Want to reduce your digital (and email) footprint or set up a Proton Mail account just for testing or a particular purpose? Find out here how to delete a Proton Mail account ⤓ together with the data in it.
First, a Spin on Black
Here’s a thing I was surprised to learn about the habits of black holes: like so much in the world and universe, they spin.
In particular, two black hole solutions to Einstein’s field equations named after their discoverer Roy Kerr have angular momentum that makes them rotate — rapidly in some cases, it, well, turns out.
Now, we also associate (and associate a bit too eagerly) black holes with gulping up matter; so let’s spin a metaphorical one up for a Proton Mail account that has served its purpose:
How to Delete a Proton Mail Account (Permanently)
Time needed: 3 minutes
To delete a Proton Mail account and all emails in it:
- Click the setting gear icon in the Proton Mail inbox.
Before : Do export all emails you want to keep from your Proton Mail account in addition to your Proton Mail decryption key and any data you might need from Proton Drive and Calendar. Once you delete the account, Proton cannot restore this data.
- Select All Settings.
- Now go to the Account and password section.
Shortcut: You can open Account and password setting directly in your browser.
- Click Delete your account under Delete account.
- Check Yes, I want to permanently delete this account and all its data..
- Click Delete.
Caution: This step is final; you will not be able to restore the account after clicking Delete.
Not just mail: In addition to removing your Proton Mail account together with the emails in it, this will also delete all your calendar entries, for instance, files in Proton Drive and calendar entries.
Their word: Proton include information on deleting accounts in account help.
Smashed into up and down quarks?
Tips help fuel these email and tech how-tos.
Deleting a Proton Mail Account: FAQ
Is there a way to restore the data in a deleted Proton Mail account?
No.
If you are set on deleting your Proton account, make sure you have exported all data you want to keep, e.g., all important emails.
Is it temporary? Proton Mail Down? Check the Current Proton Mail Status
Can I re-use my Proton Mail address after deleting the account?
No.
Account deletion is permanent, and addresses will not be available for re-use near- or mid-term. Treat a Proton Mail address as gone for good when you delete the account.
(Tested in a desktop browser; first published October 2024, last updated March 2026)