Quick answer
"Not publicly visible" usually means verification is unfinished, still processing or was rejected. If Google offers video verification, record one continuous, unedited clip of at least 30 seconds on your phone showing your location, that the business exists and that you manage it. Google says reviews can take up to 5 business days.
Verification is where many new and relocated businesses get stuck. Google chooses which methods you are offered, and you cannot pick another one. What you can control is how well you meet the requirements of the method you get. This guide is part of our SEO help centre.
Check these first
- Open the profile on your phone. Search your business name in the Google Maps app or Google Search while signed in. Look for a Get verified button or a Review issues message.
- Check which methods you are offered. Tap Get verified. The options shown are the only ones available to you for now.
- Check your email. A rejected video comes with reasons. Search your inbox for Google Business Profile messages.
- Check for pending edits. Changes to name, address or category can trigger a fresh review or re-verification.
- Rule out a suspension. If the profile is suspended, verification will not fix it. See our guide to a suspended Business Profile.
Verification methods today
Google's verification help page lists these methods. Google decides which ones you see based on your business type, public information, region and opening hours, and some businesses need more than one.
- Video recording. Google recommends it where you are eligible.
- Phone call or text. A code is sent to your business number. Automated phone menus cannot receive it.
- Email. A code goes to an address shown on the verification screen.
- Live video call. A Google representative guides you, during your business hours. Not every business is offered this.
- Postcard. A 5-digit code mailed to your address, usually within 14 days. It expires after 30 days. Do not edit your name, address or category while you wait, and do not request a new code, as that cancels the earlier one.
If you have already verified your website in Google Search Console, Google says verification can sometimes be instant.
Cause and fix table
| What you see | What it means | How to fix it | How long it takes |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Get verified" button still showing | Verification is not complete, or Google could not fully verify you | Complete or retry the method offered | Up to 5 business days for a video review |
| Video rejected with reasons | Something required was missing, often the business name on signage, the surrounding area or proof you manage the business | Tap Review issues and record a new video with everything from the first one plus what was missing | Same day to record; up to 5 business days to review |
| Postcard never arrived | Mail delay or address problem | Wait the full 14 days before trying again; check the address format | Up to 14 days |
| Verified but profile not showing | Often a pending edit or review, sometimes a suspension | Check for pending edits and suspension notices; avoid further edits | Edits usually about 10 minutes, sometimes up to 30 days |
| Edit "Not approved" | Google could not confirm the change was accurate | Make sure your website and signage match the change, then appeal the edit | Varies |
| No verification options you can complete | No method fits your situation right now | Contact Google Business Profile support from the help page | Varies |
How to record a video that passes
Google's video verification page sets the rules. The video must be:
- recorded live in the Business Profile flow on a mobile device, not filmed earlier and uploaded
- one continuous take with no edits or breaks, at least 30 seconds long
- free of sensitive information, such as bank, tax or ID numbers, and other people's faces.
It needs to prove three things: where you are, that the business exists, and that you manage it. Plan the route before you press record. Start outside and finish inside, or at your equipment, without stopping.
Shot list: a tradie working from home (service-area business)
- The street sign at the end of your street, then walk or pan to your house number.
- Your branded ute or van, with the business name visible.
- Open the van and show your tools and stock.
- A business card or branded shirt with the same name as the profile.
- A recent invoice or utility bill in the business name, with sensitive numbers covered.
Shot list: a clinic with a shopfront
- The street sign or a well-known neighbouring business, then pan to your building and street number.
- Your permanent signage, with the name exactly as on the profile.
- Open the front door with your key, or walk through reception.
- Go into a staff-only area: a treatment room, store room or behind the counter, and open the practice software or till login screen without showing patient details.
Shot list: a home-based business that visits clients
- Nearby landmarks or street signs in your neighbourhood. Google allows this for home-based businesses.
- Your workspace and the equipment you take to clients.
- Branded items: business cards, a uniform or printed materials.
- A permit, invoice or utility bill that matches the profile name.
If you work from home and do not see customers there, do not show your home address on the profile. Google's guidelines say to hide it and set a service area.
When there are no more ways to verify
Google's help pages do not use the phrase "no more ways to verify", but they do cover what to do when methods run out. If your video keeps failing, Google suggests checking every requirement, trying again, then trying another method if one is offered. If none of that works, contact Google Business Profile support through the help page. Before you do, make sure your website shows the same name, address and phone number as the profile, because Google uses public information to decide what to offer.
Verified but not visible
A verified profile can still be hidden for a while. The usual reasons are:
- Edits under review. Google says edits to a verified profile usually take about 10 minutes, but can take up to 30 days.
- Re-verification requested. Changing key details can trigger it.
- A suspension. Check your email and the profile for a notice. Our suspension guide covers the appeal.
- Guideline problems. A virtual office, PO box or keyword-filled name can stop a profile from showing. Check Google's guidelines for representing your business.
Australian detail
Use your registered trading name as it appears on ABN Lookup and your signage. For postcards, write the address in Australia Post format with the correct suburb and postcode, and add a suite or unit number in address line 2. Live video calls only run during your listed business hours, so make sure your hours are correct for your time zone. Queensland does not use daylight saving, so a Brisbane business sits on AEST all year.
When to get help
A specialist will check the profile history, match your public details across the web, and plan a video that covers every requirement before you record it. Verification decisions are Google's, so nobody can guarantee approval.
Related guides: Business Profile suspended and fake or unfair Google reviews.
About this guide
Written by Amann Jhamb, Director of AR Digital Solutions, 17 years in web design, SEO and paid ads. Last checked: 3 November 2026 against Google Business Profile Help: Verify your business with a video recording. Change note: first published 3 November 2026. Part of our SEO help centre.