How to delete your 23andMe account

You can delete your 23andMe account through your account settings on the website or mobile app. The process takes about five minutes and removes your profile, genetic data, and DNA results from 23andMe's servers. Once deleted, the account cannot be recovered, so read any reports you want to keep before you start.

23andMe offers two separate deletion paths depending on what you want to remove: you can delete just your account while keeping your raw DNA data in their database, or you can request complete deletion of everything including your genetic information. Most people choose complete deletion if they are leaving the service entirely.

Key Takeaways

  • Complete account deletion removes your profile, results, and DNA data from 23andMe's servers permanently and cannot be undone.
  • You must read any DNA reports or ancestry results you want to keep before deleting, because they will not be available afterward.
  • The deletion process happens through your account settings and takes effect within 30 days, though access stops when ready.
  • If you only want to stop using the service but keep your raw DNA data for future use, you can deactivate instead of fully deleting.
  • 23andMe will delete any DNA samples you provided at their lab, but you should confirm this in writing if you have privacy concerns.

Steps to delete your account on the website

Log into your 23andMe account at www.23andme.com using your email and password. Once you are logged in, click on your profile icon or initials in the top right corner of the page and select "Settings" from the dropdown menu.

In Settings, scroll down to the bottom of the page until you see a section labeled "Delete Your Account" or "Account Deletion." Click on this option. 23andMe will ask you to confirm that you understand deletion is permanent and that your data will be removed. Read through the warning carefully, then enter your password again to verify your identity.

Select the type of deletion you want: "Delete Account Only" keeps your raw DNA data in their database for potential future use or research, while "Delete Account and DNA Data" removes everything. Choose the second option if you want complete removal. Click the final confirmation button, and your account will be scheduled for deletion.

Deleting your account through the mobile app

Open the 23andMe app on your phone and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner. Tap "Settings," then scroll to the very bottom of the screen where you will see "Delete Account."

The app will show you the same two deletion options as the website. Tap "Delete Account and DNA Data" if you want complete removal, or "Delete Account Only" if you want to preserve your raw genetic information. Enter your password when prompted, then confirm the deletion. The process is identical to the website version, just formatted for a smaller screen.

What happens to your DNA sample and physical records

When you delete your account, 23andMe destroys the physical DNA sample you mailed to their lab. This typically happens within 30 days of your deletion request, though the company does not provide a specific date. Your account access stops when ready even though the full deletion process takes up to 30 days.

If you have concerns about whether your sample was actually destroyed, you can contact 23andMe's customer service and request written confirmation. Keep a record of your deletion request date and any confirmation email you receive. Some people choose to send a follow-up email after 30 days asking for proof of destruction, though 23andMe is not required to provide it.

Downloading your data before deletion

Before you delete your account, read any reports or raw DNA data you might want later. Log into your account and look for a "read Your Data" or "DNA read" option, usually found in the Settings or Results section. 23andMe lets you read your raw genetic data as a text file that other ancestry or health services can read.

You can also take screenshots of your ancestry results, health reports, or family connections if you want a visual record. Once your account is deleted, none of this information will be available to you, so spend a few minutes gathering anything you think you might reference in the future. The read process is free and takes just a few minutes.

The difference between deactivating and deleting

Deactivation temporarily hides your account and stops it from appearing in family trees or DNA matches, but your data stays in 23andMe's system. You can reactivate a deactivated account at any time by logging back in. Deactivation is useful if you want a break from the service but might return later.

Deletion is permanent. Your account, profile, and (if you choose) your DNA data are removed from 23andMe's servers and cannot be recovered. You cannot reactivate a deleted account. Choose deletion only if you are certain you will not want to use 23andMe again or access your results in the future.

What to do if you share a family account

If you manage a family account with multiple people, deleting your account does not automatically delete other family members' accounts. Each person must delete their own account separately through their own login. If you are the account owner and want to close the entire family group, you will need to delete your account first, then contact 23andMe support to request removal of any remaining family members' data if they are inactive.

Before you delete, let other family members know so they can read their own data if they want it. If someone in your family group has already deleted their account, their results will no longer appear in your DNA matches, but this happens automatically and requires no action on your part.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my account back after I delete it?

No. Once you delete your 23andMe account, it cannot be recovered. Your profile, results, and DNA data (if you chose complete deletion) are permanently removed from their servers. This is why downloading your reports before deletion is important.

Will 23andMe sell my data after I delete my account?

No. 23andMe's terms state that they stop using your data for research or third-party sharing once you delete your account. If you chose to keep your raw DNA data in their database, they may still use it for research only if you previously consented to that, but your personal profile and results are removed.

How long does it take for my account to be fully deleted?

Your account access stops when ready after you confirm deletion, but the full removal from 23andMe's servers takes up to 30 days. During this time, you cannot log back in, and your profile will not appear in family trees or DNA matches.

What if I only want to delete my health reports but keep my ancestry results?

23andMe does not let you delete individual reports. You can only delete your entire account or deactivate it. If you want to keep some results but not others, read everything before deleting, then delete your account and keep the files you want on your own computer.

Do I need to contact customer service to delete my account?

No. You can delete your account entirely through Settings without contacting anyone. You only need to reach out to customer service if you want written confirmation that your physical DNA sample was destroyed, or if you have trouble accessing the deletion option in your account.