How to Verify Your Google Business Profile

Created by Team Momos, Modified on Tue, 30 Sep at 8:32 PM by Team Momos

This article is Part 2 of a four-part series on connecting your Google Business Profile (Google My Business) to Momos. Visit the other articles by clicking the links below:

1: How to create your Google Business Profile

2: How to verify your Google Business Profile (you are here)

3: How to claim your Google Business Profile

4: How to connect your Google Business Profile

The purpose of verification is straightforward: It ensures that only the rightful owner or manager can claim a Business Profile. Once verified, your business can be discovered in Google Search, share posts, track insights, and reply to customer reviews.

Since every business is unique, Google automatically decides the available verification methods based on your business details. In some cases, more than one method may be required.

Important: You must be signed in to the Google Account associated with the business profile to start the verification process.

Step 1: Check if Your Business Needs Verification.

Use the Business Profile Manager to see if your business requires verification. This tool is especially useful for managing multiple profiles or locations. Simply go to the Business Profile page and click Manage Now, or search Google Business Profile.

Check your Google business profiile manager if verification is pending.

Step 2: Select a verification method.

Email

Important: Make sure you have access to the email address on the verification page.

Open your Google Business Profile.
Choose the location to verify (if multiple locations).
Click Get Verified.
Select the Email option.
Enter the email address.
Find the Google Business Profile email; it has your code and activation link.

Phone

Important: The number must be reachable for calls and text messages.

Open your Google Business Profile.
Choose the location you wish to verify (if multiple locations).
Click Get Verified.
Choose language.
Select the preferred verification method: Phone or SMS.
Answer the call or open the SMS to get the code.
Google will send you a code. Enter this in the code field.

Video recording (mobile)

Important: If available, video verification is recommended, as it thoroughly confirms access to your business address. Ensure you have the store’s opening hours and clear exterior photos from multiple angles ready.

Additional tips: Including the items below can help ensure a successful verification.

Your current location:

Nearby businesses or the area around your business
Signage from the outside of the building
Your address on the door, building, or signage
The street sign (if it's close enough to capture before you film the front door)
If within a mall, start recording from the front of the mall, where the mall name sign is obvious. Record all the way to the store, ideally pointing upwards so all the neighbours signboards are visible, avoiding to show faces of people as well.

Business equipment:

Inside of the store
Business equipment at the location
Stock for sale
Tools you use to serve your customers
Marketing materials (business cards, flyers, branded products like pens, coffee mugs, etc)

Proof of Access or Management

Unlocking the business entrance
Logging into a point-of-sale system
Operating a payment tool
Operating some equipment that only an owner or manager could operate
The store’s license and any other official letters, make sure that it is clear.

You don’t need to show Google any sensitive information; you can keep that off-camera.

Here are examples of what you can do for a video verification:

When you start the video, walk towards the store. The total process involves a long walk. Begin by filming the store, capturing the signboard and the front-of-house counter to show its operation. Ensure you film the equipment and ingredients, like the fridge or the kitchen area, to demonstrate proper operation.
One crucial element missing from the video is the filming of the business registration. Restaurants often display their business registration on an A4 paper. This outlet is registered under a specific entity, recognized by the government or relevant authority. Including this will be very helpful.
In summary, the best practice is to walk to the restaurant or outlet, film the exterior and interior operations, and ensure the business registration is visible.

Live video call

Live video verification is one of the methods Google provides to confirm your access to the business location you are claiming. It may not be available for all businesses, but if it is, this option is recommended.

Step 1: Prepare for the Call

Use a device that supports live video calls.
Be at your business location so you can show proof of ownership. Examples include:
- Business location: Show outdoor signage, nearby businesses, or a street sign.
- Business or equipment: Show products, branded tools, marketing materials, or equipment used to serve customers.
- Proof of management: Show employee-only areas, a cash register, kitchen, storage room, or non-sensitive documents. Unlocking doors with your keys also demonstrates access.

Step 2: Start the Call

Sign in to your Google Business Profile.
Select Get Verified → Live Video Call → Next.
Choose your preferred language.
Select Start Call to begin a text chat with Google Support.

Step 3: Verification During the Call

When a support representative is ready, they will guide you through the live video call.
Use your device’s camera to clearly show your location and ownership proof.

Tip: Live video calls are only available during your business hours. If this option isn’t available or doesn’t work, try another verification method or contact Google Support for assistance.

Mail

Postcard verification is one of the methods Google offers to confirm your business location. It may not be available for all businesses, but if it is, this method requires entering a code mailed to your business address.

Step 1: Request a Verification Code

Sign in to your Google Business Profile.
Select Get Verified → Postcard.
Confirm that your mailing address is correct.
Request the code.

Tip: Most codes arrive within 14 days.

Step 2: Wait for the Postcard

Do not edit your business name, address, or category during this time, as the code will no longer work.
Do not request a new code until the first one expires. Requesting again invalidates the original code and makes the process longer.
Verification codes expire after 30 days.

Step 3: Enter Your Code

Once the postcard arrives in the mail:

Sign in to your Google Business Profile.
Enter the 5-digit verification code in the Code field.
Select Submit to complete verification.

⚠️ Important:

Keep your verification code secure.
Google will never ask for your code.
Do not share the verification code with anyone, even with those who manage your profile.

Step 3: Wait to be verified.

Verification may be completed instantly, but in some cases it can take 3–5 business days. A confirmation email will be sent once the process is complete. If issues are found or when asked to re-verify, please submit the required information or refer to your Google Business Profile to fix the issues.

Tip: If your video verification is successful, delete the video from Google’s servers by going to Business Profile > More > Advanced Settings > Video Uploads > Delete Videos.

What Does a Verified GMB Look Like?

A verified Google Business Profile displays a blue checkmark badge and the text "You manage this Business Profile" beneath the business name, showing that Google has confirmed the profile as a genuine representation of the business.

Note: Only the manager of this verified profile, and only when logged into their account, can see this tick.

What's next?

Start connecting your business profile: How to Connect your Google Business Profile

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