Changing phone number for two step verification--Gmail

August 10, 2024 8:59 AM

Recently I got a new phone to replace the dying once. My accounts (two gmail; there are more, but I'm dealing with one at a time) were set up several months ago with two-step verification. I went to "settings-->accounts and import" to take it off. It seems to be if (under Settings) "because of security issues", well, ok, they send you to sign in again and in order to change password or remove two-step, they send secret six digits to your old phone, that kind of defeats the purpose.

But maybe I'm missing something?
There was no help to change the new number to the old, either (because the six digit code required had to land in the old phone, which was completely dead.)

I had a Gmail second account, mostly for business-y things, which I requested a new password at the first account once they decide I'm not a hacker., two or three days for that, Who knows. Same problem, I had set up two step verification but couldn't receive the code as the phone was dead). Tried to remove two step verification but couldn't without being asked to sign in again (and get verification on the phone.)

This is clear to me but feel free to ask for clarification. It's been a week. I ask your kindness as I am down to a nub.

PS This was a phone that apparently can't be opened to just switch a battery. I mean it opens, but only cause I dropped it a few times.

posted by intrepid_simpleton to Computers & Internet (16 answers total)

Can you take the SIM card out of the old phone and put it the new phone briefly to receive the 2FA messages associated with the old phone number?

Alternatively, are you possibly signed into the Gmail account on another device, like a computer? If you're already in with a trusted browser on another device, you shouldn't be asked for a 2FA code and be able to go into settings there to make the change to the new number. It's worth it to check various browsers on your other devices, just in case you've got an easy route that way.

Hopefully one of these routes will help you get back in! Once you're there -- generate some backup codes or add a backup phone number to those accounts so that you don't face this issue again down the line. It's super annoying that we have to do all this to keep our accounts safe and so easy to get caught in spiral like this. Been there and it stinks!
posted by luzdeluna at 9:17 AM on August 10 [2 favorites]

I would definitely see if I could find a way to move the SIM card from the old phone to the new phone, although it sounds like you may have canceled service on your old number in which case that wouldn’t help.
posted by Tell Me No Lies at 12:34 PM on August 10

Response by poster: I assume you all are talking about actually putting it in the phone. I don't see that the new phone opens, unless I've really missed something. If you are talking about side by side, as I did with the transfer of contacts, that's certianly doable.

It was a pay by pay and is good til 2033 or something, it's just the battery is dead and I can't see it. It definately had time left, never really "canceled" it.
posted by intrepid_simpleton at 1:50 PM on August 10

Could you share the model of your old phone?
posted by Tell Me No Lies at 3:01 PM on August 10 [1 favorite]

Best answer: I would find a cheap or borrowed old used phone that's the same model or compatible model to your old phone's SIM card and try moving the card over to receive the messages necessary to port or forward the number to your new phone.

Your local "Buy Nothing" groups might have a phone you can borrow or have for free, if it's an older phone likely to be collecting dust in someone's drawer.
posted by Jacqueline at 3:15 PM on August 10 [1 favorite]

Response by poster: It's an Android TCL. There may be more, but I cant get it to light up. It SAYS 14% but then the icon goes to a plug with a spark. Or to a temp icon ("battery getting too hot and phone will shut off") I tell ya, this is a sad case.
posted by intrepid_simpleton at 4:07 PM on August 10

Response by poster: Jacqueline, do think this will work by just placing it? Because I can't see that the new one opens, unless I am really missing something.
posted by intrepid_simpleton at 4:09 PM on August 10

poster: It's an Android TCL.

Thanks. What’s the new one?
posted by Tell Me No Lies at 6:18 PM on August 10

Response by poster: The new one is a Moto G Play 2024. Man, and this will sound silly, I had that number 24 years!
posted by intrepid_simpleton at 6:55 PM on August 10

You should be able to move your old number to your new phone, unless you want a new number.
posted by freethefeet at 7:58 PM on August 10

I may be confused, but the Moto G Play 2024 appears to have a physical SIM card.
posted by Tell Me No Lies at 8:30 PM on August 10

Response by poster: Ok, I see that now. Thank you.
And yes, just putting the number back on the replacement makes sense also.
I will be able to open a phone shop now! So many phones.

I will update you on the unmoored accounts. Gmail seems fairly straightforward, Bacefook will be tough. I sent them documentation as they requested, and they sent me two links "Use these as passwords" that didn't work. "Wrong password."
posted by intrepid_simpleton at 6:51 AM on August 11

Not entirely sure, but moving the phone number I think just happens when moving the SIM card.
posted by Tell Me No Lies at 11:18 AM on August 11

Not entirely sure, but moving the phone number I think just happens when moving the SIM card.

Yes. Unless you've cancelled the account, it's attached to the sim card.

Man, and this will sound silly, I had that number 24 years!

Are you under the impression the phone number is tied to the phone? It isn't. You can keep your phone number. I've had the same number since 1987.

Unless your country works very different from mine, you own the number.
posted by dobbs at 1:57 PM on August 11 [1 favorite]

When I lost access to my Google Project Fi Phone, I lost access to my gmail account and several Android Apps and software (InSync) that were bound to it. Never gained access again, even with the right PW.

Keep this in mind.
posted by maloqueiro at 2:37 AM on August 12

Response by poster: dobbs--I believe I knew that, but it seems to be that it varies by carrier....Anyway, I'm keeping the old number til I try the sim experiment.
posted by intrepid_simpleton at 2:12 PM on August 12