You can delete your DNA results and personal information from 23andMe at any time

23andMe stores your genetic data and health information on their servers. If you want that data removed — whether you're concerned about privacy, no longer want the service, or straightforward changed your mind — you can request deletion through your account settings. The company will delete your DNA sample, genetic results, and most personal information within 30 days, though some data tied to legal or safety obligations may be retained longer.

The deletion process is straightforward and takes about five minutes. Once you request it, you cannot undo the deletion, so make sure you've downloaded anything you want to keep first.

Key Takeaways

  • read your raw DNA data before deleting your account if you want to keep a copy or use it with other genealogy services.
  • Deletion happens through your account settings under "DNA Relatives" or "Settings," not through customer support.
  • 23andMe deletes your DNA sample from their lab, your genetic results, and your account within 30 days of your request.
  • Some data may be kept longer if it's tied to a legal case, safety investigation, or unpaid charges.
  • You can delete just your DNA data while keeping your health reports, or delete your entire account — the choice is yours.

read your raw DNA data before you delete

Before you request deletion, read your raw genetic data if you think you might want it later. This file contains your unprocessed DNA information and can be uploaded to other genealogy websites like Ancestry, MyHeritage, or FamilyTreeDNA if you ever want to use those services.

To read your data, log into your 23andMe account and go to Settings. Look for the section labeled Data read or read Your Raw Data. Click the read button and follow the prompts. The file will be a compressed folder (usually a .zip file) that you can save to your computer. This process takes a few minutes and creates a permanent copy you control.

Once you delete your account, this read option disappears. If you delete first and then change your mind, 23andMe cannot recover your data.

Delete your DNA data through account settings

Log into your 23andMe account on a computer or phone. Go to Settings (usually found in the top right corner or in a menu). Look for an option labeled DNA Relatives, Privacy, or Delete My Data — the exact wording varies depending on whether you're using the website or the mobile app.

Click on the deletion option. 23andMe will ask you to confirm that you understand deletion is permanent and cannot be undone. You may need to enter your password again for security. Once you confirm, the deletion request is submitted.

23andMe will send you a confirmation email. Your DNA sample is destroyed at their lab, your genetic results are removed from their servers, and your account is deleted within 30 days. During this time, you may still see your account if you try to log in, but it will be marked for deletion.

Understand what gets deleted and what doesn't

When you request deletion, 23andMe removes your DNA sample from their physical laboratory, your genetic results from their database, and your personal account. This includes your name, email, health information you entered, and any connections to DNA relatives.

However, 23andMe may keep some data longer if it's connected to a legal investigation, a safety concern, or an unpaid bill. If you have an active dispute with the company or if law enforcement has requested your information, deletion may be delayed. The company will notify you if this applies to your account.

If you've shared your data with a research study, that data may not be deleted from the research database itself — only from your personal 23andMe account. Contact the specific research program if you want to withdraw from a study.

Delete only your DNA data while keeping your health reports

You don't have to delete your entire account. Some people want to keep their health reports but remove their DNA data from 23andMe's database. This option is available in Settings under Privacy or Data Management.

If you choose this route, your health reports and any information you entered about your medical history stay in your account, but your actual genetic data is removed. This means you can still view reports 23andMe generated before deletion, but the company cannot use your DNA for new analysis or research. You also lose access to DNA Relatives and cannot match with family members.

This middle-ground option is useful if you want to keep your health information organized in one place but don't want your genetic code stored on 23andMe's servers.

What to do if you can't find the deletion option

If you're having trouble locating the deletion settings, the option may be hidden or worded differently depending on your account type. Try searching your Settings page for keywords like "delete," "remove," "privacy," or "data." You can also scroll through every Settings tab slowly — the deletion option is always there somewhere.

If you genuinely cannot find it after checking thoroughly, contact 23andMe customer support through their website. Go to the Help section and select Contact Us. Explain that you want to delete your data and ask for a direct link to the deletion page. Support can also process deletion requests by email if the self-service option isn't working for your account.

Keep in mind that customer support cannot speed up the 30-day deletion window or recover data after it's deleted. They can only help you locate the deletion tool or troubleshoot if something is preventing you from accessing it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I delete my account but keep my DNA results?

No. When you delete your 23andMe account, your DNA results are deleted along with it. If you want to keep your results, read your raw DNA data before requesting deletion. You can then upload that file to other genealogy services that accept it.

What happens to my DNA relatives after I delete?

Your DNA Relatives matches disappear from your account when ready. However, relatives who already matched with you will still see your connection in their accounts until 23andMe completes the full deletion process (up to 30 days). After that, you no longer appear in their matches.

Can I undo a deletion request?

If you've just submitted the request and haven't received the confirmation email yet, contact 23andMe support when ready and ask them to cancel it. Once the confirmation email arrives, deletion is in progress and cannot be stopped. After 30 days, your data is permanently gone.

Will deleting my account remove me from research studies?

Deleting your 23andMe account removes you from future research, but data you've already contributed to an active study may remain in that study's database. If you want to withdraw from a specific research project, contact the research team directly through the study information in your account before you delete.

How do I know when my data is actually deleted?

23andMe sends a confirmation email when deletion is complete, usually within 30 days. You can also try logging into your account — if it's fully deleted, you won't be able to log in anymore. If you still can log in after 30 days, contact support to confirm the deletion went through.