How to Remove Negative Reviews
Bad reviews can be stressful, but you’re not stuck with them forever. This guide explains how to remove negative reviews the right way, based on each platform’s rules. You’ll learn what kind of reviews can actually be taken down, what to do if a review breaks policy, and when to get help from a professional. We’ll also share safe, legal ways to respond and rebuild trust with customers so your business keeps its good name online.
Written by our review removal team. Reviewed for accuracy and updated often.
Quick Start: How to Remove a Bad Review
Want to know if a bad review can be removed? Start here:
- Check the rules
Go to the review platform (like Google or Yelp) and check their rules. Look for things like spam, bullying, private info, or fake reviews. If the review breaks those rules, it might be removed. - Gather your proof
Take screenshots. Save any messages, receipts, or links that show why the review is wrong or unfair. - Talk to the reviewer
If it feels safe, reach out to the person who wrote the review. Try to fix the problem. Many people will update or delete their review if they feel heard. - Report the review
Use the report button on the site to send your complaint. Make sure to explain the problem clearly and attach any proof you have. - Follow up if needed
Didn’t hear back? Check the status or send a second request with more info. - If it can’t be removed, respond wisely
Write a kind, calm reply. Show you care and offer to help offline. Then focus on getting new, honest 5-star reviews to show what your business is really like.
Review Removal Guides for Each Platform
Choose your platform below for step-by-step instructions to report and remove policy-violating reviews.
| Platform | Guide | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| How to Remove Google Reviews | Local businesses & Google Business Profile | |
| Yelp® | How to Remove Yelp® Reviews | Service businesses & local discovery |
| How to Remove Facebook Reviews | Recommendations & page reputation | |
| Amazon | How to Remove Amazon Reviews | Products & seller listings |
| Trustpilot | How to Remove Trustpilot Reviews | Brands & eCommerce |
| BBB | How to Remove BBB Reviews | Reputation & complaint resolution |
| Glassdoor | How to Remove Glassdoor Reviews | Employer brand |
| Indeed | How to Remove Indeed Reviews | Employer reviews |
| Yellowpages | How to Remove Yellowpages Reviews | Directory listings |
| Angi | How to Remove Angi Reviews | Home services |
| Healthgrades | How to Remove Healthgrades Reviews | Medical practices |
| Vitals | How to Remove Vitals Reviews | Healthcare profiles |
| WebMD | How to Remove WebMD Reviews | Healthcare visibility |
| RateMDs | How to Remove RateMDs Reviews | Doctors & clinics |
| Lawyers.com | How to Remove Lawyers.com Reviews | Law firms |
| Avvo | How to Remove Avvo Reviews | Lawyer profiles |
| Complaints Board | How to Remove Complaints Board Reviews | Complaint pages |
| Foursquare | How to Remove Foursquare Reviews | Venues & locations |
| OpenTable | How to Remove OpenTable Reviews | Restaurants |
| Uber Eats | How to Remove Uber Eats Reviews | Delivery & restaurants |
| Airbnb | How to Remove Airbnb Reviews | Hosts & rentals |
| DoorDash | How to Remove DoorDash Reviews | Delivery platforms |
| Expedia | How to Remove Expedia Reviews | Hotels & travel |
| Booking.com | How to Remove Booking.com Reviews | Hotels & accommodations |
| Hotels.com | How to Remove Hotels.com Reviews | Hotels & accommodations |
| Cars.com | How to Remove Cars.com Reviews | Dealerships |
What Reviews Can Actually Be Removed?
Not every negative review can be taken down, even if it feels unfair. Most platforms only remove reviews that break their content policies. If the review fits one of the categories below, you may have a real shot at getting it removed.
1) Spam, fake, or not based on a real experience
These are reviews that don’t appear to come from a genuine customer or legitimate visit, such as:
- obvious spam (random text, repeated phrases, irrelevant links)
- fake reviewers who were never clients/customers
- competitor sabotage or coordinated “review bombing”
- multiple reviews from the same person/account across locations
- reviews posted from new/empty accounts with suspicious patterns
What helps: receipts, appointment logs, customer records, screenshots, and a clear explanation of why the reviewer couldn’t have had a real experience with your business.
2) Conflict of interest (biased or self-serving reviews)
Many sites prohibit reviews that come from someone with a personal or business stake, including:
- current/former employees reviewing the employer (on platforms that disallow this)
- business owners reviewing their own business
- competitors or people connected to competitors
- ex-partners, vendors, or others using reviews to gain leverage
What helps: documentation showing the relationship (employment records, business affiliations, public listings, messages).
3) Harassment, hate, threats, or bullying
Platforms typically remove reviews that contain abusive language or target someone personally, such as:
- hate speech or slurs
- threats of harm
- harassment aimed at staff members by name
- degrading, sexually explicit, or violent language
What helps: screenshots of the review, timestamps, and highlighting the exact lines that violate the platform’s rules.
4) Privacy violations or personal information (doxxing)
Reviews often get removed if they publish private or sensitive info, including:
- phone numbers, emails, home addresses
- medical info or other confidential details
- full names of employees (depending on platform rules)
- license numbers, ID numbers, or private documents
What helps: a screenshot plus a short explanation of what personal information is shown and why it’s not appropriate for a public review.
5) Off-topic content or wrong business/location
Reviews must usually be relevant to the business and the customer experience. Removable cases include:
- reviews meant for a different company with a similar name
- political rants or unrelated commentary
- complaints about a product/service you don’t offer
- reviews about policies that don’t apply to your location
What helps: proof the reviewer referenced the wrong business, mismatched dates/services, and a concise explanation of what your business actually provides.
6) Illegal content, extortion, or “pay me and I’ll remove it”
Some reviews cross the line into coercion or illegal conduct, such as:
- demands for money/refunds in exchange for deleting the review
- threats like “give me a discount or I’ll ruin your rating”
- blackmail, intimidation, or coordinated harassment
- posting stolen materials or illegal claims as “proof”
What helps: screenshots of the review and any messages showing the demand or threat. Keep everything, even if it’s uncomfortable.
If a review doesn’t match these categories
If the review is negative but still allowed under the platform’s rules, removal is unlikely. In those situations, your best move is to:
- respond calmly and professionally
- offer to resolve the issue offline
- build more recent positive reviews to minimize the impact
At Guaranteed Removals, we focus on reviews that actually qualify for removal based on platform policy. If a review clearly violates the rules, we’ll help you document it properly, submit a strong dispute, and manage follow-ups the right way.
Why Do People Leave Negative Reviews?
Bad reviews usually happen when someone is unhappy with a product or service. It’s not just about small complaints, most people write a review because something went wrong, like:
- Bad customer service
- Poor quality
- Feeling ignored or disrespected
These reviews can hurt your business by:
- Scaring away new customers
- Lowering your overall ratings
- Damaging your reputation online
But here’s the good news: negative reviews can also help you grow.
Many customers leave a bad review because they want to be heard. If you listen and respond the right way, you can:
- Fix the problem
- Show others that you care
- Turn an upset customer into a loyal one
Answering bad reviews in a calm, helpful way shows that your business is responsible and willing to improve. That builds trust, not just with the reviewer, but with everyone reading your replies.
Why Removing Negative Reviews Matters
Negative reviews can hurt your business, especially if they’re unfair or misleading. When people search for you online, reviews are one of the first things they see. If there are too many bad ones, it can scare new customers away — even if they’re not true.
Here’s why you should try to remove unfair reviews:
1. Protect your online reputation
Your reviews are like your business’s report card. A few bad reviews can make your business look worse than it really is. Removing fake or unfair reviews helps people see a more honest picture.
Learn what the law says about fake or paid reviews in the FTC Consumer Reviews and Testimonials Rule Q&A.
2. Build customer trust
When you take care of problems and try to remove false reviews, it shows you care. People are more likely to trust your business when they see you’re paying attention and doing the right thing.
3. Improve your ratings
Higher ratings mean more customers. When unfair reviews are removed, your average rating goes up, and that helps your business stand out online.
You might not be able to remove every bad review, but you can take action on the ones that break the rules. It’s not about hiding the truth — it’s about making sure your reviews are fair, accurate, and reflect how your business really works.
Strategies for Removing Negative Reviews
Not every negative review can be removed, but some can, especially if they break the platform’s rules. Here’s how to handle a bad review step by step:
1. Check if it breaks the rules
Look for signs that the review goes against the platform’s policy. If it breaks a rule, you may be able to get it taken down. This includes things like:
- Spam or fake content
- Hate speech or threats
- Private info or off-topic rants
2. Talk to the reviewer (if safe)
Reach out in a kind and respectful way. Ask what went wrong and try to make it right. If you fix the problem, they might delete or change the review.
3. Respond on the platform
Can’t reach the person directly? Post a public reply. Keep it short and calm. Say you’re sorry they had a bad experience and offer to help. This shows other customers that you care.
4. Use the “Report” button
Most review sites have a way to report harmful or unfair reviews. Send in your reason and proof (like screenshots or order numbers). Be clear and polite.
5. Contact the platform’s support
If reporting the review doesn’t work, reach out to the support team for help. They may look deeper if it’s a serious issue.
6. Ask a lawyer (only if needed)
If the review is false and doing real harm, legal help might be an option. This should be your last resort, it takes time and can cost a lot.
Even if a review stays up, you can still protect your reputation by answering it well and getting more good reviews from happy customers. That sends a stronger message than one bad post.
Legal Action to Remove Negative Reviews
Most of the time, you don’t need a lawyer to get a negative review removed.
If you are weighing legal options, read the final FTC rule text for practical risk notes.
There are companies that focus on this kind of work, like Guaranteed Removals. We know the rules for review sites like Google, Yelp, and Trustpilot. We also know how to talk to those platforms and what kind of proof to send. This can save you time, stress, and money, and it’s usually faster than hiring a lawyer.
That said, legal help might be needed in rare cases, like if a review is false and really damaging your business. In those situations, a lawyer may send a warning letter or even file a defamation case to remove the negative feedback. But this is usually a last step, because it can take a long time and cost a lot.
Best advice? Try the simple steps first. Use a trusted review removal service when needed. Only talk to a lawyer if the review is clearly false and serious enough to harm your business.
Why Legal Action Should Be Your Last Resort
Trying to force the removal of a bad review, especially through legal action, can be risky. It may cost more than it’s worth and could even make the situation worse.
Here are some reasons to be careful:
1. It’s expensive
Lawyers cost a lot. If the case takes months or ends up in court, legal fees can add up fast. You might spend more than the review is actually hurting your business.
2. There’s no guarantee
Even if you’re right, the court might not agree. You could win the case but still see the bad review stay online. Legal results can be slow and unpredictable.
3. It could backfire
Taking legal action might get attention, but not the kind you want. It could make the situation worse, bring in more bad reviews, or attract media coverage.
4. It takes time
Legal steps can drag on for weeks or months. Meanwhile, the review stays up and keeps hurting your reputation.
5. You could face pushback
Sometimes the other side fights back. They might claim you’re trying to silence them or misuse the law. That could damage your image even more.
A Smarter Option
Before hiring a lawyer or filing a lawsuit, try these safer and faster methods to deal with a negative review you can’t remove on your own:
1. Use a Trusted Review Removal Service
Some reviews clearly break the rules of the site they’re on. A professional review removal service, like Guaranteed Removals, knows exactly what those rules are — and how to flag the review for removal. They’ll build a case, gather proof, and handle the back-and-forth with platforms like Google, Yelp, or Trustpilot. This often works faster than going legal, and you won’t have to do the heavy lifting yourself.
Explore the best review removal services for 2026
2. Respond Calmly and Professionally
If the review is allowed to stay up, a smart public response can still help. Keep it short, polite, and solution-focused. Thank the reviewer (even if you don’t agree), and explain that you’d like to fix the issue. This shows future customers you care and have nothing to hide.
Avoid arguing. That can make the situation worse and lead to more bad reviews.
3. Suppress the Review with Positive Content
If you can’t remove the review, don’t panic. You can still bury it by filling your search results with better content. This is called review suppression. Services like Push It Down and Reputation Riot specialize in creating trusted, high-ranking content that pushes harmful reviews off page one of Google. Over time, fewer people will see the bad review, and more will see what you want them to see.
Suppression works best for:
- Old reviews still showing up in search
- Reviews that are “technically allowed” but unfair
- Repeat mentions across multiple platforms
When Should You Use a Review Removal Service?
Trying to remove bad reviews yourself can be frustrating — especially when platforms deny reports without explaining why. That’s why many businesses turn to a negative review removal service for help.
A reputable review removal service understands how moderation works across major platforms like Google, Yelp, Glassdoor, TripAdvisor, and more. They know what qualifies for removal under each site’s policies, what evidence matters, and how to write a clear, policy-based request that actually gets reviewed. That saves you time, reduces stress, and helps you avoid mistakes that can hurt your chances.
At Guaranteed Removals, review removal is what we do every day. We’ve helped thousands of businesses remove reviews that are fake, unfair, or policy-violating. Because we know the process and how to navigate platform support, we can often get results faster than doing it alone.
Top Benefits of Using a Review Removal Service
- Platform policy experts: We know what Google, Trustpilot, and other sites will (and won’t) remove
- Faster, simpler process: We handle the documentation, reporting, and follow-ups
- Higher chance of success: Stronger disputes built around platform rules and proof
- Pay-for-results model: You only pay if the review is removed
Not all bad review removal services operate the right way, though. Avoid any company that promises “guaranteed deletion” of legitimate reviews, uses fake accounts, or suggests shady tactics. The safest choice is a team that follows platform rules, respects the law, and protects your reputation long-term.
Removing bad reviews the right way can make a major difference in how customers see your business. With the right partner, you can clean up policy-violating reviews and get back to focusing on growth.
How Much Does It Cost to Remove a Bad Review?
The cost of removing a negative review depends on how you choose to handle it. Some options are free, while others may cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Here are the three main ways people try to remove reviews:
- DIY (Do-It-Yourself): If you contact the reviewer directly and they agree to take down or edit the review, it usually costs nothing. This works best if the review clearly breaks the platform’s rules.
- Professional Review Removal Service: Companies like Guaranteed Removals know how each review site works and how to get unfair reviews taken down. They handle the process for you. Pricing can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars depending on the case, and you typically only pay if they succeed.
- Legal Action: Hiring a lawyer to remove a review is the most expensive route. It can involve legal fees, court costs, and take a long time. Legal action is only recommended if the review is false, harmful, and breaks the law — like in cases of defamation.
Review Removal Cost Comparison
Here’s a quick table to help you compare the different options:
| Option | Typical cost | Timeframe | Realistic success | Risk | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DIY dispute | $0 | 1 to 4 weeks | Low to medium | Low | Clear policy violations with simple evidence |
| Professional service | $$ | 2 to 8 weeks | Medium to high | Low | Multi-platform disputes or complex cases |
| Legal route | $$$$ | 1 to 6+ months | Uncertain | High | Clear defamation or unlawful content |
Before spending time or money, ask yourself how serious the review is and how it’s affecting your business. In many cases, a professional service is the best balance of cost, speed, and success. Legal action should be a last resort.
How Long Does It Take to Remove a Review?
There’s no set time for removing a bad review, it depends on how you try to remove it and how serious the review is.
Here are the main things that affect how long it takes:
- Review site rules: Every platform (like Google, Yelp, or TripAdvisor) has different rules and response times. Some act fast, while others take longer.
- How complex the case is: Simple reviews with clear rule-breaking are faster to remove. Legal issues or reviewer disputes take more time.
- Who helps you: If you use a review removal service like Guaranteed Removals, the process may move faster. These services know the right steps and who to contact.
- If you talk to the reviewer: If you reach out directly and they agree to edit or delete their review, this is the fastest option — but it only works if they respond.
| Removal Method | Estimated Timeline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Flagging a review for violations | 3 to 10 business days | Depends on platform moderation speed and clarity of the violation. |
| Reviewer edits or removes it | 1 to 7 days | Fastest option, but only works if you contact the reviewer and they agree. |
| Filing a legal takedown | 2 to 6 weeks or longer | May require legal review, documentation, and follow-ups. |
| Using a removal service | 7 to 30+ days (case by case) | Time varies depending on platform, type of review, and level of difficulty. |
Be patient. Some reviews are removed quickly, others take time. If a review is truly unfair or breaks the rules, following the right steps, or getting expert help, gives you the best chance of success.
Read more about how long it takes to remove a negative review.
How to Manage Negative Reviews You Can’t Remove
Not every bad review can be deleted, even if it feels unfair. If a review doesn’t violate the platform’s rules, it may stay up. The goal then shifts from review removal to negative review management: responding the right way, reducing damage, and rebuilding trust so one review doesn’t define your business.
Here are the best ways to manage negative reviews (and “fix bad reviews” the right way) when removal isn’t an option.
1) Respond quickly, calmly, and professionally
A strong public reply can neutralize a negative review and reassure future customers. Keep your response:
- Short (3–6 sentences)
- Polite (no sarcasm, no arguments)
- Solution-focused (offer next steps)
- Private-aware (never share customer details)
Response template: general negative review
Hi [Name], thanks for the feedback. We’re sorry to hear you had a disappointing experience. This isn’t the standard we aim for, and we’d like the chance to make it right. Please contact us at [email/phone] so we can look into this and help.
Response template: you can’t find them as a customer
Hi [Name], we take feedback seriously, but we can’t locate your experience in our records based on the details provided. We’d like to investigate and resolve this if possible. Please reach out to [email/phone] with any relevant info (date/service), and we’ll help right away.
Response template: harsh but allowed review
Hi [Name], we appreciate you sharing your experience. We’re sorry it didn’t meet expectations. We’re already reviewing this internally and would like to learn more so we can improve. Please contact [email/phone]—we’re happy to help.
Avoid: accusing them of lying, threatening legal action, offering incentives to remove the review, or posting private information. Those responses often backfire and can trigger more negative reviews.
2) Move the conversation offline (and document everything)
Many negative reviews come from someone who wants to be heard. Your best leverage is often resolution, not removal.
- Ask for specifics (date, service, staff member, order number)
- Offer a clear path to resolution (refund policy, redo, replacement, escalation)
- Keep records of messages and outcomes
If the reviewer updates their review later, great—but don’t ask for removal in a way that violates platform rules and never offer compensation in exchange for deletion.
3) Generate more positive reviews (the compliant way)
One of the fastest ways to reduce the impact of a bad review is to build a steady flow of honest, recent 5-star reviews. This helps on Google and other platforms because customers tend to trust:
- recent reviews
- higher volume
- consistent feedback patterns
Compliant review-generation ideas:
- Ask happy customers right after a successful outcome
- Use a simple post-service message: email/SMS with a direct review link
- Train staff to ask at the right moment (after praise, repeat purchases, resolved issues)
- Make it easy: QR codes at checkout, receipts, follow-up messages
Review request template (SMS/email)
Thanks again for choosing us. If you have 30 seconds, would you share your experience here? [review link]
Your feedback helps others find us and helps us improve.
Do not: buy reviews, use fake accounts, gate requests (only asking happy customers), or offer discounts/gifts for positive reviews where prohibited.
4) Improve operations so the same complaint doesn’t repeat
If multiple reviews mention the same issue, that’s a signal, not an annoyance. Use negative reviews as a lightweight QA system.
Create a simple internal loop:
- Tag complaints by theme (pricing, delays, communication, quality, billing)
- Identify the step in your workflow where things break
- Update scripts, policies, staffing, or training
- Follow up with affected customers where appropriate
Fixing the root cause reduces future negative reviews and makes your public responses more credible.
5) Use “review suppression” to reduce visibility (without breaking rules)
If the review is allowed and won’t be removed, you can still reduce how often people see it by strengthening what ranks and shows up first:
- publish helpful content about your business (services, FAQs, policies)
- build strong branded pages and profiles
- earn legitimate mentions/links
- keep your Google Business Profile complete and active
This approach won’t delete the review, but over time it can push the worst content lower where fewer customers will find it.
Review Removal Guides for Every Review Platform
Remove negative reviews today
Guaranteed Removals Review Removal Service
Guaranteed Removals review removal service focuses on removing fake and unwanted reviews from all major review platforms. Our services aim to enhance your online reputation and build trust for your business.
There is no obligation or risk. You only pay after we permanently remove the negative review.
Get started and take control of your online presence today.
Frequently Asked Questions about Removing Negative Reviews
Strategies for removing negative reviews include:
- Assessing whether the review violates platform guidelines.
- Contacting the reviewer to understand their concerns and offer resolutions.
- Responding professionally on the platform to acknowledge and address the issue.
- Flagging inappropriate content if it violates platform rules.
- In extreme cases, seeking legal advice for review removal.
Hiring a lawyer to remove negative reviews is not always necessary. Online reputation management companies like Guaranteed Removals specialize in effectively handling review removal. They understand platform policies, have contacts with review platforms, and can navigate the process efficiently. Legal action should be considered a last resort due to its cost and uncertainty.
Review removal services specialize in navigating the complex landscape of online reviews, understanding platform policies, and having established channels of communication with review platforms. They can increase the chances of successful removal and save you the hassle of dealing with complex processes. Reputable services bring expertise, efficiency, and a higher probability of successful review removal.
Look for a review removal service with a track record of ethical practices like Guaranteed Removals. Avoid services that use shady tactics, as they could backfire and damage your reputation further. Ensure the service is transparent about its methods and pricing.
Read more about the best review removal services and how to pick the right one.
The cost of removing a negative review varies. Self-removal can be free, while professional services typically range from hundreds to thousands of dollars. Legal action can be expensive, including lawyer fees and court costs. Pricing depends on the approach and service provider.
The removal timeframe varies. It depends on the review platform's policies, review complexity, and the service provider. Simple cases may resolve quickly in a matter of days, while complex ones can take up to 90 days. Negotiations with the reviewer also influence the removal timeline, ranging from days to several weeks or more.
