Google Business Profile Chat Sunset — What to Do

By Sparkforge Support Team ·Last reviewed May 3, 2026

Google ended Business Profile Chat on July 31, 2024. New chats stopped on July 15, 2024. Add a phone number to your Google Business Profile so customers can still get in touch.

Google sunset the Business Profile Chat feature in 2024. If you used GBP Chat to talk to customers, here's what changed and what to do instead.

Timeline

July 15, 2024: contacts could no longer start new chats from your Google Business Profile. Active chats showed a phaseout notice.
July 31, 2024: the chat feature was removed entirely. No new messages could be sent or received.

Were customers notified?

Yes. Contacts in active chats saw Google's phaseout notice between July 15 and July 31, 2024.

What to do now

If your Google Business Profile doesn't show a phone number — or the number is hidden — add one so customers can still reach you. Sparkforge phone numbers work here, and inbound calls route directly into your CRM with full call recording, transcription, and missed-call text-back.

For text-style conversations, point customers to your website chat widget or SMS number. Both feed the same unified inbox in Sparkforge, so nothing falls through the cracks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Google Business Profile Chat coming back?

No. Google removed the feature on July 31, 2024 with no announced replacement.

What's the best replacement for GBP Chat?

A visible phone number on your profile, plus a website chat widget or SMS number that routes into your CRM. Sparkforge handles all three from one inbox.

Will I lose my old chat history?

Existing chat history is no longer accessible inside Google Business Profile. Export anything you needed before the cutoff if you still have access.

How do I add or update my phone number on my Google Business Profile?

Sign into your Google Business Profile, edit the profile, and update the phone number field. Use a Sparkforge number if you want inbound calls to land directly in your CRM.