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I would like to inform the HN community, if your plan to recover your Google account in the event of losing your phone is to use a 2FA backup code, or SMS recovery, to remove the old 2FA setup and set up a new 2FA code, that that may not be possible.

My situation:

I had 2FA set up with my Google Account through Google Authenticator.

I lost my Google Authenticator settings when I broke my phone.

I have 2FA backup codes. These successfully log me into my Google Account.

In order to disable 2FA, or generate new 2FA backup codes, I need to access the 2FA settings page under the Security tab. When I try to load the Two-factor authentication page, I am forced to re-authenticate with Google.

When re-authenticating to access the 2FA page, there is no option to enter a 2FA backup code or SMS verification to pass the 2FA challenge. The only option under “Choose a way to verify” is to enter a 2FA code. Entering a backup code instead of a 2FA code returns an error.

What am I supposed to do in this situation?

Yes this is a classic “maybe I can get support through public shaming” attempt. Thanks in advance.