How to Find Your Google My Business Account ID

Finding your Google My Business Account ID can feel like a hunt for a secret code, but once you know where to go, it's a simple task. This guide will walk you through exactly where to find this vital piece of information, clarify what it is, and explain why you'll need it. We'll cover the current, updated-for-2024 methods, plus a few alternatives just in case.

What Exactly Is a Google My Business Account ID?

First, let's clear up some common confusion Google has created with its naming conventions. What people call the "Google My Business Account ID" can refer to a couple of different identifiers. Here's the breakdown:

• Account ID: This is a unique, 10-digit number assigned to the primary Google Account you use to manage your business locations. If you manage a *Business Group* with multiple locations, this ID represents the entire group. It's the parent ID sitting above all your individual business profiles.
• Business Profile ID (formerly Location ID): This is another unique ID, also typically a 10-digit number, assigned to each *individual* business location you manage. If you only have one business, this is almost always the ID you need for connecting third-party apps or getting support. Throughout this article, when we refer to finding the ID for a single business, we're talking about the Business Profile ID.
• Place ID: This is a completely different, public, alphanumeric ID used by Google Maps to identify a physical location. You don't need this for account management, but it's used for things like generating review links or in certain API calls.

So, Why Do You Need Your Business Profile ID?

This little string of numbers is essential for a few key tasks. You'll need it to:

• Connect a Third-Party Tool: Many social media schedulers, review management platforms, and local SEO tools require your Business Profile ID to securely connect to your profile and pull data or publish content.
• Get Help from Google Support: When you run into a problem with your listing - say, it gets suspended or you're dealing with fake reviews - Google Support will almost always ask for your Business Profile ID to identify the exact listing you need help with.
• Perform API Integrations: If you're a developer or your company is using Google's API to build custom solutions, the Business Profile ID is the main identifier for making calls related to a specific location.
• Manage Profile Transfers: In some complex ownership transfer scenarios, having the ID on hand can help ensure the correct profile is being moved between accounts.

The Primary Method: Finding Your Business Profile ID in 2024

Google's interface for managing business profiles has changed a lot. The old "Google My Business Dashboard" is gone, and management now happens directly in Google Search or Google Maps. Don't worry, finding the ID is still simple. Just follow these steps.

Step 1: Go to Google and Find Your Business

Make sure you are signed into the Google account that manages your business profile. Then, simply search for your business name on Google. Alternatively, you can just search for the phrase "my business".

You'll see a special management panel appear at the top of the search results that only you, as the manager, can see. It includes editing tools like "Edit profile," "Read reviews," and "Messages."

Step 2: Access Your Business Profile Settings

In that management panel, look for the three vertical dots (kebab menu) on the right side. Click on it to open a menu of more options.

From the dropdown menu, select "Business Profile settings."

Step 3: Open Advanced Settings

A new settings window will pop up. In the menu on the left side of this window, click on "Advanced settings."

Step 4: Copy Your Business Profile ID

Here it is! Right at the top of the Advanced settings section, you will see your "Business Profile ID." It's a 10-digit number. You can click the copy icon next to it to save it to your clipboard.

This is the ID you'll use for 99% of situations that call for a Google My Business ID.

Quick recap of the steps:

1. Search for your business on Google (while logged in).
2. Click the three dots in the business manager panel.
3. Select "Business Profile settings."
4. Click "Advanced settings."
5. Your Business Profile ID is the first item on the list.

How to Find Your Account ID for Multiple Locations (Business Groups)

If you manage dozens or even hundreds of locations, you likely have them organized into a *Business Group*. Finding the ID for the group is a bit different.

To do this, you'll need to use the old Google Business Profile Manager dashboard interface.

1. Go to business.google.com/locations.
2. Select the business group you want the ID for from the dropdown menu in the top left.
3. Once the group is selected, look for the "Group Settings" button on the right side of the screen.
4. A popup will appear, and you will see the "Business account ID" listed right there. This is the top-level identifier for your entire portfolio of locations within that group.

An Alternative Method: Finding the ID in the URL

If for some reason you can't access the settings menu, you can usually spot another important ID right in your web browser's address bar. This is a very long number and is more of a unique identifier for your dashboard instance, but it's often requested by developers or support.

1. Navigate directly to Google Business Profile Manager.
2. If you manage multiple businesses, select the one you want the ID for.
3. Once the profile loads (either in the main dashboard or in the Google Search manager), look at the URL in your browser's address bar.
4. You'll see a long string of numbers in the URL. It often appears after `/l/` or `lid=`. Your URL might look something like this:
   https://business.google.com/dashboard/l/12345678901234567890

The long number BOLDED in the example is the ID. While this is less commonly needed than the 10-digit Business Profile ID, it can be a useful piece of information to have if technical support asks for it.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

"I can't see the business management panel!"

This almost always means one of two things: you're either not logged into the correct Google account, or you do not have Owner or Manager permissions for the profile. Double-check that you're using the email address associated with the business profile. If you're an employee, you may have a lower permission level like "Site Manager," which doesn't grant access to all settings.

"The third-party tool says my ID is invalid."

This can happen if you accidentally provide a different type of ID. Make sure you are using the 10-digit Business Profile ID from the Advanced settings menu, and not the public Place ID (which is alphanumeric) or the long string of numbers from the URL. Go back and check the primary method again to make sure you have the right one.

"I only have view-only access."

If you can see the profile but can't access deep settings, your account access has likely been set to "Site Manager" or you are just a viewer. You'll need to contact an Owner or Primary Owner of the business profile and ask them to either retrieve the ID for you or upgrade your permissions.

Final Thoughts

Finding your Google Business Profile ID is a pretty direct process once you know the current steps. Just remember to head to your profile's advanced settings to find the 10-digit ID you'll most often need. Keeping that number handy can save you time when connecting new marketing tools or troubleshooting a problem with Google.

Just like needing that ID to sync your GMB profile with other tools, keeping your social platforms connected is essential for a smooth workflow. We designed Postbase to solve the frustrating problem of constantly re-authenticating accounts. We focused on building stable, reliable connections, so you can focus your energy on creating and scheduling amazing content across all your channels without worrying that something will silently break in the background.