How to Switch from Gmail to ProtonMail

Why Switch from Gmail to ProtonMail?

Gmail scans your emails to build advertising profiles. Every message you send and receive is analyzed by Google’s algorithms. ProtonMail offers end-to-end encryption that prevents anyone—including ProtonMail—from reading your emails.

Step 1: Create Your ProtonMail Account

1. Visit proton.me and click “Create a free account”
2. Choose your email address (@proton.me or @protonmail.com)
3. Set a strong password—this encrypts your entire mailbox
4. Optionally add a recovery method (email or phone)
5. Complete the verification

Tip: Your password is your encryption key. Use a password manager and don’t lose it—ProtonMail cannot recover your emails if you forget your password.

Step 2: Import Your Existing Emails

ProtonMail’s Easy Switch tool imports your Gmail emails, contacts, and calendar events.

1. Log into ProtonMail and go to Settings > Import via Easy Switch
2. Click “Import from Gmail”
3. Sign into your Google account when prompted
4. Select what to import: emails, contacts, and/or calendar
5. Choose import options (all folders or specific labels)
6. Start the import

Note: Large mailboxes may take several hours to import. You can close the browser—the import continues in the background.

Step 3: Set Up Email Forwarding

During your transition, forward new Gmail messages to ProtonMail:

1. In Gmail, go to Settings > See all settings > Forwarding and POP/IMAP
2. Click “Add a forwarding address”
3. Enter your ProtonMail address
4. ProtonMail will receive a confirmation email—click the link
5. Return to Gmail and select “Forward a copy of incoming mail”

Step 4: Update Important Accounts

Make a list of accounts using your Gmail address and update them:

• Banking and financial accounts
• Social media accounts
• Shopping sites (Amazon, etc.)
• Subscriptions and services
• Professional contacts

Tip: As emails arrive at your Gmail (forwarded to ProtonMail), update each sender to use your new address.

Step 5: Notify Your Contacts

Send an announcement to your contacts about your new email address:

1. Export your Gmail contacts (Google Contacts > Export)
2. Import them to ProtonMail (Contacts > Import)
3. Send a group email announcing your new address

Step 6: Set Up ProtonMail Apps

Install ProtonMail on all your devices:

• Mobile: ProtonMail app (iOS/Android)
• Desktop: ProtonMail Bridge (to use with Outlook, Thunderbird, Apple Mail)
• Browser: Use proton.me or install the browser extension

Step 7: Secure Your Gmail Archive

Once you’re confident the switch is complete:

1. Download a complete Gmail backup via Google Takeout
2. Store the backup securely (encrypted USB drive or Nextcloud)
3. Consider disabling your Gmail account (Settings > Data & Privacy)

Troubleshooting

Import is taking too long: Large mailboxes can take 24-48 hours. Check progress in Settings > Import.

Some emails didn’t import: Gmail labels sometimes cause issues. Try importing specific labels separately.

Emails going to spam: Add your Gmail address to ProtonMail’s whitelist.

What’s Next?

• Set up two-factor authentication in ProtonMail
• Explore ProtonMail’s Proton Calendar and Proton Drive
• Consider a paid plan for more storage and features
• Check out ProtonVPN for complete privacy protection