How to Change Google My Business Profile Picture

Your Google My Business profile picture is often the very first impression a potential customer has of your brand. It’s the visual handshake that happens in a split second on Google Maps or in a local search query. This guide walks you through exactly how to change your Google My Business profile picture, troubleshoots common problems, and gives you actionable tips for picking a photo that helps you stand out.

Why Your Google My Business Profile Picture Actually Matters

It's easy to dismiss your profile photo as a minor detail, but it silently works hard for your business 24/7. Your logo and cover photo are the visual cues that do more than just fill space, they influence searcher behavior in ways that directly impact your bottom line.

First, it’s about trust and professionalism. A high-quality, relevant photo signals that you are an active, legitimate business that cares about its presentation. An empty, blurry, or outdated photo can make customers pause and wonder if you're even still open. In a competitive local search result page, that small dose of hesitation is often all it takes for a user to click on a competitor's listing instead of yours.

Second, it drives engagement. Think about your own behavior on Google Maps. Are you more likely to explore a restaurant listing with a delicious-looking photo of its main dish or one with a generic, gray building icon? A compelling image catches the eye, making your listing more "clickable." More clicks lead to more profile views, website visits, direction requests, and phone calls - the primary goals of any local SEO strategy.

The Difference Between Your Logo, Cover Photo, and Business Photos

Before you start uploading, it helps to know the different photo categories within your Google Business Profile (GBP). Each one serves a distinct purpose.

Your Logo

Your logo is your primary brand identifier. It helps customers recognize your business instantly, especially if they are already familiar with your brand from other platforms. Your logo appears most prominently when your business information is displayed, often in a small circular format alongside your business name in search results and on maps. This is the place for your actual logo - not a photo of your storefront or your products.

Your Cover Photo

The cover photo is the large, banner-style image at the top of your Google Business Profile. Its job is to showcase your business's personality and what you’re all about. This is where you can be more creative. Think of a well-lit shot of your store's interior, a candid photo of your team at work, or a beautiful shot of your signature product.

A quick note: While you can set a preferred cover photo, Google’s algorithm has the final say. It will sometimes choose a different photo (even one uploaded by a customer) if it believes that photo better represents your business. Setting a high-quality preference puts you in the best position, but it’s not an absolute guarantee.

Additional Business Photos

This is a broader category where you can upload a variety of photos to give customers a comprehensive view of your business. You can add photos of your interior, exterior, products, services in action, and your team. This section is also where customer-uploaded photos appear. Regularly adding your own high-quality images helps ensure your profile looks professional and provides context that builds customer confidence.

Before You Upload: Google's Photo Requirements

Running into an error message is frustrating. To avoid having your photos rejected, make sure they meet Google's basic guidelines before you even try to upload them. Here’s a quick checklist:

• Format: Your photo must be either a JPG or a PNG file.
• Size: The file size should be between 10 KB and 5 MB. This range is wide enough for you to upload a high-quality image without it being a massive file.
• Resolution: Google recommends a resolution of 720 x 720 pixels for your primary photos like your logo and cover photo. The minimum resolution is 250 x 250 pixels. Anything lower will likely appear blurry or stretched.
• Content Policy: Your photos must accurately represent your business. They should be clear, in focus, and free of promotional text or excessive filters. Avoid stock photos and anything that could be considered misleading or offensive, as this violates Google's policies.

How to Change Your Google My Business Profile Picture: A Step-by-Step Guide

The days of managing your profile in a separate Google My Business dashboard are over. Instead, you manage your profile directly from Google Search or the Google Maps app.

Changing Your Profile Photo on a Computer (Desktop)

The easiest way to update your photos from your laptop or desktop computer is right from a Google search page. Just follow these simple steps:

1. Sign in to Google: Make sure you are logged into the Google account that you use to manage your Business Profile.
2. Search for Your Business: In the Google search bar, type your exact business name. You may need to add your city if your name is common.
3. Find the Management Panel: If you're signed in correctly, you’ll see your Business Profile information at the top of the search results, along with a menu of management tools.
4. Go to 'Edit Profile': Click on the "Edit profile" button. It's usually one of the first options, next to "Read reviews" and "Messages."
5. Select 'Logo' or 'Cover Photo': You'll see several sections you can edit. Near the top, you'll find options for "Logo" and "Cover photo." Click on the one you want to change.
6. Upload Your New Photo: A window will pop up allowing you to select and upload a picture from your computer. Choose your file, make any needed adjustments to the crop or positioning, and click "Save."
7. Wait for Review: Your new photo is now submitted. It might appear instantly, but it often goes through a brief review process to ensure it meets Google’s guidelines.

Changing Your Profile Photo on a Phone (Mobile)

Updating your profile on the go is just as easy using the Google Maps app.

1. Open the Google Maps App: Make sure you're signed into the correct Google account.
2. Access Your Business Profile: Tap on your profile picture or initial in the top-right corner of the search bar. From the menu that appears, tap on "Your Business Profiles."
3. Select Your Business: If you manage more than one profile, select the one you want to update from the list.
4. Tap 'Edit profile': Once you're viewing your profile as a manager, you’ll see a row of buttons. Tap on "Edit profile."
5. Choose 'Logo' or 'Cover photo': Just like on the desktop, you'll see options to change your primary photos. Tap the one you want to update.
6. Add Your Photo: You’ll be prompted to take a photo or select one from your phone’s gallery. Select your desired image, adjust it as needed, and save it. Your submission is now complete.

Help! Why Hasn’t My Profile Picture Changed? (Troubleshooting Common Issues)

So you followed the steps, but your old picture is still there. Don't worry - this is a pretty common situation. Here are the most likely reasons why.

Issue 1: It’s Still Under Review by Google

Almost all user-submitted content on Google goes through an automated review process. While it's often quick, it can sometimes take a few minutes or even a day or two for the photo to be approved and go live. The best course of action here is usually just to be patient. Check back in 24 hours.

Issue 2: Your Photo Didn't Meet the Guidelines

If your photo vanishes after you've uploaded it or never shows up at all, there's a good chance it was rejected for not meeting Google's guidelines. Go back to the checklist: is the file the right size and format? Is the resolution high enough? Does it violate any content policies? Low-quality, blurry, or irrelevant images are frequently rejected.

Issue 3: Google Selected a Different Photo as Your Cover

This is a particularly frustrating one. You uploaded the perfect cover photo, but Google is still showing an old one or - even worse - a low-resolution photo taken by a customer. This happens because Google prioritizes what its algorithm believes to be the most helpful and representative image for users. While you can't force Google to use your preferred photo, you can increase your chances by ensuring the photo you upload is high-quality, perfectly cropped, and very representative of your business.

Issue 4: You’re Just Seeing a Cached Version

Sometimes, the issue is on your end. Your browser or app might be showing you a "cached" or saved version of your profile from before you made the change. Try viewing your profile in an incognito or private browsing window, or clear your browser's cache. If the new photo appears there, then you know it's live for everyone else.

Expert Tips for Selecting a Photo That Gets Clicks

Changing your profile picture is easy, but choosing the right one requires a touch of marketing strategy. Think of your GBP photos as a key part of your social media and branding efforts. Here are a few tips to help you select a winning image.

• Keep it High-Resolution: Nothing says "unprofessional" faster than a pixelated logo or a blurry cover photo. Use the original, highest-quality version of the image you have. Crisp, clear images build instant trust.
• Choose the Right Type for the Right Slot: Don't try to get creative by placing a picture of your store in the logo slot. The logo section is specifically for your logo. Use your cover photo and additional photo uploads to show off everything else.
• Make Sure Your Logo is Readable: Remember that your logo will often appear as a small circle. A complex, text-heavy logo will become an unreadable mess. Test how your logo looks at small sizes before uploading it.
• Show Off Your Best Side (for Cover Photos): Pick a cover photo that tells a story. Good options include a welcoming shot of your storefront on a sunny day, an appetizing close-up of your signature dish, an inviting photo of your well-designed interior, or a photo of your friendly staff serving a customer.
• Keep It Fresh: Your Business Profile isn't a "set it and forget it" task. Update your cover photo to reflect seasonality, new products, or a recent redesign. An up-to-date profile signals that you are active and engaged.
• Stay on Brand: Your Google Business Profile is an extension of your overall brand presence. The look and feel of your photos should align with the visuals you use on your website, your Instagram feed, and your physical marketing materials. Consistency is key to building brand recognition.

Final Thoughts

Updating your Google Business Profile picture is a simple, five-minute task that hugely impacts how potential customers perceive your brand online. By following the steps above and choosing high-quality, representative images for your logo and cover photo, you can build trust and attract more clicks from local searchers.

Thinking about brand consistency is something we spend a lot of time on. Your Google profile is just one piece of your online presence, but customers see you on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and more. Juggling all of those visual assets can become a chore. We built Postbase to make an otherwise complicated workflow incredibly simple, helping you plan and schedule all your visual content across every social platform from one clean, beautiful calendar. It ensures your brand looks great everywhere, not just on Google.