What Yandex Browser does with user data

  1. Which data Yandex Browser collects and why
  2. Manage personal data
Note. To secure your data and keep search queries and site visits private, use Incognito mode and follow these general recommendations for protecting your personal information.

All data collected by Yandex Browser is processed by Yandex under the terms of the Privacy policy and License agreement.

In this article you will learn:

  • Which data Yandex Browser collects.
  • Why Yandex needs this data.
  • How to disable sending data to a server.

Which data Yandex Browser collects and why

Yandex Browser sends data to the server to:

  • Perform technical tasks, such as increasing the data transfer speed or virus protection.
  • Collect statistics on Yandex Browser usage.
  • Solve user problems.
  1. Data required for certain features to work
  2. Statistics and crash reports

Data required for certain features to work

Tableau
Type of data Reason(s) for sending How to disable sending data
Site addresses added to Tableau Tableau creates its representation of a site based on both the site's favicon and its main color. Manually delete sites from Tableau and the site addresses will be deleted.
Location The tiles that appear when you open the Tableau for the first time depend on your location. Data is sent once when you first launch Yandex Browser. It isn't possible to use Yandex Browser without this data. If you don't want to send this data, don't use this browser.
Computer technical specifications (model, operating system, and screen size) Sync Tableau with the server. It isn't possible to use Yandex Browser without this data. If you don't want to send this data, don't use this browser.
Type of data Reason(s) for sending How to disable sending data
Site addresses added to Tableau Tableau creates its representation of a site based on both the site's favicon and its main color. Manually delete sites from Tableau and the site addresses will be deleted.
Location The tiles that appear when you open the Tableau for the first time depend on your location. Data is sent once when you first launch Yandex Browser. It isn't possible to use Yandex Browser without this data. If you don't want to send this data, don't use this browser.
Computer technical specifications (model, operating system, and screen size) Sync Tableau with the server. It isn't possible to use Yandex Browser without this data. If you don't want to send this data, don't use this browser.
Search
Type of data Reason(s) for sending How to disable sending data
Unique user identifier To account for the user's personal preferences in search results. It isn't possible to use Yandex Browser without this data. To avoid sending the data, change the default search engine. Yandex won't receive your data, but another search engine may still collect it.
Computer interface language Search results are offered in this language.
Other data used when searching Improve search quality.
Type of data Reason(s) for sending How to disable sending data
Unique user identifier To account for the user's personal preferences in search results. It isn't possible to use Yandex Browser without this data. To avoid sending the data, change the default search engine. Yandex won't receive your data, but another search engine may still collect it.
Computer interface language Search results are offered in this language.
Other data used when searching Improve search quality.
Image search
Type of data Reason(s) for sending How to disable sending data
A photo or drawing if you ask Yandex to find similar images. Search for similar images to match a sample. This feature does not work without this data. If you don't want to send this data, don't use image search.
Type of data Reason(s) for sending How to disable sending data
A photo or drawing if you ask Yandex to find similar images. Search for similar images to match a sample. This feature does not work without this data. If you don't want to send this data, don't use image search.
Search suggestions
Type of data Reason(s) for sending How to disable sending data
Unique user identifier To account for the user's personal preferences in search results. It isn't possible to use Yandex Browser without this data. To avoid sending the data, change the default search engine. Yandex won't receive your data, but it can still be collected by another search engine that you choose to use.
Computer interface language Search results are offered in this language.
Computer location The list of suggestions depends on the location (for example, when searching for “museums”, the browser will suggest major museums in your area).
Characters entered into the SmartBox The list of suggestions adapts according to the characters you enter.
Previous search queries To better understand what you're looking for and create a more relevant list of suggestions.
Clicks on links in search results To better understand what you're looking for and create a more relevant list of suggestions.
Bookmarks If your bookmarks have pages that match your search query, then they will appear in the list of suggestions.
History If you have visited pages that match your search query, then they will appear in the list of suggestions.
Type of data Reason(s) for sending How to disable sending data
Unique user identifier To account for the user's personal preferences in search results. It isn't possible to use Yandex Browser without this data. To avoid sending the data, change the default search engine. Yandex won't receive your data, but it can still be collected by another search engine that you choose to use.
Computer interface language Search results are offered in this language.
Computer location The list of suggestions depends on the location (for example, when searching for “museums”, the browser will suggest major museums in your area).
Characters entered into the SmartBox The list of suggestions adapts according to the characters you enter.
Previous search queries To better understand what you're looking for and create a more relevant list of suggestions.
Clicks on links in search results To better understand what you're looking for and create a more relevant list of suggestions.
Bookmarks If your bookmarks have pages that match your search query, then they will appear in the list of suggestions.
History If you have visited pages that match your search query, then they will appear in the list of suggestions.
Navigation
Type of data Reason(s) for sending How to disable sending data
External links present on the open page. To load pages more quickly so that you can navigate to them from the current page.
  1. Click   → Settings.
  2. In the Search section, disable Request page data in advance to load pages more quickly.
The address of the page that does not open because the domain was not found or the server is not responding. To assist with navigation errors.
  1. Click   → Settings.
  2. In the Search section, disable Offer corrections for typos in site addresses.
Type of data Reason(s) for sending How to disable sending data
External links present on the open page. To load pages more quickly so that you can navigate to them from the current page.
  1. Click   → Settings.
  2. In the Search section, disable Request page data in advance to load pages more quickly.
The address of the page that does not open because the domain was not found or the server is not responding. To assist with navigation errors.
  1. Click   → Settings.
  2. In the Search section, disable Offer corrections for typos in site addresses.
Viewing pages and files
Type of data Reason(s) for sending How to disable sending data
MS Office files that the user opens in Yandex Browser is sent to Yandex Disk. To view and edit MS Office files in Yandex Browser.
  1. Click   → Settings → Tools.
  2. In the File viewer section, disable Open files in Office format in the browser.
Type of data Reason(s) for sending How to disable sending data
MS Office files that the user opens in Yandex Browser is sent to Yandex Disk. To view and edit MS Office files in Yandex Browser.
  1. Click   → Settings → Tools.
  2. In the File viewer section, disable Open files in Office format in the browser.
Page translator
Type of data Reason(s) for sending How to disable sending data
Address and part of the text on the open page To determine the language. To disable page translation in Yandex Browser:
  1. Click   → Settings → Tools.
  2. In the Translate section, disable Offer to translate pages that aren't in the same language as the interface.
Text of open page Translate page into another language.
Highlighted text Translate highlighted text into another language.

To disable highlighted text translation:

  1. Click   → Settings → Tools.
  2. In the Translate section, disable Translate selected words and phrases and Translate a word by pointing the cursor at it and pressing the Shift key.
Type of data Reason(s) for sending How to disable sending data
Address and part of the text on the open page To determine the language. To disable page translation in Yandex Browser:
  1. Click   → Settings → Tools.
  2. In the Translate section, disable Offer to translate pages that aren't in the same language as the interface.
Text of open page Translate page into another language.
Highlighted text Translate highlighted text into another language.

To disable highlighted text translation:

  1. Click   → Settings → Tools.
  2. In the Translate section, disable Translate selected words and phrases and Translate a word by pointing the cursor at it and pressing the Shift key.
Ad filtering
Type of data Reason(s) for sending How to disable sending data
Addresses of pages that you have reported. Improve ad filtering.
To disable ad filtering:
  1. Click   → Settings → Tools.
  2. In the Ad blocker section, disable Block offensive ads and Block obtrusive ads.
Type of data Reason(s) for sending How to disable sending data
Addresses of pages that you have reported. Improve ad filtering.
To disable ad filtering:
  1. Click   → Settings → Tools.
  2. In the Ad blocker section, disable Block offensive ads and Block obtrusive ads.
Protect
Type of data Reason(s) for sending How to disable sending data
Prefix of the address hash of an open page. Block pages with malware.
  1. Click  → Settings.
  2. Go to the Protect tab at the top of the page.
  3. In the Threat security section, disable Run security checks on websites and downloaded files and Send information about suspicious files and websites to Yandex options.
Information about downloaded file. Check the file for malware.
Information about suspicious pages and files. Block infected pages and files.
Address of the page the user wants to go to. To encrypt using DNSCrypt.
  1. Click   → Settings.
  2. Go to the Protect tab at the top of the page.
  3. In the Secure connection section, disable the Use DNS server for DNSCrypt encryption option.
When you enter the number of a payment card, the address of the page with the payment form and the first five digits of the card are sent to the server. Protect payment data.
  1. Click  → Settings.
  2. Go to the Protect tab at the top of the page.
  3. In the Protection of personal data section, clear the box labeled Protect bank cards from phishing.
Type of data Reason(s) for sending How to disable sending data
Prefix of the address hash of an open page. Block pages with malware.
  1. Click  → Settings.
  2. Go to the Protect tab at the top of the page.
  3. In the Threat security section, disable Run security checks on websites and downloaded files and Send information about suspicious files and websites to Yandex options.
Information about downloaded file. Check the file for malware.
Information about suspicious pages and files. Block infected pages and files.
Address of the page the user wants to go to. To encrypt using DNSCrypt.
  1. Click   → Settings.
  2. Go to the Protect tab at the top of the page.
  3. In the Secure connection section, disable the Use DNS server for DNSCrypt encryption option.
When you enter the number of a payment card, the address of the page with the payment form and the first five digits of the card are sent to the server. Protect payment data.
  1. Click  → Settings.
  2. Go to the Protect tab at the top of the page.
  3. In the Protection of personal data section, clear the box labeled Protect bank cards from phishing.
Syncing
Type of data Reason(s) for sending How to disable sending data
Authorization data on Yandex (email address or social network authorization data) Sync data on different devices and restore data if you broke or lost your device.
Disable syncing partially or completely:
  1. Click   → Customize sync.
  2. Click Disable syncing.
Tableau
Bookmarks
Encrypted passwords
Autofill data
Open tabs
Extensions
History
Yandex Browser settings
Type of data Reason(s) for sending How to disable sending data
Authorization data on Yandex (email address or social network authorization data) Sync data on different devices and restore data if you broke or lost your device.
Disable syncing partially or completely:
  1. Click   → Customize sync.
  2. Click Disable syncing.
Tableau
Bookmarks
Encrypted passwords
Autofill data
Open tabs
Extensions
History
Yandex Browser settings

Statistics and crash reports

In addition to information necessary for certain Yandex Browser functions, crash reports and anonymized usage statistics are also sent to the server.

Type of data Reason(s) for sending How to disable data being sent

In addition to reporting feedback to the browser's support service, other information sent is:

  • Computer technical specifications (model, IP address, processor, amount of RAM, operating system version, and available memory on the hard drive).
  • Yandex Browser version.
  • Yandex Browser language.
  • The address and screenshot of the Yandex Browser page where the error occurred.
  • Unique user identifier.
  • Computer location.
  • User login on Yandex.
  • Active Yandex Browser plugins and extensions.
 Identify and solve the problem. It's impossible to contact support without this data. If you don't want to send this data, don't contact support.
If Yandex Browser or its components close unexpectedly, crash reports are sent to the server. The reports include the following information:
  • Computer technical specifications (model, processor, amount of RAM, operating system version).
  • Yandex Browser version.
  • Address of page where the error occurred.
  • Unique user identifier.
  • Error code.
  • Date and time of crash.
 Identify errors and debug Yandex Browser.
  1. Click   → Settings → System.
  2. Click Personal data settings.
  3. Disable the Send crash reports to Yandex option.

Statistical data:

  • Navigation statistics.
  • User clicks on pages.
  • User requests.
  • Your device's technical specifications (model, platform, operating system version, and Yandex Browser version).
  • Device region and language.
  • Opened video and audio files.
  • Changes to Yandex Browser settings.
  • Browser processes that are running.
  • Cookie files (for example, cookies that determine your location).
  • Other statistical data (such as user actions and HTTP referrer).
 Collect Yandex Browser usage statistics.
Attention. The data is anonymized. The Yandex Browser team uses it to study aggregated statistics. This doesn't threaten the security of your personal data.

To disable the sending of statistics:

  1. Click   → Settings → System.
  2. At the bottom of the page, click Personal data settings.
  3. Disable the Send usage statistics to Yandex.
When installing and updating:
  • Build ID (the build number and service information).
  • Event ID (installation, update, or installation of a new Yandex Browser on top of the old one).
  • The Yandex Browser version that's installed.
  • The Yandex Browser version that you're installing.
  • Operating system version.
  • Information about the installation or update (for example, file download time, successful or unsuccessful update).
 Solve problems that arise when you install or update Yandex Browser. Yandex Browser can't work without this data. If you don't want to send this data, don't use this browser.

When you uninstall Yandex Browser:

  • Build ID (the build number and service information).
  • Yandex Browser version.
  • Operating system version.
 To collect statistics about users who uninstalled Yandex Browser. It's impossible to uninstall Yandex Browser without this data. If you don't want to send this data, don't uninstall Yandex Browser.
Type of data Reason(s) for sending How to disable data being sent

In addition to reporting feedback to the browser's support service, other information sent is:

  • Computer technical specifications (model, IP address, processor, amount of RAM, operating system version, and available memory on the hard drive).
  • Yandex Browser version.
  • Yandex Browser language.
  • The address and screenshot of the Yandex Browser page where the error occurred.
  • Unique user identifier.
  • Computer location.
  • User login on Yandex.
  • Active Yandex Browser plugins and extensions.
 Identify and solve the problem. It's impossible to contact support without this data. If you don't want to send this data, don't contact support.
If Yandex Browser or its components close unexpectedly, crash reports are sent to the server. The reports include the following information:
  • Computer technical specifications (model, processor, amount of RAM, operating system version).
  • Yandex Browser version.
  • Address of page where the error occurred.
  • Unique user identifier.
  • Error code.
  • Date and time of crash.
 Identify errors and debug Yandex Browser.
  1. Click   → Settings → System.
  2. Click Personal data settings.
  3. Disable the Send crash reports to Yandex option.

Statistical data:

  • Navigation statistics.
  • User clicks on pages.
  • User requests.
  • Your device's technical specifications (model, platform, operating system version, and Yandex Browser version).
  • Device region and language.
  • Opened video and audio files.
  • Changes to Yandex Browser settings.
  • Browser processes that are running.
  • Cookie files (for example, cookies that determine your location).
  • Other statistical data (such as user actions and HTTP referrer).
 Collect Yandex Browser usage statistics.
Attention. The data is anonymized. The Yandex Browser team uses it to study aggregated statistics. This doesn't threaten the security of your personal data.

To disable the sending of statistics:

  1. Click   → Settings → System.
  2. At the bottom of the page, click Personal data settings.
  3. Disable the Send usage statistics to Yandex.
When installing and updating:
  • Build ID (the build number and service information).
  • Event ID (installation, update, or installation of a new Yandex Browser on top of the old one).
  • The Yandex Browser version that's installed.
  • The Yandex Browser version that you're installing.
  • Operating system version.
  • Information about the installation or update (for example, file download time, successful or unsuccessful update).
 Solve problems that arise when you install or update Yandex Browser. Yandex Browser can't work without this data. If you don't want to send this data, don't use this browser.

When you uninstall Yandex Browser:

  • Build ID (the build number and service information).
  • Yandex Browser version.
  • Operating system version.
 To collect statistics about users who uninstalled Yandex Browser. It's impossible to uninstall Yandex Browser without this data. If you don't want to send this data, don't uninstall Yandex Browser.

Manage personal data

When you use Yandex services, your data is saved in them. For example, your search queries and emails. Your data is safe with us: all our repositories comply with SOC 2, which is one of the most reliable international standards.

You can download or delete your personal data.

  1. Go to Your data on Yandex and make sure that you're logged in with the correct Yandex ID.
  2. Click Download data.
  3. Click Create archive.

When the archive is ready, Yandex notifies you by email that you can download it. If you don't have a Yandex email, you can learn the download status only from the information on the page.

Note. The archive is password-protected. To learn how to get a password and open the archive, go to Yandex ID Help.