Logging in with a password + one-time password

You can log in to any Yandex service or app with an image, QR code, or password + one-time password from Yandex Key or another app based on the TOTP RFC algorithm. Logging in with a combination of a permanent and a one-time password is one of the most secure ways to log in to your account.

To log in using a password + one-time password, first add the account in the Yandex Key app. If you've added multiple accounts, make sure to switch to the one you need.

  1. Logging in with a password + one-time password
  2. How to get a one-time password in the Yandex Key app
  3. Log in via QR code
  4. I can't log in using a one-time password or QR code
  5. Image login

How to get a one-time password in the Yandex Key app

Note. You need to enter the one-time password before it stops displaying on the app screen. If there isn't much time left until the next password, simply wait for the new one to appear.

  1. Open the Yandex Key app.

  2. Switch to the account you need.

  3. Copy the one-time password from the app. Yandex Key generates one-time passwords every 30 seconds.

Remember:

  • To copy the current Yandex Key password, tap  next to the password.
  • It makes no sense to save one-time passwords. They expire as soon as you use it to log in to Yandex, or every 30 seconds.

Log in via QR code

Restriction. Login with the QR code works in Yandex Key version 3.0.0 and later.

You can log in to Yandex services by simply pointing your camera at the QR code. Your mobile device must be online so that the Yandex Key app can connect to the authentication server.

If the service or app doesn't support this login method, you can log in to your account using a one-time password.

To log in with a QR code:

  1. Enter the username you used to register your Yandex ID, and click Log in.

    The QR code will be displayed in the window that opens.

  2. Open the Yandex Key app on your mobile device.
  3. Switch to the account you need. If QR login is disabled in the app, tap Enable logging in with a QR code on the account screen, then enter your username and password.
  4. Tap Log in with QR code and point your camera at the QR code.

If the Yandex Key app detects the QR code, it sends your username and one-time password to Yandex and you log in automatically in the browser. If the QR code isn't scanned correctly, you see an error message.

I can't log in using a one-time password or QR code

  • Go to your account and make sure that logging in with Yandex Key is enabled ("One-time password" or "Password + one-time password" is chosen as the login method).
  • Make sure that you have entered the correct one-time password from the Yandex Key app. The app generates a new one-time password every 30 seconds.
  • In generating one-time passwords, the Yandex Key app factors in the current time and time zone set on your device.

    If you're sure that you entered your password correctly, but you can't log in:

    1. Make sure that you have the correct time and time zone set on your device. Then, try logging in with a new one-time password.

    2. Try synchronizing the time using the server offset settings:

      1. In the top left corner of the app, tap and disable the Apply time offset option. Then, try logging in with a new one-time password.
      2. If you still can't log in, go to the app's settings, tap Update time offset, and re-enable the Apply time offset option. Then, restart the app and try entering your new one-time password.

    If the problem still doesn't resolve, please use the form below to the Support Dept.

Image login

Restriction. Logging in with an image works in Yandex Key version 3.6.0+. This method is unavailable on Android devices without Google services.

You can use images to log in to Yandex services and apps. Make sure that image login is enabled on the Security page.

To use this login method:

  1. Enter the username you chose to register your Yandex ID and click Log in.

  2. An image will appear on the relevant tab. You have to select the same image in Yandex Key.

  3. Open the Yandex Key app on your mobile device.

  4. Switch to the account you need. You'll see the device where the authentication process was started and four images.

    Attention. Make sure that it's not someone else's device before selecting an image. Don't select anything if you weren't trying to log in.
    I can't see images in the Yandex Key app
    • After you enter your username, you have five minutes to select an image in Yandex Key. If you run out of time, click Update the image on the other device.
    • You're only given five attempts to log in with an image. If you exhausted them all, you can log in with a one-time password or QR code.
    • If using images to log in is turned off in the Yandex Key app, tap Enable logging in with an image on the account screen, then enter your username and password.

  5. Select the image that was shown on the other device in step 2.

  6. The correct image was selected

    You'll log in successfully.

    The wrong image was selected, or time ran out

    Click Update the image on the other device and try again.

    You're only given five attempts to log in with an image. If you exhausted them all, you can log in with a one-time password or QR code.

You can turn off logging in with an image on the Security page of your account.