You can create an account on an Android phone that has no SIM or other accounts on it without being required to provide a phone number. Use an old wiped phone just for this.
But then google has your imei, and can be linked to any other accounts created on that phone. And they could also get your info by asking your carrier who has a plan thats using that phone’s imei.
If you’re logging in via Wi-Fi, that shouldn’t transmit your IMEI - but I admit that I don’t know if that’s something they do behind the scenes. They also could just use your IP address if logging in from home. They would be making an assumption you hadn’t sold it (or given it to someone else), but I can see that not being enough assurance.
As such, get a used tablet that you only ever use on public Wi-Fi (i.e. never log it into your home Wi-Fi). I’m sure there are some really cheap old ones on eBay - just make sure it’s on a version of Android the Play Store still supports (I think 6 is the minimum nowadays).
Any app can access hardware IDs without asking permission. A system app/process can definitely access your hardward IDs. There’s no reason why google doesn’t just sent it when you create your account.
You can create an account on an Android phone that has no SIM or other accounts on it without being required to provide a phone number. Use an old wiped phone just for this.
But then google has your imei, and can be linked to any other accounts created on that phone. And they could also get your info by asking your carrier who has a plan thats using that phone’s imei.
If you’re logging in via Wi-Fi, that shouldn’t transmit your IMEI - but I admit that I don’t know if that’s something they do behind the scenes. They also could just use your IP address if logging in from home. They would be making an assumption you hadn’t sold it (or given it to someone else), but I can see that not being enough assurance.
As such, get a used tablet that you only ever use on public Wi-Fi (i.e. never log it into your home Wi-Fi). I’m sure there are some really cheap old ones on eBay - just make sure it’s on a version of Android the Play Store still supports (I think 6 is the minimum nowadays).
Any app can access hardware IDs without asking permission. A system app/process can definitely access your hardward IDs. There’s no reason why google doesn’t just sent it when you create your account.
Not worth the effort.