Proton Mail IMAP
Proton Mail IMAP Settings
The IMAP server, port and encryption needed to add Proton Mail to any mail client, plus the account requirements that trip people up.
3 min read
Proton Mail
End-to-end encrypted email from Switzerland
Open Proton Mail login ↗
3 guides available
Independent guide — not affiliated with or endorsed by Proton Mail.
Proton Mail encrypts messages end to end, which means a conventional mail client cannot simply connect to a Proton server and read them. Instead, paid plans include Proton Mail Bridge: a small application that runs on your own computer, authenticates with Proton, and exposes a local IMAP and SMTP service that your mail client connects to. That is why the server address is 127.0.0.1 rather than a Proton hostname.
The full set
All Proton Mail guides
Proton Mail SMTP
Proton Mail SMTP Settings
The outgoing mail server details for Proton Mail, and what to check when messages will not send.
3 min read
Proton Mail Settings
Proton Mail Server Settings: IMAP, SMTP and POP3
Every Proton Mail server setting in one place — incoming, outgoing, ports and encryption.
3 min read
Enquiries
Proton Mail questions
Can I use Proton Mail with Thunderbird or Outlook?
Yes, on a paid plan, via Proton Mail Bridge. Bridge runs locally and provides IMAP and SMTP on 127.0.0.1 for your client to connect to.
Why is the server address 127.0.0.1?
Because Bridge decrypts your mail on your own machine. Your client talks to Bridge locally, and Bridge talks to Proton — so no unencrypted message ever leaves your computer.