I got a new phone after my old one was destroyed and realized I need an app to open my office door, because there are no physical keys.

First I download the app and sign in with a magic link. The app forces me to open a browser and log into my email, which requires a username and password stored in a password manager that syncs across devices. I open another device to sync, then log into email, but it requires two‑factor authentication with an OTP from Google Authenticator.

I download Authenticator, get the OTP, log into email, find the unlock email, then attempt to unlock the door. No Wi‑Fi near the building forces me to log into my cell provider, which also needs an OTP sent to my email—fortunately I already have that logged in. I get the OTP, log in, swap my cell number to the new device, activate it, wait for reception, and finally unlock the door.

It’s funny that so many steps are needed just to open a door; a physical key would have let me be on time. Luckily I wasn’t in a rush.