How to transfer ownership of a GMB listing involves several key steps. First, the primary owner signs in to the Google Business Profile, navigates to “Users,” and invites the new owner by email. After a mandatory 7-day cooldown period, the new owner can be assigned as the primary owner, and the previous owner can be removed if needed. Important considerations include staying logged into an account with ownership rights and ensuring the profile is verified.
Common mistakes like removing yourself too early, transferring to unverified accounts, or skipping the waiting period should be avoided. If the current owner is unavailable, ownership can be requested or escalated to Google support. Transfers may occur due to business sales, agency shifts, or multi-location management.
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Who Is Allowed to Transfer Ownership of a Google Business Profile?
Transferring ownership of a Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is a crucial step when handing over control to a new business partner, agency, or team member. But not everyone can initiate this transfer. Here’s what you need to know:
✅ Role of a Primary Owner
🔹 The Primary Owner is the only person with full control to transfer ownership rights.
🔹 They can assign other users as owners or managers.
🔹 Only the Primary Owner can make another user the new Primary Owner.
🔹 Once transferred, the previous owner becomes a regular owner unless removed.
🔑 Differences Between Owner, Manager, and Site Manager
🔸 Owner – Can edit business info, manage users, and post updates.
🔸 Manager – Can do most tasks except user management and ownership transfers.
🔸 Site Manager – Limited to managing content like posts and photos, with no access to settings or ownership.
🛑 Only the Primary Owner can perform a Google My Business ownership change. This ensures that sensitive business data and control are protected.
Transferring the Google My Business ownership change must be done with care, following proper steps to avoid loss of access or data. Always ensure the new owner has an active Google account and understands the responsibilities that come with ownership.
🔁 After the transfer, the business remains verified, and insights, reviews, and visibility stay intact.
How to Transfer Ownership of a GMB Listing: Step-by-Step Guide
Transferring ownership of a Google Business Profile is essential when handing over business management to someone else. Follow these clear steps to complete the Google My Business ownership change smoothly and securely.
🔑 Step 1: Sign in to Google Business Profile
Log in to your Google Business Profile account using your Google credentials. Ensure you have Primary Owner rights to initiate the transfer.
👥 Step 2: Go to “Users”
Navigate to the “Users” section found in the menu. This area manages all users associated with your business listing.
📧 Step 3: Invite the New Owner
Enter the email address of the person you want to transfer ownership to and invite them as an owner. The invited person must accept this invitation before the next step.
⏳ Step 4: Assign “Primary owner” Role After 7 Days (Cooldown Period)
Google enforces a 7-day waiting period before you can assign the Primary Owner role to the new user. This cooldown helps protect against unauthorized changes.
🗑️ Step 5: Remove Old Owner if Needed
Once the new owner is assigned as primary, you can remove yourself or any previous owners if desired, completing the Google My Business ownership change.
This process ensures that your business information, reviews, and insights remain intact while transferring control responsibly. Remember, only verified Primary Owners can make this change, so follow these steps carefully to avoid any access issues during the Google My Business ownership change.
Important Considerations When Transferring Google Business Profile Ownership
Transferring ownership of your Google Business Profile requires careful attention to key factors to ensure a smooth Google My Business ownership change. Below are the essential considerations to keep in mind before proceeding.
⏳ 7-Day Waiting Period Before Ownership Can Be Changed
Google enforces a mandatory 7-day waiting period after inviting a new owner before you can assign them as the primary owner. This cooldown period protects your business from unauthorized ownership transfers and allows time for acceptance and verification.
🔐 Must Be Logged Into the Account with Ownership Rights
Only the current Primary Owner logged into the verified Google Business Profile account can initiate and complete the ownership transfer. Without proper access rights, the transfer request cannot be processed, delaying the Google My Business ownership change.
✅ Account Verification Status
Before transferring ownership, ensure your Google Business Profile is verified. An unverified listing restricts ownership changes and limits control. Verified accounts maintain business credibility and enable seamless transitions between owners.
A successful Google My Business ownership change depends on following these important considerations closely. Neglecting any step, such as attempting to bypass the waiting period or transferring from an unverified account, can lead to loss of access or delays.
Always double-check account permissions, confirm verification status, and respect the 7-day waiting period to protect your business’s online presence during ownership transfers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Transferring Google Business Profile Ownership
Transferring ownership of your Google Business Profile requires careful attention to avoid costly errors during the Google My Business ownership change process. Here are the most common mistakes to watch out for:
🚫 Removing Yourself Before Transfer Completes
One of the biggest mistakes is removing yourself as an owner before the new owner is fully assigned as the primary owner. Doing this risks losing access to the account and control over your business listing. Always wait until the new owner accepts the invitation and the cooldown period passes.
⚠️ Transferring to Unverified Accounts
Transferring ownership to an unverified Google account can lead to delays or rejection of the transfer request. The new owner must have a verified Google account to ensure a smooth Google My Business ownership change and maintain business credibility.
⏳ Skipping the Cooldown Period
Google enforces a mandatory 7-day cooldown period before a new owner can be made primary. Attempting to bypass this waiting period can cause errors or failed transfers. Patience during this time ensures the transfer process completes successfully.
When you plan to transfer local business listing ownership, avoid these pitfalls to protect your business data, reviews, and online presence. Following the correct steps during a Google My Business ownership change guarantees a secure and efficient transition without losing important information or control.
What If the Current Owner Is Missing? Guide to Google My Business Ownership
If the current owner of a Google Business Profile is missing or unresponsive, it can complicate the Google My Business ownership change process. However, there are ways to regain control and manage your business listing effectively.
📨 Requesting Ownership from Inactive or Unresponsive Owners
Start by sending an ownership request directly through the Google Business Profile dashboard. This invites the current owner to respond and transfer ownership. If they do not respond within a reasonable time, Google allows you to escalate the request.
📞 Submitting a Request to Google Support
If the current owner remains unresponsive, you can submit a formal ownership transfer request to Google Support. Provide proof of business ownership such as licenses, utility bills, or tax documents to verify your claim. Google reviews your request carefully to prevent unauthorized access.
During this process, patience is crucial as Google takes steps to protect the integrity of business listings. Ensuring that you follow the proper channels helps avoid complications during the Google My Business ownership change.
When you need to change GMB primary owner ownership but the primary owner is missing, these steps provide a clear path forward. Always keep documentation ready to support your claim, so the transfer process is smooth and secure.
Understanding Ownership Transfer Scenarios in Google My Business
🤝 Transferring to a Client or Agency
Many businesses transfer Google My Business ownership to a marketing agency or client for management purposes. In this case, the current owner invites the new party as a user, then assigns the Primary Owner role after the cooldown period. This allows agencies to manage listings while maintaining client control.
🏢 Transferring After Business Sale
When a business is sold, transferring ownership of the Google Business Profile is crucial. The seller should initiate the transfer to the buyer’s verified Google account to avoid access issues. Proper documentation of the sale supports the transfer GMB ownership and helps protect the listing from unauthorized control.
🌐 Multi-Location Listings and Transfer Issues
Managing multi-location listings adds complexity to ownership transfers. Each location may have different owners or managers, requiring individual ownership transfer steps. Coordination is key to avoid confusion and ensure all locations are properly transferred during the transfer local business listing process.
Properly handling these ownership transfer scenarios prevents disruptions to your business’s online presence. Always follow Google’s guidelines closely to complete the transfer business listing to new owner securely and efficiently.
FAQs
Q1. Can I transfer GMB ownership to anyone?
Yes, but they must have a Google account and accept the invitation.
Q2. How long does it take to transfer ownership?
Usually 7 days after assigning the new owner role.
Q3. What if I accidentally remove myself?
You may lose control. Contact Google Support immediately.
Q4. Can I transfer ownership without verification?
No, only verified owners can make ownership changes.
Q5. Is there a way to recover access after losing ownership?
Yes, submit an ownership request via Google’s recovery form.
Q6. Will the new owner have access to insights and reviews?
Yes, all data stays intact during ownership transfer.
