How to Delete Your 23andMe Data: A Step-by-Step Guide
With increasing concerns about data privacy and the security of personal genetic information, many 23andMe users are looking for ways to delete their data from the company’s databases. Whether you’re worried about data breaches, third-party sharing, or simply want to take control of your personal information, deleting your 23andMe data is possible—but there are a few important things to know before you proceed.
This guide will walk you through:
✅ What happens when you delete your 23andMe data
✅ How to delete your genetic information and account
✅ Additional steps to protect your privacy
Why You Might Want to Delete Your 23andMe Data
While 23andMe offers interesting insights into your ancestry, health, and genetic traits, it also collects and stores highly sensitive personal data. Here are some common reasons users choose to delete their information:
🔹 Privacy Concerns
23andMe stores genetic data indefinitely unless you request deletion. Some users worry about who might access their data, including law enforcement, insurance companies, or third-party researchers.
🔹 Data Breaches
In 2023, 23andMe suffered a data breach where hackers accessed customer data. While genetic data wasn’t exposed, personal details like names, birth years, and ancestry reports were leaked. This raised concerns about how secure the platform is.
🔹 Third-Party Sharing
If you opt into 23andMe’s research program, your data may be shared with pharmaceutical companies, research institutions, and other third parties. Even if anonymized, some people prefer to keep their genetic information private.
🔹 No Longer Using the Service
If you’ve received your ancestry or health reports and don’t plan on using 23andMe anymore, you may want to delete your data to avoid any future risks.
What Happens When You Delete Your 23andMe Data?
Before you delete your 23andMe account, it’s important to understand what deletion actually means:
✅ Your genetic data will be permanently erased
✅ Your ancestry and health reports will no longer be accessible
✅ Your account will be deactivated and can’t be recovered
✅ Any raw DNA data files you downloaded remain in your possession
✅ If you participated in research, data already used in studies may not be retractable
🔸 DNA Samples: If your physical saliva sample is still stored at the lab, you can request its destruction separately.
🔸 Shared Data with Relatives: If you’ve connected with relatives on 23andMe, deleting your account will also remove your visibility from their family tree.
How to Delete Your 23andMe Data & Account
Step 1: Download Your Data (Optional but Recommended)
Before deleting your account, you might want to download your raw DNA data for personal records or future use.
🔹 How to Download Your Raw DNA Data:
- Log into your 23andMe account
- Go to “Settings”
- Scroll down to “Download Data”
- Click “Request Your Data”
- Once the file is ready, download and save it securely
🔹 What You’ll Get:
- Raw DNA data file (TXT or ZIP format)
- Ancestry and health reports (if downloaded separately)
Step 2: Delete Your Genetic Data
If you want to remove your genetic information but keep your account, you can request genetic data deletion separately.
🔹 How to Delete Genetic Data Without Closing Your Account:
- Log into your 23andMe account
- Navigate to “Settings”
- Scroll to “Delete Your Genetic Data”
- Confirm deletion
⚠ Note: This action removes your genetic reports and raw DNA data from 23andMe’s system, but your account remains active.
Step 3: Delete Your 23andMe Account
If you want to completely remove all personal data from 23andMe, you need to delete your entire account.
🔹 How to Delete Your 23andMe Account Permanently:
- Log into your 23andMe account
- Go to Settings
- Scroll down to “Delete Your Account”
- Click “Permanently Delete Account”
- Follow the on-screen instructions and confirm deletion
⏳ Processing Time: 23andMe states that full deletion may take up to 30 days.
Step 4: Request the Destruction of Your Physical DNA Sample
If your DNA sample (saliva) is still stored at 23andMe’s lab, you can request its destruction.
🔹 How to Request DNA Sample Destruction:
- Contact 23andMe customer support
- Ask them to destroy your biological sample
- They will confirm the request and process it
📌 Important: If your sample was already analyzed and destroyed, there is nothing left to remove.
How to Ensure Your Data Is Fully Erased
✅ Check for Confirmation Emails: After deletion, 23andMe should send a confirmation email verifying that your data has been removed.
✅ Revoke Third-Party Access: If you linked your 23andMe data to apps like Apple Health, Google Fit, or DNA research platforms, make sure to disconnect those services.
✅ Monitor Your Email: Even after deletion, watch for emails from 23andMe in case of unexpected account reactivation or lingering data.
✅ Opt-Out of Any Research Programs: If you previously agreed to participate in genetic research, check whether you need to withdraw separately.
Can 23andMe Keep My Data After I Delete It?
23andMe states that once you request deletion, they erase your genetic data and account information. However, some anonymized research data that was already shared may still exist.
What they can’t do:
🚫 Keep your personal genetic data after deletion
🚫 Sell or share your information without consent
🚫 Retain any financial or personal details linked to your account
However, if your data was already used in a study, it may not be retrievable or removable.
Final Thoughts: Should You Delete Your 23andMe Data?
Deleting your 23andMe data is a personal choice that depends on your privacy concerns and future plans.
🔹 You Should Delete If:
✔ You’re worried about data security and privacy risks
✔ You no longer use 23andMe and want to remove your information
✔ You regret opting into research sharing
🔹 You May Want to Keep It If:
✔ You actively use your ancestry or health reports
✔ You plan to upload your raw DNA data to other sites (e.g., MyHeritage, AncestryDNA)
✔ You want to remain connected to genetic relatives
🚀 Bottom Line: If privacy is a priority, deleting your 23andMe data ensures your genetic information is not stored, shared, or accessed by third parties.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I recover my account after deleting it?
👉 No. Once deleted, your account cannot be restored.
Q: How long does it take for 23andMe to delete my data?
👉 It may take up to 30 days to fully process deletion requests.
Q: Will deleting my account also remove my DNA data from research studies?
👉 If your data was already used in anonymized research, it may not be removed.
Q: Can I delete my DNA data but keep my account?
👉 Yes, you can delete your genetic data separately in the settings menu.
Q: Will my relatives still see me in their family tree after deletion?
👉 No. Your profile will be removed from all DNA match features.
💬 Thinking about deleting your 23andMe data? Have questions? Drop a comment below! 🚀
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