How to download and install Proton Drive on Mac
Proton Drive is Proton’s end-to-end encrypted cloud storage, and its Mac app comes from Proton’s website. Here is what you need, how to install the app and how to get your files syncing.
Proton Drive
- macOS 13 or later
- One file for Apple Silicon and Intel
- Free plan. More storage is paid
Or the installer straight from the developer’s server:
The links go to the developer’s website (proton.me). MacWashing is not affiliated with the developer and keeps no installers.
Open Terminal (Applications › Utilities) and run:
brew install --cask proton-driveHomebrew downloads the app from the developer’s server, checks the file and puts the app in Applications.
No Homebrew yet? How to install Homebrew: one command from brew.sh.
Before you download
Proton Drive for Mac is one file for Apple Silicon and Intel. To use it you need:
- macOS 13 Ventura or later. Check yours in Apple menu › About This Mac.
- A Proton account. A free account comes with some Drive storage. If you use Proton Mail or Proton VPN, the same account works.
- Free disk space for the files you keep on your Mac, on top of the app itself.
Download Proton Drive only from proton.me. You can also get the installer in the Computers section of Proton Drive on the web.
How to install Proton Drive
- Open the downloaded
ProtonDrive-….dmgin your Downloads folder. - In the window that opens, drag Proton Drive to the Applications folder, then eject the disk in the Finder sidebar.
- Open Proton Drive from Applications and click Open when macOS asks about an app downloaded from the internet.
- Sign in with your Proton account username and password, or create an account.
- Proton Drive opens its folder. Click Enable at the top to start syncing.
What to set up after the first launch
- The Drive folder. Proton Drive appears in the Finder sidebar under Locations. Everything in My files syncs there, and what you add to the folder syncs to your other devices.
- Disk space. Files you open from the Drive folder are downloaded to your Mac and take space on it. Keep an eye on large folders.
- Opening at login. Proton Drive syncs only while it runs. If you don’t want it to start with your Mac, turn it off in System Settings › General › Login Items.
- The installer. Move the
.dmgfrom Downloads to the Trash once Proton Drive runs.
If Proton Drive won’t install or sync
- «Proton Drive is damaged and can’t be opened». The download was incomplete. Delete it and download it again from Proton’s website.
- Proton Drive won’t start on an older Mac. Check your macOS version: Proton Drive needs macOS 13 or later.
- Files don’t sync or the folder is gone from the Finder. Remove Proton Drive completely and install it again. Your files stay in your Proton account: see how to uninstall Proton Drive on Mac.
Alternatives to Proton Drive
Keep your Mac tidy
System Junk in MacWashing finds the caches apps build up over time, Proton Drive’s included, and shows how much space they take. And if you decide to remove Proton Drive, the Uninstaller takes its files with it.
Free trial · macOS 14 or later
Questions and answers
Is Proton Drive for Mac free?
The app is free, and a free Proton account includes some storage. Proton Drive Plus and Proton’s bundles add more space and features.
Is Proton Drive in the Mac App Store?
The App Store has Proton Drive for iPhone and iPad. For Mac, Proton publishes the app on its website, so download it there or install it with Homebrew.
Can Proton see my files?
According to Proton, files are end-to-end encrypted on your Mac before upload, so only you can open them. That is also why your account password matters: keep it safe.