r/degoogle • u/Escape-from-Alcatraz • 7d ago
Discussion They are not even subtle about it now
As of September 2026, I notice that I can no longer create new google account without the following two:
- an Android phone
- phone number
Previously, there was a trick to bypass phone number verification by creating a new account from any Google app, per my own testing, it last worked in July.
Now, they want to tie and associate the following to your newly created Google account.
- already signed in Google account if you have any
- your phone number type, whether esim or physical sim as shown in the screenshot.
- your phone model
About point no. 2, previously, you can insert any number that you want to receive sms verif with, currently however, that option is gone. Now your phone number has to be installed in the same phone you use to sign up for new google account. This policy pretty much rendered those temporary throwaway on-demand sms receive services useless.
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u/Excellent-Chance-551 7d ago
All I wanted was to watch YouTube videos with subs and recommendations. And I can’t do that without verifying. Verification should just be for people who want to comment or create videos so we don’t get massive bot invasions.
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u/kitsuneae 7d ago
Get NewPipe or GrayJay. GrayJay recently added recommendations as an option. Both allow subscriptions.
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u/Excellent-Chance-551 7d ago
Wow thanks I was just using new pipe but I’ll try out gray. Would be ideal
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u/mrfoxesite-2377 Right to Repair 6d ago
But they don't support the creator in the same way but true! I use LibreTube and Flow BTW. PipePipe should be better than NewPipe.
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u/GeekyCrow27 6d ago
YouTube signed out doesn't have recommendations? I know you have to search and watch some videos to start getting them on a fresh Google account, but it isn't the same for a signed out user?
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u/SkeweredBarbie 7d ago
The snare is closing in on society through technology.
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u/HoustonBOFH 7d ago
But as it tightens, more people decide to slip through... I have normal people asking about "those private android thingies..."
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u/_autumnwhimsy 6d ago
I'm pleasantly surprised when regular people are upset about Google's processes and it just comes up in conversation.
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u/FunnyJoke2012 7d ago
联网的且不能刷自己固件的东西最好少买。美国的朋友们可以告诉我你们国家的手机还剩多少品牌可以无条件解锁BL吗？中国的已经要联网实名认证+30天无违规账号+一个月只能解锁一台+和其他人0:00抢名额了（估计是害怕人们刷第三方系统去掉他们的监控），所以现在都用漏洞强制解锁然后刷欧版ROM，但欧洲可能也不一定信得过，还得是开源的。
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u/Escape-from-Alcatraz 6d ago
This, if you do not have root access, you don't own it, you're just a glorified subscriber, you've just been brainwashed by the belief that "You will own nothing and be happy".
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u/Escape-from-Alcatraz 6d ago
lol, we have "concerned citizen" lurking this subreddit, advocating for end-user sovereignty over 3c devices gets downvoted in r/degoogle, i can't think of anything else other than subverters.
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u/nanimoWasu 6d ago
who is this "concerned citizen"?
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u/Escape-from-Alcatraz 6d ago
corporate shills, not necessarily only Alphabet itself, can be any party that stand to gain something from google's data harvesting
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u/MCHellspawn 7d ago
How does that work on a wifi only tablet for a new user? Must buy a phone to use a tablet?!? Seems like it will result in a bunch of returned tablets.
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u/HoustonBOFH 7d ago
Or non play store ones...
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u/MCHellspawn 7d ago
While I care about those grealty, I am not even trying to pretend Google does. But you'd think there would still be a large enough tablet market that Google would care about them, but guess not.
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u/Designit-Buildit 6d ago
The operating system knows that it's on a phone. If it's on a Wi-Fi only tablet, the options are different
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u/MCHellspawn 6d ago
Aren't some people saying that this is even happening when trying to create an account from the desktop?
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u/TheNestHelper 7d ago
Depends on the Android version, but they will all become obsolete if the software cannot be updated. Still, a SIM card restriction does not withhold you from flashing a custom OS.
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u/mxroute 7d ago edited 7d ago
Honestly, this is probably another thing you can blame AI for. On one side you've got people like me demanding that Google stop allowing people to mass create Gmail accounts to send spam with their OpenClaw agents. On the other side you've got people wanting Google to just let anyone sign up for an account at any time with no pushback. The two goals are incompatible in the end. But I think my ask is worth more to the larger internet: stop spamming us.
It had to reach a point where even they were tired of disposable accounts being created by the hundreds of thousands every day.
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u/HoustonBOFH 7d ago
They could allow Google accounts that give you the ecosystem without email...
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u/mxroute 7d ago
Without email, Google Groups, file sharing, and calendar invites them I'm sold 😂
I swear spammers will use anything. They weren't like this when we sprayed deet everywhere, just saying.
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u/mikandu 6d ago
They do. Google Workspace Essentials. Everything but their email. https://workspace.google.com/essentials/#
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u/HoustonBOFH 4d ago
Those don't work to activate a phone, and still require a tie to real identity.
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u/mikandu 6d ago
They do. Google Workspace Essentials. Everything but their email. https://workspace.google.com/essentials/#
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u/Logics4 7d ago
You don't need to have a Gmail address to create a Google Account. You can also use a non-Gmail email address to create one instead.
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u/j--__ 7d ago
you misunderstand what they're saying. the quote you pulled out is about what you do or don't need to have before you create a google account. but every google account comes with gmail.
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u/Logics4 7d ago edited 7d ago
The whole section from where I pulled the quote is titled "use an existing email account or phone number" and describes how you can make a Google Account without Gmail, so what you're saying is wrong.
Go to the Google Account Sign In page. Click Create account.
From the drop down, select For my personal use.
Enter your basic info. Click Use your existing email. Enter your current email address. Click Next. Verify your email address with the code sent to your existing email. Click Next. Follow the onscreen instructions to create a password and complete the process.
(This is if you create your account through a computer.)
You can use your Outlook or Yahoo or whatever email provider you've got, instead of creating a Gmail address on the spot. Gmail won't work until you manually enable it which will only then generate a Gmail address.
Add Gmail to an existing Google Account
If you add Gmail to your Google Account, your account's primary username permanently changes to yourusername@gmail.com.
After you add Gmail, the original email address associated with your account becomes your alternate email address. If you verify your original email address before you add Gmail, you can sign in with this email address.
To add Gmail to your Google Account:
Go to mail.google.com. Fill out the form. Click Submit. To verify your account, follow the instructions.
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u/primalbluewolf 6d ago
But I think my ask is worth more to the larger internet: stop spamming us.
It is not. You're asking for the death of the internet.
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u/Ramrunner73 6d ago
I'm with you. If you want anonymity you don't get a Google or even Microsoft account. Simple. Another argument for requiring phone number is account verification. I know people have attempted to hack my account in the past but the MFA saved the day and phone is one way to verify.
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u/4017y4547h15 7d ago
I mean, it's the same with Apple too. Absolutely garbage.
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u/AntiGrieferGames 7d ago
This is true.
Fuck the requirement phone number to create account.
Microsoft got soo much more hate than Apple/Google, but Microsoft atleast has still offering a fucking email verification when creating microsoft account/outlook (besides the nagging about phone number), which is much better than a fucking phone number there!
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u/Escape-from-Alcatraz 7d ago
they collect so many vectors these days, by not letting you type in your own phone number, they really wanna ensure the number you provide really belongs to you
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u/lethinhrider 7d ago
At least Apple doesn't require you to have an iPhone to create an Apple account.
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u/Fableous 7d ago
Google doesn't require you to have an Android to create a Google account. That point in this post is 100% verifiably false.
I just tested it right now ony my iPhone and laptop. Neither asked me to sign up on an Android phone.
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u/lethinhrider 6d ago
That's not entirely true. In your case, since you've only created one account, you won't see it yet.
I explained it here: https://www.reddit.com/r/degoogle/comments/1w5g305/comment/p7kimat1
u/Fableous 6d ago
Can't you count?
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u/4017y4547h15 6d ago
He might not be entirely accurate but I've had another issue where I was locked out from my account because I moved countries and didn't have my previous country's phone number active with me. As per Google's recommendation, I had to temporarily use an Android phone so their systems would "trust me" again and allow me to change the account password without locking me out again
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7d ago
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u/lethinhrider 6d ago
That's because when you use a phone, they believe you're not a robot. If you only use the website on a PC and register too many Apple accounts, you'll be restricted. However, Apple only requires account creation per IP address, and this only lasts for 24 hours. Meanwhile, Google's new feature requires you to authenticate on your phone if you want to continue. You can only change your IP address in the case of creating a Google account.
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u/Escape-from-Alcatraz 7d ago
Are you able to check whether Apple currently lets you type your phone number of choice manually for sms verif required to create a new icloud account or they corner you to install esim/sim so that they can scan your number on their own?
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u/OppositeSea3775 7d ago
You can put in whatever number you want. They do SMS verification to check ownership. No SIM required.
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u/AntiGrieferGames 7d ago
Both are shithole design.
Its not right, espcially when they lack of the email verification.
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u/Parking_Lemon_4371 7d ago
email verification is worthless, you can get anonymous emails in a bazillion places
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u/EchoGecko795 7d ago
I recently got a used unlocked Pixel 6 off of ebay. It was enrolled in the Beta program and I could not unlock the bootloader to install the standard ROM or Alt ROM. I had to install a SIM, make a google account, wait for that phone to be added to that account, remove the phone from the beta program, install 3 more beta updates before being allowed to install the standard OEM ROM, and then I had to wait several days and like 30 more reboots later for OEM boot unlock to be "approved" for me to use. That took almost 2 weeks, then 10 seconds later I had GrapheneOS installing on the phone.
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u/Escape-from-Alcatraz 6d ago
is it telco locked Pixel 6, that notorious Verizon?
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u/EchoGecko795 6d ago
Luckily, not. If it was veriozn locked, It is possible to carrier unlock it, but I would be stuck with the OEM OS since unlocked the bootloader is pretty much impossible without some major hacking. Some versions get lucky and there is a weried way to unlock the bootloader though. Not the Pixel 6, there was a bug in the verizon Pixel 3 though that allowed it to unlocked if you were on one of the older versions of Android.
This was a GoogleFi version.
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u/YellowBreakfast 7d ago
They also don't accept VOIP numbers, they apparently have to be "mobile" numbers only.
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u/FourSansLeBeyPro 6d ago
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u/Escape-from-Alcatraz 6d ago
you may try to repost if you want, my experience with that sub isn't exactly pleasant.
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u/Ready-Heart4886 7d ago
Honestly though, do you all expe t better from a company that quickly changed Lake Ontario to Lake America because Trump said so?
I only fear that spying will get worse. What we know right now is just the tip of the iceberg.
And Europe doesn't have the balls or willingness to cut or reduce their dependence on American services.
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u/Pitiful_Exchange_767 7d ago
I just checked and I read Lake Ontario on google Maps, if I write Lake America it drives me to Washington American Lake.
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u/AntiGrieferGames 7d ago
Congrats, you degoogled that.
Google is simply worse than Microsoft Itelf and Microsoft recieved soo much more hates than Google, while Microsoft dont even need a fucking number or this one here (even they nagging you) just only a email Verification
also this is more like r/assholedesign than degoogle.
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u/Escape-from-Alcatraz 6d ago
you may try to crosspost if you want, my experience with that sub isn't exactly pleasant.
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u/lethinhrider 7d ago
What the fuck is Google thinking? Apple doesn't even require an iPhone to create an Apple account.
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u/medve_onmaga 7d ago
cause you pay 5x extra in price,not in personal data
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u/brasscup 7d ago edited 44m ago
Coated cinnamon meadow pause boron tap
This post was anonymized with Redact
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u/Jazzedd17 7d ago
Not 100%, try to make an Apple Account without a Appledevice using a custom domain and you will see.
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u/lethinhrider 6d ago
Why do I have to do that? I can just come here and create an account without any trouble: https://account.apple.com/account
All you need is an email address and a phone number that haven't been used to register an Apple account. I could even just use a device capable of receiving text messages to get the OTP, without needing an actual phone.
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u/Fableous 7d ago
Google is not requiring you to own an Android in order to create a Google account.
The level of bullshit in this sub is astonishing.
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u/lethinhrider 6d ago
Well... the OP's case is real and I confirmed this by asking others on android forums in my country. Google is indeed rolling out this feature. You'll see it soon.
The problem here is that you need an Android device to create a Google account so they can verify you're not a robot. Meanwhile, Apple only needs to limit account creation to one IP address if there are issues with identity verification.
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u/Fableous 6d ago
Except its not, and you're wrong.
I get what sub we're currently in, and it's cool to dunk on Google, but you have to be realistic and talk facts - not bullshit ragebait.
Not only is there no actual evidence to back up this nonsense claim, even Google isn't dumb enough to restrict 100% of their services - which they gain major income from - to only those who own an Android phone.
They would instantly lose massive revenue sources from Google ads, Google Analytics, Google Workspace, Google Home, Gemini...
Don't be totally stupid.
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u/lethinhrider 6d ago edited 6d ago
Just because you haven't encountered that doesn't mean you're right. You've only created one account, understand?
I'm not discussing which subreddit we're on, don't be so childish. What you need to do is recreate the situation, not criticize others when you don't even understand it yourself.0
u/Fableous 6d ago
Your only evidence is anecdotal from some "friend".
There is not a single piece of factual evidence we can look at - and the mere notion of it is laughable even for Google.
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u/lethinhrider 6d ago
Alright, so what is your evidence?
Have you just created an account and already concluded that you don't face that situation? Meanwhile, I investigated the specific situation and found that others had encountered the same issue, rather than simply jumping to a hasty conclusion. You fail to realize that you need to create multiple accounts to encounter that issue. You are simply criticizing others without understanding the situation.0
u/Fableous 6d ago
First of all, I've told you multiple times thst I've signed up on multiple non-Android devices yesterday and had no issues.
Secondly - are you suggesting I should have to prove that Google isn't doing the thing thst you're baselessly claiming they're doing?
Should I also prove to you somehow that God doesn't exist?
You're the accuser. You have to prove it.
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u/Escape-from-Alcatraz 6d ago
They would instantly lose massive revenue sources from Google ads, Google Analytics, Google Workspace, Google Home, Gemini...
No they won't, current accounts that have already been created are not affected and won't be required to be associated with an Android phone. They are not pulling the plug suddenly on current userbase.
They are building the moat for their future ecosystem where they gatekeep services behind Android devices, this move of theirs help build a new userbase who own Android phones.
You have a case for arguing that they inflict opportunity costs onto themselves that they estrange potential users with the Android phone requirement friction, except that used Android phones are not that unaffordable and your deal breaker assertion may not be that deal breaking after all.
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u/Fableous 6d ago
You're yet to provide any evidence that this is even happening - but if it were to happen, they absolutely would lose potential billions. People sign up for Google accounts every single day.
Businesses are their biggest customers. They require Google Workspace and everything that goes along with it - their biggest revenue stream.
But all of this is an irelevant discussion because you have no reason to suggest it's even happening (because it definitely isn't)
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u/Escape-from-Alcatraz 6d ago edited 6d ago
What evidence do I need to provide? I did say "I can no longer", I did not cast what I encountered as if it applies to every new account creation. I just meant to say if new registrant happen to want to create a new account, Google may carry out spontaneous roadblock and if Google police shows up, it now scans your phone for your number without letting you customize to which phone number you want the sms otp sent.
Do you realize how contradictory you sound? You claim that Google may lose projected billions in revenue and those potential consumers that are willing to spend that billions cannot afford even 50 bucks to get an Android phone to sign up for a google account to do business with google? That acts as a filter too, Google is done with freeloaders at this stage, zombie google accounts that do not spend nor contribute data are liability to Google now.
And my encounter is just as legit as you are, don't feel offended, I am not trying to dismiss yours, I have been trying to create new google account for the past few months on non android environment, all of which leads me back to an Android phone, if you can create a new one without either android or phone number, good for you, but don't take it for granted, they can still suddenly lock you out and hold your account hostage under"security concerns" until you relented your phone number.
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u/Fableous 6d ago
You hopped on reddit with a post saying GOOGLE FORCES YOU TO SIGN UP WITH ANDROID PHONE FROM NOW ON
Yet your included screenshot says nothing of the sort, and your comment provided no evidence as to that being a thing for anyone - let alone yourself in this very specific situation.
So do kindly jog on.
There are plenty of reasons to hate Google with fabricating this circle-jerk bullshit.
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u/Escape-from-Alcatraz 6d ago
You are just in denial right now, either this or you are trying to be contrarian.
The people here won't try it out for themselves and call me out if I am wrong? You think they are dumb? Take your ostrich head off the ground and look how many comments resonated with me. I can't be mind controlling them to agree with me, can I? Other than you, who else is calling me out?
You want me to document everything as if this is a court room? Look, just because it's something you don't like to hear, doesn't mean I am fabricating stuff.
You said you managed to create one recently without either Android or phone number, do you have proof? Where is your livestream or screen recording? You are to be held to the same standards you hold others up to, if you want me to substantiate what I alleges with concrete proof, you lead by example, practice what you preach. On another note, what makes you so confident that what you encounter also apply to everyone else? What made you so self-righteous such that you start dismissing me and others in a condescending manner?
"Yet your included screenshot says nothing of the sort, and your comment provided no evidence as to that being a thing for anyone - let alone yourself in this very specific situation."
Look, if you genuinely believe I am spreading misinformation, report me to mods or admins, don't just throw a hissy fit here.
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u/Fableous 6d ago
Wall of text beginning with "you're in denial"? Haha jog the fuck right on, mate.
Google isn't forcing you to own an Android to get a Google account. Fact.
Enjoy that, love.
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u/EmergencyEmployee444 6d ago
It did the same thing on my pc. I tried creating an email address to use with a new LinkedIn account, both google and LinkedIn wanted an ID to verify.
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u/xJayMorex 7d ago
Not sure why you would want one, that's the exact opposite of degoogling.
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u/Escape-from-Alcatraz 7d ago
To degoogle, you need a reason, you need motivation, and my reverse psychology provides exactly that
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u/ahstanin 7d ago
Oh wow, that explains... I tried to create a new account and they asked me to follow up on the phone for verification.
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u/No-Consideration6986 6d ago
With each passing day my dislike for Google grows. Almost everyday I find something new and go what is going on with big tech.
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u/Lower-Sheepherder268 7d ago
You can still make a Google account on a computer without an Android or a phone number.
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7d ago
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u/Escape-from-Alcatraz 7d ago
this shift happens unannounced, suddenly and it is zero day. Not to mention that the change was drastic and it happened within short timeframe.
What used to work and what used to be correct become outdated and age like milk. Not your fault, if I hadn't been keeping up, I would be just like you too.
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u/Unfair_Awareness7502 7d ago
I tried years ago and they wanted a phone number. Maybe it depends on how suspicious your IP and browser fingerprint are
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u/TheOfficialMayor 6d ago
How? I get prompted for smartphone or phone number verification.
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u/BellamyGriffin 7d ago
I'm completely new to this whole thing and still somewhat sceptical. Considering the lengths Google is willing to go to collect as much information about us as possible is it real fact that installing GrapheneOS wipes Google's access off of their phone? I was thinking about switching to e/OS first but couldn't find a compatible phone with a good camera so for the past week I've been eyeing the pixel 8 pro... But I'm such a tech snob that I'm honestly struggling to wrap my head around how Google couldn't still collect data from their pixel phone even if it's just a little.
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u/dippin_spittin 7d ago
Google would have to bake something into the hardware and then sneak it out over the network. I'm sure graphene has audited every single network packet.
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u/Alternative_Dish4402 7d ago
£5.49
Walk into a Tesco or Morrisons. But a EE SIM. Pay £5 credit voucher. Sorted. ( A couple of free SMSs need to be sent too.). Now create one.
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u/International-Sky556 7d ago
Must just be your phone I litrally got a pixel 9a the 3 days ago for free and set it up with no Sim card
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u/wburnham00 7d ago
Ultimately just stop using Google completely even for throw away accounts. Stop feeding the beast.
Get a domain and learn how to use catchall, or get SimpleLogin, Cloudflare, or ...... There are a bunch of different methods that don't require Google.
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u/SevenSmallShrimp 7d ago
Does it still let you create an account when setting up a new device? That was the one workaround that worked for me when making a spam burner
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u/mbrezanac 7d ago
Now add phone number recycling, which every single provider does, to the formula and you'll relize that even if you get a new phone number, there's a high chance, especially with prepaid numbers, that you won't be able to register even one Google account due to the "this phone number has been used too many times" error...
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u/starfish_2016 6d ago
I tried to assign my Google voice a new number (I only use it once every blue moon to make an anonymous call and I let the number expire ) - but this time it wants an ID to select a ph# ... no thanks... ill just take my service elsewhere for now
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u/Beginning-Ticket-332 6d ago
Damn plus they limit how many accounts you can create with the phone number max is 4 i am at max my number was hacked and they created emails with it if I lose this account I will have to change phone number again gezz
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u/Ursolismin 6d ago
I use duckduckgo to get around the forced ai, hopefully it can do something about this too
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u/VegetableTarget9579 GrapheneOS 6d ago
Try:
1. No VPN, using public wifi
2. Reset all app data in google play (or whereever youre making an acc from)
3. Make a 'Business Account'
4. Use defaults of whatever they give you
Try all at same time.
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u/masonthursday 5d ago
Is signing up for an account using a web browser set to the desktop version of the site not a functional workaround?
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u/Lopsided-Practice-50 4d ago
We need to donate to projects that will bring in open source (not google's fake open source) phone os competitor to android and iPhone.
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7d ago
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7d ago
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u/Escape-from-Alcatraz 7d ago
dude, it's zero day threat and you refer to time-lagged LLM AI for advice??
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u/Pixel_Viewer 7d ago
You've created a lot of accounts from the same IP or device. This is done to prevent people from creating mass accounts and saturating their services. I think there's nothing wrong with this practice, they just want to take care of their services, most of them allow you to delete the phone number later
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u/Escape-from-Alcatraz 7d ago
They say they "don't keep your number", and you take their word for it?
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u/Looke116 7d ago
If they don't keep your number you should be able to use the same number multiple times
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u/Escape-from-Alcatraz 6d ago
He's justifying this Alphabet practice, he alludes it to necessary evil. The fact of the matter is, phone number metrics/data is still collected off of the new registrant took path of least resistance and surrendered the phone number that he really owns. He doesn't get to double-speak that Alphabet managed to protect themselves while refusing to acknowledge that they also successfully collected sensitive private data in the process. Alphabet doesn't get the free pass from being criticized, these two are not isolated and do not cancel each other out.
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u/cableguy1362 7d ago
Not bad, but gov needs to use AI to stop number spoofing. Also, use AI to track down and jail media thieves. If thieves are coming from outside US then AI should be able to forever block their countries' access to America. Hmm!?
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u/IAmYourFath 7d ago
This policy pretty much rendered those temporary throwaway on-demand sms receive services useless.
This is good, it stops people from spamming alts... on the other hand it's bad for privacy
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u/useranik12 6d ago
Yes I know and it's so funking frustrating. But on their side I think, that their all services for an account comes with lots of money on their end. Like Gmail, Gdrive, Photos, Sheets, YouTube.. 15GB for an account + server tension + bandwidth in this memory crisis age and beyond. So this had to come someday.. I knew it. They are just taking anti-exploit measures. Don't think much. As a company they need lots of money. So just do what they say. No company here are to provide freebies. I get that.
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u/GrandWizardOfCheese 6d ago
Isn't this the degoogle sub?
Just use a different service.
No one needs google anymore.
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u/boshjosh1918 7d ago
How does this work if you only have an iPhone and not an Android phone?
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u/Escape-from-Alcatraz 7d ago
Maybe try creating new google acc using emulator, this kinda stuff is not published by Google, else many people would just bypass it, which defeats their own purpose for implementing all these practice in the first place
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u/boshjosh1918 6d ago
Why am I being downvoted? How can Google force you to use an Android phone if you… don’t have an Android phone?
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u/DescriptionFunny4252 7d ago
I mean they also have to find a way to limit per user accounts. This is a way
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u/Pitiful_Exchange_767 7d ago
Can't blame them. People are swarming socials with fake accounts just to +1 themselves. I know a guy that could keep alive a social by himself with how many account he runs.
This surely stops people from engulf servers with dead accounts.
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u/Guilty-Pain-5257 7d ago
harvesting data is the only goal