If you’ve ever updated your hours or attributes on your Google My Business dashboard and then waited… and waited… only to see absolutely nothing change on your public profile, you’re not alone. This is a frustrating little glitch that many business owners face—and it can make customers walk away if the info is outdated or incorrect. But don’t worry, there’s a fix!
TLDR: If your Google My Business (GMB) changes (like hours or services) aren’t showing up online even after updating them in the dashboard, chances are there’s either a delay, a hidden error, or Google isn’t convinced your edits are reliable yet. You can usually fix it by clearing your cache, checking for Google flags, resubmitting changes, or reaching out to support. It’s fixable and often doesn’t require techy magic—just patience and a few smart steps.
The Problem: Dashboard Updates Not Showing Publicly
You’ve done the work. You logged in, changed your business hours or added that handy “Wheelchair accessible entrance” attribute. You hit submit. Boom. Done, right?
Not quite.
Sometimes Google decides not to publish those updates right away—or at all. And it’s not always clear why. Let’s solve that puzzle gently, with as few headaches as possible.
Common Reasons for Changes Not Going Live
Here are a few reasons your changes might vanish into the void:
- Google is reviewing your edits. Edits often go through a verification stage. This can take hours or days.
- Inconsistent information across the web. If your hours don’t match other listings, Google might ignore them.
- Google doesn’t trust your changes (yet). If the account hasn’t had a lot of activity or history, Google might hesitate.
- There’s a glitch. Sometimes the dashboard says “published,” but the info hasn’t actually gone live.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing It
1. Check the “Published” Status
Log in to your GMB dashboard and look at the edit you made. Does it say “Published”? If yes, but it’s not live, that might mean the update is stuck or under review.
2. Clear Cache or Try a Different Browser
This sounds silly, but it works a lot of the time. Sometimes, your browser shows an outdated cached version of your Google listing.
- Clear your browser cache
- Open an incognito/private browser tab
- Google your business and check again
Still not showing the right info? Don’t worry. We keep going!
3. Use Google’s “Suggest an Edit” Feature
This step works surprisingly well if changes are stuck. Even though you’re the business owner, use the public-facing “Suggest an edit” tool.
- Google your business listing
- Click on “Suggest an edit”
- Update the hours or attributes (again)
- Submit the suggestion
Because it’s a suggestion with a public interface, it can sometimes push Google to review your edit faster.
4. Double-Check Business Info Across Platforms
This one’s easy to skip but super important. If your business hours on Yelp, Facebook, Bing, or other directories don’t match your GMB, Google might ignore your update. It wants consistency.
Here’s what to do:
- Search for your business name + city
- Check the top 5–10 listings
- Update anything that has old or wrong hours
It might take a few days for the internet to catch up, but this will boost the trust factor of your GMB data.
5. Add a Post Announcing Your New Hours
Another secret trick to help updates stick? Use a Google Post to highlight your changes.
It looks like this:
- Go to your GMB dashboard
- Click “Add Update” or “Add Post”
- Write something like: “We’re now open Saturdays! New hours: 9am–3pm.”
This not only informs your customers, but it also prompts Google to take note and review your updates again.
6. Contact Google Business Profile Support
Still no dice?
If all else fails, it’s time to raise your hand. Google has support channels for business owners.
To contact Google My Business support:
- Go to the Business Profile Help page
- Select your issue (“Business info not updating”)
- Request a callback or chat
They’ll usually ask for screenshots to verify what you’re seeing. Be ready to show the edit in your dashboard and the live profile where it’s not appearing.
Bonus Tip: Make Sure You’re Using the Right Account
This one’s very basic, but it happens a lot.
If someone else set up your GMB listing (like an agency or former employee), and you’re editing it through a different Gmail account, your edits might not stick. Make sure you have primary ownership of the listing to make updates that go live quickly.
How Long Should It Take to Update Normally?
Great question! Typically:
- Edits to hours or attributes: 24–48 hours
- Changes to business name or category: 3–7 days (sometimes more)
- New listings or ownership changes: Up to 1–2 weeks
If your edits have gone beyond those windows and still haven’t published, it’s definitely time to escalate (see Step 6 above).
Important: Attributes Can Be Auto-Reverted
This is something most users don’t know. Google sometimes automatically overrides your selected attributes if they think they’re incorrect.
For example, if you mark your location as “Wheelchair accessible” but Google doesn’t see any matching imagery or reviews saying so, it might remove that attribute without telling you.
To help stop this from happening:
- Add photos that match your attributes (e.g., show your ramp, accessible entrance, etc.)
- Ask customers to leave reviews that mention accessibility or the attribute in question
Final Thoughts
Running a business is hard enough—you don’t need your online profiles giving you static. Luckily, if your Google My Business changes aren’t showing up, there are clear steps to take.
This isn’t a mystery. It’s just a mildly annoying process.
With a little patience, some browser refreshing, and maybe a call to Google support, your listing can be the up-to-date beacon your customers need.
You’ve got this! Keep that listing fresh, accurate, and trustworthy—and watch the right customers come your way.