How to Deal With a Suspended Google Merchant Center Account (2025)

Dealing with a suspended Google Merchant Center (GMC) account can feel very upsetting. One day your product listings and ads are live, and the next you receive suspension notices.

If this is happening to you in 2025, you are not alone. I have seen many merchants struggle with unexpected suspensions and experienced the frustration myself.

In this post I explain the main causes of these suspensions, the steps I usually take to fix them, a few real-world stories from actual cases, and some strategies to help avoid future problems.

Why Google Suspends Merchant Center Accounts

1. Incomplete or Inaccessible Contact Information

I often see merchants overlook basic details on their site. Google needs proof that you are a real business – this means showing clear contact information. At a minimum you should have:

• A physical address (hidden details in the site are not enough; it is best to place it in the footer)
• A phone number that reaches your business
• A support email or contact form that is easy for customers to locate

If any of these are missing, incomplete, or tucked away on an obscure FAQ page, you risk being suspended. I usually recommend placing these details in the footer so they appear on every page.

2. Critical Policy Pages or Missing Legal T’s & C’s

In 2025 Google is paying extra attention to legal compliance. They focus on:

• Terms and Conditions
• Privacy Policy (which must meet data protection regulations based on where you work)
• Shipping and Returns Policies that clearly explain your procedures

When any of these pages are absent or too vague, it raises concerns. Google’s idea is simple: if customers do not know how returns, refunds, or data handling work, you might not be considered reliable.

My rule is that these policies should have their own dedicated page linked from your site’s footer.

3. Technical Violations and Feed Mismatches

I often come across technical mistakes. Common issues include using a different currency in your product feed compared to your website or mixing languages (for example, having product titles in English while the checkout page is in another language). Recently, Google has shown more sensitivity to:

• Insecure (non-HTTPS) checkout pages
• Broken links leading to error pages
• Password-protected storefronts that Google cannot access

If you have any of these problems, you must fix them quickly. In 2025 Google’s system flags these issues faster, sometimes suspending accounts without warning.

4. Misrepresentation in Product Listings

This category covers everything from unclear promotions to exaggerated claims and copied product descriptions. Google expects honest and accurate listings and does not hesitate to penalize you if you make unsupported claims or use copied content. A few examples include:

1. Advertising a product as “delivered in 24 hours” when shipping typically takes one week.
2. Using images from another site that you do not own or have permission to use.
3. Making promises you cannot support with evidence or disclaimers (for example, “Guaranteed to reverse aging!”).

If you fall short in any of these areas, suspension is almost certain.

My Go-To Reinstatement Strategies

When your account is suspended, it is time to regroup. Here is what I recommend:

1. Complete Website & Policy Review

Many merchants try to appeal the suspension without first improving their site. That rarely works. The first step is to conduct a detailed review of your website:

• Remove or rewrite any copied content. If you are using manufacturer descriptions word-for-word, consider rewriting them to reflect your own voice.
• Make sure your product images are clear, high-resolution, and either owned by you or properly licensed.
• Recheck your policies (Terms, Privacy, Shipping, Returns) to ensure they follow local regulations.
• Ensure your contact information appears on every page, typically in the footer.

This complete review is important. In 2025 Google’s automatic review process is strong, but human reviewers still check some cases, especially with repeated issues. Showing a professionally maintained website indicates you take compliance seriously.

2. Technical Overhaul

Technical issues can be subtle – sometimes you do not know your site is misconfigured until you face suspension. If your site loads slowly or your feed is off, correct these problems as part of your reinstatement plan.

I usually follow these steps:

• Check for HTTPS: Ensure the entire checkout process is encrypted.
• Optimize for Mobile: Many clients get most of their traffic on mobile devices, so a poor mobile experience can lead to compliance issues.
• Remove Any Password Barriers: If parts of your site require a login to view the product, adjust these settings so Google’s crawlers can access them.
• Fix All Language/Currency Mismatches: If you list in USD, your feed should use USD for pricing, shipping details, and related information.

3. Address Misrepresentation Thoroughly

When inaccuracies in listings are the reason for suspension, the remedy requires more than simple text changes. I suggest:

• Reviewing Every Product Listing: Identify any claims that seem too extraordinary.
• Ensuring Precise Pricing: Remove promotional prices that are no longer valid.
• Using Standardized Descriptions: If you sell on several platforms, make sure information is consistent.
• Providing Clear Shipping & Return Details: If your shipping takes 5–7 business days, state that clearly.

4. Keep Detailed Records

One common reason for appeal rejections is incomplete documentation. In 2025 Google expects a clear record of changes. Before filing an appeal gather the following:

• Screenshots of policy pages or contact information.
• Details of your product feed (language, currency, listing information).
• Any other relevant proof that you have fixed the issues mentioned.

When you send your reinstatement request, including this evidence can speed up the process. I remember a case in April 2025 where a merchant had to send 11 screenshots—one for each issue flagged. It was a lot of work, but it did the trick.

Real-World Example

Here is a brief story of a client I helped in early 2025. They sold eco-friendly clothing but were suspended due to unclear product claims and missing policies. Here is what we did:

• We found that the eco-friendly claims were not supported by any recognized certification. The product descriptions were rewritten to include only verified claims.
• The shipping policy was vague. It was updated to show a clear timeline (2–5 days for processing plus shipping estimates).
• We added a clear contact email and phone number in the footer of every page.
• Finally, we compiled all updated policies into a document and sent it to Google with the appeal.

Their account was restored within a week after addressing all the violations, providing solid documentation, and making sure the site was in proper order before submitting the appeal.

The Recovery Process Step-by-Step

Below is the step-by-step process I follow. If you are in a waiting period, this guide might help:

1. Identify All Issues
   • Gather every email or message from Google.
   • Check your Merchant Center’s “Diagnostics” section for item-level or feed-level issues.
   • If possible, contact a Google representative for further clarification.
2. Cooling-Off Period
   • Sometimes you need to wait a few days before submitting a new appeal.
   • Use this time to fix issues, recheck your policies, and test your site’s performance.
3. File Your Appeal
   • In your Merchant Center look for the “Request a review” or “Disagree with decision” option.
   • Give a clear explanation of what was wrong and how you fixed it.
   • Include evidence such as screenshots, links to updated documents, or any relevant certificates.
4. After Filing
   • Wait for a response. Google reviews can take from several days up to a couple of weeks depending on their workload.
   • Stay in contact with any professionals who assisted you; sometimes they receive feedback directly from Google.
5. If Reinstatement Fails
   • Recheck your improvements. Occasionally, an old site cache or a missed page can trigger repeated flags.
   • Consider hiring professional help. Some merchants have had success by closing the old suspended account, setting up a new one with verified business details, and uploading a fresh feed. Be cautious, as Google may restrict multiple accounts if they suspect shared information.

Reasons for Suspension vs. Possible Fixes

Use this table as a quick guide to see what might need attention if you are not sure where to begin.

Expert Services vs. DIY

Some merchants choose to fix suspended Google Merchant Center accounts on their own. Others opt to hire professionals who are familiar with Google’s guidelines. Here is a look at both options:

DIY Approach

• Pros: Saves money, teaches you the process, and gives you direct experience.
• Cons: It can be a steep learning curve, involve trial and error, and you risk wasting time if the appeal is not handled correctly.

Professional Recovery Services

• Pros: You can outsource much of the work to experts who deal with Google every day, which may lead to quicker results.
• Cons: It can be expensive and you must be sure to choose a reputable service—avoid those that promise instant fixes.

Lessons Learned from Case Studies

A case study I followed in 2025 showed that careful, methodical fixes lead to better reinstatement results:

1. Merchants who completely overhauled their website (including the brand, policies, and product feed) had higher success rates.
2. Those who applied quick or partial fixes often faced repeated suspensions within a few months.
3. Regular communication with Google support was cited as an important factor in achieving a successful resolution.

Long-Term Prevention Strategies

After your account is restored, you want to avoid future suspensions. Here are some suggestions:

1. Schedule Regular Compliance Reviews
   • Each quarter, check your website, review your product feed, and confirm your policy pages are current.
2. Keep Up with Google Policies
   • Google updates its specifications for merchants at least once a year, sometimes more frequently.
   • Monitor official Google announcements or forums to learn about changes early.
3. Maintain Clarity and Honesty
   • When adding new product lines, be sure the descriptions are original and clear.
   • If shipping times change because of supply issues, update the Shipping Policy immediately.
4. Complete Ongoing Identity Verification
   • As of 2025, Google may ask you to re-verify if your business details change, such as a new company name or address.
   • Do not ignore these requests as they are often time sensitive.