TL;DR: Google is deprecating the long-standing Q&A API — and it may just be a signal of how the search giant is reshaping local discovery for the AI era.
Q&A has long allowed customers to ask public questions on listings and receive answers from brands or other users. For high-intent local searches, it created a quick-hit layer of information.
But starting November 3, 2025, the Q&A API will be deprecated.
What's changing — and when?
Based on Google's official changelog and recent Yext analysis, here's the timeline:
November 3, 2025: API access ends, meaning that third-party platforms (like Yext) can no longer fetch or manage Q&A via API. Google may remove all existing Q&A content from listings in Search and Maps. You will no longer be able to read or post questions and answers using the API.
Deadline to act: You can access and review your existing data and reporting details through the API until it's discontinued. We recommend you update your workflows to stop using the My Business Q&A API and export or repurpose your Q&A content before November 3.
Why Google is deprecating the Q&A API
According to Google's announcement, the move will streamline the Business Profile experience and reduce inconsistent or misleading content.
In practice, many Q&A sections were unmoderated or outdated — and for Google, that meant less relevance and more liability.
For brands, this change removes a valuable engagement channel, but may also clear the way for something more powerful.
What might replace Q&A: Google's AI playbook
While Google hasn't confirmed a direct replacement, recent moves across Search and Maps strongly suggest that AI-native, conversational experiences are coming next.
1. AI-generated Q&A via "Ask Maps"
Multiple sources report that Google is testing a new feature called Ask Maps, a conversational AI assistant built into Google Maps that can answer local questions like: "Does this place have outdoor seating?" "Is it usually busy on Saturdays?"
Search Engine Journal notes that this feature is being tested using Gemini, Google's newest large language model. Instead of relying on peer answers, Ask Maps would generate responses based on your listing data, reviews, structured content, and possibly your website.
What it means for brands: Any AI — including "Ask Maps" — is only as accurate as the content it pulls from. Your listing accuracy, website markup, and review content will directly shape how Google answers customer questions — even without your involvement.
2. Conversational AI Mode in Search
In parallel, Google is expanding AI Mode in Search, a Gemini-powered experience where users interact with results in a conversational format rather than scrolling through links.
As reported by Reuters, this experience is already live for some users in the U.S.
Instead of showing a Q&A box on your Business Profile, AI Mode may summarize data about your location and let users ask follow-up questions — all in a live conversation.
3. Multimodal + real-time local AI assistants
Google is also testing real-time voice-powered AI features in Maps and Android — including "Search Live," which lets users ask spoken or visual questions and get real-time answers.
Imagine this scenario: A customer points their camera at your storefront and asks, "Can I bring my dog inside?" Gemini answers using your location data and structured website information.
This is speculative, but the infrastructure is already in place.
What brands should do now
With Q&A potentially going away — and AI answering questions instead — brands must rethink how they manage and publish local content. Here's how to stay visible and trusted:
1. Export and reuse old Q&A: Salvage high-performing questions before the November 3 shutdown. Repurpose them in:
Google Posts
Business descriptions
Website FAQs
2. Strengthen your structured content: Use FAQ schema on your local pages, especially for common customer queries. This helps AI extract accurate, branded answers.
3. Fill gaps in your listings: Missing fields = missing signals for AI. Make sure hours, amenities, and services are fully populated for every location.
4. Monitor how AI gives answers about your brand: As Google shifts toward AI-generated overviews and summaries, inaccuracies can arise. Track how you're represented and correct misleading data at the source.
How Yext helps
Yext is built for discovery in a changing search landscape. With our platform, you can:
Push structured content and schema to your site and listings at scale
Centralize location info to feed AI assistants like Ask Maps
Monitor and adapt to new Google features as they roll out
As discovery evolves beyond search engines into AI-native experiences, we'll help you keep control of your facts — and your customer experience.
The bottom line: Google's Q&A feature may be going away, but customer questions aren't. They're just shifting to new formats powered by AI. Brands that take control of their structured content now will be the ones showing up with clarity and confidence in the next generation of local search.
Click here for more insights about setting your brand up for success in the age of AI search.
