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 login credentials, but does not automatically delete your DNA data — you must request that separately. 23andMe keeps your genetic information in a separate system, and deletion requests for DNA data can take 30 days to process.

Start by logging into your 23andMe account on the website (www.23andme.com) or open the mobile app. Go to your account settings, usually found in the menu or under your profile name. Look for an option labeled "Delete Account" or "Account Deletion" — the exact wording varies slightly between the website and app versions.

When you select delete account, 23andMe will ask you to confirm your password and may ask why you are leaving. You do not have to answer the survey questions, but you must confirm the deletion. After you submit, your login access ends when ready, though the company may retain some data for legal or business reasons for a limited time.

Key Takeaways

  • Deleting your account removes your login access but does not automatically erase your DNA data from 23andMe's servers.
  • You must submit a separate DNA data deletion request through your account settings before your genetic information is removed.
  • DNA deletion requests take up to 30 days to process, and you should keep your confirmation email as proof of the request.
  • If you have already deleted your account, you can still contact 23andMe's support team to request DNA deletion using your email address.
  • Deleting your account also removes you from any DNA relative matches and research studies you were part of.

Requesting deletion of your DNA data

Your DNA data lives in a separate system from your account login, so deleting your account does not erase your genetic information. Before you delete your account, go to your DNA settings and look for "Delete DNA Data" or "Remove Genetic Data." Click that option and confirm the request — 23andMe will send you a confirmation email with a reference number.

If you have already deleted your account, you can still request DNA deletion by contacting 23andMe's customer support team. Go to the help section of the website (even without logging in) and select "Contact Us." Explain that you want to delete your DNA data and provide the email address associated with your former account. The support team will process the request and send you a confirmation.

Keep the confirmation email or reference number until the deletion is complete. The company says the process takes up to 30 days, though it often happens faster. You will not receive a second email when the deletion is done, so mark your calendar to follow up if you do not hear back after 35 days.

What happens to your DNA matches and research data

When you delete your account and DNA data, you are removed from the DNA relative matching system. Any relatives who have your DNA on file will no longer see you in their match list, and you will no longer see them. This happens when ready when your account is deleted, even if your DNA data is still processing deletion in the background.

If you were enrolled in any 23andMe research studies, deletion removes you from those studies as well. The company may retain anonymized data from research you participated in — data that cannot be linked back to you — but your identifiable information and genetic profile are removed from the study records.

If you were part of a family group or shared your results with other users, those connections end when your account is deleted. The other people in your family group will see that you are no longer part of the group, but they can keep their own accounts and data.

Downloading your data before deletion

Before you delete your account, you may want to read your raw DNA data and health reports. 23andMe lets you export your genetic information in a standard format that other DNA testing services can read. This is useful if you want to use your DNA results with a different company or keep a personal copy.

To read your data, log into your account and go to "Settings." Look for "read Your Data" or "Raw Data read." The company will prepare a file that contains your genetic information in a format called VCF or TXT. This read is free and takes a few minutes to generate. Save the file to your computer or cloud storage before you delete your account.

Some people read their data, delete their 23andMe account, and then upload the same data to other DNA testing services like AncestryDNA or MyHeritage. This lets you keep your genetic information without maintaining an account at 23andMe. The process is legal and does not violate 23andMe's terms of service.

Deactivating instead of deleting

23andMe offers a deactivation option as an alternative to full deletion. Deactivating your account hides your profile and removes you from the DNA matching system, but keeps your account and data on 23andMe's servers. You can reactivate a deactivated account at any time by logging back in.

Deactivation is useful if you are unsure about permanent deletion or want to take a break from the service. Your DNA data remains stored, and you can reactivate your account within a certain period without losing your results or matches. However, if you want your genetic information completely removed, deactivation does not accomplish that — you must request full deletion and DNA data removal.

To deactivate instead of delete, go to your account settings and look for "Deactivate Account" rather than "Delete Account." The process is similar, but your data stays in the system. You can switch to full deletion later if you change your mind.

What 23andMe may keep after deletion

Even after you delete your account and DNA data, 23andMe may retain some information for legal, tax, or business reasons. The company's privacy policy states that it keeps records needed to comply with laws, resolve disputes, and enforce agreements. This retained information is typically anonymized or separated from your genetic data.

The company may also keep aggregate data — information combined with thousands of other users in a way that does not identify you personally — for research purposes. This does not include your individual DNA results or health information, just statistical patterns that cannot be traced back to you.

If you have concerns about what 23andMe retains after deletion, you can request a copy of your personal data file before you delete. This shows you exactly what information the company has collected. You can request this through the "read Your Data" option or by contacting customer support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I delete my account but keep my DNA data?

Yes. You can delete your account login access while keeping your DNA data on file. straightforward delete your account without submitting a separate DNA deletion request. You can then reactivate your account later using your email address, or contact support to access your data again. However, you will lose access to your health reports and relative matches until you reactivate.

What if I forgot my password and cannot log in to delete my account?

Use the "Forgot Password" option on the 23andMe login page to reset your password. Once you regain access, you can proceed with account deletion. If you cannot reset your password, contact 23andMe's customer support team with your email address, and they can help you delete your account without logging in.

Does deleting my account remove me from DNA relative matches when ready?

Yes. You are removed from the DNA matching system as soon as your account is deleted, even if your DNA data is still processing deletion in the background. Relatives will no longer see you in their match list, and you will not appear in any new matches.

Can I delete my DNA data but keep my account?

Yes. You can request DNA data deletion while keeping your account active. Go to your DNA settings and select "Delete DNA Data." Your account login and profile remain, but your genetic information and health reports are removed. You will no longer see DNA matches or be able to view your results.

How do I know if my DNA deletion request went through?

Check your email for a confirmation message from 23andMe with a reference number. Keep this email as proof of your request. If you do not receive a confirmation within a few hours, check your spam folder or contact customer support with your email address to verify the request was submitted.