23andMe has filed for bankruptcy, and while the company says your genetic data is safe, there’s no guarantee of what will happen if its assets are sold. In cases like this, data can be transferred to new owners, and once that happens, there’s no telling how it might be used.
If you don’t want to take that risk, deleting your data now is your best move. But the process isn’t always as simple as clicking a button. Depending on what you’ve shared with 23andMe, you may need to take extra steps to make sure your genetic and personal information is fully removed.
To help you do this, I’ll walk you through how to delete your 23andMe data, what to watch out for, and what to do if you’ve already downloaded your raw DNA file. If you’re on the lookout for a new DNA test, check out our best DNA tests in 2025.
How to Delete Your Data From 23andMe: Step by Step
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Go to the 23andMe website and log into your account.
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Find the “Settings” menu.
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Go to “Preferences” and select the option to destroy your DNA sample (if you previously wanted it stored — if not, you can skip this step, but it’s good to double-check).
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Next, go to “Research and Product Consents” and withdraw consent (if you gave it previously) for 23andMe to use your DNA sample for research.
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Now, scroll to the bottom of the “Settings” menu.
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You’ll see the “23andMe Data” option — click on “View” next to it.
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Find the “Delete Data” section and select “Permanently Delete Data”.
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Confirm your decision — 23andMe will send you an email. Follow the link in the email (and the instructions).
What Happened With 23andMe?
23andMe has been struggling for a while, and now it’s officially filed for bankruptcy. This comes after a massive data breach in 2023, where hackers accessed the personal information of almost seven million customers.
On top of that, demand for DNA tests has dropped, and 23andMe’s other ventures—like drug research and telehealth—haven’t taken off. Now, the company is running out of money, and its co-founder Anne Wojcicki has stepped down as CEO. She’s trying to buy the company back, but nothing is guaranteed.
Right now, 23andMe says there are no changes to how customer data is handled. But if the company is sold, things could change fast. If you don’t want to risk your genetic data ending up in the hands of an unknown buyer, now is the time to delete it.
Caveats to Deleting Your 23andMe Data
Deleting your 23andMe data might seem like a straightforward way to protect your privacy, but there are a few things to consider before you go through with it.
- It’s Permanent. Once you delete your data, there’s no way to get it back. This includes your raw DNA file, ancestry results, health reports, and any connections you’ve made with relatives through the platform. If you think you might want access to this information in the future, download everything before you delete your account.
- Some Data May Still Be Retained. 23andMe’s privacy policy states that while your personal data will be deleted upon request, the company may still retain some information for legal or regulatory reasons. This could include records of your purchase or anonymized data that has already been used in research.
- Research Data Can’t Be Removed. If you previously consented to 23andMe’s research program, any data already used in studies can’t be deleted. The company makes it clear that once your genetic data has been anonymized and included in research, it remains part of those datasets even if you delete your account.
- It May Take Time. While your account access is revoked immediately after submitting a deletion request, the full deletion process can take time. Some users report it takes weeks for all data to be fully removed from 23andMe’s system.
How to Download Your 23andMe Genetic Data (And Where to Use It)
If you’re thinking about deleting your 23andMe account, it’s a good idea to download your genetic data first. Once your account is gone, there’s no way to recover it, and you might want that data for other genealogy or health platforms. The good news is that 23andMe makes it easy to download your raw DNA file. Here’s how:
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Log into your 23andMe account. Head over to 23andMe.com and sign in.
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Go to Settings. Click on your profile name in the top-right corner and select “Settings.”
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Find the Data Download section. Scroll down until you see an option for downloading your raw data.
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Request your data. Click the download button, and 23andMe will ask you to confirm your password.
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Agree to the terms. You’ll need to accept the terms and conditions before they generate your file.
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Download your DNA file. Once it’s ready, you’ll get a .zip file containing your raw genetic data.
If you want to continue exploring your DNA or familial matches, several other platforms let you upload your raw genetic data to get additional insights. For example, you can upload your raw DNA data with MyHeritage for free. It offers very detailed ancestry breakdowns and has family history tools. You can also use FamilyTreeDNA which is great for connecting with relatives. GEDMatch is a free public database where you can where you can compare your DNA with users from multiple testing companies. And if you’re after health insights, you can upload your raw DNA data with LivingDNA.
Ancestry doesn’t accept DNA uploads, so if you want to use those services in the future, you’ll need to take a new test with them. Before uploading your data anywhere, check the company’s privacy policy to make sure you’re comfortable with how your genetic information will be handled.
FAQs
Can I retrieve my data after deleting my 23andMe account?
No, once you delete your 23andMe account, all associated data is permanently removed and cannot be recovered. It’s advisable to download and securely store your data before initiating deletion.
How long does it take for 23andMe to process a data deletion request?
The deletion process may take several weeks to complete. During this period, your data remains protected under 23andMe’s privacy policies.
Will deleting my data remove it from research studies I previously consented to?
Data already used in research studies cannot be withdrawn. However, deleting your account will prevent future use of your data in new research initiatives.
Are there any legal requirements for 23andMe to retain my data after deletion?
Even after you delete your 23andMe account, some of your data may still be retained due to legal and regulatory requirements. According to 23andMe’s privacy policy, the company may keep:
- Transaction records – Purchase history and billing details for tax and accounting purposes.
- Regulatory compliance data – If you participated in a health-related test, 23andMe may need to retain certain information to comply with FDA and other regulatory guidelines.
- Anonymized research data – If you consented to research, any anonymized data already used in studies cannot be removed.
- Legal obligations – If your data is required for ongoing legal matters, law enforcement inquiries, or fraud prevention, it may be retained.
While 23andMe claims not to sell or share your identifiable data without consent, the uncertainty surrounding its bankruptcy means it’s best to delete your account if you’re concerned about privacy.
Can I delete my data if I have pending orders or tests with 23andMe?
It’s recommended to wait until all orders or tests are completed before deleting your data to avoid potential complications or loss of information.
Is 23andMe still taking orders? What happens if I have an order in progress?
As of now, 23andMe is still accepting new orders, and its lab processing services are operational. However, the company’s bankruptcy filing raises questions about the long-term availability of its services.
If you have an order in progress:
- Your kit will still be processed – There are no current reports of service interruptions.
- You can cancel before activation – If you haven’t activated your kit yet, you may be able to request a refund by contacting 23andMe’s customer support.
- Once processed, your data is stored – If your sample has already been analyzed, your genetic data is now in 23andMe’s system. You’ll need to follow the deletion steps to remove it.
If you’re considering ordering a 23andMe test, you may want to wait until the company’s financial situation stabilizes—or choose an alternative provider with a clearer future.
