You downloaded a playlist from Yandex Music, but can’t find the files on your phone? Or want to transfer tracks to a memory card to free up internal memory? The problem is that the app doesn't always save music into obvious folders - the paths depend on the Android version, storage settings, and even the smartphone model. In this article we will analyze all possible locationswhere Yandex Music cache and downloaded tracks can be saved, and we will also learn how to manage these files without loss.

It is important to understand: the service uses two types of storage - cache for offline listening (temporary files) and downloads in MP3 format (if you bought tracks). The former disappear when the application data is cleared, the latter remain forever. We'll show you how to tell one from the other and where to look for each file type. You will also learn why sometimes folders are empty, despite the occupied memory space, and how to fix it.

Standard storage paths for Yandex Music files on Android

By By default Yandex Music saves offline tracks and cache in the application system folder. The path depends on the version of Android and the smartphone manufacturer, but most often it looks like this:

  • 📁 /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/ru.yandex.music/files/ — the main directory for most devices (Android 5.0+). Here are both cached tracks and purchased MP3s.
  • 📁 /sdcard/Android/data/ru.yandex.music/files/ —an alternative path on some firmwares (for example, Xiaomi or Samsung with custom shells).
  • 📁 /storage/emulated/0/Download/YandexMusic/ —a rare option if you manually specified the download folder in older versions applications.

On devices with Android 11+ and function Scoped Storage (limited storage access), the path may look like /storage/emulated/0/Android/media/ru.yandex.music/. In this case, the folder will be visible only through the file manager with root access or after connecting the phone to the PC.

📊 What brand of your smartphone?
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How to check the path on your device? Open any file manager (for example, Total Commander or Files by Google) and enter ru.yandex.musicinto the search bar. The system will show all folders associated with the application. If the search does not produce results, then the files are hidden or stored in another location (more on this in the next section).

Why is the music folder empty, although the space is occupied?

A common situation: you see that Yandex Music occupies gigabytes memory in the Android settings, but the folder /Android/data/ru.yandex.music/ is empty. The reasons may be:

  • 🔍 Hidden files: some firmware (for example, MIUI na Xiaomi) hide system folders by default. Enable the display of hidden files in the file manager settings.
  • 🔒 Scope Storage Limitations: on Android 11+, applications are prohibited from creating files outside their sandbox. The folder may exist, but not be accessible without root access.
  • 🗑️ Cache, not downloads: if you did not purchase the tracks, but only saved them for offline listening, the files are stored encrypted and deleted when the application data is cleared.

Critical detail: starting from Yandex Music version 6.0+, cached tracks are stored in the format .ym (encrypted files), not MP3. They cannot be listened to outside the application or copied to another phone. If you need "real" MP3s, buy the tracks officially - they are saved in a folder Music/Yandex/.

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To see hidden folders in MIUI, open Files, click on the three dots in the upper right corner → Settings → Show hidden files.

How to transfer Yandex music to a memory card?

If the internal memory runs out, it is logical to transfer the tracks to an SD card. However Yandex Music does not support direct cache transfer - you will have to use workarounds. Here are the working methods: Yandex Music data-i="92">specify a new folder for downloads:

  1. For purchased MP3s:
    • 📁 Copy files from /Music/Yandex/ to the memory card manually (for example, in /sdcard/Music/).
    • 🔄 In settings Yandex Music specify a new download folder: Profile → Settings → Folder for downloads.
  2. For offline cache (tracks in .ym format):
    • 🛠️ Use Root Explorer or FX File Manager root to move the folder ru.yandex.music to the SD card.
    • 🔗 Create a symbolic link (requires root): 
      ln -s /storage/extSdCard/Android/data/ru.yandex.music /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/ru.yandex.music

Make sure that the memory card is formatted as internal storage (on Android 6.0+)

Create a backup copy of the tracks on your PC

Check that there is enough space on the card (the cache takes up ~100-200 MB for 100 tracks)

Disable automatic cache updating in Yandex Music settings-->

Important! After transferring the cache folder, the application may stop seeing tracks. In this case:

  1. Clear the data Yandex Music c Android settings.
  2. Resave playlists for offline listening.
⚠️ Attention: If you use the SD card as Portable storage (not internal), Android will not allow applications to save data to it by default. In this case, transfer. cache is only possible with root access.

How to save tracks forever (even after deleting the application)?

Cached tracks in format .ym will disappear if you delete Yandex Music or clear its data. To save music forever, there are two legal ways:

Method File format Limitations Cost
Purchasing tracks in Yandex Music MP3 (320 kbps) Only purchased songs, does not work for playlists From 20 ₽ per track
Export via Yandex Plus MP3 (192–320 kbps) Subscription required Yandex Plus, limit of 1000 tracks/month 169 ₽/month
Record sound from the screen M4A/AAC Loss of quality, violation of service rules Free

The most reliable option is purchase of tracksAfter payment, the files are saved to a folder /Music/Yandex/ and remain on the device even after the application is deleted. To buy a song:

  1. Open the track in Yandex Music.
  2. Click on the three dots next to the name → Buy.
  3. After payment, download the file through the track menu (Download).

If you do not want to pay, you can use export via Yandex Plus (available to subscribers). For this:

  1. Go to Library → Playlists.
  2. Select a playlist → More → Export.
  3. Specify the folder to save (for example, /Music/Exported/).
⚠️ Attention: Exported tracks contain DRM protection and may not play in some players. For full compatibility, convert them to MP3 via Audacity or FFmpeg.

How to clear the Yandex Music cache without losing downloads?

If the application takes up too much space, but you do not want to lose purchased tracks, clear the cache selectively. Here's how to do it:

  • 🧹 Through Android settings:
    1. Go to Settings → Applications → Yandex Music → Storage.
    2. Click Clear cache (NOT "Clear data"!).
  • 🎵 Through itself application:
    1. Open Yandex Music → Profile → Settings → Offline music.
    2. Select Clear cache for specific playlists.

What happens after clearing?

  • ✅ Purchased MP3 files will remain in the folder /Music/Yandex/.
  • ❌ Cached tracks (.ym) will disappear and will have to be downloaded again.
  • ⚠️ Account settings and playlists are not affected.
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    Clearing the cache does not delete purchased tracks, but requires resaving offline playlists.

    If you want completely reset application (for example, before selling your phone), do the following:

    1. Copy the folder /Music/Yandex/ to a PC or card memory.
    2. In the Android settings, delete the data Yandex Music.
    3. Reinstall the application and log in again.
    4. Return the purchased tracks back to /Music/Yandex/.

    What to do if Yandex Music does not see saved tracks?

    Sometimes after updating the application or resetting the settings Yandex Music it stops displaying previously downloaded tracks. Reasons and solutions:

    Problem Cause Solution
    Offline tracks have disappeared Clearing application data or updating Resave playlists for offline listening
    Purchased MP3s cannot be played The files have been moved to another folder Return them in /Music/Yandex/ or specify a new path in the settings
    Tracks are gray (unavailable) Cache has expired or licenses have changed Update the cache: Settings → Offline music → Update
    The application does not see the SD card The card is connected as portable storage Reformat the card as internal or use root

    If tracks physically present on the device (you see files in the folder), but Yandex Music does not show them:

    1. Check that the files have the correct extension (.mp3 or .m4a).
    2. Make sure that the folder is not renamed (should be Yandex inside Music).
    3. Restart the phone and update the library in the application (Profile → Update library).
    Why are tracks in .ym format not played outside of Yandex Music?

    Files .ym are encrypted cache files linked to your account and device. They do not contain a full audio stream, but only fragments for offline listening in the application. To extract music from them, you will need specialized tools (for example YMusicDownloader), but this violates the rules of use of the service.

    Alternative ways to download music from Yandex Music

    If you are not satisfied with the restrictions of the official application, you can use third-party methods for downloading tracks. Remember: most of them violate user agreement Yandex Music and may lead to account blocking.

    • 🌐 Online services:
      • Sites like YTMP3 or SaveFrom.net allow you to download tracks via a link, but the quality often leaves much to be desired.
      • Suitable for playlists Deezloader (requires Deezeraccount).
    • 📱 Android apps:
      • Snaptube or VidMate can save music from Yandex Music via a workaround (screen recording + audio extraction).
      • YMusic (unofficial client) allows you to download tracks in MP3, but requires authorization.
    • 💻 PC solutions:
      • Use Audacity to record sound from the browser when playing tracks.
      • Scripts on Python (for example, yandex-music-downloader) automate downloading via API.

    Risks of alternative methods:

    • 🚫 Copyright infringement and account blocking.
    • 🦠 Viruses in unofficial APKs (download only from trusted sources).
    • 🔊 Low sound quality (when recording from the screen or through online converters).
    ⚠️ Attention: Yandex is actively fighting against illegal downloading. In 2026, the service began blocking accounts that use third-party clients for bulk downloading of tracks. If your account is important (for example, linked. k Yandex Plus), avoid risky methods.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Yandex Music files

    Is it possible to transfer Yandex cache Music to another phone?

    No. Files .ym are tied to the device and account. When transferred to another phone, they will not be played. The only way is to re-save playlists for offline listening on the new device.

    Why does Yandex Music take up so much space, although I don’t have anything? downloaded?

    The application caches listened tracks for quick access. To reduce the space taken up:

    1. Limit the cache in the settings: Profile → Settings → Offline music → Cache size.
    2. Clear the cache manually (see section above).
    Where are downloaded podcasts from Yandex Music stored?

    Podcasts are saved in the same folder as the music: /Android/data/ru.yandex.music/files/Podcasts/You can listen to them offline, but the files will also disappear when you clear the data. applications.

    How to download music from Yandex Music to your computer?

    Officially - only through purchasing tracks. Unofficially:

    1. Use the web version Yandex Music + browser extension (for example, Audio DownloadHelper).
    2. Connect your phone to the PC and copy purchased MP3s from /Music/Yandex/.
    Why did Yandex Music stop seeing tracks after updating Android?

    Most likely, the access rights to the storage have changed (especially on Android 11+). Solutions:

    1. Resave playlists for offline listening.
    2. Check that the folder ru.yandex.music has not been moved by the system.
    3. Give the app permission to access storage in Android settings.