Your raw DNA data is an invaluable resource—whether you're exploring your ancestry, gaining deeper genetic insights, or simply keeping a secure backup. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of downloading your raw DNA data from three popular services: Ancestry.com, 23andMe, and MyHeritage.
For the most up-to-date details and service changes, be sure to consult the official documentation linked in each section.
1. Downloading Your DNA Data from Ancestry.com#
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Log In — Visit Ancestry.com and log in to your account.
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Access Your DNA Results — Navigate to your DNA dashboard. Typically, you can find this by clicking the "DNA" tab in the main menu or through your profile page.
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Go to DNA Settings — Look for an option like "Settings" or "Manage DNA Data" within the DNA section.
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Request Your Download — Click on "Download DNA Data." You might be prompted to re-enter your password or verify your identity to confirm the request.
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Download the File — Once processed, a file (often in a ZIP format) containing your raw DNA data will be available for download.
Official Documentation: For more details or troubleshooting, see Ancestry's help article.
2. Downloading Your DNA Data from 23andMe#
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Log In — Visit 23andMe and sign in to your account.
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Access Account Settings — Click on your account name or avatar (usually in the top right corner) and select "Settings" from the dropdown menu.
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Locate the Download Section — Scroll down until you find the "Download Raw Data" section.
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Initiate the Download — Click on the download link or button and follow the on-screen prompts—this may include confirming your password or agreeing to specific terms.
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Save Your Data — Once the process is complete, download and save the file to a secure location on your computer.
Official Documentation: For the latest instructions, please refer to 23andMe's help centre article.
3. Downloading Your DNA Data from MyHeritage#
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Log In — Go to MyHeritage and log into your account.
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Navigate to the DNA Section — Click on "DNA" in the main navigation menu to access your DNA settings.
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Find the Download Option — Look for an option such as "Download Raw DNA Data" in your DNA dashboard.
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Confirm Your Request — Follow the prompts to confirm your download request, which may include re-entering your password or verifying your identity.
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Download and Save — Once your file is ready, download it and store it securely.
Official Documentation: For detailed and updated steps, please consult MyHeritage's help article.
Final Tips#
Keep Your Data Secure
Your raw DNA data is sensitive. Ensure you store it in a secure location and be cautious about sharing it. Consider:
- Using encrypted storage solutions
- Keeping backup copies in multiple secure locations
- Never sharing your raw data files publicly
Stay Updated
Procedures can change as websites update their interfaces. Always check the official documentation for the latest instructions.
Need Assistance?
If you encounter any issues during the download process, use the support resources provided by each platform. Most companies have dedicated support teams to help with data access requests.
Once you've downloaded your raw DNA data, you can use it with third-party analysis tools like Full Human Health to gain deeper insights into your genetic predispositions and health risks.
