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I bought an existing business. How do I take over its online accounts?
Last updated: Oct 2026
Before closing, ask the seller for
owner access to the Google Business Profile; the website login and hosting account; the domain (web address) account; the business email; and the social media accounts. Put it in the sale agreement.
After closing
- The seller adds you as owner of the Google profile. Then they remove themselves.
- Move the domain and hosting to accounts and a card in your name.
- Change every password.
- Keep the business name, phone and reviews if you keep the business as it is. Customers trust them.
If the seller has disappeared
use Google's "Request access" (see "I lost access to my Google Business Profile").
Questions owners ask
Do the reviews come with the business?
Yes. They belong to the profile, not to the owner.
Should I change the name?
Only if you have a reason. If you do, see 'We're moving or changing our name'.
Can you check what we're buying online?
Yes. A Deep Dive shows what customers see about the business before you sign.
Related
Show me what customers see
No passwords · No call needed · Read by a person