How to download your raw DNA data

So you've decided you want to do more with your DNA results. That's great! But where do you begin?

The majority of genealogy services allow you to download your raw DNA data via their website. You can then use this downloaded file—containing your unique genetic code—to discover more about your genetics.

Simply upload your raw DNA data to another analysis site to get lots of great insights.

This process is actually much easier than it might sound. All you need is your genealogy site login, along with access to a computer and your email account.

Then, just follow this guide to download your raw DNA data and find out how your genetics influence your health and wellbeing.

How to download your raw DNA data from 23andme

Let’s take a look at 23andme—a popular genetic testing website. There are three different methods you can use to download your raw DNA data from 23andme.

Method #1

• Go to https://you.23andme.com/tools/data/ and login to your 23andme account
• Once you’re logged in, click the link that says "Download Raw Data”
• On the download page that appears, scroll down and click “Submit Request”

Method #2

• Go to 23andMe.com and login to your account.
• Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on “Resources”
• Choose to “Browse Raw Data”
• On the next page click “Download Raw Data”
• On the download page that appears, scroll down and click “Submit Request”

Method #3

• From the 23andMe homepage, find the navigation bar and click “Account Settings”
• Next, navigate to 23andMe Data and click “View”
• Click the “Download Raw Data” button
• On the download page that appears, scroll down and click “Submit Request”

Follow any of these download methods and you’ll receive an email from 23andMe. This can take a little while, so don’t expect it to arrive instantly.

When it lands in your inbox, open the email, click on the download link and your raw DNA data download will begin automatically. You’ll be able to choose where on your device you want to save the file.  

Used a different DNA website? The process is pretty similar for AncestryDNA and MyHeritage. Simply login and navigate to their raw DNA data download page.

You’ll end up with a zip file, downloaded onto your device.

What to do with your raw DNA file?

So you’ve successfully downloaded your raw DNA data file. What next?

First—because it’s a zip file—you’ll need to unzip it. Your computer should do this automatically. If not, just double click on the file to open it up.

Next, it’s time for analysis. You need to decide where you want to upload your raw DNA data file to find out what that complicated code means for you, your health and your wellbeing.

Don’t know where to start? Check out our article: The best raw DNA data tools to learn more from your genome.

All of these tools and websites will help you to make sense of your raw DNA data. They usually provide an easy-to-understand report from which you can take actionable insights.

You can upload your raw DNA data to find out about:

• Your ancestry
• Any blood relatives who have also used a particular DNA analysis service
• Your ideal fitness regime
• Your ideal diet
• Your predisposition to allergens
• Your predisposition to a range of diseases and illnesses
• How your body is likely to interact with a range of prescription drugs
• How best to improve your wellbeing in terms of sleep, skincare and supplements

This information can help you make health decisions tailored to your DNA. It can connect you with long-lost family members. And it can help you to improve your wellbeing by recommending DNA-specific foods, exercise and daily routines.

What else do you need to know about downloading and uploading your raw DNA data?

There’s lots you can learn from downloading and uploading your raw DNA data. But there are some practical considerations you need to bear in mind.

Your raw DNA data download reveals a lot about who you are. Your data file will contain your unique genetic code and information—like your name—that can be used to personally identify you.

Whilst this is great for finding out more about your genetic makeup, you don’t want this valuable data falling into the wrong hands. Privacy is an important consideration.

How to keep your raw DNA data secure

Any site you upload your raw DNA data to should have a way of anonymizing your data, which means your name and any personally identifiable information are never connected to your DNA data. This helps to protect your privacy.

Look for tools and sites that clearly publish their privacy policy. You should be able to understand exactly how your data will be used and feel confident that a company has a professional approach to data security.

When downloading and uploading your raw DNA data it’s important to pick sites and tools you completely trust.

How does Citochrome manage DNA data security?

Here at Citochrome, we take your privacy very seriously. You can see from our privacy policy that we never store your sensitive information and delete your DNA data shortly after your order with us is complete.

What can Citochrome analysis tell you about your raw DNA data?

Citochrome is a DNA and drug interaction tool. Upload your raw DNA data to our secure platform and, based upon your unique genetic code, we’ll send you a drug interaction report.

This report details how your body is likely to interact with a range of different prescription drugs—including antidepressants, opioids and NSAIDS—revealing your risk of adverse reactions and nonresponse.

The process is simple. Just place an order for our Top Drug+ service. Upload your raw DNA data. And we’ll aim to send you your report within 24 hours.

Afterwards, we quickly delete your raw DNA data so you can be confident that you are the only one with access to your personal DNA download.