You can delete your 23andMe account through your account settings, but the process differs depending on whether you have raw DNA data
To delete your 23andMe account, log in to your account on the 23andMe website, go to Settings, select Account, and look for the option to delete or deactivate your account. The exact wording and location can shift between updates, so if you do not see it immediately, check under Privacy or Data Management. Once you request deletion, 23andMe will send a confirmation email — you must click the link in that email to complete the deletion. Without that confirmation, your account remains active.
The deletion process takes effect immediately for your account login and profile, but 23andMe retains some data for legal and business reasons. Your DNA raw data and results may be retained for a set period depending on your account type and whether you have consented to research. If you want your DNA data deleted faster or more completely, you may need to submit a separate data deletion request through their privacy portal or contact their support team directly.
Key Takeaways
- Account deletion requires you to confirm via email — the deletion does not happen until you click the confirmation link sent to your registered email address.
- Your login and profile disappear immediately, but 23andMe may retain your DNA data and results for a period of time depending on your account settings and research consent status.
- If you want your raw DNA data deleted sooner, submit a separate data deletion request through your account's Privacy or Data Management section.
- Deletion is permanent — you cannot recover your account, results, or family connections once the process is complete.
Step-by-step deletion process
Start by logging into your 23andMe account on their website using your email and password. Once you are logged in, navigate to Settings by clicking your profile icon or name in the top right corner of the page, then select Account Settings or simply Account.
Look for an option labeled Delete Account, Deactivate Account, or Close Account — the exact wording varies. Click that option. 23andMe will ask you to confirm your choice and may ask why you are leaving. You do not have to provide a reason, but 23andMe sometimes uses feedback to improve their service. After you confirm, 23andMe sends a confirmation email to the address associated with your account.
Open that confirmation email and click the link inside it. This link is time-sensitive and typically expires after a set period — usually 24 to 48 hours. If the link expires, you may need to restart the deletion process. Once you click the link, your account deletion is complete and cannot be undone.
What happens to your DNA data after deletion
When you delete your account, your login credentials and profile disappear immediately. However, your raw DNA data and genetic results may not be deleted right away. 23andMe retains this data for varying lengths of time depending on your account type and whether you opted into their research program.
If you consented to participate in 23andMe Research, your data may be retained longer because it is part of an ongoing study. To speed up deletion of your DNA data specifically, go to your Privacy settings or Data Management section before or after deleting your account and look for an option to request deletion of your genetic information. Some users report that submitting this request separately ensures faster removal than waiting for the standard account deletion timeline.
If you are concerned about how long 23andMe keeps your data, contact their support team before you delete your account. They can tell you the specific retention timeline for your account type and whether your data is part of any active research projects.
Removing yourself from family connections and DNA matches
When you delete your 23andMe account, your profile disappears from the DNA Matches section for other users. However, the genetic connection itself does not vanish — relatives who tested with 23andMe will still see that they have a match, but your name and profile will show as deleted or unavailable.
If you want to control this before deletion, you can adjust your privacy settings to hide from DNA Matches or turn off the feature entirely. Go to Settings, then Privacy, and look for options related to DNA Matches or Relative Finder. You can restrict who sees your results — for example, allowing only close relatives or turning it off completely — without deleting your account.
Once your account is deleted, you cannot undo this action or restore your profile to DNA Matches. If you think you might want to reconnect with relatives later, consider adjusting privacy settings instead of full deletion.
Difference between deactivation and deletion
Some accounts offer a deactivation option separate from deletion. Deactivation typically hides your profile and results temporarily but keeps your account and data on 23andMe's servers. You can reactivate a deactivated account by logging back in. Deletion, by contrast, is permanent — your account and associated data are removed and cannot be recovered.
If you are unsure whether you want to leave permanently, deactivation may be the safer choice. You can always come back. However, not all account types offer deactivation as an option. If you only see a delete button, that is your only option for removing your account.
What to do if you cannot find the delete option
If you log into your account and cannot locate a delete or deactivate option in Settings, the feature may be hidden or your account type may not support self-service deletion. This sometimes happens with older accounts or accounts created through a third-party service.
Contact 23andMe support directly through their website. Go to Help or Support, select Account Management, and look for an option to request account deletion. You can also email their support team or use their contact form. Provide your account email address and request permanent account deletion. Support staff can process the deletion manually, though this may take longer than the self-service option.
Keep a record of your request — take a screenshot of your support ticket number or save the confirmation email. This protects you if there is a delay or if you need to follow up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I delete my 23andMe account if I have not taken a DNA test yet?
Yes. You can delete your account at any time, whether or not you have completed a DNA test. The deletion process is the same — go to Settings, find the delete option, confirm via email, and your account is removed. If you ordered a kit but have not used it, the kit itself is not affected by account deletion.
What if I delete my account but still have an unopened DNA kit?
The physical kit remains yours. Deleting your account does not invalidate the kit or prevent you from using it later. However, if you want to use the kit in the future, you will need to create a new account and register the kit with that account. The original kit code will still work.
How long does it take for my data to be completely removed from 23andMe's servers?
Your account and profile are removed immediately after you confirm deletion via email. Your raw DNA data and results may be retained for weeks or months depending on your account type and research participation. Contact 23andMe support for the exact timeline for your account, or submit a separate data deletion request to speed up the process.
Can I recover my account after I delete it?
No. Account deletion is permanent and cannot be undone. Once you confirm deletion via email, your account, profile, and results are gone. If you think you might want your information back, do not delete — deactivate instead if that option is available for your account type.
Will deleting my account remove me from 23andMe Research?
Yes. Deleting your account removes you from any research studies you were enrolled in. If you want to leave research but keep your account, go to your Privacy settings and opt out of research participation separately before deleting your account.