As people grow increasingly concerned about data privacy, some are opting to download their DNA data from services like 23andMe before deciding to delete their accounts. This shift comes amid mounting concerns around data security and corporate stability.
If you’re among those who want to secure your genetic information and ensure control over your personal data, follow this step-by-step guide to download your DNA data from 23andMe, and then delete your account if you choose.
How To Download Your DNA Data
1. Log In to Your 23andMe Account
To start, head over to the 23andMe website and log in with your email and password. Once you’re logged in, you’ll be able to access the settings needed to download your DNA data.
2. Go to Your Account Settings
After logging in, navigate to your Account Settings. You can do this by clicking on your profile name or photo in the top right corner and selecting “Settings” from the dropdown menu.
3. Find the Data Download Option
Once in Settings, scroll down until you see the “23andMe Data” section. If you’re having trouble locating it, you can use your browser’s search function to find “Download” on the page. Here, you’ll want to click on “Download Raw Data”.
4. Initiate the Download Process
Next, click on “Request Your Raw Data.” You may be asked to re-enter your password to verify your identity for security purposes. Before the download begins, you’ll also need to agree to the terms and conditions, acknowledging that the data is for informational purposes only.
For more details on what these terms mean, check out 23andMe’s Privacy Policy.
5. Check Your Email for the Download Link
After you’ve requested your data, 23andMe will send you an email with a link to download your DNA data file. This usually arrives within a few minutes but be sure to check your spam or junk folder if it doesn’t appear in your inbox. For any issues with the download process, 23andMe’s support page offers further troubleshooting tips.
6. Download and Save the File
When you receive the email, click on the download link and save the ZIP file to your computer. This ZIP file contains your raw DNA data, which will typically be in .txt format. Once downloaded, you can extract the ZIP file to access and save your genetic information.
Your .txt file includes a variety of genetic markers that you can upload to other services like GEDmatch or MyHeritage for further analysis or store as a personal backup.
7. Confirm Your Download (Optional Step)
For peace of mind, open the .txt file to make sure your data has been successfully downloaded, especially if you decide to delete your DNA data and account after downloading your data.
8. Deleting Your 23andMe Account
If you’ve decided to part ways with 23andMe, you can delete your account once your data is downloaded. A step-by-step guide to delete your data and account can be found here.
Considering Your DNA Data’s Future
The late 2023 data breach has raised substantial concerns for 23andMe customers. While CEO Anne Wojcicki has previously indicated that she would consider a potential takeover, this adds another layer of uncertainty for users.
Should the company change ownership, questions remain about what will happen to users’ DNA data. By downloading your information and deleting your account, you can regain control and make informed choices about where and how your sensitive genetic information is stored.
