Proton Mail is built for privacy, with end-to-end encryption that even Proton cannot read. That same strength comes with one important catch: because your password unlocks your encrypted mailbox, there is no simple “reset” if you lose it. Our GetMyPassword team explains how to change your Proton Mail password the right way, and how to make sure you never get locked out.
Change your password in settings
- Sign in at account.proton.me.
- Open Settings, then Account and password.
- Find the Password section and choose to change it.
- Enter your current password, then the new one, and save.
If you use Proton’s two-password mode, note there are two: a login password and a separate mailbox password that decrypts your mail. Most people use single-password mode, where one password does both.
Why a forgotten password is different here
This is the key thing to understand. With most services, support can reset your password. With Proton, your password is part of the encryption key to your mailbox, so Proton cannot recover it for you. Without a recovery method set up, forgetting your password can mean losing access to your existing emails. Privacy this strong puts the responsibility on you.
Set up recovery before you need it
- Add a recovery email or phone so you can reset access to your account.
- Save your recovery phrase, which can restore access to encrypted data.
- Turn on two-factor authentication for an extra layer on login.
- Store your password safely in a password manager so you never lose it.
True end-to-end encryption means no one can read your mail without your password — including the people who could otherwise help you reset it. Set up a recovery method, because here, a lost password can mean lost email.
Use a strong password you will not lose
Give Proton Mail a strong, unique password from our password generator and store it in a password manager so it is never just in your head. Set up a recovery method, enable two-factor authentication, and you get the best of both worlds: serious privacy without the fear of locking yourself out.
Frequently asked questions
How do I change my Proton Mail password?
Sign in at account.proton.me, open Settings, then Account and password, find the Password section and change it. In two-password mode you can change the login and mailbox passwords separately.
Can Proton reset my password if I forget it?
Not in the usual way. Because your password unlocks end-to-end encrypted mail, Proton cannot read or recover it. You must use a recovery method you set up beforehand, or risk losing access to existing emails.
What happens to my emails if I reset a forgotten Proton password?
Without a recovery phrase, resetting access can leave your previously encrypted emails unreadable. That is why setting up a recovery email, phone and recovery phrase in advance is so important with Proton.