> Never ever ever ever give your phone number to Google for verification or authorization.
You literally do not have a choice, last time I checked you had to setup SMS 2FA first. Once you’ve done that you can setup a better method and remove the SMS, but you have to remember to do it.
> If my antiquated bank that is insured and doesn't really care can understand this, so can you, if you care just a bit.
Even if it looks like you can disable it, I wouldn't be surprised at all if they'll still let you recover access with the phone number if you fail to log in enough times. They want people using their accounts, searching and using other Google $ervices.
You literally do not have a choice, last time I checked you had to setup SMS 2FA first. Once you’ve done that you can setup a better method and remove the SMS, but you have to remember to do it.
> If my antiquated bank that is insured and doesn't really care can understand this, so can you, if you care just a bit.
My bank certainly has not gotten that memo.