How to Download Your Raw DNA File From 23andMe
Your 23andMe account holds more than ancestry percentages. Buried in your account settings is a downloadable file containing hundreds of thousands of genetic data points, your raw DNA file. Most people never bother to grab it.
That’s a mistake. The raw file is yours, and it’s far more useful than the reports 23andMe shows you.
Here’s exactly how to download your 23andMe raw data, what the file looks like once you have it, and what you can actually do with it.
Before you start: 23andMe’s current status
If you’ve seen headlines about 23andMe filing for bankruptcy, you’re not wrong. The company filed for Chapter 11 in March 2025. But in July 2025, TTAM Research Institute (a nonprofit founded by 23andMe’s original CEO Anne Wojcicki) completed its acquisition of 23andMe’s assets for $305 million.
The short version: 23andMe is still operating. You can still log in, access your results, and download your raw data. The platform hasn’t gone away.
That said, the ownership change is a good reason to download your raw DNA file sooner rather than later. Having your own copy means you’re not dependent on any single company’s future.
How to download 23andMe raw data: step by step
The process takes about five minutes of active time. You’ll need your login credentials and the birthdate associated with your profile.
Step 1: Log into your 23andMe account
Go to 23andme.com and sign in. If you haven’t logged in since the TTAM acquisition, your existing credentials should still work.
Step 2: Open your account settings
Click your name or profile icon in the upper-right corner. Select Settings from the dropdown menu.
Step 3: Find the raw data section
In your Settings page, look for the 23andMe Data section. Click View. You’ll see a blue Download Raw Data button.
You can also get there by scrolling to the bottom of any 23andMe page, clicking Resources in the footer, and selecting Browse Raw Data.
Step 4: Request your download
Click the Download tab at the top of the Browse Raw Data page, then scroll down to Submit Request. 23andMe will ask you to re-enter your profile birthdate as a verification step.
Click Submit.
Step 5: Wait for the confirmation email
23andMe will send an email to the address on your account when your file is ready. This usually happens within a few minutes, though 23andMe’s official estimate is up to 30 days. In practice, most people get the email within an hour.
Step 6: Download and unzip the file
Once you get the email notification, go back to the same Download page in your account. Your file will be available as a .zip archive. The filename starts with “genome.”
Download it, then double-click the .zip file to extract the contents. Inside, you’ll find a plain text file containing all your genotyped data.
Save this file somewhere safe. A cloud backup (Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox) is a good idea. You only need to do this process once.
What does the downloaded file contain?
Your raw DNA file is a text file listing each genotyped position (SNP) along with your result. A typical 23andMe file contains around 600,000 to 700,000 data points.
Each line follows this structure:
rsid chromosome position genotype
rs12913832 15 28365618 AGThe rsid is a reference ID for that specific genetic variant. The genotype column shows the two alleles you inherited, one from each parent. On its own, a line like this doesn’t mean much. But cross-referenced against published genetic research, these variants reveal patterns associated with nutrition, wellness, and dozens of other traits.
For a deeper look at what’s inside these files, see our guide on what a raw DNA file actually is.
23andMe vs. AncestryDNA raw data files
Both services let you download your raw data, but the files aren’t identical. 23andMe and AncestryDNA use different genotyping chips, so they test overlapping but not identical sets of SNPs. The file formats differ slightly too.
The good news: most third-party analysis tools accept both formats. And if you’ve tested with both services, having two raw files gives you broader coverage of your genome.
We break down the differences in detail in our AncestryDNA vs. 23andMe raw data comparison.
What can you do with your 23andMe raw data?
Downloading the file is step one. The real value comes from what you do next.
Upload to a comprehensive analysis platform. Services like SoDNAscan take your raw DNA file and cross-reference it against hundreds of peer-reviewed genetic studies. Instead of the handful of traits 23andMe covers, you get a full health book spanning cardiovascular wellness, nutrition, metabolic function, cognitive health, and more.
Keep a personal backup. DNA testing companies can change ownership, shut down features, or alter their terms of service. Your raw file is a permanent copy of your genetic data that no company decision can take away from you.
Share with wellness professionals. Some nutritionists and functional health practitioners use raw DNA data to personalize supplement and lifestyle recommendations. Having your file ready saves time and testing costs.
Common questions about downloading 23andMe raw data
Can I still download my data after the bankruptcy? Yes. TTAM Research Institute completed its acquisition in July 2025, and 23andMe continues to operate. Raw data downloads are available through your account.
Is there a cost to download? No. Downloading your raw DNA file is free and included with any 23andMe kit purchase.
How many times can I download it? As many times as you want. Once you’ve submitted the initial request, the file remains available in your account for repeat downloads.
Is my raw DNA file safe to share with other services? The file itself contains genetic identifiers but no personal information like your name or email. Still, genetic data is inherently sensitive. Before uploading to any service, check their privacy policy, data encryption practices, and whether they sell or share your information with third parties.
What format is the file in?
A zipped text file (.zip containing a .txt). It’s compatible with most third-party DNA analysis tools.
Don’t let your data sit unused
Your 23andMe raw data is one of the most information-dense files you’ll ever own. Hundreds of thousands of genetic data points sitting behind a few clicks. Downloading it takes minutes. And once you have it, you control what happens next.
Whether you analyze it today or save it for later, having your own copy is the first step toward getting real, personalized value from the DNA test you already paid for.