How to download and analyze your 23andMe raw DNA data

Your raw DNA file is a plain export of the genotypes 23andMe already read for you. Once you have it, PossibleGenome turns it into a readable report. Here is how to download it.

Download your raw data from 23andMe

1. Sign in to 23andMe on a computer.
2. Go to the raw data download page (linked below), or open the account menu in the top-right and choose Settings, then the "23andMe Data" section.
3. Request your raw data and confirm your identity.
4. Use the link 23andMe emails you to download the file.

Start at: you.23andme.com/tools/data/download/

You will end up with a .zip that contains a plain-text data file. 23andMe updates its site from time to time, so the exact labels may differ from the steps above.

What you can learn from it

The same file reveals far more than ancestry. PossibleGenome reads 70+ traits and health markers across health predispositions, carrier status, pharmacogenomics, nutrition, and everyday traits, each explained and traceable to its source. See exactly how we interpret each result.

How to interpret your 23andMe results

Interpreting your 23andMe results means matching each genotype in the file to what published research says it means, one variant at a time. That is exactly what PossibleGenome does for you. These are some of the results people most often look up:

• Folate metabolism (MTHFR gene): the MTHFR variant behind folate and homocysteine questions.
• Adult lactose digestion: whether you keep digesting lactose as an adult (MCM6/LCT).
• Cilantro soapy-taste perception: why cilantro (coriander) tastes like soap to some people (OR6A2).
• Caffeine metabolism speed: how fast you clear caffeine (CYP1A2).
• APOE type (Alzheimer's & cholesterol): your APOE type.
• Bitter taste perception: how strongly you taste bitter compounds (TAS2R38).

See the full list of 70+ traits and health markers we read, or start with our guide on how to read your raw DNA data.

Common questions

How do I interpret my 23andMe results? Interpreting your 23andMe results means taking each genotype in your raw data file and matching it to what published research says that variant does, one marker at a time. You can do it by hand by looking up individual rsIDs in databases like SNPedia, dbSNP, and the GWAS Catalog, or you can upload the file to a report tool that does the matching for you and cites the source behind each result.

How do I read my 23andMe raw data for MTHFR? MTHFR shows up in your raw data as the marker rs1801133, the C677T variant. Find that rsID in the file and read its genotype: CC is normal folate metabolism, CT is slightly reduced, and TT is reduced. The effect is usually milder than online sources suggest, and a folate-rich diet covers it for most people. Our MTHFR trait page explains each genotype and links the primary research.

What is the best way to analyze 23andMe raw data? There is no single best tool; it depends on what you want. For a broad, plain-language report across traits, health, carrier status, pharmacogenomics, and nutrition with every result traced to its source, an interpretation tool is the fastest route. For deep single-variant research, looking rsIDs up yourself in SNPedia and the GWAS Catalog gives you the primary literature directly.

Is analyzing 23andMe raw data free? Looking up individual variants yourself in public databases is free but slow. Full report tools vary: some charge a subscription and some a one-time fee. PossibleGenome is a single one-time payment and never stores your raw DNA file after building the report.

What can I do with my 23andMe raw data? The same file 23andMe used for ancestry also holds the genotypes behind hundreds of traits and health markers. Beyond re-reading ancestry, you can interpret nutrition and diet-related variants, carrier status, drug response (pharmacogenomics), and everyday traits like caffeine metabolism or lactose tolerance.

How do I get a nutrition analysis from my 23andMe data? Many nutrition-related variants sit in the raw file whether or not 23andMe reported them to you. A report tool reads nutrition markers such as lactose digestion (MCM6/LCT), folate metabolism (MTHFR), caffeine clearance (CYP1A2), and omega-3/6 conversion (FADS1), each explained and sourced.

Is it private?

Yes. We analyze your raw DNA file, build your report, and discard the file. Your raw DNA is never stored.