Proton Mail is making it easier for Gmail users to switch to its encrypted email service. The company has added a new feature that lets people send and receive emails using their existing Gmail address directly inside Proton Mail.
Until now, moving away from Gmail required users to change their email address and notify contacts. That friction kept many people locked into Google's ecosystem. Proton's new option removes that barrier, allowing users to keep their Gmail identity while gaining Proton's end-to-end encryption and zero-access architecture.
The feature imports Gmail messages and contacts into Proton Mail. Outgoing messages appear to come from the user's @gmail.com address. Recipients see no difference. The underlying delivery still uses Proton's secure servers, with encryption applied where possible.
New Feature Bridges Email Services
Proton's approach mirrors what some third-party email clients have offered for years. But Proton is different. The Swiss company builds its entire service around privacy. It does not scan email content for advertising or train AI models on user messages. That stands in stark contrast to Google, which has faced scrutiny over its data practices.
Setting up the feature requires users to grant Proton Mail access to their Gmail account via standard OAuth permissions. Proton says it only imports the minimum data needed to function. It does not store Gmail credentials or use the data for any purpose beyond delivering email.
The company recommends that users eventually migrate to a @proton.me address for full privacy benefits. But the Gmail bridge serves as an on-ramp for those hesitant to abandon their existing address.
Why This Matters
This move directly affects tens of millions of Gmail users who want more privacy but worry about the hassle of changing email addresses. By eliminating that switching cost, Proton removes one of the biggest obstacles to adopting encrypted email.
The feature also carries broader implications for the email market. Google's dominance means most people have no choice but to use Gmail for work, school or personal communication. Proton's bridge offers a way to limit Google's access to email data without severing ties completely.
For privacy advocates, this is a practical step toward reclaiming digital autonomy. For Google, it represents a growing threat from competitors who can offer comparable convenience with stronger privacy protections.
Proton has not disclosed how many users have adopted the new feature since its rollout. But the company's timing is notable. Regulatory pressure on Big Tech is intensifying, and users are increasingly aware of how their data is used.
The feature is available now to all Proton Mail users, including those on free plans. Paid subscribers get additional storage and advanced security options.
