Google appears to have automatically added WhatsApp phone numbers to many Google Business Profiles over the past week. Several business owners and local SEO professionals have noticed this sudden update. In some cases, Google also sent email notifications to businesses about the change.
However, the main problem is that some of these WhatsApp numbers are wrong, inactive, or not reachable. This can create confusion for customers who try to contact a business through WhatsApp but cannot connect.
Complaints about this issue were spotted on the Local Search Forum and on X. Len Raleigh shared, “Huge wave of (incorrect) WhatsApp numbers being added to Google Business Profiles right now.”
Rhea Velgos also said, “Over the weekend, we received emails from Google regarding three profiles that were updated with a WhatsApp chat link in the Chat field.”
This issue is more serious for businesses using landline numbers. In some cases, the WhatsApp number added to the profile matches the main business phone number. However, many of these numbers are landlines and do not support WhatsApp or text messaging.
Rhea added that the WhatsApp phone number shown on each profile matched the practice’s main phone number. However, those numbers were landlines and could not support WhatsApp functionality. When they tried to remove the WhatsApp number from the profile, Google did not allow them to delete it.
At the moment, business owners may not have a clear option to remove these incorrect WhatsApp numbers from their Google Business Profiles. This can be frustrating because customers may try to use the WhatsApp chat feature and fail to reach the business.
According to the Local Search Forum, Claudia Tomina, a Google product expert, confirmed that this is a bug and said Google is actively working on fixing it.
Because of this, businesses should check their Google Business Profile as soon as possible. Even if they did not notice an email from Google, they should review the Chat field and make sure the WhatsApp number is correct and working.
This update shows why regular Google Business Profile monitoring is important. A wrong contact option can affect customer communication, lead quality, and local business trust. Therefore, businesses should keep checking their profile details, phone numbers, chat links, and customer contact options to avoid missed leads.
Forum discussion at Local Search Forum and X.
