How to delete your 23andMe genetic data

23andMe filed for bankruptcy and its assets were sold in 2025. Multiple state attorneys general urged customers to delete their genetic data, because ownership of that data changes hands with the company.

Delete your data

1. Log in and open Settings.
2. Scroll to the 23andMe data section at the bottom.
3. Download a copy of your raw genetic data first if you want to keep it — you cannot retrieve it afterwards.
4. Scroll to Delete data and choose Permanently delete data.
5. Confirm through the emailed link — the request is not processed until you do.

Destroy your physical sample

If you previously consented to sample storage, deleting your account opts you out of research and instructs them to discard your saliva sample. You can also change this separately under Settings → Preferences before deleting.

Note: some data may be retained where required by law, and data already shared with research partners cannot be recalled.