Google changed my category by itself. Why, and can I change it back?

Why did Google change my Business Profile category?

Google’s representation guidelines say a specific category can imply broader categories behind the scenes. Google also says it can detect category information from a business website and mentions about the business across the web. Those statements describe additional or inferred category information; they do not say Google replaces the category you selected.

Google also gathers Business Profile information from user reports and other sources, then may update information reported as incorrect or outdated. Another owner or manager can edit a profile’s category.

Can I tell whether someone suggested the category change?

Yes, when Google marks the change as a suggested edit that needs your review. Google may send an email or in-product notification, and you have 4 days to accept or reject it. If you do not respond, Google may publish it when public information, such as the business website, supports it. Google may also apply a user suggestion without prior review in cases where edits must meet policy guidelines.

How can I check what changed?

Open your Business Profile and select Edit profile. Use the two markers Google documents:

1. Blue text means Google changed that information in the profile editor.
2. A notification at the top of the profile means Google has updates for you to review.

Then compare the category shown in the profile with the notification or alert, your business website, and other public business information. For help with the rest of the listing, see the Google Business Profile guide.

Can I change the category back?

Yes, if the category appears in Google’s list and accurately describes the business. Google’s documented path is:

1. Open the Business Profile and select Edit profile.
2. Next to Business category, select Edit.
3. In the Primary category box, enter a category and select one from the list.
4. To add an additional category, select Add another category, enter it, and select an offered option.
5. To remove an additional category, select Remove next to it.
6. Select Save.

Google says you cannot create a custom category. Adding or editing a category might also require business verification again.

Which category should I choose after Google changed it?

Choose the most specific category in Google’s list that describes what the business is. If the exact option is unavailable, choose a more general category that still represents the business. Google also advises using as few categories as possible and not using categories as keywords or as descriptions of attributes. See the fuller guide to choosing the right categories for your Google Business Profile.

Should I put category words in my business name or description?

No. Google says the business name should match the real-world name, while category information belongs in the other business-information sections. Google gives the description a separate role for services, products, mission, and history. Keep accurate description text in the description field, change the category in the category field, and leave the business name as the real-world name.

What should I do if Google marks the category edit Not approved?

Check the edit status and the category currently shown. For a rejected business-information edit, Google’s appeal guidance says businesses in the UK or European Economic Area can use the appeals tool. Businesses outside the UK and EEA must contact Google to appeal a rejected category edit. Google says appeal reviews and decisions can take up to 5 business days. Submit one appeal for the rejected edit and do not submit another before Google decides. Do not create a second profile while the appeal is under review. If the wider problem involves a restriction or suspension, follow the profile-fixing and suspension guide.

Will changing my category require verification again?

It might. Google warns that adding or editing an existing category can require business verification so Google can confirm the profile information is accurate. If Google asks for verification, follow the instructions shown for the profile. Do not choose a category that does not represent the business just to avoid that step.

How long will the category change take to appear?

Google says edits to a verified Business Profile are reviewed. Review usually takes up to 10 minutes, but some edits can take up to 30 days. The status can be Accepted, Not approved, or Pending. If Google changes business information after receiving an inaccurate-information report, Google says the owner gets a notification and an alert in the Edit profile section.