Proton

Signed-in reset

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4 min
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Password reset

Signed-in reset is an account recovery feature that allows you to reset your Proton account username and password while you’re signed in to Proton. It’s useful if you’ve forgotten your Proton account password but are still signed in to at least one Proton web session or the Proton Mail Android app.

This feature is currently available on our web app and the Proton Mail Android app, but we’ll send notifications to all Proton mobile apps you’re signed in to.

Signed-in reset and your account security

Signed-in reset is designed to be used as a last resort if you forget your Proton account password. It does not replace the need to set up one or more Proton account recovery methods.

Learn how to set account recovery methods in case you forget your Proton password

1. When you reset your Proton account password in this way, the changes won’t become active for 72 hours (three days). During this time, we’ll send notifications to all apps and devices you’re signed in to so you’re aware of the change. You can cancel the reset at any time during these 72 hours via a link in the notifications or if you sign in to your Proton account.

Password reset notification on a mobile device

2. You can turn off the feature entirely if you feel it doesn’t meet the requirements of your threat model

How to request a signed-in reset on web

You can request a signed-in reset in two ways.

Option 1

1. If you’re signed in to Proton Mail(new window), Proton Drive(new window), Proton Pass(new window) or Proton Calendar(new window) (but not Proton VPN) in your browser, go to SettingsAll settingsAccount → RecoveryPassword resetRequest password reset

Request a password reset directly

2. Follow the prompts, and when you reach the Request sent confirmation screen, click Done

Confirmation screen

Option 2

1. If you’re signed in to Proton Mail, Proton Calendar, and Proton Drive in your browser, go to SettingsAll settingsAccountAccount and passwordPasswordChange password

Request a password reset while reseting password

2. Click Don’t know your password?

Click Don’t know your password?

3. If you’ve set up a password recovery method (highly recommended), click Use recovery method to reset your Proton Account password. 

Request password reset? screen

You should only proceed with signed-in reset if you don’t know your recovery email, phone number, or phrase. If you’re sure that you wish to proceed, click Request password reset

Request password reset

How to request a signed-in reset on Android

1. If you’re signed-in to the Proton Mail app on Android, open the app and go to SettingsAccount settings (your name) → AccountChange passwordDon’t know your current password?

On the change password screen, select Don’t know your current password?

2. At the information screen, select Request password reset.

Request a password reset

How to change your password

As a security measure, you’ll need to wait for 72 hours before you can change your password. If you remember it during this time, go to AccountAccount and passwordPassword reset request and click Cancel password reset to cancel the request. 

Cancel password reset

On Proton Mail for Android, go to SettingsAccount settings (your name) → AccountChange password and select Cancel request.

You can cancel your request before the 72-hour cool down period is over.

If you haven’t canceled the password reset request after 72 hours, you’ll receive a push notification on your desktop or on Android alerting you that you can now reset your password.

On the desktop, click on the notification to open your Proton account page in your default browser.

Notification

Please note that you must perform your signed-in reset in the same browser that you requested the reset from. If the notification link opens in a different browser, you’ll be prompted to open it in the browser that the reset was requested from. 

You’ll also see a notification banner on any Proton web app that you’re signed in to. If you wish to proceed with a password reset, click Reset password.

Reset your password

On Android, simply tap the notification to open the Change password screen on the Proton Mail app.

You’ll now be asked to enter a new password (and confirm it). Click Save when you’re ready.

Change password

You can now use your new password to access all Proton services. To ensure you don’t lose access to your Proton account again, we’ll prompt you to download your Proton account recovery kit. We strongly recommend you do this and store it somewhere safe.

Secure your account

How to turn off signed-in reset

You can only turn off signed-in reset if you’ve set up a recovery method. We strongly advise you to do this, as signed-in reset should only be used as a last resort.  

Once you’ve set up at least one recovery method, you can reduce the risk of abuse to your Proton account by turning signed-in reset off. To do this:

1. Go to account.proton.me and sign in using your Proton account username and password.

2. Go to SettingsAll settingsAccount → RecoveryPassword resetAllow password reset from settings and toggle the setting off

Password reset

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