You can delete your 23andMe account through your account settings, and the company will remove your DNA data from their servers

23andMe lets you delete your account in two ways: you can deactivate it temporarily (keeping your data on file) or delete it permanently (removing your DNA results and personal information from 23andMe's systems). Permanent deletion is the stronger option if you want your genetic data completely gone. The process takes a few minutes from your account settings page, though 23andMe may take up to 30 days to fully remove everything from their servers after you request it.

Before you delete, understand what you're losing: you won't be able to access your DNA results, your ancestry breakdown, or any health reports you've unlocked. If you've connected with relatives through the DNA Relatives feature, those connections will disappear on your end (though relatives who already downloaded your information will still have it). You also can't undo a permanent deletion — if you change your mind later, you'd have to order a new kit and start over.

Key Takeaways

  • Permanent deletion removes your DNA data and all personal information from 23andMe's servers within 30 days of your request.
  • Deactivation temporarily hides your account but keeps your data stored — you can reactivate it later if you change your mind.
  • Once you permanently delete your account, you cannot recover your DNA results or ancestry information.
  • Relatives you've connected with through DNA Relatives will no longer see you in their match list after deletion.
  • You can delete your account from the Settings page under "Delete Account" without needing to contact customer support.

How to permanently delete your account in four steps

Log into your 23andMe account on their website (not the mobile app — the deletion option is only available on the web version). Go to your account settings by clicking your name or profile icon in the top right corner, then select "Settings" from the dropdown menu.

Scroll down to the bottom of the Settings page until you see a section labeled "Delete Account" or "Account Deletion." Click the button that says "Delete Account" or "Delete My Account." 23andMe will ask you to confirm your choice and may ask you to re-enter your password for security. Once you confirm, your deletion request is submitted.

You'll receive a confirmation email at the address associated with your account. Some users report receiving this email when ready; others wait a few hours. Check your spam folder if you don't see it in your inbox. The email will confirm that your account deletion has been processed.

23andMe states they will remove your DNA data and personal information from their active systems within 30 days. You won't have access to your account after deletion, though the company may retain some information for legal or business reasons (like transaction records for their own accounting). Your genetic data itself will be deleted from the databases they use to generate results and match you with relatives.

Deactivation as an alternative to permanent deletion

If you're not sure whether you want your results gone forever, deactivation is a middle ground. Deactivating your account hides it from public view, removes you from the DNA Relatives matching system, and stops 23andMe from using your data for research — but your DNA sample and results stay in 23andMe's storage. You can reactivate your account at any time by logging back in, and your data will be exactly as you left it.

Deactivation takes effect when ready, unlike deletion. You can deactivate from the same Settings page where you'd delete, usually in a section labeled "Deactivate Account" or "Pause Account." The button language varies slightly depending on when your account was created and which version of the website you're using.

Deactivation is useful if you want to step back from 23andMe temporarily — perhaps you're concerned about privacy but not ready to lose your results, or you want to pause your subscription without erasing everything. It's also a safer choice if you think you might want your results again in the future.

What happens to your DNA data after deletion

When you request permanent deletion, 23andMe removes your genetic data from the databases they use to generate your ancestry and health reports. They also remove your profile from their DNA Relatives matching system, so you won't appear in other people's match lists. Your personal information — name, email, address, health history — is deleted from their customer database.

23andMe does retain some information even after deletion: transaction records (for their own accounting and tax purposes), any data you've already shared with researchers (if you consented to research), and information required by law (like records needed for regulatory compliance). However, this retained information is not linked to your genetic data and cannot be used to regenerate your DNA results.

If you've downloaded your raw DNA data before deleting your account, that file stays on your computer — deletion only removes 23andMe's copy. You can use downloaded raw data with third-party ancestry sites like Ancestry.com or MyHeritage if you want to keep exploring your results elsewhere.

Deleting your account does not remove data you've already shared

If you've downloaded your raw DNA data or shared your results with a family member, those copies exist outside 23andMe's control. Deleting your 23andMe account won't delete files on your computer or data you've sent to relatives. If you want to fully erase your genetic information from all sources, you'll need to delete those files yourself and ask anyone you've shared with to do the same.

Similarly, if you've participated in 23andMe research studies, data you've already contributed to a research project may remain part of that study even after your account is deleted. 23andMe's research consent forms usually explain this — once your data enters a research database, it's typically not removed even if you delete your account. Check your research participation history before deleting if this concerns you.

Troubleshooting: what to do if you can't find the delete option

The delete button is only available on 23andMe's website, not in their mobile app. If you're trying to delete from your phone, open a web browser, go to 23andme.com, log in, and follow the steps above. The mobile app doesn't have account deletion built in.

If you're logged in on the website but don't see a "Delete Account" option in Settings, scroll all the way to the bottom of the page — it's usually at the very end, below other account options. If it still doesn't appear, try logging out completely, clearing your browser cache, and logging back in. Sometimes the page doesn't load fully on the first try.

If you've tried these steps and still can't locate the deletion option, contact 23andMe customer support through their Help Center. You can request account deletion through their contact form, and a support representative can process it for you. This takes longer than self-service deletion but works if the website option isn't available to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I delete my account if I have an active subscription?

Yes. You can delete your account whether you're subscribed to 23andMe+ or not. If you have an active subscription, deleting your account will also cancel it. You won't be charged again after deletion, though 23andMe typically does not issue refunds for unused subscription time.

Will deleting my account affect my relatives' DNA matches?

Yes. Once your account is deleted, you will no longer appear in your relatives' match lists. However, if a relative downloaded your DNA information before you deleted, they will still have that file. Your deletion only removes you from 23andMe's active matching system.

How long does it take for my data to be completely removed?

23andMe states they remove your data within 30 days of your deletion request. In practice, many users report their accounts becoming inaccessible within hours, though the company's full data purge may take the full 30 days. You won't receive a second confirmation email when the 30 days are up.

Can I read my DNA results before I delete my account?

Yes, and you should if you want to keep your genetic information. Log into your account, go to your DNA results, and look for a "read" or "Export" button. 23andMe lets you read your raw DNA data as a file that you can use with other ancestry services. Do this before you delete, because you won't be able to access your results after deletion.

What's the difference between deactivating and deleting?

Deactivation hides your account and removes you from DNA matching, but your data stays on 23andMe's servers and you can reactivate anytime. Deletion permanently removes your DNA data and personal information within 30 days, and you cannot undo it. Choose deactivation if you might want your results back; choose deletion if you want your genetic data completely gone.