Privacy is important when sending emails. But what if you want privacy with the clean look of Apple’s Mail app? Then you can add ProtonMail to Apple Mail on your Mac. The trick is knowing how to do it safely without losing Proton’s powerful encryption features.
Below, we’ll look at:
- What ProtonMail is
- Why is it different from other email services
- How to add ProtonMail to Apple Mail
- What you need to know about ProtonMail Bridge
Let’s get right into it.
What is ProtonMail?
ProtonMail developers built the email service for extra privacy. It uses end-to-end encryption and something called zero access encryption. ProtonMail encrypts your emails before they leave your device. So, no one, including Proton, can read your messages. However, not every ProtonMail message is fully end-to-end encrypted. When you email another ProtonMail user, it’s end-to-end encrypted.
But when you email someone on Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, etc., ProtonMail sends the message using TLS (Transport Layer Security). TLS protects your message while it’s traveling across the internet, but once it reaches Gmail’s servers, Google can read or scan it. This is because Gmail has the decryption key for messages stored in its own system.
The only way to have end-to-end encryption when you’re sending emails to non-Proton users is to use ProtonMail’s password-protected email option.
That’s what makes ProtonMail stand out from services like Outlook, Gmail, AOL Mail, and Yahoo Mail. Other services often scan your mail for ads or analytics. Proton doesn’t do this. ProtonMail’s founders met while working at CERN, and the company was later founded as Proton Technologies AG in Geneva, Switzerland. Their primary mission has always been to maintain privacy.
ProtonMail keeps millions of users’ data safe and secure.
Why Should You Add ProtonMail to Apple Mail?
People love Apple Mail because it’s simple and reliable. It comes built into Macs and iOS devices. You can manage all your email accounts in one convenient place.
If you have a ProtonMail account, you may want to use it in the Apple Mail app as well. That way, you can:
- Organize your emails
- Send messages
- Check your outbox
- Clear your spam
- Manage everything in one place
But Proton works differently from other email services. It’s secure, so it doesn’t connect to every third-party mail app available. You can’t just enter your email address and password in Apple Mail and expect it to work.
That’s where ProtonMail Bridge comes in.
What is ProtonMail Bridge?
ProtonMail Bridge is the desktop app. It lets you connect ProtonMail with Apple Mail, Microsoft Outlook, and Mozilla Thunderbird. Bridge basically acts like a translator.
ProtonMail Bridge decrypts your emails locally so Apple Mail can read them. That means your privacy is maintained, but not all emails stay encrypted inside Apple Mail.
Your data stays secure, and you get to enjoy all of Apple Mail’s features and layout.
What You’ll Need Before You Get Started
Before you can add ProtonMail to your Apple Mail app, you’ll need a few things, including:
- A ProtonMail account (you’ll need a paid subscription because Bridge isn’t available on free plans)
- A Mac computer
- The ProtonMail Bridge app
- The Apple Mail app (already installed)
If this is a new account or domain, review our email marketing best practices to ensure you’re following healthy sending habits that build trust and keep your messages out of spam.
How to Add ProtonMail to Apple Mail
Now that we’re on the same page about ProtonMail and its benefits, let’s see about getting your Apple Mail connected to ProtonMail.
Step 1: Download and Install ProtonMail Bridge
Go to the ProtonMail website and click Download Bridge. When the file finishes downloading, double-click it to begin the installation process. Follow the instructions on the screen. Once you install it, open the ProtonMail Bridge app on your desktop.
Step 2: Log In to Your ProtonMail Bridge Account
The Bridge window will ask you to log in with your ProtonMail account. Enter your email address and password. Once you sign in, Bridge automatically configures your account for you. It’ll then display your IMAP and SMTP details – these are the settings you’ll use in Apple Mail.
Step 3: Set Up Your Apple Mail
Open the Apple Mail app on your Mac.
- In the menu bar, click Mail, then Add Account
- Choose Other Mail Account and click Continue
- Type in your name, your Proton email address, and the password that Bridge generated (not your regular login password)
- Apple Mail will ask for more details. Enter the IMAP and SMTP information from the Bridge app
Next, click “Sign In”. Apple Mail will verify the settings and connect to your ProtonMail account through Bridge.
Step 4: Do the Final Checks
When setup finishes, you’ll see your ProtonMail folders appear in the sidebar of Apple Mail. Try sending yourself a test message to ensure it works. You should be able to send and receive emails as you would with any other account.
To make sure your emails consistently reach the inbox and aren’t flagged as spam, you can use InboxAlly’s email spam checker to test your message quality and deliverability before sending.
Keeping Your ProtonMail Secure
Once Bridge decrypts messages for Apple Mail, your emails are no longer end-to-end encrypted inside the Mail app. The encryption process still happens locally and keeps Proton from seeing your data, but Apple Mail stores readable copies on your device.
The Bridge handles everything in the background. You don’t have to worry about losing privacy. The encryption process happens locally on your computer and not online. That’s the beauty of zero access encryption: only you can read your emails.
Ensure the Bridge app stays open. If you close it, Apple Mail won’t be able to access your messages until you reopen Bridge.
Before you start sending larger campaigns, it’s a good idea to warm up your inbox. This helps improve your sender reputation and ensures your ProtonMail messages reach the inbox rather than spam.
Can You Add ProtonMail to the iOS Mail App?
Here’s where things get a bit tricky. You can’t currently add ProtonMail to the iOS Mail app on your iPhone or iPad. The iOS Mail app doesn’t have the encryption tools ProtonMail needs. The Bridge only works on desktops and not mobile devices.
But there’s an alternative you can try.
The ProtonMail iOS app is the official app for iPhones and iPads. You can also download it from the App Store. Once you’ve installed it, just log in with your ProtonMail account, and you’ll have full access to your inbox.
The iOS app features a refreshed interface and customization options. This allows you to manage your mail securely. You receive push notifications, allowing you to view new emails immediately. Organize emails, delete spam, monitor communications, and enjoy the same strong encryption as the desktop version.
Proton even says that they completely rebuilt the app to enhance speed, safety, performance, and reliability.
Conclusion
For added security and end-to-end encryption to keep your data safe and secure, check out ProtonMail and ProtonMail Bridge. It may seem a bit complicated at first, but with the ProtonMail Bridge, it’s actually fairly simple.
For iPhone and iPad users, the Proton Mail iOS app is the best choice. Proton Mail built it to work perfectly on iOS devices. There’s a solution to keep your messages safe. This applies when you’re using a desktop, mobile device, or accessing ProtonMail through a browser. Start downloading, set it up, and enjoy the freedom of secure emails today.
Privacy is the first part of great email performance, and deliverability is the second. After you set up ProtonMail, you can use InboxAlly to analyze your email reputation and ensure your messages land where they belong, your recipient’s inbox. Start your free trial today.