How to Migrate Gmail to ProtonMail Manually?

Published On

September 17th, 2024

Reading Time

6 Minutes Reading

Overview: Gmail and ProtonMail are both email services that provide many similar benefits to their users. However, the main difference between both accounts is the level of privacy and security measures. If you are more keen to data privacy and need end-to-end encryption for your emails, it is suggested to migrate Gmail to ProtonMail.

ProtonMail provides an easy-to-use interface and many advanced functionalities, but not as many as Gmail. However, one thing that ProtonMail can surpass Gmail in is security and privacy features.

Gmail offers strong security features such as two-factor authentication, but it is known to analyze the emails for advertising. This can be a privacy concern and unacceptable by many professionals. On the other hand, ProtonMail is more focuses on privacy and security and works under strict Swiss rules. We have listed some of the primary benefits of migrating Gmail to Proton Mail, you may discover them below.

Why Should You Migrate from Gmail to Proton Mail ?

Data Protection: As we know, Swiss data protection and individual identity laws are stricter than any other country. Since ProtonMail operates under Swiss laws, you can be assured that your data will be safe and will not be shared with anyone.
Privacy and Security: Compared to Gmail, ProtonMail provides more secure platforms for email communication. It offers end-to-end encryption for emails which means only you and the recipient can read the email and not even the ProtonMail server.
Add-on-free experience: Proton Mail does not show ads based on the content of your email. This can help you have a cleaner experience.
No Tracking: ProtonMail does not track your IP address associated with your email. Thus it provides an extra layer of security and keeps your identity protected and secured.

How to Migrate Gmail to ProtonMail?

There are two basic ways to transfer Gmail account data to ProtonMail with complete email, contacts and calendar.

Import via Easy Switch
Import/Export Tool

Below we will explain all the steps associated with these methods in detail. So, let’s get started and follow each of them carefully.

Method 1: ProtonMail’ Import via Easy Switch

First, open the ProtonMail Web app and then click on the setting icon
Next, go to Setting and select Import via easy Switch from the left panel.
Now, you need to select your service provider to get started. Here, we will choose Gmail.
From the pop-up window, you need to select what you want to import. You can check email, contacts and calendar based on your requirements. Then click Next.
From the new Window, you need to sign in to your Gmail
Then, you need to give access of your Gmail data to ProtonMail and click Continue.
Finally, click the Start Import

ProtonMail will start importing your email, contacts and calendar from Gmail. However, it may take a hours and even days of work depending on the number of emails you have.

Method 2: Import/Export Tool

ProtonMail Import/Export app allows you to export and import email data from other account and files. It is basically a desktop application that comes with a paid ProtonMail account. Let’s make use of this application to migrate Gmail to ProtonMail.

Note: Before using the import/export tool, you must download Gmail emails to local drive. You can use Google Takeout to do this. You can follow the steps below to use Google Takeout.

First, you need to sign in to your Gmail account in the web app.
Then go to https://takeout.google.com/ and select the data you want to export
You can click Deselect All and then select Mail Only option and click Next Step
Now choose the file type, frequency and destination and click Create Export.
Now, your emails will be saved in a zip file which you can extract into an MBOX file.

Now, after that you need to use ProtonMail Import/Export application. Please take a look at all the steps below.

First, you need to download the Import/Export App from the link
Then navigate to the app on your desktop, and log in with the app using your ProtonMail email address and password.
Now, click the Add account option in the top right corner
Now, here you will find two options: Import from account and Import local files
Here, we will go with the local files Now, select the exported Gmail files and finally import them.

That’s it. Your mission is not completed. Your Gmail emails are in your ProtonMail account. Now, you can completely deactivate your Gmail account if you want.

Note: This Import/Export application is completely dependent on local Gmail files. However, you should be well aware that exporting Gmail locally using Takeout may take a long time and even days of work to complete, as you may have thousands of emails. Also, you may not get any option to export emails or only selective mailboxes. However, you can simplify it with the help of an additional software.

Migrate Gmail Emails to ProtonMail in Time Efficient Manner

4n6 Gmail Backup is the smart and efficient way to transfer emails from Gmail to ProtonMail. It is an easy-to-use tool that allows users to select specific Gmail mailboxes to export in Proton Mail. Using the software, you can export Gmail emails into MBOX files in just a few minutes, so that later you can easily import them into ProtonMail using the Import/Export application.

Download Now Buy Now

This software only takes a few simple steps to get the job done. You can download and test the tool for free using the link above.

Commonly Asked Questions

Question 1) Are there any special requirements when exporting Gmail to ProtonMail?

Yes. You must enable IMAP settings in Gmail first. Without IMAP enabled, you won’t be able to add a Gmail account to Proton Mail.

Question 2) Can I use Easy Switch to import specific emails from Gmail to ProtonMail?

No. Using the Proton Mail Easy Switch option, you can import entire mail but not specific mail.

Question 3) Can I forward Gmail to ProtonMail?

Yes. Go to Gmail IMAP/Forwarding option and then add your ProtonMail address to automatically forward emails.

Question 4) Using the ProtonMail Import/Export option, can I import only the MBOX email file?

No, you can also import the EML email file using the import/export tool.

Final Words

We sincerely hope that you enjoy reading today’s post, which explains how to migrate Gmail to ProtonMail . There are a multiple solutions to complete this challenge. You may use the ProtonMail built-in capability to get the job done. You may use the Easy Switch option or the Import/Export app which comes with ProtonMail paid plan.