How to Download and Use Your 23andMe Raw Data

How to download your raw data from 23andMe

1. Log in to your 23andMe account at 23andme.com.
2. Click your name or profile icon in the top right, then go to Settings.
3. Scroll down to the "23andMe Data" section and click "Download Raw Data."
4. You'll need to re-enter your password and complete two-factor authentication if enabled.
5. 23andMe will send you an email when your file is ready. This can take a few minutes to a few hours.
6. Click the link in the email and download the zip file. Inside is a plain text file with your raw genotype data.

The file is usually named something like genome_Your_Name_v5_Full.txt. It's small — typically 15-25 MB when zipped.

What's in the file

Your 23andMe raw data contains roughly 600,000-700,000 SNP readings (the exact number depends on which version of their genotyping chip was used for your sample). Each line lists:

• The rsID — a standard identifier for each genetic position
• The chromosome number
• The base pair position
• Your genotype (two letters: one from each parent)

Lines starting with # are comments. Lines with -- as the genotype mean the chip couldn't read that position (a "no-call").

What 23andMe tells you vs. what it doesn't

What 23andMe covers

• Ancestry composition — detailed ethnicity breakdown and ancestor locations
• Haplogroups — maternal and paternal lineage tracing
• DNA relatives — matching with other 23andMe users
• Health predisposition reports (Health + Ancestry plan) — covering selected conditions like BRCA1/BRCA2 (3 specific variants only), celiac disease, Parkinson's, and late-onset Alzheimer's
• Carrier status — for selected conditions like cystic fibrosis and sickle cell anemia
• Wellness traits — caffeine metabolism, sleep movement, lactose tolerance

What 23andMe doesn't tell you

This is where your raw data becomes valuable. 23andMe's reports only analyze a small fraction of the health-relevant data in your file:

• Detailed pharmacogenomics — 23andMe doesn't report on most CYP enzyme variants (CYP2D6, CYP2C19, CYP2C9) that determine how you metabolize medications like antidepressants, blood thinners, and pain medications.
• Comprehensive ClinVar disease variants — 23andMe checks a handful of well-known variants. ClinVar contains over 341,000 classified variants, and your raw data can be screened against all of them.
• Methylation pathway details — MTHFR, COMT, MTRR, and other methylation genes are in your data but 23andMe doesn't report on them.
• Cardiovascular genetics — variants in AGT, ACE, ADD1, Factor V Leiden, and prothrombin aren't covered.
• Nutrigenomics — genes like FADS1/FADS2 (omega-3 conversion), VDR (vitamin D metabolism), FUT2 (B12 absorption), BCMO1 (vitamin A conversion), and HFE (iron metabolism) aren't reported in actionable detail.
• PharmGKB drug-gene interactions — Stanford's pharmacogenomics database contains clinically annotated drug-gene pairs far beyond what 23andMe covers.

Step-by-step: from download to health insights

1. Download your raw data using the steps above.
2. Store the file safely. Keep a backup on your computer or cloud storage. Your DNA doesn't change, so this file is useful indefinitely.
3. Upload to a health interpretation service. Services like Your DNA Unlocked accept 23andMe raw data and produce detailed reports covering pharmacogenomics, disease risk (from ClinVar), methylation, nutrition, fitness, and cardiovascular genetics.
4. Start with pharmacogenomics. Your drug metabolism results are the most immediately actionable. Print your CYP enzyme metabolizer status and share it with your doctor or pharmacist.
5. Review disease risk findings. Focus on pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants first. Check the pathogenic vs risk variant guide for how to interpret these.
6. Check carrier status. Relevant if you're planning a family. See the carrier status guide.
7. Use nutrition findings to target supplements. Check genes affecting vitamin D, B12, folate, omega-3, and other nutrients. Get baseline blood work before supplementing.

Privacy considerations

Your raw DNA file is sensitive — it's permanent, reveals health predispositions, and is partially shared with biological relatives. Before uploading anywhere:

• Read the privacy policy. Check whether they store your data, share it, or use it for research.
• Look for data deletion options. Can you delete your data after getting results?
• Understand GINA protections. The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act prevents health insurers and employers from discriminating based on genetic information. It doesn't cover life insurance, disability, or long-term care insurance.
• Consider the 23andMe data situation. 23andMe has faced financial difficulties and ownership changes. Downloading your raw data gives you a copy independent of the platform.

Frequently asked questions

Which 23andMe plan do I need to have raw data?

All 23andMe plans generate raw data. The plan affects which reports 23andMe shows you, but the underlying raw file contains the same genotype data regardless.

My test was done years ago. Is the raw data still useful?

Yes. DNA doesn't change. Older tests may use an earlier genotyping chip with fewer SNPs, so you'll get results for fewer variants, but the data you have is still valid.

Is the raw data file hard to use?

You don't need to read or understand the file yourself. Upload it to an interpretation service, which analyzes it and presents results in a readable format.

Can I use 23andMe raw data for medical decisions?

It's useful for health awareness and screening, but findings that would change medical treatment should be confirmed with clinical-grade testing ordered by a healthcare provider.

What if 23andMe shuts down?

If you've downloaded your raw data file, you have a permanent copy. This is one of the best reasons to download it now rather than waiting.