Question 1

How difficult is it to log in to Proton Mail?

Accepted Answer

The Proton Mail login process can be frustrating due to verification issues, inconsistent behavior across devices, and poor feedback mechanisms, though some users eventually succeed after multiple attempts.

Verification Problems: Reviewers report significant trouble with the login process, especially when verifying accounts via email or phone. Several users say they never received verification codes, and the system forces repeated re-entry of email addresses after switching between apps.

System Glitches: The login experience is further hampered by technical glitches, such as the feedback form not working and constant ProtonVPN connection stalls. Some users feel the system is poorly designed, with no way to contact support directly via phone.

Mixed Outcomes: Despite the frustrations, some users eventually manage to log in after multiple attempts, often after switching between email clients to receive codes. However, the process is described as unnecessarily complex and time-consuming.

Question 2

Why does Proton Password Manager keep logging me out and failing to recover my account?

Accepted Answer

The Proton Password Manager has received complaints about reliability issues, including frequent logouts, failed recovery code verification, and inconsistent autofill functionality across devices. Users report frustration with the app's inability to consistently retain login sessions and access saved passwords.

Logouts & Sessions: Reviewers report frequent and unexpected logouts, with some stating they've been logged out multiple times within a few months. The app often fails to maintain session persistence, requiring repeated re-entry of credentials.

Recovery Failures: Several users describe issues with account recovery, including codes not arriving or being rejected, even when entered correctly. The QR code fallback option also fails to work, leaving users locked out.

Autofill Issues: Autofill problems are common on mobile, with outdated passwords appearing and the app failing to update or sync properly after updates. This undermines the core function of a password manager.

Question 3

How difficult is it to sign in to Proton Mail?

Accepted Answer

The Proton Mail sign-in process has been reported as problematic by several users, particularly regarding verification steps, device-specific login issues, and inconsistent behavior across platforms. Some users found the system frustrating due to repeated re-entry of email addresses and unreliable verification methods.

Verification Issues: Reviewers report that signing in to Proton Mail can be frustrating, especially when verifying phone numbers or email addresses. Multiple users mentioned being stuck in loops where they had to repeatedly re-enter their email after receiving a code, which they described as a 'dumb system'.

Device-Specific Problems: Several users reported being unable to sign in on certain devices, such as iPhone, despite success on others like iPad. The lack of meaningful support options made these issues harder to resolve, with users calling the help resources 'irrelevant' and unhelpful.

Account Access Conflicts: Some users were blocked from signing in due to old or mismatched email addresses linked to their accounts. One reviewer even suspected their ProtonVPN connection was interfering with access, though this was not confirmed.

Question 4

How difficult is it to create and manage a Proton account?

Accepted Answer

Proton's account setup and management have been criticized for being overly complicated, with users struggling to verify accounts, access sign-in pages, or complete payments. Many reviewers express frustration with mandatory email or phone verification and poor support for account recovery.

Verification Issues: Reviewers report that creating a Proton account is frustrating due to mandatory email or phone verification, which contradicts the app’s goal of privacy. Some users are unable to receive verification codes and have no alternative contact method, making account setup nearly impossible.

Sign-In Problems: Several users say they cannot find the sign-in page or access their existing accounts, even when they already have an email. This lack of clear navigation undermines the user experience, especially for those trying to switch from other services.

Payment & Access: Payment processes are described as confusing and poorly designed, with users calling the system a 'mess.' The lack of straightforward account management options adds to the overall frustration, particularly for those seeking a simple, private alternative to Google.

Question 5

How does Proton Pass compare to Bitwarden in terms of reliability and functionality?

Accepted Answer

Proton Pass and Bitwarden are both password managers, but Proton Pass has faced consistent issues with login reliability, auto-fill functionality, and recovery processes, while Bitwarden is generally praised for stability and cross-platform performance.

Login Instability: Reviewers report that Proton Pass frequently fails to maintain login sessions, requiring repeated re-authentication and sometimes disabling saved passwords. The app is described as 'forgetting' accounts unexpectedly, which disrupts workflow and undermines trust.

Recovery Failures: Multiple users experienced problems with password recovery, including codes not arriving, QR codes failing, and the app not accepting valid inputs. These issues make account access difficult and frustrating, especially when trying to recover from a lost device.

Cross-Platform Reliability: Auto-fill on mobile devices is unreliable, with outdated versions of Pass appearing after updates. In contrast, Bitwarden is widely regarded as more stable and consistent across platforms, with fewer reported sync or functionality issues.

Question 6

What are the main issues with using Proton's free email plan?

Accepted Answer

The Proton Free plan offers basic email functionality but comes with significant usability issues and limitations, especially around account setup, verification, and core features. Many users report frustration with mandatory phone/email verification, broken sign-in processes, and poor performance on the free tier.

Sign-up Problems: Reviewers report major problems during account creation, including not receiving verification codes, being unable to find the sign-in page, and loops in the verification process. Some users were blocked from accessing their accounts entirely, even when they already had an existing email.

Verification Hassles: The free plan requires email or phone verification, which frustrates users seeking privacy. Several reviewers noted they couldn’t create an account without an existing email or phone number, undermining the goal of escaping platforms like Google.

Core Feature Limitations: Even after setup, users complain about missing features like mass deletion, broken folder imports from Gmail, and non-functional labels. The free tier also lacks server selection, forcing users onto slow, distant servers, which harms performance.

Question 7

Why is the Proton Pass extension not working reliably?

Accepted Answer

The Proton Pass extension has been reported to have significant reliability issues, particularly with login and autofill functionality, leading to frustration among users.

Login Failures: Reviewers report frequent login failures and account being 'forgotten' unexpectedly, requiring repeated re-entry of credentials even when using saved passwords. The extension often fails to retain login sessions, forcing users to re-authenticate.

Autofill Issues: Multiple users describe problems with autofill on mobile and desktop, including outdated or incorrect passwords appearing, and the app not updating properly after updates. These issues disrupt the expected workflow of the extension.

Recovery Problems: The extension's recovery process is unreliable, users report not receiving verification codes and QR code options failing. This makes account recovery difficult and time-consuming.

Proton: Free plan & upgrades (Ordering & website)

What customers praise

Common complaints

How it has changed over time

Practical takeaways

Customer voices