# 10 Hacks Every Proton Mail User Should Know
Proton Mail users who want to move beyond basic email functionality have a toolkit of features worth learning. These tricks help you maximize privacy, organize messages faster, and protect sensitive communications without fumbling through settings menus.
**Self-destructing messages save you from future exposure.** Set an expiration timer on emails containing passwords, account numbers, or temporary links. Open Proton Mail, compose your message, click the clock icon before sending, and choose how long the recipient can access it. After that window closes, the email vanishes. This works well for sharing credentials or one-time information you do not want sitting in anyone's inbox forever.
**Create email aliases for different purposes.** Proton Mail Plus subscribers can generate multiple email addresses tied to one account. Use one alias for online shopping, another for banking, a third for newsletters. If one alias receives spam or gets compromised, you delete just that alias without touching your main inbox or other accounts. This separation costs $60 yearly for Proton Mail Plus but compartmentalizes your digital life effectively.
**Search with filters to dig through archives fast.** Use commands like "from:sender@example.com" or "has:attachment" to locate specific messages. Combine filters for precision: "from:boss@work.com has:attachment" pulls only emails from your boss containing files. This beats scrolling when you need something from months ago.
**Lock your inbox with a second password.** Proton Mail's second password feature adds an extra layer beyond your primary login. Even if someone accesses your account, they cannot read encrypted messages without the second password. Navigate to Account Settings, Security, then activate it. You enter this second password each time you access encrypted messages.
**Use PGP keys for maximum control.** Advanced users can import or generate PGP keys for end-to-end encryption with non-Proton Mail contacts. This means you can send encrypted emails to Gmail, Outlook, or any other provider. The recipient gets a secure link to decrypt your message. Set this up under Account Settings, Encryption and Keys.
**Organize with labels and folders.** Unlike Gmail, Proton Mail lets you create nested folders for hierarchical organization. Build a folder structure for work projects, client names, or financial records. Apply labels for tagging across multiple folders simultaneously. This beats relying on search alone.
**Enable two-factor authentication immediately.** Add a second security layer at login with your phone. Go to Settings, Security, Two-Factor Authentication, then scan the QR code with Google Authenticator or Authy. This prevents account takeovers even if your password leaks.
**Download your data for backup.** Proton Mail's export tool lets you download emails in standard format for archiving offline. Account Settings, Data Management, Export, then choose your date range and format. This protects you against account loss while keeping sensitive records under your control.
**Disable read receipts if you value privacy.** Turn off message read notifications in Settings, Privacy. Your contacts will not know when you open their emails.
These features work together to build a privacy-first email system. Proton Mail does not track you like Gmail does, but learning these settings turns it from a private email service into a genuinely secure communication tool.