I guarantee you this is within the realm of possibility based on one single experience.

When you upgrade your phone perhaps keep your old one in a safe and charge it and login to Gmail monthly or something?

I’m also quite certain the codes could work instantly with no trouble in some circumstances. Now know it’s risky though. And I’m sure it’s a security measure based on real, deeply painful and costly instances of unauthorized access. Just don’t know what we’re exactly supposed to do…