BS: Tech: Chrome

Subject: BS: Tech: Chrome/Google account
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 07 Jun 26 - 06:31 PM

Have run into problems with husband’s computer, where he uses Chrome as browser ad has been locked out of it, so he was unable to get into his email or any others of his usually used sites. He has had said computer for about 5 years, and AFAIK, did not have to set up an account with Chrome or Google when he first had it. This was perhaps verified when he tried to get back in and it did not recognise his email address.
We therefore tried to create a Google account for him: got so far, but then it wanted to send a code to his phone to verify his existence. His mobile phone is a very basic non-smart phone, probably now only on 3G, and no codes were received on it, nor would it send any to our landline. Tried again to get codes sent to my smartphone, but it said “this phone has been used too often before”, probably because I DO have a Google account.
Tried again, and this time it came up with a QR code to be scanned - not possible on husband’s ancient phone and no other options given. Scanned it on my phone, but again this was rejected. So what is he supposed to do?
In the end we got back into Chrome by using my login, but now he has lost all his favourites and bookmarks as it’s only showing mine.
Thinking of ditching Chrome and installing a different browser. (I use Microsoft Edge myself.) While I can understand that all providers are tightening up on security in this scam-ridden world, it does seem a bit discriminatory against those who choose not to use smartphones (don’t get me started again on Scottish Rugby ticketing, who are guilty of the same!)
Any bright ideas?

Subject: RE: BS: Tech: Chrome
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 Jun 26 - 07:33 PM

Chrome is offering up AI answers in Google searches, a reason I switched over to Firefox and use other non-Chrome search engines. I still have gmail, but am going to change some of it over to Proton mail soon.

There are other ID options to consider - security keys that are long strings of letters and numbers that you download and keep safe, and when you need one, find the list, give one, and cross it off the list.

Your iteration of Google accounts is what is showing in the computer, but if you go into the browser history maybe you can find some clues as to what his account setup was.

Subject: RE: BS: Tech: Chrome
From: DaveRo
Date: 08 Jun 26 - 02:03 AM

Does his phone actually work? 3g has been withdrawn in most - perhaps all - of the UK over the past year. But 2g should still work in many places. If he can receive voice calls he should be able to get texts ( SMS). Have you tried sending him one - from a different network operator?

If not contact his mobile network operator. Maybe these texts are sent differently.

And get a cheap smartphone - the 2g service is unavailable in many areas, and will itself be withdrawn in a few years.

Subject: RE: BS: Tech: Chrome
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 08 Jun 26 - 05:18 AM

Thanks Dave: yes, he can still send and re voice calls (somewhat to my surprise as I’d heard about 3G being withdrawn). Will try a text and see if he gets it.
Probably time for me to upgrade my phone, then he can have my current one!
Thanks also to SRS.

Subject: RE: BS: Tech: Chrome
From: DaveRo
Date: 08 Jun 26 - 08:02 AM

Anticipating that an SMS from you will work, I asked Gemini (Google's AI) why an authentication SMS from Google itself might fail on 2g. It replied:

"Google’s 2FA uses automated 5-to-6 digit "short codes", which legacy 2G infrastructure sometimes struggles to route due to carrier filtering, lack of modern encryption ... Standard peer-to-peer texts route fine, but automated business SMS fails."

Which sounds quite plausible, but it's worth asking your mobile operator.

Giving him your phone is a good idea, or you can buy old-style 4g phones for £20-£30 - eg Nokia 110.

Subject: RE: BS: Tech: Chrome
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 08 Jun 26 - 08:20 AM

I have a spare Nokia 5 running Android 9. In fact I have 2, A blue one and a pink one! If you don't get fixed up, PM me your land address and I will send you the one of your choice :-)