Proton Mail aims to make it easier for you to transition away from Gmail and ditch Google
Source: Engadget
Why people are looking to ditch Google
Some users want to move away from Google as the company leans further into AI, including its AI‑first Search experience. While decoupling from Google’s ecosystem isn’t always straightforward, rivals are offering off‑ramps. For example, DuckDuckGo reported a “sustained surge” in installs after Google announced its Search overhaul.
Proton Mail’s off‑ramp for Gmail users
Proton already let users check their Gmail inbox from within Proton Mail via the Easy Switch tool, which also supports importing from other providers. The service now lets you send emails from your Gmail address directly through Proton Mail.
Gradual transition
Proton encourages users to:
- Update logins for important services to a Proton Mail address.
- Delete the associated Google account once the switch is complete.
If you’re not ready to abandon a long‑used Gmail address, Proton suggests managing your email through its platform for greater privacy.
Privacy advantages
- Profile protection – After switching, Google can no longer use your email activity (e.g., which messages you read) to build a profile.
- End‑to‑end encryption – When both parties use Proton Mail, messages exchanged between Gmail addresses linked to Proton become encrypted, preventing Google from reading the content.
- Tracker, ad, and spam removal – Proton strips these elements from your emails for added privacy.
What gets imported with Easy Switch
Using Easy Switch, Proton imports:
- Emails (including attachments)
- Calendars
- Contacts
- Optionally, Google Photos and Google Drive files (to Proton Drive)
Once set up, Proton Mail can automatically pull in any new emails sent to your Gmail address. Connecting Gmail does not give Google access to your Proton Mail inbox, keeping your privacy intact.
Other ways to manage Gmail
Third‑party email clients such as Microsoft Outlook, Apple Mail, and Thunderbird can also handle Gmail messages. However, Proton’s promise of end‑to‑end encryption may be a compelling reason for some users to prefer Proton Mail.