TL;DR: Google removed the built-in chat feature from Google Business Profiles in July 2024. The fix? Add a Twilio virtual number to your Google Maps listing. Customers can SMS or call that number, and every message arrives in Mango on your iPhone. It’s free for one number — you only pay Twilio’s per-message rates (~$0.0079/SMS). Your personal phone number stays private, and the same number works across multiple devices so your whole team can respond.
Google Business Profile Chat — What Happened and Why It Matters
On July 15, 2024, Google officially disabled the chat and messaging feature on Google Business Profiles. By July 31, the feature — and all chat history — was completely removed.
If your business relied on Google Maps messaging to connect with customers, you lost your primary direct communication channel overnight. Google cited spam reduction and product focus as reasons, but the impact is clear: customers still search for businesses on Google Maps and expect to reach you directly.
The good news? There’s a better replacement — and it costs almost nothing.
How to Receive SMS on Your Google Business Profile Using Twilio
Here’s what thousands of small businesses are doing now to replace Google Business Profile chat:
- Get a Twilio virtual number (local area code for better SEO)
- Add it to your Google Business Profile as your business phone number
- Download Mango and connect your Twilio account
- Receive every SMS and call from Google Maps directly in Mango
When someone finds your business on Google Maps and taps your phone number, they can text or call — and you receive everything instantly in Mango on your iPhone or iPad.
Why Twilio + Mango Beats the Old Google Business Profile Chat
| Old GBP Chat | Twilio + Mango | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Web only, clunky | Native iOS app |
| Notifications | Unreliable, delayed | Real-time push notifications |
| Channel | Google chat only | SMS, calls, RCS, WhatsApp |
| Voicemail | ❌ Not available | ✅ Custom voicemail greetings |
| Business hours | ❌ Always-on | ✅ Route calls by schedule |
| Privacy | ❌ Business info exposed | ✅ Personal number stays private |
| Team support | ❌ Single user | ✅ Same number on multiple devices |
| Cost | Free (now gone) | Free (Mango) + pay-per-use (Twilio) |
Step-by-Step: Add a Twilio Virtual Number to Google Business Profile
Step 1: Get a Twilio Virtual Number
If you don’t have a Twilio account yet:
- Sign up at twilio.com (you need a paid account — trial accounts won’t work for receiving SMS)
- Purchase a phone number in your local area code — costs about $1.15/month
- Note your Account SID and Auth Token from the Twilio Console
Already have a Twilio account? Skip to Step 2 — use any active Twilio virtual number you own.
Step 2: Add the Number to Your Google Business Profile
- Log into business.google.com or search for your business on Google
- Click Edit Profile → Contact
- In the Phone field, enter your Twilio virtual number
- You can add it as a secondary number if you want to keep your existing primary number
- Click Save — Google reviews phone changes within 2–3 business days
Local SEO tip: Choose a Twilio virtual number with a local area code matching your business location. Consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone) data across your listings helps your Google Maps ranking.
Step 3: Download Mango and Connect Your Twilio Account
- Download Mango from the App Store
- Create an account (takes 30 seconds)
- Enter your Twilio Account SID and Auth Token
- Select your region and tap Add Account
- Enable your phone number for All (calls + SMS)
You’re live. Every SMS and call to your Twilio virtual number now arrives in Mango.
Step 4: Test Your Setup
- From a different phone, send an SMS to your Twilio virtual number
- You should receive a push notification on your iPhone via Mango
- Reply directly from Mango — the customer sees your Twilio number, not your personal number
One Number, Multiple Devices — Built for Teams
Unlike the old Google Business Profile chat that was limited to a single user, Mango supports the same Twilio virtual number across multiple devices simultaneously.
Here’s what this means for your business:
- Multiple employees can use the same business number on their own iPhones or iPads
- Everyone sees incoming messages and can respond — no missed customer texts
- No extra phone plans needed — each team member just downloads Mango and connects
- Seamless handoff — if one person starts a conversation, another can pick it up
- Works across locations — your team doesn’t need to be in the same office
This makes Twilio + Mango perfect for businesses with front desk staff, sales teams, or multiple locations all sharing one Google Maps phone number.
Keep Your Personal Phone Number Private
One of the biggest advantages: your personal phone number is never exposed to customers.
- Customers see and contact your Twilio virtual number on Google Maps
- You respond from Mango using that same Twilio number
- Your personal cell number remains completely private and separate
- If you ever want to stop receiving business messages, toggle the number off in Mango — no phone plan changes
This is ideal for freelancers, contractors, solo business owners, and anyone who doesn’t want a personal number on a public Google listing.
How Much Does It Cost? (Interactive Calculator)
Mango is completely free for one phone number. You only pay Twilio directly for usage.
📱 Monthly Cost Calculator
Estimate your Twilio + Mango monthly cost
Typical monthly costs for a US-based small business:
| Usage Level | SMS/Month | Calls/Month | Total Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light | 25 messages | 15 minutes | ~$1.62 |
| Medium | 100 messages | 60 minutes | ~$3.02 |
| Heavy | 500 messages | 200 minutes | ~$8.70 |
Compare that to: A dedicated business phone line ($25–50/month), Google Voice ($10/month), or VoIP services ($15–30/month per user). A Twilio virtual number + Mango delivers the same functionality for under $10/month.
Why Choose Mango to Receive SMS from Twilio?
Mango isn’t another generic messaging app. It’s purpose-built for managing Twilio virtual numbers:
- 🆓 Free for one phone number — no subscription, no hidden fees
- 🔒 Privacy first — your personal number is never shared with customers
- 👥 Multi-device support — same number works across multiple iPhones and iPads for your team
- 📲 Native iOS experience — built specifically for iPhone and iPad, not a web wrapper
- 📞 Calls + SMS + RCS + WhatsApp — all channels in one app
- 🕐 Business hours — route after-hours calls to voicemail automatically
- 📧 Custom voicemail — professional greetings for your business
- 🔴 Call recording — keep records of important conversations
- 📱 Multiple numbers — upgrade to manage additional Twilio virtual numbers as you grow
New to Twilio? Read our guide: What Is Twilio and Why You Need Mango
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my Google Business Profile still work without chat?
Yes. Your GBP listing continues to show your business name, address, hours, reviews, photos, and phone number. Google removed only the built-in chat feature. Adding a Twilio virtual number to your listing gives customers a direct way to text and call you instead.
Can I use my existing Twilio number?
Absolutely. If you already have an active Twilio virtual number, just add it to your Google Business Profile and connect your Twilio account to Mango. No new number needed.
Does adding a Twilio virtual number affect my local SEO?
No — as long as your NAP (Name, Address, Phone) information stays consistent across your online listings. For best results, choose a Twilio virtual number with a local area code matching your business location.
What happens when I receive a call outside business hours?
Mango’s Business Hours feature sends after-hours calls to voicemail with a custom greeting. During business hours, calls ring your phone normally before going to voicemail if unanswered.
Is Mango really free?
Yes. Mango is 100% free for one phone number with unlimited calls and SMS. You only pay Twilio’s standard usage rates directly to Twilio. Mango does not mark up Twilio’s costs. Need multiple numbers? Plans start at $2.50/month.
Can multiple people use the same Twilio number?
Yes! Mango supports the same Twilio virtual number across multiple devices. Every team member downloads Mango, connects the same Twilio account, and everyone can see and respond to incoming messages. No extra phone plans required.
Can I receive WhatsApp messages too?
Yes. With a registered WhatsApp Business number through Twilio, you can receive and reply to WhatsApp messages in Mango alongside your SMS and calls. Check our WhatsApp setup guide for details.
What’s the difference between Google Business Profile chat and Twilio SMS?
Google Business Profile chat was a proprietary Google messaging feature that only worked within Google’s ecosystem. Twilio SMS is standard text messaging — it works with every phone, doesn’t require the customer to have any special app, and you own the phone number permanently.
Start Receiving Google Maps Messages Today
Don’t let Google’s decision leave customers without a way to reach you. In under 5 minutes, you can have a professional Twilio virtual number on your Google Maps listing — with every SMS and call arriving in Mango on your iPhone.
Mango is free. Your first Twilio virtual number costs ~$1.15/month. You only pay for what you use.
Stop missing customer messages from Google Maps — get Mango today.