Transferring ownership of a Google Business Profile used to involve adding a manager, waiting 24 hours, then switching them to owner. That process has changed.
With the updated interface, you can now add multiple owners or transfer primary ownership straight away—no waiting period required to assign ownership roles. However, there is still a seven-day hold before the new primary owner has complete control. So let’s get this done properly.
Why Ownership Matters
If your business changes hands, your in-house marketing lead leaves, or you’re switching agencies, you need the business profile to remain accessible and manageable. Losing access means losing control of one of your most valuable online assets—your visibility in local search.
Transferring ownership ensures:
- Business information remains accurate
- Reviews and data stay intact
- Access isn’t lost when people leave
- Your SEO efforts continue uninterrupted
Transfer Primary Ownership to a New User
If the new person is not already listed on the profile, follow these steps.
- Log in to your Google Business account:
business.google.com - Select the Business Profile you want to update.
- Click More (three dots) then go to Business Profile Settings > People and Access.
- Click Add to invite a new user.
Enter their email and set their role as Owner (not Manager). - They’ll receive an invitation. Once accepted, return to People and Access, click their role, and select Primary Owner.
- Once assigned, you (the original primary owner) can remove yourself, or leave yourself listed as an Owner or Manager.
Note: The new primary owner will face a 7-day restriction period where they can’t remove other users or regain ownership if they leave. Don’t rush any further changes during this time.
Transfer Primary Ownership to an Existing Manager
If the new person is already a Manager on the profile:
- Go to Business Profile Settings > People and Access
- Find the user you want to promote
- Click their current role and select Primary Owner
- Confirm the change
Job done. You remain as an Owner or Manager, or you can remove yourself if no longer needed.
Seven Day Access Restriction for New Owners
Google applies a 7-day restriction window after assigning primary ownership. During this time, the new owner:
- Can’t delete or undelete a profile
- Can’t remove other users
- Can’t promote anyone else to primary owner
- Will be removed if they leave the profile before the 7 days are up
This is standard. Let it pass, and then regular access resumes.
Things to Remember
Use a Business Domain Email
If possible, make the primary owner a domain-based email like info@yourdomain.com that’s also connected to Google Search Console or Google Analytics. It gives stronger verification and ties all assets together.
A business can have multiple owners and managers, but only one primary owner. Only the primary owner can transfer ownership or remove themselves.
Never Leave Control With an Agency
If an agency helped set up your profile, make sure ownership is transferred to the business itself. Too many cases exist of agencies holding profiles hostage or suspensions due to dodgy accounts they manage. Use Google’s Third-Party Violation Form if needed.
When to Transfer Ownership
- You’re selling the business
- A staff member responsible for the profile is leaving
- You’re changing marketing agencies
- You want to consolidate access across multiple locations
In any of these cases, ensure the right person has complete control.
Your Google Business Profile is not just a listing. It is the digital front door to your business. Handing over the keys to that door should not be rushed, overlooked, or left in the wrong hands.
Whether you’re moving on, handing off, or just being proactive, get your transfer done properly and protect the visibility and trust you’ve built in Google.
If you are having difficulty with your profiles account, Online Ownership provides Google Business Profile Troubleshooting, drop us an email and we will try and untangle the accounts for your business.
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