’t align with how you manage your business information, Google provides several ways to opt out or limit its use.
Opt Out During a Call
If you receive an automated call, you can stop future calls immediately by saying: “Please remove my business from your list.” This is the fastest way to opt out in real time.
Adjust Your Business Profile Settings
You can control these features directly in your Business Profile: Navigate to Business Profile settings, then Advanced settings
Under “Google automated calls and text messages,” you can toggle:
- Keeping your profile up to date
- Posting updates on your behalf
- Customer bookings and inquiries
Note: Your business must be verified to access these settings.
Opt Out of Texts and WhatsApp Messages
If you receive messages via SMS or WhatsApp:
- Reply STOP to opt out of future messages
Stop Phone Tree Mapping Calls
If Google is calling to map your phone system, you can opt out by calling +1-650-206-5555 and leaving a voicemail. Include the following information:
- Your business name
- Your phone number
- A request to opt out of phone tree mapping
What to Expect After Opting Out
Even after opting out of automated calls and messages, you may still receive occasional manual calls from Google. These are typically for verification or support purposes.
How Can You Recognize Scams?
One real challenge is distinguishing legitimate Google outreach from scams. Google does contact businesses, but so do bad actors.
If you receive a Google Business Profile automated update call, how can you distinguish it from a scam?
Legitimate Google Calls:
- Clearly identify themselves
- Focus only on business information
- Do not request sensitive data
Google Will NOT:
- Ask for payment
- Request passwords or verification codes
- Guarantee rankings
- Make automated sales calls
If anything feels off: Hang up and do not engage with the caller. Google won’t penalize your business for not updating information on an automated call.
Should You Use Google’s Automated Updates or Not?
Should you use this feature? This comes down to one thing: how controlled your information is today.
If anyone on your team can answer the phone, then anyone on your team can influence your listing. That works if responses are consistent. It becomes a problem if they’re not.
A simple way to decide
Leave it on if:
- The same person answers most of the time
- They know your business details clearly
Turn it off if:
- Multiple people answer calls
- You’ve had inconsistent answers internally
Where ReviewInc Fits In
If you don’t want listing updates influenced by whoever answers the phone, you need a controlled system.
ReviewInc gives you a single place to manage and update your business listings, so your business information stays consistent regardless of who handles calls.
Let’s schedule a call and take control of your business listings.
FAQs: Google’s Automated Business Profile Updates
What are Google Business Profile automated updates?
Google has started automating Business Profile updates through calls, texts, or WhatsApp, and uses the information collected to suggest or create updates to your listing.
These updates are not always published immediately. They are typically reviewed, marked as pending, and may take a few days to process. In some cases, Google may also create posts on your behalf using the information gathered.
The key thing to understand is that these updates are based on real conversations, so their accuracy depends on how clearly and consistently your team responds.
Who does Google talk to during these calls?
Google contacts the public phone number listed on your business profile and speaks with whoever answers.
That could be:
- A front desk employee
- A call center or answering service
- An automated phone system
The system is not looking for a specific person. It is trying to collect business information quickly, which means anyone who answers may influence what gets recorded and used.
How will I know if Google updates my listing?
Google provides a few ways to stay informed, but you need to pay attention to them.
You may:
- Receive an email notification if an update or post is created
- See a “pending” status while changes are under review
- Notice alerts in your business profile dashboard
Even with these safeguards, it’s a good idea to check your profile periodically to catch anything early.
Can I stop Google from contacting my business?
Yes, you have a few options.
You can:
- Opt out in your Business Profile settings
- Ask to be removed during a call
- Reply STOP to text or WhatsApp messages
Keep in mind that opting out stops automated outreach, but you may still receive occasional manual calls from Google.
How do I manage Google Business Profile automated updates effectively?
The most effective approach is to control how information is shared and reviewed.
That means:
- Making sure your team gives clear, consistent answers
- Monitoring your profile for pending updates
- Reviewing notifications regularly
If multiple people are involved or you manage multiple locations, it’s often better to centralize updates so your business information stays consistent across the board.
How do I report an issue with an automated Google call or text?
To report a problem with automated Google calls or texts, fill out this Google form.
