How to Delete Your 23andMe Data Safely in 2025
Concerns around genetic privacy have surged since 23andMe filed for bankruptcy and was acquired in a $256 million deal. With over 15 million users affected, many are asking how to delete your 23andMe data and take back control of their sensitive genetic information. Whether you're worried about data-sharing with pharmaceutical companies or future misuse, there are concrete steps you can take today to protect your DNA.
This guide outlines exactly how to delete your 23andMe data, limit the use of your genetic profile in research, and ensure that your consent choices are fully revoked. We'll also cover what you can and can’t erase, and how family DNA may still impact your privacy.
Why You Should Consider Deleting Your 23andMe Data
With 23andMe’s recent bankruptcy and acquisition by pharmaceutical players like Regeneron and TTAM Research Institute, public trust has been shaken. Although new owners have pledged to maintain privacy practices, they’ve also confirmed intentions to use genetic data for drug development. That dual purpose is causing many to reevaluate their participation.
According to testimony by interim CEO Joseph Selsavage, around 1.9 million users (15% of its customer base) have already requested deletion of their data. Further fueling concerns, more than 24 U.S. states have filed lawsuits against 23andMe, claiming the company failed to obtain explicit user consent before sharing data.
The most frequent question arising now is: Can you truly erase your DNA from their records? While it’s not possible to completely wipe every trace, you can take several crucial steps to reduce your exposure and revoke consent for further usage.
How to Delete Your 23andMe Data Step-by-Step
If you’ve decided that it's time to remove your presence from 23andMe’s systems, here's how to delete your 23andMe data:
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Log in to your 23andMe account from a desktop browser.
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Go to the Settings section (top-right corner).
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Scroll to the section labeled “23andMe Data.”
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Click “View” and navigate down to the Delete Data section.
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Select “Permanently Delete Data.”
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Check your email for a confirmation link and follow it to finalize the deletion.
Before proceeding, you have the option to download a copy of your data for personal record-keeping.
However, it's important to know that 23andMe does retain some elements of your data. Their privacy policy states that they’ll keep your Genetic Information, date of birth, and sex when legally required. They may also hold onto metadata like your email address and deletion request for compliance and auditing purposes.
So while your profile and test results may disappear from the user interface, remnants of your data may still exist in compliance with legal and contractual obligations.
How to Destroy Your DNA Sample and Revoke Research Permissions
Deleting your digital data is only part of the story. If you previously consented to 23andMe storing your saliva sample, or allowing your genetic data to be used in research, here’s how to retract those permissions:
To Remove Stored Saliva Sample:
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Go to Settings > Preferences within your account.
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Opt to destroy your biological sample.
To Withdraw from Research Usage:
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Navigate to Settings > Research and Product Consents.
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Revoke any consent given for data usage by 23andMe or third-party researchers.
This step ensures your genetic blueprint won’t be used in ongoing or future research studies. That said, any prior research that has already used your data can’t be reversed—so withdrawal is only forward-looking.
The ability to reverse consent, although not retroactive, gives you back some control over how your biological data is used commercially or scientifically moving forward.
Why Your Family’s DNA Still Matters
Even if you’ve gone through the full deletion process, your DNA story doesn’t end there. Because genetic data is inherently shared among relatives, your family members' decision to remain in the 23andMe system can still impact your privacy.
Encourage relatives—especially parents, siblings, and children—to review their own privacy settings and consider deletion if they share your concerns. Genetic data from family members can sometimes be used to infer information about you, even if your own data is removed.
And if you're part of a larger genealogy or health group, ask friends and community members to take similar steps. Protecting your DNA is a collective effort, and each deletion adds another layer of defense against unwanted exposure or exploitation.
Final Thoughts on Deleting Your 23andMe Data
Understanding how to delete your 23andMe data isn’t just a technical question—it’s a personal and ethical one. With genetic data increasingly becoming a valuable commodity for drug companies, insurers, and even hackers, users must stay informed and proactive.
While you can’t completely erase all traces of your genetic data, you can:
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Delete your test results and account.
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Revoke permissions for research and sample storage.
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Encourage family to do the same.
The more users who demand transparency and control, the more pressure companies like 23andMe face to honor those requests. If you're among the millions wondering whether your DNA should stay in the system, now is the time to act.
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