Introduction – What Is Google Business Profile (GBP) and Why Your Phone Number Matters ?
Imagine someone searches your business on Google but can’t find your contact number — they move on to your competitor. That’s why adding your phone number to your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is a small step that makes a big difference in getting more calls and customers. Many Indian business owners easily create websites but still struggle to make their phone number appear properly on Google. This small technical gap often leaves them stressed — even though the fix is quick and simple with Google Business Profile.
Having a verified phone number on your Google Business Profile is crucial because it builds customer trust, improves local SEO, and helps potential customers call you directly from Google Search or Maps. Data shows that more than 60% of customers in India call directly from a Google Business Profile listing before visiting a store. In this guide, we’ll explain how to add phone number on Google Business Profile in India, update or change your phone number on Google My Business, and make sure your Google Map contact number is fully verified and visible to everyone.
Prerequisites Before Google Business number verification
Before you jump into how to add phone number on Google Business Profile in India, there are a few simple things you need to prepare. Many Indian business owners set up their profile quickly but later realize their Google Map contact number isn’t visible — usually because they missed these small steps.
First, make sure you’re logged in with the correct Google Account that manages your business. If you use a different email or someone else created the listing, your changes — like when you add contact number in Google Maps — might not get saved properly.
Next, complete your business verification. Google only shows verified details because it wants to ensure your business is authentic. Without verification, even if you add contact number on Google Business, it may not appear live to customers.
Also, confirm that your number is active and can receive calls or SMS. This helps during Google Business number verification and ensures customers can reach you easily.
Lastly, if you plan to change your phone number on Google My Business, delete the old one first to avoid confusion. Outdated details can affect both customer trust and your local SEO ranking.
Once these quick checks are done, you’ll be ready to confidently add your contact number in Google Maps and make it visible to every customer searching for you.
Step-by-Step Process to Add Your Phone Number on Google Business Profile
If you’ve built a nice website but your phone still isn’t showing on Google, you’re not alone. Below is a simple, straight-to-the-point guide that covers how to add your number, what Google expects in India, and how to submit an appeal if the number isn’t accepted.
Step 1 — Sign in to the right Google Account
Go to https://www.google.com/business/ and log in with the Google Account that manages your listing. If you’re not using the right Gmail, edits won’t attach to your business profile.
Step 2 — Pick the correct business listing
From the dashboard, select the business you want to edit. Tip: you can also search your business on Google and click “Edit your Business Profile” to jump in quickly.
Step 3 — Open Edit profile → Contact
Click Edit profile, then the Contact tab. This is where you enter your contact number on Google Map and website details.
Step 4 — Add or update your phone number (do this right)
• Enter your 10-digit business number and add +91 in front for clarity.
• Use your main business line — avoid a personal SIM that’s frequently switched off.
• If you’re changing number, delete the old number first to avoid confusion.
Step 5 — Save and expect verification checks
Click Save. In India, Google may not instantly verify by SMS/call — they often require extra proof before the GMB number goes live.
If Google doesn’t accept the number — Prepare an appeal (what India-specific checks require)
In India Google sometimes asks for business verification beyond an OTP. They’ll want proof that the phone belongs to your business and that your listing is genuine. Here’s how to prepare.
Documents & proofs you should gather
Collect clear, dated copies/screenshots of any of the following that show your business name and phone number together:
- Recent utility bill or GST invoice with business name + phone.
- Letterhead or invoice from your business (with registration details).
- Screenshot of your official website/contact page showing the same phone number.
- Company registration / MSME / GST certificate (if available).
- Photo of shop front with visible signboard that includes phone (if your sign shows number).
These help when you verify Google Business number through appeal.
Add NAP citations (very important)
NAP = Name, Address, Phone. Make sure your NAP appears consistently on other sites — these citations help Google confirm the phone belongs to your business:
- List the same NAP on directory sites (Justdial, Sulekha, IndiaMart, your Facebook business page, LinkedIn company page, and industry directories).
- Ensure the format is identical (same spacing, spelling).
This is how Google links your contact number on Google Maps to your real business.
How to submit the appeal / request a review
Step 1 — Open Support from your GBP dashboard
In Google Business Profile, click Help / Support → Contact us (or look for “Request a review” / “Business edits”). Choose the option related to contact information or verification.
Step 2 — Write a short, factual appeal message
Keep it polite and specific. Example you can paste and edit:
Hello Google Team — I am the owner of [Business Name] at [Full Address]. I updated our phone number to +91-XXXXXXXXXX but it is not appearing/verified. I have attached official documents showing our business name and the same phone number (GST invoice, website screenshot and photo of shop sign). Please review and verify this phone as our primary contact on the Google Business Profile. Thank you — [Name, Role, Contact email]
Step 3 — Attach the documents you prepared
Upload the scanned bills, screenshots, GST/registration, website screenshot and any photos that show the phone + business name together. Attach the NAP citation links (URLs) where your number appears.
Step 4 — Send and follow up politely
Submit the appeal. Google may reply asking for more proof — respond quickly with the requested docs and links to your NAP citations.
Common issues & quick fixes (what trips people up)
- Using mobile-only number: If your number often changes or is personal, use a stable business line.
- Different formats across web listings: Standardize with +91 XXXXXXXXXX everywhere.
- Outdated website/contact page: Update your website first so the screenshot proof matches.
- Missing registration details: If you have GST or MSME, include it — it adds trust.
Quick checklist before you submit appeal
- Logged into correct Google Account
- Added number as +91-XXXXXXXXXX in Contact tab
- Collected 2–3 proofs (invoice, site screenshot, sign photo)
- Published identical NAP on 3 reputable directories (Facebook, Justdial, Sulekha etc.)
- Drafted short appeal message and attached files
Final tip — keep it consistent and calm
Think of Google like a cautious gatekeeper — show consistent evidence that your phone belongs to the business name and address on the listing. When your NAP, website, invoices, and directory citations all match, Google is far more likely to accept and verify the GMB number in India.
How to Verify or Change Your Existing Number
Sometimes your business grows, or you shift to a new line — and that’s when you need to change phone number on Google Business. Luckily, it’s easy to update or verify phone number on Google My Business, as long as you follow the right process and use a number that truly belongs to your business.
Step 1 – Open Your Google Business Profile
Go to your Google Business Profile dashboard and click on ‘Edit Profile’ → ‘Contact’ tab. You’ll see your existing contact details listed there.
Step 2 – Edit or Replace the Old Number
Delete your outdated number first, then add your new business contact number with the +91 country code. Make sure it’s the same number that appears on your website, invoices, and visiting cards — consistency helps Google trust your update.
Step 3 – Save and Wait for Verification
Click Save, and Google may choose to verify the new number. Sometimes, you’ll get a call or SMS verification code sent to that number. Once you confirm it, your updated number will appear live on Google Search and Maps.
Why Verification May Fail
Even after you change your phone number on Google Business, sometimes verification doesn’t go through right away — especially in India. Google wants to be absolutely sure the number belongs to your business before it goes live. Here are the most common reasons why verify phone number on Google My Business requests fail:
1. Incorrect or incomplete number
A small typo, missing digit, or skipping the +91 country code can stop the process instantly. Always double-check before saving.
2. Number not reachable during verification
If Google tries to call or text for verification and your line is busy, switched off, or has poor network, the attempt fails. Keep your number active and ready for incoming calls or messages.
3. Using a personal or temporary number
Google prefers stable, registered business numbers. If you’re using a personal SIM or a number that changes frequently, it may not pass verification.
4. Mismatch in online records (NAP inconsistency)
If your business name, address, and phone (NAP) don’t match on your website, social media, or directories like Justdial or IndiaMart, Google sees it as a trust issue. Always keep your NAP identical everywhere.
5. Business verification incomplete
If your Google Business Profile isn’t fully verified (through postcard, video, or document verification), the phone number update may stay pending until your account is verified.
Pro Tip:
Before retrying, make sure your number is listed the same way on your website and other platforms. This simple consistency helps Google confirm ownership and approve your GMB number in India faster.
Best Practices for Managing Your Business Number
Managing your Google Business Profile phone number the right way not only helps customers reach you easily but also strengthens your credibility and local SEO visibility. Here are some simple yet powerful tips to ensure your GMB number in India stays verified, active, and trusted by Google.
1. Keep one consistent number everywhere
Use the same contact number across your website, social media pages, business directories, and invoices. Consistent Name, Address, and Phone (NAP) details help Google confirm your business authenticity faster.
2. Always use a business-linked number
Avoid personal or temporary SIMs. Instead, use a registered business phone number that appears on your bills or official documents. This makes it easier to verify your phone number on Google My Business and maintain long-term reliability.
3. Update immediately after any change
If your number changes, edit or replace it quickly on your Google Business Profile, website, and other listings. Delays cause confusion for customers and can reduce call conversions.
4. Monitor calls from your Google listing
Track how many calls you’re getting through Google Search and Maps. This helps you measure how effectively your contact number on Google Map drives real customer inquiries.
5. Re-verify after major edits or ownership change
If you transfer ownership or make large edits (like address or name changes), Google may ask for business verification again. Keep your documents ready — GST, shop license, or utility bills — to re-verify quickly.
6. Keep your number active and reachable
Sounds simple, but many businesses miss calls because their number is switched off or inactive. Always ensure the line you’ve added on Google is working 24/7 during business hours.
Pro Tip:
Use call-forwarding or a professional IVR system linked to your Google Business Profile number — it improves customer experience and signals Google that your business is legitimate and responsive.
Conclusion
Adding and verifying your phone number on Google Business Profile in India might feel like a small step, but it’s one of the most powerful things you can do to grow trust and get more customer calls. A verified number tells both Google and your audience that your business is real, active, and ready to help.
Remember — always use a business-linked number, keep your NAP details consistent across the web, and regularly check your Google Map contact number for accuracy. If Google asks for proof, don’t worry — just share your documents, website link, and citations to verify your Google Business number successfully.
By maintaining a verified and visible GMB number in India, you make it effortless for customers to find you, call you, and choose you over competitors. So, take a few minutes today to check your profile, update your number, and make your business easier to reach — because every call you miss is a potential customer lost.
🔗 Sources & References
To make this blog more accurate and helpful, I’ve referred to official Google resources and trusted marketing platforms that explain how to manage, verify, and optimize your Google Business Profile in India.
- Google Business Profile Help Center – For official steps on adding, editing, and verifying phone numbers on Google Business.
- Google Maps Help: Add or Edit Business Information – To understand how to update contact details and addresses on Google Maps.
- Google Business Profile Community – For real user experiences and expert guidance on phone number verification issues in India.
- Search Engine Journal: Google Business Profile Optimization – To explore SEO strategies for improving local ranking and visibility.
- Moz Local SEO Guide – For learning about NAP consistency and why citations matter for Google verification.
- BrightLocal: Google Business Profile Learning Hub – For insights on optimizing business listings and improving local SEO performance.
- Neil Patel Blog: Google My Business Guide – To understand user-friendly approaches to managing and optimizing Google Business Profiles.
- Justdial, IndiaMART, and Sulekha – For understanding how NAP citations on trusted Indian directories help verify Google Business numbers.
