How to Change Name and Avatar picture On Google Maps Profile

Google Maps tips & tricks
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Hi folks, I wanna change my profile picture on Google maps, as well as my name (I’ve been contributing under my real name, but now want to continue with my business name). Is it possible to do so without affecting my contributions and points? Please let me know.

Cheers,

Grand_Jury

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Hi @Grand_Jury

Thanks for asking.

Mixing the interests of a business and your volunteer work as a local guide should never be mixed. Your reputation as an objective individual will be compromised when your reviews and edits are linked to a business and the interests of a business.

That said, I have been in a similar situation. I changed my real name to my current username. You need to know that your username in Google Maps is the same ( copied from ) the name in your Google account. Ditto for the profile picture.

Cheers

Morten

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Great point! Thank you Morten

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Hi @Grand_Jury

Local Guides Connect display the profile photo of your Google account.

For adding a photo on the profile, follow the link to the account setting page, then click on the circle where now you see a big letter, to add a photo.

Following the same link you can also change your username without loosing any Contribution.

BTW, as indicated by @MortenCopenhagen , using a business name to contribute can be misleading.

Accordind to the Local Guides Program Terms and Conditions : “Organizations, brands, and businesses are not eligible for the Program.”

1 Like
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Hello @Grand_Jury

The Google account allows for adopting any name available on that date.

The same name and profile picture continue on the Maps profile and next on to the LG profile.

I have noted some LGs adopting a name sounding similar to a business name. However, then someone is likely to report that as a violation of policy and the account may face a moratorium without even getting any chance to explain.

To change the name and profile picture, you will have to access the link

https://myaccount.google.com/personal-info

and then make the necessary changes.

But please note, once done, the change will reflect not only in Maps but also all other Google services you may be using. The profile picture will continue on Connect also. Nonetheless, you can adopt a different screen name here on Connect.

While on the subject, currently, the program allows the use of a business account for signing up as an LG. However, one should keep the business activities at an arm’s length from the LG activity.

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Hi @Grand_Jury ,

Thanks for reaching out. I see fellow Local Guides shared their tips with you.

In addition to that, I am marking @ErmesT 's reply as a solution, so other Local Guides can refer to it. The purpose of this feature is to help Local Guides find answers when searching on the Connect. Please take a look at How do I mark comments as solutions? article.

1 Like