Each Google Business Profile (GBP) has a unique **CID (Customer ID)** — the identifier you need to activate OTTO, connect automations, and unlock local SEO insights in Search Atlas. Choose the method below that fits your listing type; if one fails, try the next.

# **🗺️ Method 1: Find the CID via Google Maps Source Code**

**Best for:** Standard storefronts and physical location listings.

1. Go to [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com) and search for your business name.
2. Click the correct listing to open its panel.
3. In the browser address bar, replace **https://** with **view-source:** and press **Enter**.
4. When the raw source loads, press **Ctrl+F** (or **Cmd+F** on Mac) and search for **ludocid**.
5. Find a string like: `ludocid\u003d18208190227674681406#lrd`
6. The number between **ludocid\u003d** and **#lrd** is your CID — for example: **18208190227674681406**.

⚠️ **Chrome users:** Newer versions of Chrome may block the **view-source:** method for Google Maps URLs, returning a blank page. Switch to Method 2 or Method 3 if this happens.

# **🏘️ Method 2: Find the CID for Service Area Businesses (SABs)**

SABs hide their address on Maps, so the source-code method often fails. Use hex extraction instead:

1. Search for your business in Google Maps and click the listing to open the full panel.
2. Check the URL in the address bar — it contains **two strings starting with 0x**.
3. Copy the **second 0x… string** — it holds your CID in hexadecimal format.
4. Remove the **0x** prefix. For example: `e060d065957c4103`
5. Paste that value into a [Hex-to-Decimal converter](https://www.rapidtables.com/convert/number/hex-to-decimal.html).
6. The resulting decimal number is your CID.

💡 **Tip:** If you see only one **0x** string in the URL, click the business name inside the listing panel to expand the full detail view — the second string will then appear.

# **⚡ Method 3: Use a CID Converter Tool**

If both manual methods fail, a dedicated converter tool extracts your CID automatically — no source code or hex conversion required.

1. Open your business listing in Google Maps and copy the full URL from the address bar.
2. Paste it into the [Pleper CID Converter](https://pleper.com/index.php?do=tools&sdo=cid_converter).
3. Your CID appears instantly.

✅ This method works for both standard listings and SABs, and is mobile-friendly.

# **📍 Where to Enter Your CID in Search Atlas**

Once you have your CID, here's where to use it in Search Atlas:

- **OTTO Activation:** Go to **Local → GBP Projects** and click the **Connect GBP Account** button to paste your CID and link your profile.
- **GBP Management:** Under **Left sidebar → Local (GBP Projects)**, use the CID to enable review monitoring, post scheduling, and listing audits.
- **Client Projects:** Add the CID to a client project to pull live GBP performance data into your reports.

⚠️ If Search Atlas rejects the CID, confirm you've copied the **full numeric string only** — no trailing text like **#lrd** and no extra spaces.

# **❓ Troubleshooting Common CID Questions**

## **The view-source method shows a blank page**

This is a known limitation in newer versions of Chrome. Use Method 2 (hex extraction) or Method 3 (converter tool) instead.

## **I can't find two 0x strings in the Maps URL**

Make sure you've clicked the listing — not just the map pin. The full URL with both **0x** strings only appears after the listing panel fully loads. Copy the URL directly from the address bar.

## **Search Atlas won't accept my CID**

The CID must be a plain numeric string of 18–20 digits. Remove any trailing characters like **#lrd** and check for hidden spaces. If the issue continues, reach out via the in-app chat.

## **Does the CID change when I update my GBP?**

No. The CID is a permanent identifier assigned when your listing is created. It stays the same regardless of changes to your business name, address, or category.

## **I manage multiple locations — does each have its own CID?**

Yes. Every Google Business Profile has its own unique CID. Retrieve it separately for each location you want to connect in Search Atlas.

## **Can I find my CID on a mobile device?**

The view-source method is not available on mobile browsers. Use Method 3 — copy your Google Maps listing URL on your phone and paste it into the [Pleper CID Converter](https://pleper.com/index.php?do=tools&sdo=cid_converter) from any mobile browser.

**🎯 With your CID confirmed, you're ready to activate OTTO, configure GBP Management, and fully connect your Google Business Profile inside Search Atlas. Reach out via the in-app chat if you need a hand.**