I’ve long since deleted my other accounts but can’t sign in to my main and oldest one because it can’t “verify” me so I’m basically locked out even though I still have access to gmail via IMAP.

They usually force additional verification with a phone number/app but I intentionally never linked those to my account for privacy. My options are a random answer to a security question that I don’t remember because I made it when I was barely a teen, or signing in from a “known location”. You can’t opt out of this this additional “security” or forced MFA bullshit and I certainly never opted in.

I’ve mostly moved away from using anything Google and have moved to more private and free alternatives like Proton, self-hosted, etc but I’m frustrated. I hate them so much on so many levels.

That’s it, I’m not looking for advice or anything. I’ll figure it out eventually. Just wanted to vent a little bit.

  • archchan@lemmy.mlOP
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    1 year ago

    I use Aegis for 2FA on multiple accounts. I just really don’t like it when I’m forced into it with no way to opt out, whether it’s an authenticator or SMS.

    • nhgeek@lemmy.ml
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      1 year ago

      It’s a good control but you hate the way they implemented that control. I get it. It’s legitimate. I have to use Google for work so there is no escape. If I recall correctly (was many years ago), they wanted an SMS number before I could switch over to a proper authenticator.