AncestryDNA Raw Data Interpretation

DNA raw data interpretation means analyzing the genetic information stored in a raw DNA file to produce insights you can understand. You can do this with any app in the Partner Marketplace, but a good place to start is with two free Sequencing apps: Genome Explorer and Next-Gen Disease Screen.

With these apps you can explore your genetic information, including any genetic variants you may carry.

Where do I get my AncestryDNA raw data?

Your AncestryDNA data is straightforward to download from your Ancestry account and then upload for free to your Sequencing account. The steps are below. If you prefer a walkthrough with images, see our visual guide for obtaining and using Ancestry data.

Steps to download AncestryDNA raw data

1. Sign in to your AncestryDNA account.
2. Open the DNA tab, go to Your DNA Results Summary, then Settings.
3. Find the option to download your raw DNA data.
4. Enter your AncestryDNA password, check the consent box, and confirm. Ancestry will send a confirmation email to the address on your account.
5. Open that email and click the button to confirm the download.
6. On the page that opens, start the download. Your AncestryDNA file will save to your computer as a .zip file.

If you have more than one AncestryDNA profile, repeat these steps for each one. Files downloaded from Ancestry share the same default filename, so rename each file with the name of the person it belongs to before uploading. That prevents you from losing track of which file is whose.

If you cannot find the file, check your Downloads folder, or search for the filename using the Windows search on a PC or Spotlight on a Mac.

Steps to upload AncestryDNA raw data

1. Go to the Sequencing Upload Center.
2. Choose the option to upload from your computer and select the AncestryDNA file you downloaded.
3. Start the upload. Your file is transferred securely to your Sequencing account.

It may take up to 20 minutes for the file to appear in your account as a new digital genome.

What do I do next with my Ancestry data?

Genome Explorer and Next-Gen Disease Screen are both free and are good starting points. Thanks to Sequencing's Universal Data Compatibility, these apps work with DNA data from nearly any testing company or laboratory, including Ancestry, 23andMe, MyHeritage, FamilyTreeDNA, GeneDx, Invitae, and data from exome sequencing and whole genome sequencing.

Once your data is uploaded, it can be analyzed against scientific research databases to help you understand what your genetic variants may mean.

About Sequencing's apps and DNA reports

The Partner Marketplace is a large collection of apps and reports that interpret genetic data and return clear, useful insights. Apps are organized into categories including health, ancestry, nutrition, and fitness. Your AncestryDNA raw data is compatible with apps across these categories, which means a single uploaded file can support many different analyses over time.

Privacy Forever: we protect your data

Our Privacy Forever policy is our pledge that your DNA data stays safe, secure, and confidential. We do not sell your data to third parties. You own your data and can access, use, download, and delete it at any time. Learn more about Privacy Forever.