How to Download Your 23andMe Raw Data

Your 23andMe raw data file contains information about approximately 600,000 to 700,000 genetic variants (single nucleotide polymorphisms or SNPs) across your genome (23andMe, n.d.-a). This represents far more genetic information than what 23andMe shows you in their standard reports. By downloading this file, you can analyze it with third-party tools like GenomeInsight for deeper insights into your health, ancestry, and genetic traits.

Here's exactly how to get your data.

Step-by-Step: Downloading from 23andMe

Step 1: Log into 23andMe

Go to 23andme.com and sign in to your account.

Step 2: Navigate to Settings

Click on your name in the top-right corner, then select Settings.

Step 3: Scroll to "23andMe Data"

In the Settings page, scroll down to find the "23andMe Data" section.

Step 4: Click "View"

Under "Download Your Data," click the View button.

Step 5: Select "Download Raw Data"

You'll see options for different data types. Click "Download" next to Raw Data.

Step 6: Verify Your Identity

For security, 23andMe will ask you to:

• Re-enter your password
• Answer a security question or verify via email

Step 7: Download the File

Once verified, your download will start. The file is named something like:

genome_Your_Name_v5_Full_20240205.txt

The file is a compressed .zip - extract it to get the .txt file inside. The uncompressed file is typically 15-25 MB in size.

Understanding Your Raw Data File

Your raw data file is a tab-delimited text file with four columns (23andMe, n.d.-b):

# rsid    chromosome    position    genotype
rs3094315    1          752566      AG
rs12562034   1          768448      GG
rs3934834    1          995669      CC

• rsid - the unique identifier (rs number) for each genetic variant
• chromosome - which chromosome (1-22, X, Y, MT for mitochondrial)
• position - specific location on the chromosome (based on GRCh37 reference genome)
• genotype - your two alleles (one inherited from each parent)

What Can You Do With Raw Data?

Health Analysis

Third-party analysis tools can interpret your raw data for:

• Health risk variants (e.g., BRCA1/2, APOE, MTHFR)
• Pharmacogenomics (drug metabolism based on CYP450 variants)
• Carrier status for recessive conditions
• Nutrigenomics (diet-related genetic variants)

Research has shown that analyzing raw genetic data can provide clinically actionable insights, particularly for pharmacogenomics (Bush et al., 2016; Dunnenberger et al., 2015).

Ancestry Deep-Dives

Upload to platforms like GEDmatch for:

• Extended family matching beyond 23andMe's database
• Chromosome painting and segment analysis
• Ethnicity estimates using different algorithms

Research Participation

Some research studies accept raw data uploads for:

• Genome-wide association studies (GWAS)
• Citizen science projects
• Academic research initiatives

Privacy Considerations

Your raw genetic data is sensitive and permanent. Before uploading to any third-party service:

✅ Verify data handling practices - Look for services that process data client-side (in your browser) rather than storing it on servers (Erlich & Narayanan, 2014)

✅ Review privacy policies - Understand how your data will be used, stored, and protected

✅ Consider family implications - Your genetic data reveals information about relatives who may not have consented to sharing (Malin & Sweeney, 2004)

✅ Check for GINA protections - The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) provides some protections against health insurance and employment discrimination in the U.S., but gaps remain (National Human Genome Research Institute, n.d.)

Troubleshooting

"Download not available"

• Ensure your results are fully processed (this can take 2-4 weeks after your sample arrives at the lab)
• Confirm you're logged into the correct account

File won't open

• Extract the .zip archive first using your operating system's built-in tools or software like WinZip/7-Zip
• The .txt file inside is your actual raw data

File seems small or incomplete

• 23andMe v5 chip tests approximately 640,000 variants
• The uncompressed file should be 15-25 MB
• If significantly smaller, the download may have failed - retry the download process

Next Steps

Once you have your raw data file:

1. Upload to GenomeInsight - Get comprehensive health, pharmacogenomics, and trait analysis processed 100% in your browser
2. Store a backup in a secure, encrypted location
3. Research which genetic insights are most relevant to your health goals

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References

Bush, W. S., Crosslin, D. R., Owusu-Obeng, A., Wallace, J., Almoguera, B., Basford, M. A., Bielinski, S. J., Carrell, D. S., Connolly, J. J., Crawford, D. C., Denny, J. C., Field, J. R., Gordon, A. S., Keating, B., Kitchner, T. E., Kullo, I. J., Lin, S., Pacheco, J. A., ... Ritchie, M. D. (2016). Genetic variation among 82 pharmacogenes: The PGRNseq data from the eMERGE network. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 99(5), 558–569. https://doi.org/10.1002/cpt.350

Dunnenberger, H. M., Crews, K. R., Hoffman, J. M., Caudle, K. E., Broeckel, U., Howard, S. C., Hunkler, R. J., Klein, T. E., Evans, W. E., & Relling, M. V. (2015). Preemptive clinical pharmacogenetics implementation: Current programs in five US medical centers. Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 55, 89–106. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-pharmtox-010814-124835

Erlich, Y., & Narayanan, A. (2014). Routes for breaching and protecting genetic privacy. Nature Reviews Genetics, 15(6), 409–421. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrg3723

Malin, B., & Sweeney, L. (2004). How (not) to protect genomic data privacy in a distributed network: Using trail re-identification to evaluate and design anonymity protection systems. Journal of Biomedical Informatics, 37(3), 179–192. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbi.2004.04.005

National Human Genome Research Institute. (n.d.). Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA). https://www.genome.gov/about-genomics/policy-issues/Genetic-Discrimination

23andMe. (n.d.-a). Raw genotype data technical details. https://customercare.23andme.com/hc/en-us/articles/115002090907

23andMe. (n.d.-b). Navigating your raw data. https://customercare.23andme.com/hc/en-us/articles/115004310067

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Related Reading

• APOE4 and Alzheimer's Risk - One of the most important health variants you can check in your raw data
• What Is Pharmacogenomics? - How your DNA affects medication response
• MTHFR Gene Mutation - Understanding folate metabolism and your genetic variants
• Interpret Your 23andMe Raw Data Locally - Detailed guide to browser-based analysis
• What You Can and Cannot Conclude - Important context for interpreting genetic results

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Related Reading

• what to do with your raw data