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To download AncestryDNA data, sign in to the account that owns or manages the test, open DNA Settings, select the test, then choose Download DNA data under Download or Delete. After you acknowledge the security notice and verify your identity, Ancestry emails a link to the file. The link can take up to 24 hours to arrive, works once, and expires after seven days.
Download your AncestryDNA data
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Sign in to the Ancestry account that owns or manages the DNA test.
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Open DNA Settings and select the test you want to download.
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Scroll to Download or Delete and select Download DNA data.
#1 Best Overall
Personalized Genetic Results, DNA Ethnicity Test, Find Relatives, Heritage, Origins & Ethnicities, Family History, Complete DNA Test, 3600+ Regions and Journeys, Top Selling, Ethnicity Reports- TOP-SELLING CONSUMER DNA TEST: From your origins in over 3,600 places around the world to the most connections to living relatives, no other DNA test kit delivers an experience as unique and interactive as AncestryDNA.
- YOUR DATA, YOUR CONTROL: We give you full control over your genetic information. You decide what to share, and with whom.
- A FEW SIMPLE STEPS: Simply activate your DNA kit online and return your saliva sample in the prepaid package to our state-of-the-art lab. Your results will be available online in roughly six weeks.
- ORIGINS AND INHERITANCE: AncestryDNA provides more precise ancestral origins with greater geographic detail. Our innovative SideView technology takes your results even further by showing your origins and matches by parental side. *Some DNA features require an Ancestry subscription.
- BUILD YOUR FAMILY TREE: Combine what you learn from your DNA results with an Ancestry subscription and gain access to millions of family trees and the world's largest collection of online family history records. *Access to record collections varies depending on subscription level.
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Read and confirm the notice that the downloaded copy will no longer be protected by Ancestry’s security measures.
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Verify your identity using your account password or the emailed verification code, following the option shown on screen.
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Wait for Ancestry’s separate email, which may take up to 24 hours. Open the newest request email and use its download link. The link is single-use and expires after seven days.
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AncestryDNA + Traits Genetic Test Kit: Personalized Genetic Traits, DNA Ethnicity Test, Origins & Ethnicities, Complete DNA Test, Ancestry Reports- TOP-SELLING CONSUMER DNA TEST: From your origins in over 3,600+ places around the world to the most connections to living relatives, no other DNA test kit delivers an experience as unique and interactive as AncestryDNA.
- YOUR DATA, YOUR CONTROL: We give you full control over your genetic information. You decide what to share, and with whom.
- DNA + TRAITS: Ever wondered where your freckles came from, or why you hate cilantro? AncestryDNA + Traits lets you discover 75+ genetic traits, allowing you to explore how your genes might have influenced a range of appearance, sensory, performance, nutrient, and other personal characteristics.
- A FEW SIMPLE STEPS: Simply activate your DNA kit online and return your saliva sample in the prepaid package to our state-of-the-art lab. Your results will be available online in roughly six weeks.
- ORIGINS AND INHERITANCE: AncestryDNA is the only DNA test that can show your origins results, DNA matches, and traits by each side of the family, without your parents taking a DNA test.
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Save the ZIP file and open it to access the text file inside. If you cannot find the download, check your Downloads folder or search your device for the downloaded file.
The file is downloaded from the email link; it is not attached to the message. Depending on the account interface or route, the download may be presented as a dated ZIP or as a text file named AncestryDNA.txt. Follow the current instructions in your account rather than relying on a particular filename.
Who can download a test’s data?
The test owner and a manager designated by the owner can download that test’s DNA data. Someone who is only a DNA match or has view-only access cannot download it. Ancestry’s account-data guidance also distinguishes tests registered on your account or managed by you from tests you neither own nor manage.
Rank #3
- Discover your ancestry and find relatives you never knew existed on both your maternal and paternal sides.
- Get a detailed ethnicity breakdown with the most comprehensive list of ethnicities in the industry: 42 regions, including 7 East Asian regions.
- Simple DNA test kit with a cheek swab - takes only 2 minutes to complete.
- Huge global database enables you to get worldwide DNA Matches.
- Affordable price - includes access to test results. Uses the highest technological standards.
What the download contains—and what it does not
The standard download is a machine-readable .txt file, not an ethnicity estimate, match list, or narrative report. Ancestry describes its first fields as the rsID (Reference SNP cluster ID), chromosome, position, and genotype. The genotypes are reported on the genomic forward strand and the standard SNP data is based on human reference genome GRCh37. Some chromosome labels may use 23 and 24 for X and Y.
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Ancestry says DNA match lists cannot currently be downloaded or exported. A broader account-data export is a separate request and may include account, billing, device, communication, and other records, in addition to certain DNA-related details. Choose the individual DNA-data download if you only need the test’s data file.
Standard text file or NGS VCF?
The standard text download is the general DNA-data export. Ancestry also offers a separate VCF download for a subset of customers whose samples were analyzed with next-generation sequencing (NGS).
Rank #4
- MAP YOUR ORIGINS ACROSS 5,000+ REGIONS: Ancestry Composition breaks down your ethnicity across 5,000+ geographic regions worldwide, the most detailed ancestry breakdown of any consumer DNA service. Ancestry Timeline estimates how many generations ago your most recent ancestor from each population lived.
- FIND LIVING RELATIVES: Opt in to DNA Relatives to see up to 1,500 people in the 23andMe database who share DNA with you, from close family to distant cousins, and message them directly. Your Family Tree builds itself automatically based on your DNA.
- DISCOVER WHAT MAKES YOU UNIQUE: See how your DNA may influence physical features, sensory preferences, and habits across 30+ traits, including cilantro taste aversion to hair texture to deep sleep.
- TRACE ANCIENT MIGRATIONS: Maternal and Paternal Haplogroup reports follow your ancestors' migration paths across continents over thousands of years (paternal haplogroup requires a Y chromosome). Find out how much of your ancestry can be traced back to the Neanderthals.
- PRIVATE BY DESIGN: Your DNA data is encrypted, protected, and always under your control. Enhanced security measures are implemented to keep your information safe. Subject to 23andMe’s Terms of Service and Privacy Statement at 23andMe online.
| Option | Eligibility | Format and complexity | What it includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard DNA data | General DNA-data download for a test you own or manage. | Text data delivered through a ZIP download. | Genotype data; not ethnicity estimates or DNA match lists. |
| NGS VCF | Only for an eligible sample analyzed with NGS; Ancestry specifies at least 350 MB of free device storage for the download. | A larger, more complex file intended mainly for trained genetic researchers. | More DNA data than the standard file, but not Ancestry origins or match information. |
Ancestry says the VCF is for genealogical research and general information, not medical or legal use. Availability depends on whether the sample is eligible; it is not a replacement for the standard download for every test.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Troubleshoot a missing email or failed download
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No email after requesting the file: Check that the email address on the account is correct, look in junk or spam, and allow up to 24 hours for delivery.
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You made multiple requests: Use only the email for the newest request. Ancestry says only the latest link remains valid.
Best Value
AncestryDNA Genetic Test Kit + 3-Month Ancestry World Explorer Membership: Personalized Genetic Results, DNA Ethnicity Test, Family History, Complete DNA Test, 3600+ Regions and Journeys- TOP-SELLING CONSUMER DNA TEST: From your origins in over 3,600 places around the world to the most connections to living relatives, no other DNA test kit delivers an experience as unique and interactive as AncestryDNA
- YOUR DATA, YOUR CONTROL: We give you full control over your genetic information. You decide what to share, and with whom.
- FAMILY HISTORY MEMBERSHIP: The 3-month “World Explorer” membership gives you access to billions of family history records. The membership is redeemable during the AncestryDNA activation process only by the person activating the AncestryDNA test. The person redeeming the membership may choose to convert to an auto-renewing membership by submitting valid billing information.
- BUILD YOUR FAMILY TREE: Combine what you learn from your DNA results with an Ancestry subscription and gain access to millions of family trees and the world's largest collection of online family history records.
- ORIGINS AND INHERITANCE: AncestryDNA is the only DNA test that can show your origins results, DNA matches, and traits by each side of the family, without your parents taking a DNA test.
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The link no longer works: It may have already been used or may have expired after seven days. Start a new download request in DNA Settings and use the latest email link.
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The download reports an error: Ancestry recommends clearing your browser’s cache and cookies and making sure the device has enough available memory.
Protect the downloaded copy
Ancestry warns that a downloaded copy is no longer covered by its security measures. You do not need to upload the file anywhere to complete the download. If you choose to share it with an outside service, Ancestry recommends checking for a privacy policy, ethical review oversight, an option to delete your data, and a password-protected website using SSL.
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Quick Recap
Official Ancestry instructions
- Downloading DNA Data
- Requesting a Download of Your Account Data
- Downloading Your NGS Variant Call Format File
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