this post was submitted on 12 Sep 2026
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Privacy
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You cannot create a gmail without a phone number these days. There used to be work aroubda where you sign up for a gmail via youtube or on a smart TV (don't advise the smart TV one), but I'm sure that doesn't work anymore.
I think if you don't want the gmail associated with your phone number you just have to buy a prepaid phone. If you live in a country where you can't pay for prepaids with cash and without an I'D, then I don't know. Welcome to the ponopticon I guess.
I can't vouch for those paid SMS services, they seem like a scam to me.
I've created gmail without a phone number. It seems to still be possible.
That just means they already linked your browser fingerprint to your unique identity
If you're doing things right, they will demand a phone number so they can link your account to your identity. If they can't link your account to your identity, they'll lock you out and delete your account. Because if they can't sell your data to others, you are giving them no $$
Careful though. Google may lock you out of your account at any time, not allowing you to login until you add a phone number.
How recently, what country are you on, and what method.
It was around last year.
Fresh firefox profile, US. Worked fine.
Maybe it doesn't work if I try it again.
Yeah its been a good year or two that you pretty much need a phone number.
If its a fresh residential IP that's not already been flagged, or you havent made too many gmail accounts already then it might still work. You might have to buy a new device completely and then it works. But I am doubtful, I don't have the resources to test all of that but from what it seems they're locking out all the methods.
Can you create one for me? I dgaf if you have access to it 🤣