How to Delete Your 23andMe Account and Remove Your Data
If you're ready to part ways with 23andMe — whether for privacy reasons, concerns about the company's future, or simply because you're done with the service — the process involves more than just closing an account. There are two distinct actions to understand: deleting your account and destroying your DNA sample and genetic data. Getting clear on the difference matters, because one without the other may leave more behind than you expect.
What "Deleting 23andMe" Actually Means
When most people say they want to delete their 23andMe account, they typically mean one or more of the following:
- Closing their online account and profile
- Requesting deletion of their stored genetic data from 23andMe's databases
- Having their physical saliva sample destroyed (if it hasn't been already)
- Opting out of any research programs their data was shared with
These are separate processes, and each has its own steps. Simply deactivating or closing your account does not automatically delete your genetic data or destroy your sample. You need to make those requests explicitly.
Step 1 — Request Genetic Data Deletion and Sample Destruction First
Before closing your account, handle your data and sample. Once your account is closed, accessing these settings becomes much harder or impossible.
To delete your genetic data:
- Log in to your 23andMe account at 23andme.com
- Go to Settings (click your name in the top-right corner)
- Scroll to the 23andMe Data section
- Select Delete Data and follow the confirmation prompts
To destroy your physical saliva sample (if you consented to storage):
- In Settings, navigate to Preferences
- Look for Biobanking or Sample Storage options
- Submit a request for your sample to be discarded
23andMe states that once genetic data deletion is processed, it is removed from their active systems. However, anonymized or aggregated data that was already incorporated into research prior to your request may not be fully retractable — this is a common limitation across genetic testing services and is typically disclosed in their terms of service.
Step 2 — Close Your 23andMe Account 🧬
Once your data deletion request is submitted, you can proceed with closing the account itself.
- Go to Settings
- Scroll to the bottom of the page
- Select Close Account
- Confirm your identity and follow the prompts
You'll typically receive an email confirmation. Keep that confirmation for your records.
Step 3 — Cancel Any Active Subscription
If you're subscribed to 23andMe+ (the premium membership tier), closing your account does not automatically cancel billing. Handle this separately:
- In Settings, go to Membership and Billing
- Select Cancel Membership
- Confirm the cancellation
Check your payment method (credit card, PayPal, Apple/Google Pay) for any active recurring charges and verify the subscription is no longer active after cancellation.
Variables That Affect What Happens to Your Data
Not every user's situation is the same. A few factors shape what deletion actually covers:
| Factor | What It Affects |
|---|---|
| Research consent settings | Data already contributed to research may not be fully deletable |
| Sample storage consent | If you opted in to biobanking, a separate destruction request is needed |
| Data download timing | You can download your raw genetic data before deletion — after, it's gone |
| Account age | Older accounts may have data distributed across more systems |
| Third-party sharing | If data was shared with partners, 23andMe's deletion may not extend to those parties |
If you previously opted into 23andMe's research programs, your genetic information may have already been included in aggregated datasets shared with pharmaceutical or research partners. The company's privacy policy outlines what can and cannot be recalled once shared, and it's worth reviewing that directly before submitting your deletion request.
Before You Delete: Download Your Raw Data
If you ever want your genetic results for personal use — to upload to a third-party service like Gedmatch, LivingDNA, or for health analysis tools — download your raw data file before deleting anything. Once your account is closed and data is deleted, that information is gone.
To download:
- Go to Settings → 23andMe Data
- Select Download Raw Data
- Enter your password to confirm and wait for the download link (typically sent by email)
Raw data files are delivered as a compressed .zip file containing a .txt file with your genotype data.
Why People Are Deleting 23andMe Right Now
Interest in deleting 23andMe accounts has spiked in recent years alongside news about the company's financial difficulties and a significant data breach in 2023, which exposed profile information for millions of users. The breach raised questions about how genetic and ancestry data is protected and what happens to it if the company is acquired, restructured, or shut down.
These concerns are legitimate — genetic data is among the most sensitive personal information a company can hold. Unlike a password or credit card number, it cannot be changed. 🔒
The Part That Depends on Your Situation
Whether a standard account closure is sufficient — or whether you need to go further and audit research consent, contact support directly, or review how your data was categorized — depends on your account history, what you consented to when you signed up, and how you used the service over time.
Some users have relatively minimal footprints with 23andMe. Others have years of activity, updated health settings, and multiple opt-ins that each need to be reviewed individually. The steps above cover the standard path, but your specific account settings will determine what's actually been stored, shared, and what's retrievable. ✅