You took a DNA test to discover your heritage, but now you’re having second thoughts about your genetic code sitting on a corporate server. Whether it’s due to recent security concerns or a general desire to reclaim your digital privacy, knowing how to delete 23andMe data is a critical skill for the modern consumer.
The process is permanent and irreversible. Once you trigger the deletion, you lose access to your reports, your DNA relatives, and your ancestry breakdown forever. However, if you are ready to sever ties with the platform, the steps are relatively straightforward if you know where to look.
In this guide, we will walk you through the exact steps to scrub your account and explain what happens to your physical spit sample after you hit the “delete” button.
Key Takeaways
- Download First: Always download your raw genetic data before deleting your account; you cannot get it back once the process starts.
- Sample Destruction: You must check your settings to ensure your physical saliva sample is marked for destruction.
- Regulatory Retention: 23andMe is legally required to keep some basic information (like your name and consent) to comply with laboratory regulations.
- Irreversibility: Once the deletion is confirmed, you cannot reactivate the account or see your results again.
- Third-Party Research: If you previously consented to research, data already used in completed studies cannot be “recalled.”
1. Before You Delete: Download Your Raw Data
Before learning how to delete 23andMe data, you should save a copy of your genetic information. This raw data file can be uploaded to other (potentially more secure) sites or used by medical professionals in the future.
- Navigate to the “Tools” menu in your 23andMe dashboard.
- Select “Browse Raw Data.”
- Click on the “Download” tab and follow the prompts to request your file.
- You will receive an email once the file is ready; download it immediately, as it will disappear once you close the account.
2. Step-by-Step: How to Delete 23andMe Data
Ready to pull the plug? Follow these steps to initiate the permanent deletion of your account and genetic records.
- Step 1: Log in to your account and click on your name in the top right corner.
- Step 2: Select “Settings” from the dropdown menu.
- Step 3: Scroll to the very bottom of the page to the section titled “23andMe Data.”
- Step 4: Click the link that says “View” next to “Delete Account.”
- Step 5: You will be asked to verify your identity via email. Open the message from 23andMe and click the confirmation link.
- Step 6: Read the warnings carefully and confirm the deletion.
Read Also: How to Get Rid of Food Poisoning
Data Deletion: What is Actually Removed?
| Data Type | Status After Deletion | Retention Period |
| Genetic Reports | Permanently Deleted | Immediate |
| Raw DNA Data | Permanently Deleted | Immediate |
| DNA Relatives Profile | Hidden/Removed | Immediate |
| Saliva Sample | Destroyed | If previously requested |
| Billing Records | Retained | Required by law (up to 10 years) |
3. Dealing with Your Physical DNA Sample
Many users don’t realize that 23andMe may store your physical saliva sample in a biobank for years. When you go through the process of how to delete 23andMe data, you need to ensure the physical sample is handled.
If You Chose “Store Sample”
If you initially opted to have 23andMe store your sample, deleting your account should trigger the destruction of that sample. However, it is a good practice to go to your “Account Settings” and check the “Sample Storage” section to ensure “Discard” is selected before you finalize the account closure.
4. What 23andMe Keeps (The “Fine Print”)
Even after you follow the steps on how to delete 23andMe data, the company doesn’t erase 100% of your existence. Under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA), laboratories must retain certain records.
- Compliance Data: They keep your name, contact info, and the fact that you consented to the test.
- De-identified Data: If you opted into “Research” in the past, your data may have been aggregated with thousands of others. This “anonymized” data cannot be unlinked or deleted from existing research papers.
Conclusion
Protecting your genetic privacy is a personal choice, and knowing how to delete 23andMe data gives you the power to control who has access to your biological blueprint. By downloading your raw data first and then following the official deletion prompts, you can effectively wipe your genetic footprint from their servers.
Would you like me to find a list of the most secure third-party sites where you can safely store your raw DNA data?
FAQ Section
Q: How long does it take for 23andMe to delete my data?
A: Once you confirm the request via email, 23andMe usually processes the account closure immediately. However, it can take up to 30 days for all your information to be fully purged from their active databases.
Q: Can I delete my data but keep my account?
A: No. 23andMe treats genetic data and account access as a single entity. If you want your DNA results deleted, you must close the entire account. You can, however, opt-out of “DNA Relatives” if you just want to go “invisible” without deleting your data.
Q: Will 23andMe still have my spit after I delete my account?
A: If you follow the standard account deletion process, 23andMe instructs the lab to destroy your physical sample. Keep in mind that laboratories are required by law to keep the results of the initial test for a set number of years for regulatory audits.
Q: What happens to my data if 23andMe is sold?
A: This is a major reason people look for how to delete 23andMe data. If the company is acquired, your data is considered an asset. By deleting your account now, you ensure your genetic information is not part of a future corporate merger or sale.
