How to Migrate ProtonMail to Gmail (Step-by-Step Guide)

Top 3 Methods to Migrate from Proton Mail to Gmail

The significant methods for conversion of Proton email mailboxes into Gmail include: 

• ProtonMail Import Export Tool 
• Using an IMAP Mediator like Thunderbird 
• SysInfo IMAP Mail Backup Tool 

We will discuss each one of them in complete detail, along with their limitations and advantages. You can proceed as mentioned here. Note that for both manual methods, try having a ProtonMail Plus, Professional, Visionary, or Lifetime account.

Way 1: Native Tool Migrate Emails from Proton Mail to Gmail

A straightforward solution using ProtonMail’s Import/Export Tool to leverage export securely. The steps are:

1. Initially, go to the Proton Mail website and download the Proton Mail Export Tool. 
2. Next, launch the application and sign in with your Proton credentials. 
3. Further, click Export, and you can pick any format of your choice. 
4. For Gmail, preferably select MBOX. Then, choose the folders to move. 
5. Once you have selected the respective Proton Mail folders, pick a target destination. 
6. Later, save your exported file, decrypt it, and proceed to migrate ProtonMail to Gmail. 
7. Afterward, install Thunderbird and configure your Gmail account with the Add Account feature. 
8. Moving ahead, with the ImportExportTools NG add-on, import MBOX files into it. 
9. Drag and drop the MBOX emails saved in Thunderbird’s local folder to the Gmail folder. 
10. In the end, wait until the sync completes and emails appear in your Gmail.

Way 2: Export ProtonMail to Gmail via Thunderbird 

An effective solution with IMAP as the bridge for free transfer with the open-source email client. Use these steps:

1. First, download and install Proton Mail Bridge. It will help you to get the server credentials. 
2. Then, start Mozilla Thunderbird and from the Hamburger menu, click New Account. 
3. Select Email, and an Add Account window opens up to enter details. 
4. Enter your Proton email address and opt for manual configuration via IMAP. 
5. Next, input the following server details:
   • Incoming Server: 127.0.0.1 [Port: 1143] 
   • Outgoing Server: 127.0.0.1 [Port: 1025]
   • Security for IMAP and SMTP: STARTTLS or None. (as the bridge specifies)
6. Also, enter your full username, ProtonMail email address, and App Password from the bridge. 
7. Complete the configuration and move ahead to configure Gmail the same way. 
8. For Gmail, use IMAP credentials as imap.gmail.com (993) and smtp.gmail.com (587) for TLS/STARTTLS encryption. 
9. After both accounts are configured, move emails between them via drag and drop. 
10. Thunderbird will handle all the tasks, and in the end, just wait until the sync finishes. 

Way 3: IMAP Tool to Migrate ProtonMail to Gmail 

Any user having large Proton mailboxes and in need of migrating batch user accounts with large emails and attachments. Get the SysInfo IMAP Backup Software, which facilitates handling enterprise-critical data volumes with 100% forensic precision and zero loss. Additionally, it helps apply customization pre-migration and keeps the structure and data fidelity intact. Moreover, with Mac, Windows, and Linux OS compatibility, it offers a Demo to test the software and convert upto 50 emails per folder at no cost. 

Simple Steps to Transfer Emails from Proton Mail to Gmail

1. Launch the IMAP Mail Backup Tool and click the Continue button. 
   
2. Then, enter the ProtonMail credentials and click Login to access data. 
   
3. Further, from the mailbox folders, get your emails and click Next. 
   
4. Afterward, choose Gmail from the drop-down and proceed with Next. 
   
5. Enter your email and ensure it is logged in on the web. Click Login. 
   
6. Finally, choose the required filters and click Start Process to transfer. 
   

Note: This IMAP Migrator is quite user-friendly, and you can even migrate Protonmail to Office 365 or other IMAP clients using it in an instance. 

Common Troubleshoots to Maintain During Migration

Whether migrating manually or professionally, ensure that if you face any issues, you fix them at the same time. Here are the most common problems that may occur with their fix: 

• Slow Proton Export App: 

         >> Have a stable and fast internet connection

         >> Let the bulky mailbox run overnight, or skip this solution 

• Mozilla Thunderbird Disconnectivity: 

        >> Go to Edit → Account Settings → Server Settings → Advanced and increase the timer. 

        >> Export Proton Mail mailboxes in smaller batches rather than all at once.

• Lost Structure and Metadata:

        >> Use the specialized IMAP Email Backup Software designed for data preservation. 

Which Method is Best to Migrate ProtonMail to Gmail?

Let’s have a key comparative analysis of all three methods to identify which one is the optimum solution for individual users, business professionals, or enterprises. 

Ending Remarks 

It is not a hectic task to migrate ProtonMail to Gmail if you know the right approach. In this guide, we studied three popular methods, both manual and professional, to make the email migration between two popular clients with precision. You can use Export Tool or Thunderbird, but it is only helpful till you have a small dataset, time, and skills. For enterprise conversions, the most appropriate is to use the SysInfo IMAP Email Backup Tool, which provides reliance, is cost-friendly, ensures smooth conversion, and guarantees no loss. Pick the right one and enjoy the ProtonMail email access within your Gmail inboxes with ease. 

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About The Author:

Simran Bhatia

Simran Bhatia is a technical content writer engaged in writing clear, concise, and SEO-optimized content. With a background in computer science and a passion for writing, I thrive to deliver complex technical content in simple layman terms.