How to handle disappearing posts, photo bugs, and GBP headaches. GBP posts not publishing? Photos missing? Learn the top Google Business Profile bugs and how to fix or work around them.

The Case of the Missing Muffin Menu

Maria uploaded a new muffin menu to her café’s Google Business Profile. She refreshed… nothing. The update vanished into Google’s mysterious void. Hours later she posted on r/googlebusinessprofile: “Is it just me, or are posts broken again?”

It wasn’t just her. GBP glitches — from disappearing photos to rejected posts — are among the top frustrations in the Google Support Community.

The good news? Most bugs have documented workarounds or official fixes. Here’s the guide to surviving GBP gremlins without losing your sanity.

The Most Common GBP Glitches

Popular complaints across GBP forums & subreddits:

• 🖼 Photos won’t publish (or appear and vanish).
• 📰 Posts not going live (or being rejected with vague errors).
• 📍 Map pin moves itself to wrong street.
• 📱 Messaging feature disappears.
• 🕙 Hours edits rejected.
• 📊 Insights/analytics delayed or not updating.

💡 According to Product Experts in the Google Business Profile Support Forum, these are often caused by AI moderation filters, policy violations, or simple platform bugs.

Photo Bugs

Why photos get rejected or disappear:

• Fail to meet GBP photo guidelines.
• Poor quality (blurry, dark).
• Suspected stock or watermarked images.

Fix/Workaround:

• Ensure all photos are original, clear, and location‑linked.
• Geotagging isn’t official policy, but posting authentic storefront, staff, and product images reduces rejection.
• If stuck: file with support or upload via the Google Maps “Add photo” option (users often report better publishing success).

Posts Rejected or Stuck

Common rejections:

• Use of banned content categories (tobacco, CBD, sensitive health claims).
• Links flagged as “spammy.”
• Over‑promotional language violating GBP’s content policies.

Fix:

• Rewrite copy simpler and less salesy.
• Avoid all‑caps, exclamation spams, or external links to questionable domain ratings.
• Wait 24 hours and re‑upload with minor adjustments — many “false positive” rejections get accepted on second try.

💡 Joy Hawkins (SterlingSky) notes: adding emojis or flashy symbols often triggers bot filters — keep it clean, professional, policy‑safe.

Map Pin & Location Errors

• Sometimes pins auto‑snap incorrectly during Google updates.
• Solution:
  • Enter full address (suite/unit numbers).
  • Use the “Move marker” feature in the GBP dashboard.
  • If edits reject, escalate via GBP Help.

Messaging Disappears

Why:

• Google temporarily disabled messaging for some accounts in 2023–24 bugs and policy rollouts.
• Common in certain industries where messages included personal medical/financial data (Google cautious about liability).

Fix/Workaround:

• If Messaging tab is gone → not always fixable until Google reinstates it.
• Alternative: integrate with third‑party messaging tools like Podium or Birdeye for continuity.

Stuck Edits (Hours, Services, Categories)

Edits can stay “Pending” for weeks if Google has conflicting external data (directories, citations).

Fix/Workaround:

• Strengthen NAP consistency across all listings (Yelp, BBB, Apple Maps).
• Upload photo proof (store signage that shows “Open Sundays” if hours fail).
• Escalate with Google Support if stuck >14 days.

Missing or Delayed Insights

Analytics often run on lag — sometimes data delayed by 3–5 days.

• No fix → just be aware delays are normal.
• Use third‑party tools (BrightLocal, Whitespark) for real‑time data if critical.

General Tips for Surviving GBP Bugs

• Always check Google’s “Known Issues” page (help article).
• Follow GBP Product Expert announcements in the support forum.
• Don’t panic after one rejection → many are false positives.
• Keep everything policy‑clean (original images, accurate info).

Relatable Story Wrap

Maria finally solved her muffin menu problem. The photos were rejected because she had uploaded a flyer with too much text overlay. She re‑posted with just a picture of the muffins and description in the GBP post caption. This time, it went through. Lesson: sometimes it’s not you — it’s the algorithm filter.

Checklist: GBP Bug Fixes

• ✅ Use original high‑quality photos.
• ✅ Rewrite posts if rejected (avoid spammy style).
• ✅ Use “Move marker” tool for pin errors.
• ✅ Escalate edits stuck >14 days to Support.
• ✅ Monitor official “Known Issues” forum page.
• ✅ Consider backup 3rd‑party tools for messaging/insights.

Conclusion & CTA

GBP glitches are frustrating — but usually solvable. Remember, Google’s filters are strict because of spam and abuse in local search.

👉 Your takeaway: Keep your content authentic, lean on known issue trackers, and escalate cleanly if delays drag. Don’t give up — your visibility depends on patience plus persistence.