EXPLAINED… Get started with Proton

1 Create an Account

Go to proton.me and tap ‘Create a Free Account’ in the top right-hand corner. Click ‘Get Proton for free’ and you can select your @proton.me email address. This will be your login to all the other Proton services.

2 Folders and Labels

The free plan enables you to have three folders and three labels. You can create new ones by either clicking the ‘+’ button next to Folders and Labels in the sidebar and adjust them by clicking the gear button below.

3 Proton Drive Beta

Cloud storage tool Proton Drive is in Beta mode. Once opened, click Enable Beta Access. The service will be familiar to anyone who has used Google Drive. Everything that is uploaded is end-to-end encrypted for privacy.

4 Set up a calendar

Proton Calendar is a straightforward web calendar, not unlike Google Calendar, but with a privacy focus. You can can create new calendars or import existing ones by clicking the ‘+’ button next to My Calendars.

5 Get event reminders

With Proton Calendar all set up up, tap New Event to get something scheduled. Reminders via email and/or web notification can be set at this stage. To edit an event, click on it then click the pencil icon.

6 Browse with Proton VPN

Proton VPN can be purchased for €9.99 (about £10) per month or on an annual/two year basis at protonvpn.com. It is included in the general Proton Unlimited plan and a featurelight free version is available too.

7 Setting up Proton VPN

As with all virtual private networks (VPNs), Proton VPN needs some configuring. Download the Mac app and you will be guided through that process, which will require access to your Mac’s System Preferences > Security & Privacy pane.

8 Turning VPN ON

When configured, browse the web privately by opening the Proton VPN app on your Mac, hover over an available location, then click Connect. Clicking Quick Connect will also turn on secure browsing.