How can I ensure Google never again incorrectly thinks my Google Account is inactive?

I understand this was a bug that affected many people but for those of us who have the required recovery options in place and who remember our account credentials, it was little more than an inconvenience and a concern that something sinister was occurring. However I understand this was a simple error that shouldn't happen again.

Of course no one can be certain errors won't occur in the future, as happens with all things tech so we should all be aware that we must keep our account details up to date and backup our important files elsewhere so that should the worst happen, our losses will be mitigated.

Hopefully 'lessons have been learned' and we'll be spared unnecessary worry in future.

Regards, Penny

Download, write down and keep with you, a set of ten, 8-digit backup codes that you can use whenever you need them. "Sign in with backup codes - Computer - Google Account Help" https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/1187538?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop

Never forget your account password, email address or PIN if you use one. This should ensure you will always be able to satisfy Google's system that you are the legitimate owner of your account should such a bug ever affect you again. 

Penny

I am very confused, I'm sorry! 

"Disposable email address - Wikipedia" https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disposable_email_address

Please log into your account regularly to check your information is up to date and you can also check your online and account activity.  

The latest sign-out issue was a bug and shouldn't happen again so don't worry too much. Providing you know your password you should always be able to sign in using a device the system recognises as belonging to you.

"Get Google's strongest account security with the Advanced Protection Program - Android - Google Account Help" https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/7519408?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid

"Sign in with backup codes - Computer - Google Account Help" https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/1187538?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop

Penny 

As I said, my other Email address is Outlook, from what you said that should be fine.

However, you did originaly mention:

"Download, write down and keep with you, a set of ten, 8-digit backup codes that you can use whenever you need them. ..." 

And I wasn't sure where to get those, I have figured that out just now where to generate those 10 eight digit backup codes in my Google Account, but I am wondering, if you might know how long do they remain valid? 

And lastly, about your excellent Idea about those Google electronic Key things. The lunk you so kindly provided (than you for that by the way) doesn't mention price, would you by chance have an idea about the cost? 

Thank you 

The security codes remain valid until you use them.  You can, if you wish, download another set any time you like that will overwrite the first set.  Each 8-digit code can be used once only.  I've never needed to use mine but it's good to know they're handy if I ever do.  Please be sure not to do as some have done and keep the codes in Drive or another Google app that requires being signed in to access. 😏

You might like to keep a note of the link to the Google Account Help Centre that has all the information you need to keep your account safe. The pages should be updated from time to time as security requirements change.

"Google Account Help" https://support.google.com/accounts/?hl=en#topic=3382296

Penny

Thank you for your reply, sorry it took so long to respond to your reply.

1.  Only asked about the physical Keys price, because of the link about them in a previous message of yours in this message thread.

2. Thank you for answering my question about the 10 eight digit codes, I agree with you about keeping copies of those codes in a safe always accessible place only. 

3. I really thank you for your patience and help, but could you please help me about my original question 🙏!?

Do you know if there is anything I could do, that I haven't done already, in order to make it easier for the good people at Google to see that my Google Account is very much an active Account, please?

As always I thank you for your help so far (and for your patience). 

I hope you can please help me, by answering my original question, as summed up in point three.

Thank you, Kind regards 

Sandra 

I should point out that I'm just an ordinary account user like yourself who enjoys helping other account users in my own time. If I need specific account information, I will run a search of the Google A/c help centre or a general Internet search, such as:https://www.techradar.com/uk/best/best-security-key.

I hope that answers your questions.

Regards, Penny

Don't worry about physical security Key question, it's just that a few email notifications that I got of your reply, have a Google link at the bottom (copy of link incuded here for information purpose) and one of those links was:

I never sign out of my account and use a PIN instead of a password.  I do, however, secure access to my individual devices. By remaining signed in I would imagine the system might recognise my account as being active.

Just please commit your password and email address to memory and/or use a third-party Password Manager - I use LastPass Premium that does a good deal more than just saves passwords.  

Even with everything in place, glitches will happen but hopefully all that will be necessary is a simple sign-in as on this latest occasion.

Penny

Thank you for your patience and explanations! 

Kind Regards

Sandra 

Penny