How to leave a Google review

If you've wondered how to write a Google review, you've come to the right place. There are some experiences so good — or so bad — that you're compelled to put it in writing.

Whether it's a five star review of the South China Sea ("Only gripe is how humid it is. Beyond that, a great place to conduct military operations") or giving one star to a skatepark ("Sitting at the school waiting for my grandson and at 68, I don't think I can go skateboarding"), you have the power at your fingertips to voice your opinion. By the way, both of these examples came from r/GoogleReviews, which is a very good time. Funny Google reviews aside, here's how to do it.

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How to leave a Google review from Google Maps

Total Time

• Less than a minute, plus as long as it takes you to write the review

What You Need

• Your smartphone and the Google Maps app

Step 1: Open Google Maps and find the location or business you want to review

Search for the place you want to review and tap on it to open the page.

Credit: Screenshot: Mashable / Google

Step 2: Go the Reviews section

On the business or location's profile page, tap the Reviews section which is on the same line as other profile sections like Overview, Menu, Photos, etc.

Credit: Screenshot: Mashable / Google

Step 3: Scroll to the Rate and Review section

In this section, you'll see five empty stars. Select how many stars you want to give the business or location. This will take you to a new page which prompts you to leave a review. From here, you can write your review in the text box that says, "Share details of your own experience at this place. You can also add photos and videos.

Credit: Screenshot: Mashable / Google

Step 4: Publish your review

When you've finished your review, tap Post at the bottom of the page. Typically, reviews publish immediately, but it might take longer depending on Google's approval system. Your review will be shared publicly with the name, picture, and profile associated with your Google account.

Credit: Screenshot: Mashable / Google

How to leave a Google review from your browser

Total Time

• Less than a minute, plus as long as it takes you to write the review

What You Need

• Your computer and internet access

Step 1: Find the business or location you want to review

First, you need to be logged into your Google account on whatever browser you're using. Next search for the business or location you're reviewing.

Credit: Screenshot: Mashable / Google

Step 2: Find the Reviews section

In a Google search, the business or location profile will show up on the righthand side of the screen. Scroll down to the Reviews section and click "Write a review."

Credit: Screenshot: Mashable / Google

Step 3: Write your review

Once you click "Write a review," a window will pop up prompting you to rate the business or location out of five stars. There might be more specific ratings if it's a restaurant, such as food, service, and atmosphere. Once you've rated the place, write your review in the text box below. In certain cases, you can also add information about whether you dined in, got takeout, or delivery, what you ordered, how much you spent, and any dishes you'd recommend. You can also add photos and videos.

Credit: Screenshot: Mashable / Google

Step 4: Publish your review

When you've finished, click Post to publish your review. As is the case with posting a review via Google Maps, your review publicly show your Google account information.

A few things to keep in mind when writing a Google review. There are certain guidelines for submitting a review, and if your review violates those guidelines, it might not be approved. This includes criteria like writing a fake review, harassment, hate speech, NSFW content, or personal information. The full list can be found here.