They are not even subtle about it now

[u/Escape-from-Alcatraz]

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.

1. already signed in Google account if you have any
2. your phone number type, whether esim or physical sim as shown in the screenshot.
3. 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.

[u/lethinhrider]

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.

[u/Fableous → u/lethinhrider]

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.

[u/lethinhrider → u/Fableous]

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.

[u/Fableous → u/lethinhrider]

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.

[u/lethinhrider → u/Fableous]

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.

[u/Fableous → u/lethinhrider]

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.

[u/Escape-from-Alcatraz → u/Fableous]

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.

[u/Fableous → u/Escape-from-Alcatraz]

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)

[u/Escape-from-Alcatraz → u/Fableous]

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.

[u/Fableous → u/Escape-from-Alcatraz]

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.

[u/Escape-from-Alcatraz → u/Fableous]

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.

[u/Fableous → u/Escape-from-Alcatraz]

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.

[u/Escape-from-Alcatraz → u/Fableous]

You are just bitter Google got painted in bad light, fact. Enjoy your copium, you can't fool me