As consumer DNA testing services like 23andMe become more popular, growing numbers of people are beginning to question who really owns their genetic data — and what happens to it once it’s submitted. With talk of third-party data sharing and genetic information being used in research programs, it’s more important than ever to understand how to regain control of your information. If you’ve used 23andMe and decided it’s time to delete your data, this comprehensive step-by-step guide is here to help.
TL;DR
If you’re looking to delete your 23andMe data for privacy reasons, the process is straightforward but requires several steps. First, back up any information you might want to save. Then request both your account and genetic data deletion through your 23andMe dashboard. Keep in mind that once deleted, your data cannot be recovered. This guide walks you through each step, helping ensure your personal information is truly removed.
Why Delete Your 23andMe Data?
While 23andMe offers exciting insights like ancestry breakdowns and health predispositions, it also collects and stores highly personal genetic data. This information can be shared (with your consent) for research and may even be accessed by third parties, such as pharmaceutical companies.
Reasons to delete your 23andMe data may include:
- Concern about privacy and data security
- Loss of trust in data handling practices
- No longer using the service or results
- Desire to prevent third-party access to personal data
Whether for ethical, security, or personal reasons, deleting your data gives you peace of mind and reclaims control over your information.
Before You Begin: Things to Consider
Before going ahead with deletion, it’s important to understand what will be removed and what can’t be undone.
- Permanent Deletion: Once deleted, your genetic data and account history cannot be recovered.
- Download Your Data: If you’re interested in keeping a backup of your reports or raw DNA data, do this before deletion.
- Impacts Research Participation: If you previously consented to research, all future contribution will end after deletion.
Ready to move forward? Here’s exactly how to do it.
Step-by-Step Guide to Deleting Your 23andMe Data
Step 1: Log Into Your 23andMe Account
Visit the 23andMe website and sign into your account using your email and password. If you’ve forgotten your credentials, use the password reset tool before proceeding.
Step 2: Download Your Data (Optional but Recommended)
Before deleting your account, consider downloading your raw DNA information or health reports. Here’s how:
- Go to your Account Settings
- Click on “Download Raw Data”
- Follow the instructions to receive a ZIP file containing your genetic data
This allows you to retain your information for future personal use or migration to a different DNA analysis service.
Step 3: Navigate to Data Deletion Options
Now it’s time to begin the deletion process.
- Click on your profile icon in the upper-right corner and select “Settings”
- Scroll down to the section titled “Delete Your Data”
- Click the link that says “Start the deletion process”
Step 4: Choose What You Want to Delete
23andMe gives you the option to remove just your genetic data or to entirely delete your account — including your registration, personal information, and request history.
You will see two main options:
- Delete Genetic Data Only: Removes your DNA information used for analysis and reports (you retain login access).
- Delete Account and All Data: Removes everything, including account access, reports, and genetic data.
Most users concerned about privacy choose to delete both the account and data.
Step 5: Complete Verification
Once you’ve made your choice, 23andMe requires identity re-verification for security. You’ll need to:
- Re-enter your account password
- Confirm your deletion request via an emailed verification link
Once confirmed, your deletion request is processed — but there’s a short window to cancel if you change your mind.
Step 6: Wait for Confirmation
After verification, 23andMe typically processes your deletion request within 30 days, though in some instances it may take a bit longer depending on your account activity and storage location.
What Happens After Deletion?
Once your 23andMe data and account are deleted:
- Your raw DNA, health reports, and ancestry results are permanently removed.
- Your sample (if stored) is discarded, unless you’ve agreed to biobank storage — which may require separate withdrawal.
- You can no longer access any insights through the 23andMe platform.
23andMe outlines in their privacy policy that cooperative data already used in research can’t be removed retroactively from published studies. However, your data will stop being used in any future research and will be excluded from ongoing studies once deleted.
How to Double-Check Deletion
To ensure your data has truly been deleted:
- Try logging in after the expected deletion period (you should receive an error or find your login doesn’t work).
- Contact 23andMe customer support to request written confirmation your deletion has been completed.
- If you opted out of biobank storage, ask for explicit confirmation that your physical sample has been destroyed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I delete just one test kit and not the whole account?
Yes. If you manage multiple profiles or kits under your account, you can choose to delete one kit while keeping others intact. Visit the settings of the specific profile you want to delete and follow the same instructions above.
Does 23andMe still keep my DNA sample after deletion?
No, unless you’ve agreed to long-term biobank storage. If you have, you will need to separately withdraw your sample by contacting 23andMe support directly and requesting destruction of the sample.
Can I create a new account after deletion?
Yes, you can sign up again using the same email, but all prior data and results will be gone. You would also need to purchase a new testing kit since DNA samples are not retained after deletion.
Final Thoughts: Take Control of Your Genetic Privacy
Choosing to delete your 23andMe data is a personal decision — one rooted in the belief that your DNA belongs to you and no one else. As data privacy becomes more critical in our digital world, taking this step ensures that you’re safeguarding one of the most intimate parts of yourself: your genetic identity.
Whether you’re switching to another service, stepping away from genetic testing, or simply taking better control of your footprint, knowing how to delete your 23andMe data is knowledge worth having.
Remember, when it comes to your DNA, privacy matters — and you have the right to protect it.
