What "downloading" your Ancestry DNA results actually means

When you take an Ancestry DNA test, the company stores your raw genetic data in your account. "Downloading" means saving that data to your own computer as a file you can keep, share, or upload elsewhere. Ancestry lets you download your results in a specific format called a raw DNA file, which contains your genetic information but not Ancestry's interpretation of it — that stays on their website.

You can download your results whether you tested with Ancestry directly or transferred DNA from another company like 23andMe or MyHeritage. The process takes a few minutes and costs nothing extra.

Key Takeaways

  • You can download your raw DNA file from your Ancestry account under DNA Settings, and the file arrives as a compressed folder you unzip on your computer.
  • Your raw DNA file contains your genetic data but not Ancestry's ethnicity estimates or match lists — those stay in your Ancestry account.
  • You can upload your raw DNA file to other genealogy sites like FamilyTreeDNA, MyHeritage, or GEDmatch to find additional matches and get different ancestry breakdowns.
  • Downloading your results does not delete them from Ancestry, and you can download again anytime.

How to download your DNA results from Ancestry

Log into your Ancestry account on a computer (the mobile app does not have this option). Click your name in the top right corner and select "Account Settings." On the left side, click "DNA Settings." Scroll down to the section labeled "Download Your DNA" and click the blue "Download DNA" button.

Ancestry will prepare your file, which usually takes a few minutes. You will receive an email with a link to download the file, or you can return to DNA Settings and download it directly from that page. The file arrives as a .zip folder — on Windows, right-click it and select "Extract All"; on Mac, double-click it to unzip automatically.

Inside the unzipped folder you will find a text file with a name like "AncestryDNA_results_[your name].txt". This is your raw DNA file. Keep it somewhere you can find it later, like your Documents folder or a backup drive.

What your raw DNA file contains and what it does not

Your raw DNA file is a list of your genetic markers — specific positions in your DNA and what you inherited at each one. It is the foundation of all DNA analysis, but it is not a report. It does not include Ancestry's ethnicity percentages, your match list, or any interpretation of what your DNA means.

The file itself looks like a spreadsheet with columns for chromosome, position, and your results at each marker. Most people never read it directly — instead, they upload it to other genealogy sites that interpret the data and show results in a more readable format. Different sites use different reference populations and algorithms, so you may see different ethnicity estimates on GEDmatch than you see on Ancestry, even though the underlying DNA is the same.

Where you can use your downloaded DNA file

Once you have your raw DNA file, you can upload it to other genealogy and DNA analysis sites. FamilyTreeDNA and MyHeritage are the most common choices — both are free to upload to and will show you new DNA matches you may not have found on Ancestry. GEDmatch is a free database used by genealogists and some law enforcement; uploading there lets you run additional analysis tools and search against a larger match pool.

Each site charges differently for detailed reports. MyHeritage offers free ethnicity estimates when you upload; FamilyTreeDNA charges for most detailed breakdowns but shows matches for free. GEDmatch is entirely free but has fewer users than Ancestry, so your match list will be smaller.

You can also share your raw DNA file with a genealogist or genetic counselor if you want professional help interpreting your results. The file itself contains no identifying information — just your genetic data — so it is safe to send via email.

Privacy and security when downloading and sharing your DNA

Your raw DNA file is not encrypted, so treat it like any other sensitive personal document. Store it in a password-protected folder or on an external drive you keep secure. If you email it to someone, use a secure email service or password-protect the file first.

Uploading to third-party sites means those companies now have your DNA data. Read their privacy policy before you upload — policies vary widely. GEDmatch, for example, allows law enforcement to search the database with a warrant; MyHeritage and FamilyTreeDNA do not. None of these sites will sell your DNA to insurance companies or employers, but they may use it for research or share it with other companies they own.

Downloading your results from Ancestry does not change Ancestry's privacy terms — they still have your data and can use it according to their policy. Downloading just gives you a copy you control.

What happens if you delete your Ancestry account

If you delete your Ancestry account, your DNA results are deleted from Ancestry's servers. However, if you downloaded your raw DNA file before deleting your account, you still have a copy on your computer. You can continue to use that file on other sites or keep it for your own records.

If you have not downloaded your results yet and you are thinking about closing your account, download first. Once your account is gone, you cannot retrieve your data from Ancestry.

Transferring DNA from other companies to Ancestry

If you tested with 23andMe, MyHeritage, or another DNA company, you can transfer your raw DNA file to Ancestry without retesting. Log into your Ancestry account, go to DNA Settings, and look for "Transfer DNA from another company." Upload your raw DNA file from your original testing company, and Ancestry will process it — usually within 24 hours.

Ancestry will then show you ethnicity estimates and matches based on your transferred DNA. You can download this same data again later if you want to move it to yet another site. Transferring does not delete your results from the original company.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does downloading my DNA delete it from Ancestry?

No. Downloading creates a copy on your computer. Your results stay in your Ancestry account and you can download again anytime. Deleting the file from your computer does not affect Ancestry's copy.

Can I upload my Ancestry DNA to 23andMe?

No. 23andMe does not accept raw DNA files from other companies. You can upload Ancestry DNA to FamilyTreeDNA, MyHeritage, and GEDmatch, but 23andMe only accepts results from their own tests.

What if I lose my downloaded DNA file?

You can download it again from your Ancestry account anytime, as long as your account is active. If you delete your account before downloading, you cannot recover the file from Ancestry.

Is my raw DNA file the same as my Ancestry ethnicity report?

No. Your raw DNA file is the underlying genetic data. Your ethnicity report is Ancestry's interpretation of that data using their own reference populations. Other sites will interpret the same raw file differently.

Can I share my raw DNA file with family members?

Yes, you can email or share your raw DNA file with relatives. They can upload it to genealogy sites to see matches and get their own analysis. However, sharing your DNA file means they have access to your genetic information, so only share with people you trust.