Deploy Proton Mail Bridge as a headless service with Docker Compose or Kubernetes. This project provides a custom container image, a Docker Compose stack, a Helm chart, and a Go sidecar that handles login, session restore, IMAP watching across all folders, and Discord notifications — no TTY or desktop required.
Keywords: Proton Mail Bridge, headless IMAP/SMTP, Kubernetes Helm chart, Docker Compose, Discord notifications, email automation.
Get started
Choose the guide that matches your environment:
- Docker Compose — run on your laptop, desktop, or VPS with
docker compose up - Kubernetes / Helm — deploy to a cluster with a StatefulSet, PVC, and optional Discord notifications
Integrations
- OpenClaw — connect your Proton inbox to the OpenClaw personal AI assistant via Discord notifications
- Discord notifications — get notified in Discord when new mail arrives
Reference
- Sidecar REST API — endpoint docs, Swagger UI, and
bridge-ctlCLI - GPG keychain & recovery — how the keychain works and disaster recovery steps
FAQ
How do I run Proton Bridge in Kubernetes? Use the Kubernetes / Helm guide for a StatefulSet + PVC deployment.
Can I run this headless without a desktop? Yes — the sidecar handles login/session restore and exposes IMAP/SMTP locally.
Does it support Discord notifications? Yes — enable the sidecar notifier or use OpenClaw integration.
Architecture
(IMAP/SMTP + gRPC)"] BS["bridge-sidecar
(REST + IMAP watcher + Discord)"] Vol["Shared volumes
(/run/bridge, /root)"] end Client["Mail Client"] Discord["Discord"] Client -->|"IMAP/SMTP"| PB BS -->|"gRPC + IMAP"| PB BS -->|"Notify"| Discord