ProtonMail Setup
ProtonMail uses end-to-end encryption, so IMAP access requires ProtonMail Bridge — a local application that decrypts your emails on your device before exposing them via a local IMAP server.Install ProtonMail Bridge
Download from proton.me/mail/bridge.Install, launch, and sign in with your ProtonMail credentials.We recommend enabling Start on login in Bridge settings so it’s always available.
Get your local Bridge credentials
In the Bridge application, find:
- Your bridge password (different from your ProtonMail login password)
- Local IMAP port (usually 1143)
- Local SMTP port (usually 1025)
Provide credentials to Claude
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| your-email@proton.me (or @protonmail.com) | |
| Password | Bridge password (not your ProtonMail login) |
| IMAP Server | 127.0.0.1 |
| IMAP Port | 1143 |
| TLS | Disabled (Bridge handles encryption locally) |
How Encryption Works
ProtonMail encrypts your emails on their servers using your private key. Bridge decrypts them locally on your device before serving them via a local IMAP server. This means:- Decryption happens on your machine, not ProtonMail’s servers
- email-connector receives already-decrypted emails from Bridge’s local IMAP server at 127.0.0.1
- ProtonMail’s zero-knowledge guarantee applies to their servers — not your local device or the email-connector connection
Troubleshooting
Connection refused on 127.0.0.1:1143
Connection refused on 127.0.0.1:1143
ProtonMail Bridge is not running. Open the Bridge application and make sure it shows as connected.
Authentication fails with Bridge password
Authentication fails with Bridge password
The Bridge password is found inside the Bridge app itself — it’s not the same as your ProtonMail.com login password. Look in Bridge settings for the IMAP/SMTP password.
Bridge port number is different
Bridge port number is different
Some Bridge installations use different port numbers. Check the Bridge settings panel for the exact IMAP and SMTP ports it’s configured on.