Downloading your raw DNA from AncestryDNA is i of those quick but important tasks every customer should do. Your raw DNA is the genetic equivalent of having a re-create of your family tree data in a GEDCOM file (which we likewise recommend downloading—here's how to download your GEDCOM from Ancestry in 7 piece of cake steps). It'south wise to keep a master copy on your own computer, should the site ever lose it or discontinue the option to download it.

Having your raw DNA file on hand is likewise important and then you tin keep using the information to farther your research. Y'all may want to transfer your Dna test results to another service such every bit GEDmatch, Family Tree Dna, MyHeritage Dna or Living DNA and so yous can search for matches in those testing pools and use the tools on their sites.

More ambitious researchers may want to comport some of their own Dna analysis using more sophisticated strategies like triangulation. If yous e'er determine for some reason to delete your test results from AncestryDNA, it'due south of import to download your results kickoff then you can continue the data you've paid for.

Footstep-by-Step: Download AncestryDNA Results

I've demonstrated the following instructions in this quick video:

one. Log in to your Ancestry.com account

2. Under the Dna tab, click Your Dna Results Summary.

3. Click on the Settings box in the upper correct, where the gear icon is.

4. Gyre to detect Download Raw Deoxyribonucleic acid Data, listed under Actions. Click "What is DNA Information" for a quick explanation of what this data is, what it looks like, its intended employ, balls that downloading the data won't affect your AncestryDNA experience on the site, and Ancestry's reminder that the visitor doesn't secure your data once you've downloaded it.

Screenshot of AncestryDNA page where you can select to download or delete your data
Screenshot of Download Raw Dna choice on Beginnings.com

5. Enter your Ancestry.com site countersign when prompted and click to accept the terms, if you lot agree. If yous oasis't already done so, you might want to read AncestryDNA's terms and atmospheric condition and privacy statement.

6. Y'all'll receive an email from AncestryDNA; click the confirmation link (like the one pictured below). You lot may be asked to log in again. And then you'll exist taken to another screen where you'll verify your desire to download the information. Click the light-green box that says Download Dna Data.

Confirmation screen for downloading raw AncestryDNA data
E-mail confirmation link to download raw Dna from Ancestry

7. Your Deoxyribonucleic acid data will be downloaded to your hard drive in a Null file. I propose right-clicking on information technology to view it in your downloads folder, then moving it immediately to a dedicated Dna folder in your genealogy files on your figurer. Rename the file something like Sunny Morton AncestryDNA raw data then y'all can easily distinguish it from other raw Dna files yous may likewise download. Make sure you lot store the file in a secure location.

Related Reads

Transferring your Deoxyribonucleic acid results ways y'all can take them from one company to some other. Here's why and how to take advantage of this research technique.

Take the millions of Dna examination-takers given up personal information? Our legal skillful answers 19 crucial questions near Deoxyribonucleic acid testing and your privacy.

Last updated: Oct 2020

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