Ancestry helps you easily download a copy of raw data for backup purposes or upload it to any of the compatible DNA analysis platforms. With this, you can easily protect your crucial genetic information. Whether it’s about downloading your DNA data or simply refreshing a fresh copy, this guide will help you out with important information such as verification of your account, how to get a download email, or locating the downloaded ZIP file on your Windows or Mac computer.
Why Download Your Ancestry DNA Data?
One of the main reasons behind downloading the Ancestry DNA data is that it provides you with a personal copy of all your genetic information, which you can securely store and use for genealogy purposes. Here are some of the benefits of downloading your Ancestry DNA data. Go through all of them at once:
Saves A Personal Backup
It saves a secure copy of your raw DNA data on your computer or as an encrypted storage device so that you can always keep access to it.
Easy To Use DNA With Compatible Genealogy Services
There are a number of platforms that accept Ancestry’s raw DNA file, allowing you to explore the additional DNA matches and ancestry tools. do cross-check the services that support Ancestry’s file format right before uploading.
Saves Your Access To The Genetic Data
With your own copy, you can easily retain your raw DNA information independently of your online account.
Keep Your DNA Data Safe
Your downloaded DNA file contains sensitive genetic information. Keep it safe in a secure location, use a strong password for your device or cloud storage, and just share it with an organization that you find trustworthy. Once you download it, the file will not be protected by Ancestry’s security measures later.
Tips To Download Ancestry DNA Data?
With the below given steps you can easily download the ancestry DNA Data. Go through the below mentioned steps one by one:
1. Sign In To Your Ancestry Account
2. Head To Account Settings> DNA Settings
- Right after logging in, click on your profile or account menu in the upper right corner.
- Select Account Settings, then navigate to your DNA settings page.
3. Select The DNA Test
- If there are a number of DNA kits linked to your account, select the one that you want to download.
4. Locate The Download Option
- Scroll towards the download or delete DNA data section.
- Click Download DNA data.
5. Finalize Your Request
- Check the confirmation box to acknowledge that you understand the download process.
- Click continue.
6. Verify Your Identity
- Complete any of the verification methods mentioned below.
- Enter your current Ancestry password and then click Continue.
- Receive a verification code via email, enter the code that you have received, and then click Continue.
7. Wait Until You Receive The Confirmation Email
- Ancestry will send you an email that will contain your download link.
- The email will take up to 24 hours to arrive.
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8. Download The DNA File
- Click on the email that you have received from ancestry and open it.
- Tap on Download DNA data to begin downloading the file.
9. Search And Open The Downloaded File
- The file is usually saved in the form of DNA-data-(date).zip.
- If you are unable to see it.
Windows: Open the downloads folder or search for the file by using the Windows search bar.
Mac: Open downloads or use Spotlight (⌘ + Space) to locate the zip file.
- Double-click on the ZIP file if you want access to its contents.
Where Is My Download Saved?
After the Ancestry DNA data gets downloaded, the zip will get saved in the computer’s default downloads folder. You can find it with the name DNA-data-(date).zip. If you have changed your browser’s download location, the file will be saved in a different folder.
If you are unable to download the DNA file, try the following:
- Look for the downloads folder on your Windows PC or Mac.
- Search for DNA-data or DNA-data-(date).zip with the help of your computer’s search feature.
- Go through your browser’s download history in order to see where the file has been saved.
- Check any of the custom download locations that you might have configured within your browser settings.
- Download the file once again if you are unable to find it and your download link is still valid.
Conclusion!
Downloading ancestry DNA data is a very easy process with the help of which you can keep a personal copy of their raw genetic information. Once you download the zip file, check whether you have saved it properly in a secure location in order to access it in the future. The file contains sensitive and personal data, so check the privacy policies before sharing the information.
Related Post: How To Share Your Ancestry DNA Results
Frequently Asked Questions!
A. Yes, you can easily request a download at any time. Each download link that you will receive will be considered valid for 7 days only, and it is for one-time use.
A. Your DNA data is downloaded as a ZIP (.zip) file containing a raw DNA text (.txt) file.
A. No, Ancestry does not accept DNA uploads from other testing companies.
Andy Smith is a genealogy researcher and family history specialist with over 10 years of experience in family tree research, ancestry records, and genealogy software. He specializes in Family Tree Maker, Legacy Family Tree, Ancestry, FamilySearch, and DNA-based family history research, helping users preserve and organize their family heritage.