I still have access to Gmail through a third-party Android email app, where I can send and receive emails normally, but I can't sign in to my Google account anywhere else. The account is old, I never set up a recovery email and I haven't used it outside the email app for a long time. I've tried various devices, networks, and VPN combinations without success.
Google's own recovery help says:
"Tip: We may send a verification code to the email address on the account you're trying to recover. This way, you can get the verification code if you have access to your Gmail inbox through a third-party email client or email forwarding."
But I've never been offered this option.
After multiple recovery attempts, I eventually got to a step asking for an alternative email address. I provided one and verified the code Google sent, but the final screen told me to reply to my Google support contact. I don't have one.
I found this HN thread where a Google employee (`luka`) helped someone in almost the exact same situation:
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49744286
Unfortunately, I can no longer reply to that thread.
Does anyone know how to get a similar escalation or another way to recover access?