Protect: securing Wi-Fi

The Protect system in Yandex Browser for Mobile uses a proprietary method for securing the Wi-Fi connection. This mechanism is implemented in Yandex.Browser for desktops, as well as in the mobile version for smartphones and Android-based tablets.

  1. Why do I need Wi-Fi protection?
  2. Enable
  3. Disable

Why do I need Wi-Fi protection?

Encryption is not usually used in public Wi-Fi access points (for example, in airports or cafes). Anybody who is using a laptop or a smartphone near you could intercept or replace your personal data or read your emails.

When secure Wi-Fi is enabled, data sent over the internet passes through a special encrypted channel. The data transfer rate may be slightly slower, because the page is sent to the Yandex encryption server before it is returned to the user.

Note. Wi-Fi protection is not used for websites that run on HTTPS, because this protocol already uses data encryption. If a site uses HTTPS, the SmartBox displays the icon .

Enable

As soon as the user connects to an unsecure network, the browser automatically secures the wireless connection.

After Wi-Fi protection is enabled, one of the following icons will display in the SmartBox:

Icon Description
Wi-Fi protection is enabled.

Protection is enabled, but some elements of the page (for example, images or video) cannot pass through a secured channel.
Yandex servers are temporarily unavailable or Yandex can't access the website (for example, a corporate site). If you are not on a secured corporate website, avoid transferring confidential information or banking data until Wi-Fi protection is restored.
Icon Description
Wi-Fi protection is enabled.

Protection is enabled, but some elements of the page (for example, images or video) cannot pass through a secured channel.
Yandex servers are temporarily unavailable or Yandex can't access the website (for example, a corporate site). If you are not on a secured corporate website, avoid transferring confidential information or banking data until Wi-Fi protection is restored.

Disable

Attention. Disabling Wi-Fi protection will increase data transfer speed, but it puts your data at risk. We do not recommend that you expose yourself to this risk, especially if you are going to transfer your personal data or make e-payments.

To disable Wi-Fi protection temporarily until you restart your browser:

  1. Tap the connection status icon in the SmartBox.
  2. Disable the Wi-Fi protection option.

After doing this, your data will stop passing through a secured channel, but the unsecured Wi-Fi alert will still be shown in the SmartBox.

To disable Wi-Fi protection completely, including alerts in the SmartBox:

  1. Tap  → Settings.
  2. Go to the Privacy section.
  3. Turn off the Secure your connection while using non-secure Wi-Fi networks option.

If you didn't find the information you needed in the Support section, or are experiencing a problem with Yandex Browser, please give us a step-by-step description of your actions. Take a screenshot if possible. This will help our support specialists quickly find the solution to the issue you're experiencing.