How to retrieve your emails using Proton Mail

Proton Mail is a privacy-focused email service based in Switzerland. It is available via a web browser and dedicated desktop apps for Windows and Mac.

Proton Mail is popular with users who value security and privacy, but it works differently from traditional email programs such as Outlook or Thunderbird.

Important: how Proton Mail handles external email

Proton Mail does not connect directly to external mail servers using standard POP or IMAP settings.

To use a non-Proton email address (such as a Seren Web email account), you must use Proton’s own tools to import or forward mail.

This usually requires a paid Proton Mail plan.

Using Proton Mail with your Seren Web email

There are two main ways to use Proton Mail with an existing email account:

1) Forwarding email to Proton Mail
You can set your Seren Web email address to forward incoming mail to your Proton Mail address. This allows you to read mail in Proton, but replies may come from your Proton address unless additional configuration is used.

2) Proton Mail Bridge (paid plans)
Proton Mail Bridge allows Proton Mail to work with traditional email programs by acting as a local mail server. This is intended for advanced users and requires installation and setup.

Is Proton Mail right for you?

Good choice if:
• Privacy and encryption are your top priority
• You are comfortable with a paid email service
• You mainly use web or Proton’s own apps

Not ideal if:
• You want simple POP or IMAP setup
• You manage multiple hosted email accounts
• You need straightforward server-level control

Recommended alternatives

If Proton Mail feels too restrictive for your needs, consider:

• Mozilla Thunderbird (Windows & Mac)
• Outlook (classic desktop – Windows))
• Apple Mail (Mac))
• Gmail as a desktop app)
• Seren Web Webmail)

Summary

Proton Mail is an excellent privacy-focused email system, but it is not a drop-in replacement for traditional email clients.

If you would like advice on whether Proton Mail is suitable for your setup, or help configuring forwarding or alternatives, please contact Mike for help.