How to download your raw DNA file from 23andMe

Source: 23andMe, "Accessing Your Raw Genetic Data", https://support.23andme.org/hc/en-us/articles/42965156401687-Accessing-Your-Raw-Genetic-Data (page updated 10 Oct 2026; read 14 Oct 2026).

The steps

1. 1Sign in to your 23andMe account.
2. 2Open the raw data page. Any of these three ways works:
   • go straight to you.23andme.com/tools/data/
   • click your name at the top right, choose Resources, then Browse Raw Genotyping Data, then Download
   • open Account Settings and click View next to 23andMe Data.
3. 3Confirm the date of birth on the profile.
4. 4Read the notes, tick the box at the bottom, and click Submit request.
5. 5Wait for the e-mail "Your 23andMe raw data download is ready!". This usually takes about a week and can take up to 30 days.
6. 6Follow the link in the e-mail and confirm the date of birth again. The file downloads.

What you get

A zipped text file whose name begins with genome. If you cannot find it, search your computer for "genome". Some computers unzip it for you; then look for a .txt file.

Good to know

• 23andMe says the raw data is for informational use only and that only some markers were individually validated.
• Once the file is on your computer, 23andMe no longer protects it. Choose where you upload it carefully, and read that site's privacy policy.
• If you plan to delete your 23andMe account, download the file first and wait until it has arrived. See "Before you delete your 23andMe account".

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