You downloaded the album in Yandex Music, but can't find files on your phone? Or want to transfer tracks to a memory card, but don't know where they are stored? The problem is that the application uses non-obvious saving paths - and they depend on the Android version, application settings, and even the smartphone model. In this article, we will analyze all possible locations, learn how to find them (including hidden folders) and explain why sometimes files “disappear” after an update.

Spoiler: by default Yandex Music saves tracks in a protected folder, not accessible through a standard explorer. But there are legal ways to access them - without rooting or hacking. You will also learn how to change the save path (if this option is available in your version of the application) and what to do if downloaded Suddenly songs are missing after resetting the settings.

Why you can’t just find downloaded tracks in “Music” or “Files”

The main reason is Yandex Music uses DRM protection for downloaded tracks (even if you have a subscription). This means that the files:

  • 🔒 Encrypted and linked to your account - they cannot be listened to in other players without bypassing the protection.
  • 📁 Stored in a hidden system folder, inaccessible through Gallery or Google files.
  • 🔄 They can be automatically deleted when you change device or reset settings (if backup is not enabled).

The second reason is starting with Android 11, applications are prohibited from saving files to the root folder /storage/emulated/0/ without the user's explicit permission. Therefore Yandex Music creates its own directory inside /Android/data/which is hidden from the user by default.

An exception is if you manually changed the save path in the application settings (not available in all versions). But even in this case, the files will remain encrypted.

📊 Do you download music in Yandex Music for offline listening?
Yes, regularly
Only individual tracks
No, I listen online
I tried, but did not find the files

Standard paths for saving tracks in Yandex Music

The path depends on the Android version and application settings. Here are all the possible options (check in order):

Android version Folder path Is root required Notes
Android 10 and below /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/ru.yandex.music/files/music/ No The folder is visible through the file manager with access to hidden files (for example, Solid Explorer).
Android 11–13 /storage/emulated/0/Android/media/ru.yandex.music/music/ No Folder Android/media/ is an exception to the rule Scoped Storage, accessible without root.
Android 14+ /storage/emulated/0/Android/media/ru.yandex.music/music/ or /data/user/0/ru.yandex.music/app_music/ Yes (for the second path) On some devices (for example, Samsung c One UI 6) files can be stored in a protected area.
Any version (if the path in the settings is changed) Custom folder (for example, /Music/Yandex/) No The option is available in Settings → Storage → Download folder (not in all versions of the application).

🔍 How to check the path on your phone:

  1. Open Yandex Music and download any track (even if it has already been downloaded).
  2. During download, click on the notification - sometimes the path is displayed there.
  3. Use a file manager with access to hidden folders (for example, FX File Explorer or MiXplorer) and enter the paths from the table above manually.
💡

If you use Total Commander, enable the display of hidden files in the settings: Settings → Display → Show hidden files.

How to find downloaded tracks without root access

If you have Android 11 or later, use this method (works on 90% of devices):

Install a file manager with access to Android/media/ (for example, Files by Google will not work)|Open the manager and go to /storage/emulated/0/Android/media/ru.yandex.music/music/|If there is no folder, check /Android/data/ru.yandex.music/files/music/|Copy the files to another folder (for example, /Music/) if you want to keep them after deleting applications-->

📌 Important: files have the extension .ym (protected format Yandex). To listen to them outside the application, you need:

  • 🎵 Convert to .mp3 via special services (for example, Yandex Music Downloader for PC).
  • 🔓 Use a patched version of the application (illegal and dangerous for your account).
  • 📱 Transfer files to another device with an authorized account Yandex Music.

⚠️ Attention: if you delete the application Yandex Music or reset the phone to factory settings, all downloaded tracks in the format .ym will become unplayable - even if you copy them before deleting. This is due to binding to unique device identifier.

How to change the save folder (if the option is available)

In some versions Yandex Music (usually Android 10 and below) you can manually select the download folder. To do this: Yandex Music your version of the application does not support this function).

  1. Open the application and go to Profile → Settings → Storage.
  2. Click Download folder (if there is no item, your version of the application does not support this function).
  3. Select one of the suggested folders or create a new one (for example, on a memory card).

📌 Limitations:

  • 🚫 On Android 11+, the application can ignore the user path and save files in /Android/media/.
  • 💾 If you choose a memory card, make sure that it is formatted as internal storage (otherwise access will be limited).
  • 🔄 After changing the path, old downloaded tracks will not be transferred automatically - they need download.
What to do if there is no "Download folder" option?

If in your version Yandex Music there is no option to change the save path, there are two options left:

1. Use symbolic links (requires root or ADB): create a symlink from the standard folder to the desired location.

Command example:

ln -s /storage/emulated/0/Android/media/ru.yandex.music/music /storage/emulated/0/Music/Yandex

2. Manual copying: after each download, copy files from the standard folder to the desired directory (inconvenient, but it works).

Why downloaded tracks disappear and how to fix it

A common problem: the user downloads music, and after a while it “disappears” from offline mode. Reasons and solutions:

Problem Cause Solution
Tracks disappeared after updating the application Resetting the cache or changing the storage structure Reboot your phone and check the folder /Android/media/ru.yandex.music/. If the files are in place, download the metadata in the application.
Music disappeared after resetting the settings Files .ym linked to the device ID Restore the backup copy Yandex Music (if enabled) or download the tracks again.
Tracks are not played offline, although downloaded License cache has expired or synchronization has failed Open the track in application, wait for re-authorization (Internet may be required).
The files are in the folder, but are not displayed in the application The database index is damaged Clear the application cache in Settings → Applications → Yandex Music → Memory → Clear cache.

⚠️ Attention: if you use unofficial modifications Yandex Music (for example, with offline mode unlocked), files may be stored in other folders or not saved to the device at all. In this case:

  • Check the settings of the modified application - sometimes the path is indicated in Settings → Offline → Storage folder.
  • Use Sniffer (for example, HTTP Toolkit) to track the real download path.
💡

If tracks disappear after each application update, disable automatic update Yandex Music in Google Play. To do this, go to Profile → Settings → Network settings → Auto-update applications → Do not update Yandex Music.

How to transfer music to a memory card or other device

Transferring tracks from Yandex Music to a memory card or another phone has nuances due to DRM protection. Here are the working methods: Yandex Music account

Method 1: Copying files .ym (no conversion)

Suitable if you transfer music to your other device with the same account Yandex:

  1. Copy the files from the folder /Android/media/ru.yandex.music/music/ to a memory card or to the cloud.
  2. Install on a new device Yandex Music and log in.
  3. Place the files in the same folder (/Android/media/ru.yandex.music/music/).
  4. Open the application - the tracks should appear in the section My music → Offline.

Method 2: Convert to .mp3 (for any devices)

If you need to listen to music without Yandex Music, use:

  • 🖥️ On PC: apps Yandex Music Downloader or SoundLoaders (require authorization in your account).
  • 📱 On Android: applications YMusic (unofficial client with export function in mp3).

⚠️ Attention: conversion of tracks with DRM may violate User Agreement Yandex Music. Use this method for personal use only.

💡

If you transfer music to iPhone, first convert the files to .m4a (AAC) - this format is better optimized for iOS and takes up less space.

Alternative ways to download music from Yandex Music

If standard methods do not work, try these options:

  • 🎧 Record screen with sound: use applications like AZ Screen Recorder (turn on internal sound recording). The downside is low quality and background noise.
  • 🔗 Download via the web version:
    1. Open music.yandex.ru in a browser on your PC.
    2. Find the track, open Developer tools (F12) → tab Network.
    3. Turn on playback - a link to the .mp3file will appear in the logs (look for requests from download).
  • 🤖 Bots for Telegram: some bots (for example, @YandexMusicDownBot) allow you to download tracks via a link. Risk: your account may be blocked for using unofficial methods.

    • 📢 Important: Yandex actively fights illegal downloading If your account uses a subscription, if “piracy” methods are detected, access to offline mode may be possible. limited.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about saving music in Yandex Music

    Can I listen to downloaded tracks without the Internet after deleting the application?

    No. Files .ym are associated with the application and account After deletion Yandex Music they become useless - even if you copy them to another location. To save music forever, convert it to .mp3 before deleting.

    Why are there no files in the folder /Android/media/ru.yandex.music/ although the music is downloaded?

    Probable reasons:

    • 📁 The folder is hidden - turn on the display of hidden files in the file manager.
    • 🔄 Your version of Android uses a different path (check /Android/data/ru.yandex.music/files/music/).
    • 🗑️ The files were deleted after updating the application (download them).

    How to download music in high quality (320 kbps)?

    Yandex Music allows you to download tracks in quality up to 320 kbps, but only for subscribers Premium or FamilyTo enable maximum quality:

    1. Open Profile → Settings → Sound quality.
    2. Select High (320 kbps) for downloads.
    3. Download the tracks - old files will remain in low quality.

    Is it possible to download music to an SD card directly?

    Yes, but with reservations:

    • 📌 On Android 10 and below: select the memory card in settings Yandex Music (Settings → Storage → Download folder).
    • 📌 On Android 11+: the application can ignore the user path and save files to the internal memory. In this case, you need to manually transfer files to the card after downloading.
    • ⚠️ The card must be formatted as internal storage (the setting is available when you connect the card for the first time).

    Why some tracks cannot be downloaded to offline?

    This may be due to:

    • 🎵 License restrictions: some labels prohibit downloading of individual tracks (more common among Western artists).
    • 📵 Regional blocking: the track is available for listening, but not for downloading in your country.
    • 🔒 Subscription: without a Premium account, you can only download “For You” playlists (limitation Yandex).

    💡

    If you often encounter problems downloads, try using the web version Yandex Music on a PC - there are fewer restrictions on offline mode.