Gmail to ProtonMail: Complete Migration Guide
Gmail is convenient but comes at the cost of your privacy. Google scans your emails for advertising, stores your data under US jurisdiction, and can be compelled to hand over your information. Proton Mail offers a privacy-first alternative: zero-knowledge encryption means even Proton cannot read your emails, and Swiss privacy laws provide strong legal protections. This guide walks you through every step of migrating from Gmail to Proton Mail.
Why leave Gmail?
- Google scans all your emails to build advertising profiles and target you with ads
- Your Gmail data is stored on US servers, subject to US surveillance laws (FISA 702)
- Google's business model is based on collecting and monetizing your personal data
- Gmail lacks end-to-end encryption by default — Google can read your emails
- US-based companies can be compelled to hand over data to government agencies
Migration steps
- 1. Create your Proton Mail account — Go to proton.me/mail and sign up for a free account. Choose a username that you want as your new email address (e.g., yourname@proton.me). We recommend starting with the free plan to test the service.
- 2. Export your contacts from Gmail — In Gmail, go to Settings > See all settings > Accounts and Import > Export mail and contacts. Download your contacts as a CSV file.
- 3. Import contacts into Proton Mail — In Proton Mail, go to Settings > Contacts > Import. Upload your CSV file. Proton Mail will automatically match and import your contacts.
- 4. Export important emails from Gmail — Use Google Takeout to export your Gmail data. Select only the emails you need to keep. This creates a downloadable archive.
- 5. Import emails into Proton Mail — In Proton Mail, you can import email archives. Go to Settings > Import. Note: The free plan has limited import capabilities.
- 6. Set up email forwarding — In Gmail, go to Settings > Forwarding and POP/IMAP > Add forwarding address. Enter your new Proton Mail address. Verify the forwarding address in Proton Mail.