AncestryDNA shows you ethnicity estimates and relative matches, but the test reads roughly 700,000 genetic markers, and you can download all of them as a raw data file. That file is yours to keep and to upload to other services, including NutraHacker's free methylation and detox report. Here is how to get it.
What Is AncestryDNA Raw Data?
The raw data file is the uninterpreted output of the genotyping chip: one line per SNP with its rsID, chromosome, position and your two alleles (allele1 and allele2). Ancestry describes it as raw, uninterpreted data. It contains no ethnicity estimate or match list; those are calculated on Ancestry's side. Once you download it, it is no longer protected by Ancestry's security measures, so store it carefully.
How to Download Your AncestryDNA Raw Data
Step 1: Sign in to Ancestry
Go to ancestry.com on a computer and sign in to the account that manages the DNA test.
Step 2: Open the DNA settings
Click your name or profile icon, choose Account Settings, then open the DNA tab. If you manage more than one test, pick the right one.
Step 3: Request the download
Find the "Download or delete" section and click "Download DNA data". Tick the box acknowledging that Ancestry can't protect the data once it's downloaded, and confirm your identity with your password or by email. Careful: deleting your test results is in the same section. Downloading does not delete anything, but the delete option does.
Step 4: Confirm from the email
Ancestry emails you a link. Open it and click "Confirm Data Download", then "Download DNA Data" on the page that opens. The link expires after seven days; if it has, start again from Step 2.
Step 5: Unzip and keep the file
The download is a .zip file containing AncestryDNA.txt. Unzip it, rename it to something you'll recognize (for example "Your Name AncestryDNA raw data") and keep a copy somewhere you control. The .txt file is what you upload to NutraHacker.
Ancestry's menus move from time to time. If a label doesn't match, look for "DNA" in Account Settings and the download option within it, or see Ancestry's own help page.
What to Do With Your AncestryDNA Raw Data
Upload the .txt file to NutraHacker. It takes about 3 minutes, and these are free:
- Detoxification and Methylation Report: 58 methylation and detox SNPs (MTHFR and others), each with what the gene does, what your variant means and possible mitigation strategies.
- Genome imputation: your chip data expanded to about 30 million SNPs, which the Complete Mutation Nutrition Report uses.
- Superhuman Report: 25 SNPs for traits such as the myostatin deletion and the short-sleeper gene.
Optional reports cover nutrition and supplements, carrier status and drug response, histamine, skincare, depression, fitness and more. Each is a one-time payment; see all report prices. For other ways to use the file, see what to do with raw DNA data and our comparison of free DNA upload sites.
AncestryDNA vs 23andMe Raw Data
Both are microarray files with a similar layout, and NutraHacker accepts either. AncestryDNA's chip is designed mainly for genealogy, so it tests somewhat different health-related SNPs than 23andMe's. Imputation fills in many of the gaps. Have a 23andMe test too? See how to download 23andMe raw data.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I download my AncestryDNA raw data?
Sign in to Ancestry, open Account Settings, choose DNA, and click "Download DNA data" in the "Download or delete" section. Confirm the request by email, click "Confirm Data Download" in the email, then download the .zip file.
How long is the AncestryDNA download link valid?
The confirmation email link expires after seven days. If it has expired, start the request again from Account Settings.
What format is the AncestryDNA raw data file?
A .zip file containing a plain-text file (AncestryDNA.txt) that lists each SNP's rsID, chromosome, position and your two alleles. Unzip it and upload the .txt file to NutraHacker.
Can I upload AncestryDNA data to NutraHacker for free?
Yes. Uploading AncestryDNA raw data is free and includes a Detoxification and Methylation Report, genome imputation and a Superhuman traits report. Other reports are optional.
Does downloading my raw data delete my AncestryDNA results?
No. Downloading only makes a copy. Deleting test results is a separate option in the same section of Account Settings, so be careful which button you click.
Upload Your AncestryDNA Raw Data