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How to get your DNA data

GenoSight analyzes raw DNA data from consumer genetic testing services. Here's a complete guide to ordering a test, taking it, and downloading your raw data file for upload.

Quick overview

1. Order a DNA test

From 23andMe, AncestryDNA, or MyHeritage

2. Wait for results

Usually 3–8 weeks depending on the service

3. Download raw data

Export the file and upload it to GenoSight

Security note: Always download your DNA data on a personal, secure device. Avoid public computers or unsecured WiFi networks. Your raw DNA file contains sensitive genetic information.

Raw data, not reports

The single most common mistake is downloading the health-report PDF instead of the raw data file. They look similar in your account, but only the raw data contains your genotypes.

Raw DNA data

genome.txt · dna-data-2025-03-14.zip

Tab- or comma-separated text with rsID, chromosome, position, and genotype. Usually 15–25 MB. This is what we need.

Health / ancestry PDFs

23andMe Health Report.pdf · AncestryHealth_Report.pdf

PDFs are interpretations — they don't contain your genotypes. We can't re-analyze them.

23andMe

23andme.com

Cost

~$79–$229

Test type

Saliva collection kit

Results

3–5 weeks

File format

.txt (zipped as .zip)

Step 1: Order the test

  1. Visit 23andme.com and choose a kit (Health + Ancestry recommended for most complete data).
  2. Order the kit — it ships to your home.
  3. Register your kit using the barcode on the tube at 23andme.com/start.

Step 2: Take the test

  1. Follow the instructions in the kit — you'll spit into the provided tube.
  2. Do not eat, drink, smoke, or chew gum for 30 minutes before providing your sample.
  3. Seal the tube, place it in the prepaid mailer, and drop it in a mailbox.
  4. Wait 3–5 weeks for results. You'll get an email when they're ready.

Step 3: Download your raw data

  1. Log in to your 23andMe account.
  2. Click your profile icon in the top right, then select Settings.
  3. Scroll down to "23andMe Data" and click View.
  4. You may need to verify your identity with your date of birth.
  5. Click "Submit Request" to request your raw data download.
  6. Check your email — you'll receive a download link within 5–60 minutes.
  7. Click the link in the email to download the .zip file.
  8. Unzip the file — you'll get a .txt file (16–21 MB). This is your raw DNA data.

Direct link: https://you.23andme.com/tools/data/

Want screenshots and the latest UI? Read the official 23andMe guide

Tips

  • The direct URL https://you.23andme.com/tools/data/ takes you straight to the download page.
  • Download links expire — save the file immediately when you receive the email.
  • Also download your Reports Summary and Ancestry Composition as backup.
  • Keep a copy on a secure external drive.

AncestryDNA

ancestry.com/dna

Cost

~$99–$199

Test type

Saliva collection kit

Results

6–8 weeks

File format

.txt (zipped as .zip)

Step 1: Order the test

  1. Visit ancestry.com/dna and order a DNA test kit.
  2. Register your kit at ancestry.com/activate using the code on your kit.

Step 2: Take the test

  1. Follow the included instructions — you'll provide a saliva sample into the tube.
  2. Don't eat, drink, or chew gum for 30 minutes beforehand.
  3. Seal the tube, place in the prepaid return envelope, and mail it.
  4. Results typically arrive in 6–8 weeks. You'll get an email notification.

Step 3: Download your raw data

  1. Log in to your account at ancestry.com.
  2. Navigate to DNA > Settings (or click the DNA tab, then Settings).
  3. Under "Test Management," find and click Download DNA Data.
  4. Read the acknowledgment, check the box, and enter your password.
  5. Wait for an email from AncestryDNA with the download link (up to 1 hour).
  6. Click the link in the email — note it expires after 7 days.
  7. The file downloads as dna-data-[date].zip to your default downloads folder.
  8. Unzip it to get the raw .txt file.

Want screenshots and the latest UI? Read the official AncestryDNA guide

Tips

  • Rename the file after downloading — Ancestry uses the same filename for everyone.
  • If you have multiple people tested on one account, repeat for each person.
  • The download link expires after 7 days — download promptly.
  • Back up the file to a separate location immediately.

MyHeritage DNA

myheritage.com/dna

Cost

~$49–$89

Test type

Cheek swab kit

Results

3–4 weeks

File format

.csv (zipped as .zip)

Step 1: Order the test

  1. Visit myheritage.com/dna and order a DNA kit.
  2. Create an account or log in to your existing MyHeritage account.

Step 2: Take the test

  1. Follow the instructions — MyHeritage uses a cheek swab (not saliva).
  2. Swab the inside of your cheek for 30–45 seconds with each swab.
  3. Place swabs in the provided container and mail back with the prepaid label.
  4. Results arrive in about 3–4 weeks.

Step 3: Download your raw data

  1. Log in to myheritage.com and go to DNA > Manage DNA kits (or navigate to "DNA" in the top menu).
  2. Find your kit and click the three-dot menu (...) next to it.
  3. Select "Download raw DNA data."
  4. Confirm your request and enter your password if prompted.
  5. The download will begin automatically — the file is a .csv inside a .zip.
  6. Unzip to get the raw data file.

Want screenshots and the latest UI? Read the official MyHeritage DNA guide

Tips

  • MyHeritage uses .csv format instead of .txt — GenoSight supports both.
  • MyHeritage also accepts uploads from 23andMe and AncestryDNA if you've already tested elsewhere.
  • Often has sales bringing the price down to ~$39.

Coming soon

We're actively expanding format support. Files from Family Tree DNA (FTDNA), LivingDNA, and Nebula Genomics are not currently parsed — please don't upload them yet. If you want a heads-up when your provider lands, email contact@genosight.ai.

Ready to upload?

Once you have your raw data file, analysis takes under a minute.

Upload your DNA file