Change your Google Reviews name in your Google Account settings
To change the name that appears on your Google Reviews, you need to update your Google Account profile name. This is the name Google displays across all its services—Gmail, YouTube, Google Maps, and Reviews. When you change it in your account settings, the new name shows on any review you've already posted and on future reviews you write.
The process takes about two minutes and works the same way whether you're on a phone, tablet, or computer. You do not need to delete old reviews or create a new account.
Key Takeaways
- Your Google Reviews name comes from your Google Account profile, so changing one changes the other across all Google services.
- You can change your name by going to myaccount.google.com, clicking "Personal info," and editing the name field.
- The new name appears on all your past reviews when ready, not just future ones.
- If you use a nickname or business name instead of your legal name, Google allows that as long as it does not violate their policies against impersonation or spam.
Step-by-step: updating your name in Google Account settings
Open a web browser and go to myaccount.google.com. You will see your Google Account dashboard. On the left side, click "Personal info." This section shows your name, email, phone number, and other profile details.
Find the "Name" field near the top. Click on it to open the edit box. Delete your current name and type the new name you want to appear on your reviews. You can use your first and last name, a nickname, a business name, or any combination—Google does not require your legal name. Click "Save" when you are done.
The change takes effect when ready. Any review you posted under your old name will now show your new name instead. If you are signed into Google on your phone or tablet, you may need to sign out and sign back in to see the change reflected in the Google Maps or Google Reviews app.
What happens to reviews you already posted
When you change your Google Account name, every review you have written—no matter how old—updates to show your new name. You do not have to do anything to each review individually. The old name disappears completely from your profile and from the business pages where your reviews appear.
Your review text, rating, photos, and the date you posted it all stay exactly the same. Only the name attached to it changes. If someone had bookmarked or screenshotted your review under your old name, they will see the discrepancy, but the live review on Google will show only your new name.
Changing your name on the Google Maps or Google Reviews app
If you prefer to change your name from your phone, open the Google Maps app or the Google Reviews app (if you have it installed). Tap your profile picture or initial in the top right corner. Select "Manage your Google Account." This takes you to your account settings.
Tap the "Personal info" tab at the top. Find "Name" and tap it to edit. Type your new name and tap "Save." The process is identical to the web version, and the change syncs across all your devices within a few minutes.
Using a nickname or business name instead of your legal name
Google does not require you to use your legal name on your account or reviews. You can use a nickname, a business name, initials, or any other name you choose, as long as it follows Google's policies. The main rule is that you cannot impersonate someone else—you cannot use a celebrity's name, a competitor's business name, or a fake identity designed to deceive readers.
If you run a small business and want your reviews to appear under your business name rather than your personal name, that is allowed. For example, if you own "Sarah's Bakery," you can set your account name to "Sarah's Bakery" and all your reviews will show that name. Just make sure the name is honest about who you are.
Troubleshooting: name change not showing up
If you changed your name but your reviews still show the old name, wait a few minutes and refresh the page. Google's systems sometimes take a few moments to sync the change across all its services. Close the app completely and reopen it, or clear your browser cache and reload the page.
If the old name persists after 30 minutes, sign out of your Google Account completely. Go to myaccount.google.com again, sign back in, and check your name in the Personal info section. Confirm that the new name is actually saved. If it is saved but still not showing on reviews, contact Google Support through your account settings—this is rare, but it can happen if there is a sync error on their end.
What you cannot change about your reviews
Changing your account name only changes the name attached to your review. You cannot change the review text, rating, or photos through the name-change process. If you want to edit what you wrote, you need to edit the review itself by finding it on the business page, tapping the three dots next to your review, and selecting "Edit review."
You also cannot hide or delete reviews by changing your name. If you want to remove a review entirely, you must delete it directly. Open the review, tap the three dots, and select "Delete review." Once deleted, it disappears from the business page and your profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing my name affect my Gmail address or other Google services?
No. Your Gmail address stays the same. Your account name (the one that appears on reviews, YouTube, and other services) is separate from your email address. You can change the display name without touching your email.
Can I use different names on different Google services?
No. Your account name is the same across all Google services. If you change it, it changes on Gmail, YouTube, Google Maps, Google Photos, and everywhere else you use that account. If you need a different name for a different purpose, you would need to create a separate Google Account.
What if I want to post reviews anonymously?
Google does not offer fully anonymous reviews. Your name always appears on your reviews, but you can use a nickname or pseudonym instead of your legal name. Some people create a separate Google Account with a generic name like "Local Reviewer" for this purpose.
How long does it take for the name change to show on all my reviews?
The change is usually when ready on the web version of Google Maps and Google Reviews. On the mobile app, it may take a few minutes to sync. If you see the old name after 30 minutes, try signing out and signing back in.
Can I change my name back to what it was before?
Yes. Go back to myaccount.google.com, click Personal info, edit the Name field, and type your old name. The change takes effect when ready, and all your reviews will show the old name again.