Proton Mail asks you to verify: CAPTCHA, email or SMS

Proton checks that a new account belongs to a person, to stop spammers damaging Proton’s reputation with other email providers.

The three options

• A CAPTCHA puzzle, with no number needed.
• A code sent to another email address, which can’t be a Proton address.
• A code sent by SMS to a phone number.

Proton says that trying to create several accounts, or using the Tor browser, makes it more likely you’ll be offered only email or SMS. The check applies to every Proton account, not just Mail.

If the CAPTCHA won’t pass

Try a private or incognito window, where most extensions are off, then turn extensions off one at a time. Or switch to email or SMS. If nothing works, contact Proton support.

What Proton keeps

Proton says it stores only a cryptographic hash of the email address or number used to verify, so it can spot reuse without keeping the details, and keeps them only briefly to send the code and fight spam.

Using a one-time number

If you choose SMS and would rather keep your own number private, a number from ReserveSMS can take the code. Ours start at $1, and the money goes back to your balance if no code arrives within 20 minutes. Add a recovery email you keep once you’re in. Get a number for Proton.

Common questions

Can I create a Proton Mail account without a phone number?

Proton offers a CAPTCHA or an email code as well as SMS. It says you may only be offered email or SMS if you’re creating several accounts or using Tor.

Does Proton keep my phone number?

Proton says it stores only a hash of the number or email used for verification, and keeps the details only briefly to send the code and fight spam.

Proton’s CAPTCHA won’t work. What can I do?

Try a private window or turn off browser extensions, or choose email or SMS verification instead.