General
Google My Business vs. Google Business Profile: What Changed?
“I searched for Google My Business, but found Google Business Profile. Has my listing moved? What happened to the app?”
The two names can be confusing, but the main answer is straightforward: Google My Business is the former name of Google Business Profile. You do not need a second listing for the new name. The management experience has changed over time, so it helps to separate the rebranding from the tools you use today.
Why Did Google My Business Become Google Business Profile?
Google announced the change on November 4, 2021, moving from “Google My Business” to “Google Business Profile.”
Two ideas help explain the transition.
- A simpler name: Google described the change as simplifying its naming. The original article’s broader explanation about a company-wide naming pattern was an interpretation, rather than a separately established reason.
- Management through Search and Maps: Google encouraged small businesses to manage the profile from products they already used, while retaining a manager for businesses with multiple locations. The separate app was to be retired in the subsequent transition.
The name changed, but an existing legitimate listing did not need to be recreated just to match the new branding. Check the current management route rather than opening another profile.
What Changed, and What Continued?
The table describes the transition and current way to approach it. Individual features have also evolved since 2021; “same service” does not mean every old screen or feature remains identical.
| Item | Google My Business era | Google Business Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Service name | Google My Business | Google Business Profile |
| Core purpose | Managing business details, photos, reviews and posts | The same broad purpose, with features subject to later changes and availability |
| Separate mobile app | A dedicated Google My Business app | Google announced retirement in 2022; use current Search and Maps tools rather than looking for the old app |
| Everyday management | The app or a dedicated web dashboard | Management through Google Search and Maps for authorized accounts |
| Web entry point | business.google.com | The address remains an entry point; the destination can depend on account, device and location count |
| Existing business information | Associated with the business listing | No separate re-registration required solely because of the name change |
| Reviews, photos and posts | Existing listing content | The rebranding itself did not require re-uploading it; later moderation and product policies still apply |
| Multiple locations | A business dashboard | Business Profile Manager remains available for managing locations |
| Developer services | Google My Business API naming | Google Business Profile APIs; individual services and versions have their own documentation |
| Google profile fee | Free for eligible businesses | Still free; paid advertising or third-party work is separate |
A change of name did not require owners to rebuild their listing or reviews. That is different from guaranteeing that every piece of content will remain forever: author actions, policy review and later feature changes can still affect what is shown.
If You Used Google My Business Before, What Should You Do Now?
The name change does not require you to migrate the listing yourself.
Sign into the account authorized to manage the existing business. Check the actual profile and any notices rather than assuming you need a replacement.
A few useful checks are:
- Search for the correct business name and location on Google, and see whether management controls appear for the signed-in account.
- Find the business in Google Maps and check the available editing or ownership options. A public ownership prompt is not the same as already having authorized access.
- Confirm that opening hours, phone number and address are current.
- Replace your own outdated photos or menu information where needed, using the proper content-management options.
Do not ignore account or ownership notices. Google’s policy says long-inactive owners may lose access and content after adequate warning. That is an access and policy issue, rather than a published rule that each missed login lowers a business’s search ranking.
Five Questions Owners Often Have
1. “The Google My Business App Has Disappeared”
The separate app was retired during the transition to management through Search and Maps. Its disappearance did not, by itself, delete the business listing. Open the current Google Maps app or find the business through Google Search.
2. “I Can’t Sign In at business.google.com”
Check which Google Account has ownership or manager access, then follow the sign-in or recovery process appropriate to that account. A password issue, wrong account, permission change or restriction can each need a different response. Do not assume every access problem has the same cause or create a new profile as a shortcut.
3. “Where Do I Register for Google My Business Now?”
Use Google Business Profile, the current name. First check whether the business already exists on Google. Add or claim the correct eligible business through the current process and complete the verification methods offered to it. There is no need to register once under each name.
4. “My Business Is Missing from Search”
The name change alone does not explain a missing listing. Check the correct account, business location, verification status and any suspension or restriction notices. A business can also appear differently for different searches and locations. Investigate the actual status before assuming the listing has been deleted.
5. “Do I Need Both Services?”
No. They are the former and current names of the same service. Keep the correct existing profile and resolve any access issue rather than making a duplicate to cover both terms.
Three Ways to Access the Profile Today
Choose the route that works for the locations you manage and the access you have. The exact controls can vary by device and interface.
Method 1: Google Search
- Sign into the authorized Google Account and search for the business name and location, or for “my business.”
- Use the management controls shown for the correct business to review or edit its information.
Method 2: Google Maps
- Open Google Maps while signed into the account with access.
- Find the business or use the available Business section, then select the appropriate profile and management option.
Method 3: Business Profile Manager
- Begin at business.google.com or the applicable locations manager.
- Use the manager when handling several locations makes it useful. The original “three or more shops” suggestion is a workflow idea, not an official eligibility minimum.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the fees different under the two names?
No. Google’s Business Profile service is free for eligible businesses. A third party can charge for its own clearly described assistance, and advertising has separate costs. Neither payment is a fee required by Google simply for changing the service name.
What happened to reviews and photos from the old app?
They belonged to the business listing, rather than needing to be recreated under a new brand name. Do not re-upload everything solely because the app was retired. If something is now missing, check its actual status and applicable policy or support process; the rebranding does not guarantee that all content is permanently immune from later changes.
Should I also manage Naver SmartPlace?
Consider both services where your customers use them, keeping the business details accurate and consistent. Naver offers multilingual information too, so do not assume international customers all use one app. The original article’s approximate 38% Google share of Korean mobile search in 2025 did not identify a recoverable dataset; it is not a current customer-share estimate or a reason to ignore Naver.
Check the Listing You Already Have
Google My Business is the previous name of Google Business Profile. That answers the naming question; your next useful task is to check the real business information.
Search for the shop today and review the hours, phone number and photos. The original article also links to a related Google profile video (Korean). If you need help understanding the current management options, contact BlinkAd.
English edition checked October 31, 2026. References: Google’s November 4, 2021 announcement, current getting-started guidance, policy overview, including inactive ownership, and Business Profile API overview. The original July 2022 app cutoff was not independently reconstructed from a direct provider shutdown notice; the current Search and Maps management route was checked. No account migration, registration or access change was performed.