How fast should you reply to Google reviews?
The short answer
Google tells businesses to respond to reviews in a timely manner and says a prompt response shows you value feedback. It gives no deadline. Our suggestion is a fixed routine, such as checking for new reviews every working day and replying within one to two days, so no review sits unanswered.
By Reputant · Updated October 31, 2026 · 3 min read
What does Google say about review response time?
Google's help page on tips to get more reviews lists "Respond in a timely manner" among its tips for replying to negative reviews, and says a prompt response shows that you value your customers' feedback. It does not give a number of hours or days.
The same page says your replies are public. It advises keeping replies short and free of promotions.
This guide makes no claim about whether reply speed affects your ranking.
What happens after I reply?
Google's help page on replying to reviews says replies are checked against its content policies. It says replies usually take up to 10 minutes to review, but sometimes up to 30 days. Plan for your reply to appear later than you post it.
The customer who wrote the review is notified when you reply. They can still change their review afterwards, and if they do, the review date updates to show the latest change.
You need to have verified your business to reply. The reply shows as coming from your business, and your personal name is not shown.
How will I know a new review has arrived?
Reputant shows new Google reviews and Facebook recommendations in one feed after they sync. Instant alerts are not built. A daily email digest of new reviews is in beta, so treat it as a helpful extra and not something to depend on.
That is why we suggest a checking routine rather than waiting to be told. A review you do not check for can sit for days.
What is a simple reply routine?
The routine below is our suggestion. It is not a Google rule and nothing here says it affects ranking. Its job is to make sure no review is forgotten.
- Pick a time each working day, such as the first ten minutes after you open, and check for new reviews.
- Reply to positive reviews with one or two sentences that mention something specific.
- For a negative review, take a breath, draft your reply, and send it the same day or the next. Do not post while angry.
- Offer to continue the conversation offline and leave out private details.
- Once a week, filter your feed for reviews with no reply and clear the list.
For reply wording, see how to respond to negative reviews and respond to positive reviews.
Can a tool write the reply for me?
Reputant can suggest a reply when you ask for one on a review. You edit it, and nothing posts unless you post it. Replies go back to Google and Facebook directly. Try the free reply tool below, or read our guide to AI review responses.
Pick your business type, set the tone, paste in a customer review, and get a reply draft.
Choose Your Business Type
What if I have too few reviews to reply to?
Replies need reviews. Our guide on how to get more Google reviews covers asking for them within Google's rules.