If you've taken the AncestryDNA test, your raw genotyping data is available for export — and most genomic-health platforms accept it directly. This guide shows where AncestryDNA hides the export and how to use the file once you have it.
The export is buried in your settings
Unlike 23andMe (which has a dedicated "Browse Raw Data" page), AncestryDNA tucks the raw data export under your account settings. Here's the path.
Step 1 — Sign in on desktop
Log in at ancestry.com. The mobile app does not show the export option. Once signed in, click DNA in the main navigation.
Step 2 — Open Your DNA Results Summary
Choose your DNA test from the dashboard (you may have more than one if you've tested family members). On the DNA Results Summary page, click Settings in the upper right corner.
Step 3 — Find the Download tab
In settings, scroll to the Download Raw DNA Data section. Click Start Download.
Step 4 — Confirm and request
You'll see a confirmation flow that re-prompts your password and asks you to confirm understanding of what raw genetic data is. AncestryDNA emails you a link when the file is ready, usually within an hour.
Step 5 — Click the email link, enter password again
The email link takes you to a download page where you'll be asked for your password one more time. After confirming, the .zip file downloads. Don't extract it — Atlagene and most other platforms read the .zip directly.
File format details
AncestryDNA files are similar to 23andMe in format (tab-separated SNP calls), and most platforms auto-detect the difference. AncestryDNA tests typically cover ~700,000 SNPs, slightly more than 23andMe's older chips.
Upload to Atlagene
Drag-drop the .zip file on the Atlagene upload page after creating a free account. Analysis takes about 10-20 minutes, driven by the depth of the 20-category analysis rather than by file size. You'll see results across 20 health categories — substantially more than AncestryDNA's own health offering.
Common issues
"My DNA results aren't showing the Settings link." This usually means your test is still processing. Wait until you've received the ancestry report email; the Settings link appears after.
"AncestryDNA is asking me to verify ownership." This is a fraud-prevention step — you may be asked to confirm an email or answer a security question. The export is rejected if the system cannot confirm you're the tested individual.
"My file is small (under 1MB)." AncestryDNA exports are typically 5–10MB compressed. If yours is much smaller, the test may have failed quality control. Contact AncestryDNA support.
What about the new AncestryHealth product?
AncestryHealth was discontinued in 2021. If you tested via that product, the raw genotyping data is still available through the standard AncestryDNA export path described above. The AncestryHealth-specific reports are no longer accessible, but the underlying genome data is.
Already exported? Upload your AncestryDNA file free at Atlagene and see exactly which variants we analyze.