A small edit with big consequences
Your phone number is one of the few things on your profile that turns a search into a customer right away. When it’s wrong, people tap the call button and reach a disconnected line, an old partner, or a former location. That’s why it’s worth fixing the moment you notice, and also why Google checks phone edits before publishing them.
The edit itself lives in the Contact section of Edit profile. Google formats the number automatically once you pick the country, so you only type digits. If you run more than one line, say a main office and a separate service desk, you can add two more with Add phone number.
The rules Google applies to the number
Google’s representation guidelines set a few limits that catch owners out:
- The number has to be under your business’s direct control.
- It must not forward or refer callers to a different business or destination.
- A local number is preferred over a central call center helpline whenever possible.
- Premium-rate numbers are rejected no matter what they cost callers.
- Fax numbers can’t be added at all.
Google doesn’t address toll-free or call tracking numbers specifically, so the guidelines above are the test. If you use a forwarding service, make sure it rings your own business and that you control it.
Why the edit might not appear yet
After you save, the edit shows a status. Pending means Google is still reviewing it. Accepted means it’s live. Not approved means Google couldn’t confirm the new number is accurate. Google says review usually takes up to 10 minutes but can stretch to 30 days in some cases.
A number that doesn’t match anything else online is the usual reason for a slow or failed review. Put the new number on your website first, then update the profile. If the edit is turned down, Google’s appeal process for rejected business information edits applies. UK and EEA businesses use the appeals tool; everyone else uses the contact form on the help site.
When hiding beats changing
Some owners want calls to stop, not move. Maybe you work by appointment only or take bookings online. In that case, hiding the number is cleaner than deleting it. The show or hide switch sits in Advanced settings, under More and Business Profile settings. Remember that a profile with no visible contact method gives customers nothing to act on, so leave a website or messaging option in place.
One more setting in the same area matters here: if you run Google Ads with a linked location asset, the Ads phone number can show in place of your profile number. If the “wrong” number keeps appearing, check there before filing another edit.
If it doesn't work
- Status shows Not approved: Google couldn't confirm the number is yours. Make sure it matches your website and other listings, then appeal or contact support.
- The old number still shows to some customers: other sites may list it too. Update your website and other directories so Google sees one consistent number.
- You want the number off the profile entirely: hide it in Advanced settings instead of deleting it, and make sure customers have another way to reach you.
- The edit is stuck on Pending for weeks: Google says review can take up to 30 days in some cases. Avoid stacking new edits on top while you wait.
Questions owners ask
How many phone numbers can a Business Profile show?
Three in total. Google allows your primary business number plus up to two additional numbers. Mobile numbers and landlines are both accepted. Fax numbers can't be added, so a combined phone and fax line should be entered only if it rings through as a voice line.
Can I use a call tracking number?
Google's guidelines don't mention call tracking by name. They do say the number must be under the business's direct control, must not redirect callers somewhere else, and that a local number is preferred over a central call center line. Premium-rate numbers are never accepted.
Will changing my phone number make me verify again?
Google's help pages say a new business name or a move to a new address after verification may require re-verification. They don't list a phone change as a trigger. Some businesses have to be verified before they can edit details at all.
Can I hide my number without deleting it?
Yes. Google's advanced settings let you show or hide the business phone number on your profile. Go to your profile, select More, then Business Profile settings, then Advanced settings. The change saves automatically.
Sources
- Manage your contact info (support.google.com)
- Guidelines for representing your business on Google (support.google.com)
- Manage advanced profile settings (support.google.com)
- Check the status of your edit (support.google.com)
Checked 13 Nov 2026. When the platform changes its process we update this page and log it in What changed.