HN Explorer

Ask HN: Is it possible to sign up for a Google account without Gmail and phone?

17 points by throw_throw ↗ HN
Normally you can sign up for a Google account using your own (non-Gmail email address) here:

https://accounts.google.com/SignUpWithoutGmail?hl=en

But of late, the reCAPTCHA has been replaced with a phone number requirement.

Is there no way to remain anonymous with Google now?

16 comments

[ 3.1 ms ] story [ 47.9 ms ] thread
smt88
Your phone number is anonymous. In the US, you can go to a store, buy a $40 prepaid phone with cash, and use Google anonymously.
sr2
Yes but you have to keep the phone registered on the network by topping up every 3 months and 'nursing' your burner phone. At least where I live this is the case. Apparently this is the case to stop terrorists holding onto sims for long periods of time and then using them in IEDs, or using them to start plotting at a later date.

Also, Google will periodically check to see if you still operate that number and will perform spot checks on the number, asking you to verify the phone again.

bsvalley
:) Leave the phone number field empty and click "Next Step". It's an optional field, they just trick people to collect phone numbers.
throw_throw
Clicking Next Step then asks you to enter a phone number to either receive a call or text message for verification.
samblr
One of trending 'dirty' trick while signup is multiple social account signup. Signup form shows social singup like linkedin or facebook. User chooses one, say linkedin, you think it almost signedup. Then application would say something like - we 've stopped linkedin sign up - use facebook instead. You are left no choice to use facebook. But if you look closely, they use both social account graphs to learn MUCH more about you. Latest big name I came across doing this is slideshare!
FullMtlAlcoholc
If you list you age between 12 - 14, tgey will let you sign up without providing any other information.
throw_throw
Haven't been able to replicate this.
FullMtlAlcoholc
I generated a ton of google accounts this way during my Pokemon Go phase. Maybe it doesn't work anymore?
b5ec5a483dfd14
I was able to register an account without a phone number using this method.
whyagaindavid
Why are u so worried? 1. Sim card location? Google can get an approximate location from your IP, WiFi like Starbucks. 2. If u are so paranoid you need a different service!

Buy a sim card activate; enable 2FA with authenticator. Destroy sim. I am not sure google can ASK operator for name and SSN.

grawlinson
Ironically, google have stopped enabling me to create gmail accounts because my phone number has been used too many times for activation.

Doesn't matter anymore, I self-host as much as I can anyway.