Transfer Emails from Gmail to ProtonMail: Step-by-Step Guide
Transferring emails from Gmail to ProtonMail requires an IMAP-based migration since ProtonMail’s native import tool only works from a ProtonMail Bridge connection. The Turgs Gmail Backup Wizard connects to your Gmail account and transfers all emails to ProtonMail via IMAP with attachments and folder structure preserved.
You are moving from Gmail to ProtonMail for privacy. But years of email history need to come with you.
ProtonMail has a built-in import tool (Easy Switch) that handles Gmail imports, but it requires enabling ProtonMail Bridge which is only available on paid plans. This guide covers how to transfer emails from Gmail to ProtonMail using both the native tool and the Turgs migration wizard.
Method 1: ProtonMail Easy Switch (Native Import)
ProtonMail’s Easy Switch tool imports from Gmail directly. It requires a paid ProtonMail plan (Proton Mail Plus or higher) to use ProtonMail Bridge.
- Log into ProtonMail and go to Settings then Easy Switch.
- Click Import from Gmail.
- Authorise the connection with your Google account.
- Select which Gmail labels and folders to import.
- Click Start. ProtonMail imports your Gmail messages in the background.
One limitation: large Gmail mailboxes can take days to import via Easy Switch as ProtonMail throttles the import rate to avoid overloading their servers.
Method 2: Gmail to ProtonMail Migration with Turgs
The Turgs Gmail Backup Wizard connects to Gmail via IMAP and transfers emails directly to ProtonMail via IMAP. This works with both free and paid ProtonMail accounts when ProtonMail Bridge is active.
Step-by-Step: Gmail to ProtonMail Migration
Step 1. Launch the Turgs Gmail Backup Wizard.
Step 2. Enter your Gmail address and App Password (generate one at myaccount.google.com/apppasswords since Gmail requires App Passwords for IMAP access when 2FA is enabled).
Step 3. Select the Gmail folders (labels) you want to migrate to ProtonMail.
Step 4. From the output options, choose IMAP as the destination format.
Step 5. Enter your ProtonMail IMAP credentials via ProtonMail Bridge. ProtonMail Bridge runs locally and exposes ProtonMail as an IMAP server on localhost (127.0.0.1, port 1143). Enter the credentials shown in ProtonMail Bridge.
Step 6. Use the filter options if you want to migrate only emails from a specific date range.
Step 7. Click Backup. The tool migrates emails from Gmail to ProtonMail. A progress bar shows the transfer status.
What Is ProtonMail Bridge?
ProtonMail Bridge is a desktop application that exposes your ProtonMail account as a local IMAP/SMTP server. It is required for any IMAP-based migration to ProtonMail because ProtonMail encrypts all emails end-to-end and does not allow direct IMAP access without Bridge handling the decryption layer.
ProtonMail Bridge requires a paid Proton plan. If you are on the free tier, you need to upgrade before you can use IMAP migration.
For related email migration guides, see the post on migrating Gmail emails to Office 365 for the Microsoft 365 migration path. And for migrating from Gmail to Zoho, see the G Suite to Zoho guide.
Are you migrating your entire Gmail history to ProtonMail, or just moving specific folders?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I migrate Gmail to ProtonMail without ProtonMail Bridge?
ProtonMail Easy Switch (in Settings) works without Bridge for supported sources including Gmail. Bridge is required for IMAP-based tools. Check your ProtonMail plan to see which import method is available to you.
Will attachments transfer from Gmail to ProtonMail?
Yes. The Turgs Gmail Backup Wizard transfers all attachments intact. Each email arrives in ProtonMail with its original attachments.
How long does Gmail to ProtonMail migration take?
Speed depends on mailbox size and your internet connection. A 10 GB Gmail mailbox typically migrates in 2 to 5 hours.
What Gmail folders become in ProtonMail?
Gmail labels map to ProtonMail folders during migration. If an email has multiple Gmail labels, it may appear in multiple ProtonMail folders.
Do I need a Google App Password for the migration?
Yes. Gmail requires App Passwords for IMAP access when 2-step verification is enabled. Generate one at myaccount.google.com/apppasswords.
Is the migration secure?
Yes. The Turgs tool connects to Gmail via IMAP over TLS and to ProtonMail via ProtonMail Bridge. Your emails are transferred encrypted between servers. The tool does not upload your data to any third-party server.
