Why Your Marketing Agency Cannot Remove Images from Your Google Business Profile
Many business owners assume their marketing agency has full control over everything posted to their Google Business Profile (GBP). While agencies can manage a wide range of features—such as business information, posts, and Google Ads integration—there are strict limitations when it comes to images and photos.
What Agencies Can Remove
Google only allows agencies (or any third party with manager access) to delete photos they personally uploaded through their own account. For example, if your marketing agency posts professional images of your office, staff, or services, those photos can later be removed by that same agency account.
What Agencies Cannot Remove
Agencies cannot delete photos uploaded by customers, the listing owner, or any other Google user. This restriction exists because Google wants to maintain the integrity and authenticity of business listings. User-generated content—such as customer photos—plays a large role in how Google represents businesses to the public.
How to Remove Unwanted Photos
If there’s a photo you’d like taken down, there are only two options:
Remove it from the account that uploaded it.
If you (the owner) posted it through your account, you must log in and delete it directly.
If a staff member posted it, they must remove it using their account.
Request removal from Google.
If the photo violates Google’s content guidelines (e.g., it’s irrelevant, offensive, or misleading), the business owner can flag it for review. It does not mean Google will remove it.
Google will review the request and decide whether it should be taken down.
We can report it for you, but owner accounts carry more weight and submissions from owners are more likely to be considered by Google.
Key Takeaway
While your marketing agency can manage much of your online presence, photo removal is not within their control—unless they were the original uploader. To address unwanted photos, you’ll need to take action through the original posting account or submit a removal request to Google directly.
How to Flag and Request Photo Removal from Google
If you spot a photo on your Google Business Profile that you want removed but cannot delete directly, you can request Google’s review. Here’s how:
Sign in to Google Maps or Search
Open Google Maps or search your business name on Google.
Find the Photo
Go to your business profile.
Select the “Photos” tab to view all images.
Click the Photo
Open the photo you want removed.
Report the Photo
Look for the three-dot menu (⋮) in the top right corner.
Click “Report a problem.”
Choose the Reason
Select the option that best matches why the image should be removed (e.g., offensive, irrelevant, poor quality, spam).
Submit to Google
Follow the prompts to complete your request.
Google will review and decide whether to remove the image.
Important Notes
Google’s decision is final, and removal is only approved if the photo clearly violates their content policies.
Reviews can take several days to process.
If the photo doesn’t violate policies but you still prefer it gone, the best option is to upload more high-quality photos to showcase your business.