I perform a periodical backup of all my Google data with https://takeout.google.com/ if the sh*t would ever hit the fan.
Is there a good way to automate this?
Tell HN: Lost then regained access to Google account, with correct credentials
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Re: Tell HN: Lost then regained access to Google account, with correct credentials
#32I have so many important accounts attached to my gmail so I created a bunch of backup codes and hide them in various places
Good idea, but I wish that there was an option to get backup codes without having to enable 2-step verification. https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/1187538?hl=en&co=...
Backup codes are a way to bypass the 2nd step, so what works that even mean?
Re: Tell HN: Lost then regained access to Google account, with correct credentials
#33Re: Tell HN: Lost then regained access to Google account, with correct credentials
#34I perform a periodical backup of all my Google data with https://takeout.google.com/ if the sh*t would ever hit the fan.
Is there a good way to automate this?
It lets you choose a bi-monthly schedule for the exports, then you just need to automate the download from the link that you get emailed.
Re: Tell HN: Lost then regained access to Google account, with correct credentials
#35I perform a periodical backup of all my Google data with https://takeout.google.com/ if the sh*t would ever hit the fan.
Is there a good way to automate this?
No API but you could script the browser. Obviously would break if the UI changes. Quick google shows some potentially still-relevant posts: https://superuser.com/q/716756
Re: Tell HN: Lost then regained access to Google account, with correct credentials
#36You get what you pay for. (Sorry for the obviously totally useless comment that is not helpful in any way. But seriously: I've seen this happen to a number of people, and you're just out of luck - computer says no. If you value your digital history, host your mail and file at a party where you pay for the service - that makes you a customer not a product )
I couldn't agree with you more. People complain about free services like if they were directly paying for it. I have my main email service through Protonmail and my GMail account is for all the spamming email stuff.
It is not like you get much better service when you pay for Gmail. Maybe huge customers do, but small ones are treated almost like free users.
Re: Tell HN: Lost then regained access to Google account, with correct credentials
#37Earlier quoted context omitted.
Yup lost my phone for a few months until my provider deleted my number and moved it on to some one else, now I am locked out of my paypal. I tried to find a pay as you go sim where the number doesn't expire and I would use that exclusively for 2FA but such a sim does not exist in the UK, most expire after 3 months the longest is 6 months. Now I know this is an issue but it doesn't seem like there is anything I can do…
You could avoid using SMS for 2FA. Most websites offer TOTP as first choice for 2FA. For the ones that insist on SMS 2FA being first choice, I don't bother using anymore. I delete the account and find another provider.
The NHS requires SMS 2FA - can't get around that.
Re: Tell HN: Lost then regained access to Google account, with correct credentials
#38This kind of stuff ought to be regulated somehow, one can’t lose access to one’s life. I recently wasn’t able to recover an old account because I did not have access to my 2FA number and their help site suggested I “contact the phone company to recover the number, then try again.” I had to do the same exact thing for another service but they did allow me to change the number by providing some information like last tr…
If you are in Europe, and at least for email, it is regulated. The GDPR's Right to Data Portability means that a company is obligated to give you access to your personal data - they are within their right not to have you as a customer anymore, but they must give you at least a copy of whatever data they already have. Of course, you'll probably have to jump some hoops to prove that you are you, but IMHO that's a reaso…
Doesn't work with Google. If you cannot log into the account, their legal team won't accept that you are the account holder. Even if you provide passport and driving license etc., they can't be sure, because you didn't upload the passport and stuff when opening the account.
Re: Tell HN: Lost then regained access to Google account, with correct credentials
#39Google marketing: "Entrust your livelihood to us because we're the experts"
Goodle production: "We're not responsible for your livelihood"
Same from Microsoft
Re: Tell HN: Lost then regained access to Google account, with correct credentials
#40Earlier quoted context omitted.
Good idea, but I wish that there was an option to get backup codes without having to enable 2-step verification. https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/1187538?hl=en&co=...
Backup codes are a way to bypass the 2nd step, so what works that even mean?
No - you need backup codes and something else, like a password, SMS OTP, or access to the recovery email address.