In March 2025, 23andMe filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The company that pioneered consumer DNA testing now faces an uncertain future, and the genetic data of roughly 15 million customers hangs in the balance.
If you're one of those 15 million people, there are two things you need to do right now:
This guide covers both.
Your raw data file contains your actual genotype results — roughly 600,000 to 700,000 genetic variants (SNPs). This is the file you own, and it works with third-party analysis tools even if 23andMe shuts down.
.txt file somewhere safeThe file is typically 15-25 MB and looks like a tab-separated text file with columns for rsID, chromosome, position, and genotype.
Important: Do this as soon as possible. During bankruptcy proceedings, services can be discontinued with limited notice. Your raw data file is the only portable asset from your 23andMe purchase.
Your 23andMe raw data file contains your genotype at hundreds of thousands of locations across your genome. Each line looks something like this:
rs12913832 15 28365618 GG
This tells you: - rs12913832 — the SNP identifier (this one is associated with eye color) - 15 — chromosome 15 - 28365618 — the position on that chromosome - GG — your genotype (two copies of the G allele)
By itself, this file is just data. It doesn't tell you what any of it means for your health, your medications, or your daily choices. That's where analysis tools come in.
There are several options for turning your raw data into actionable health information. Here's what's available:
True46 analyzes your 23andMe raw data across 46 phases and generates a personalized health report covering:
Processing takes under 3 minutes. One-time payment, no subscription.
Promethease gives you a raw dump of SNPedia entries matching your genotypes. It's cheap and comprehensive, but the output is essentially a database lookup — thousands of entries with minimal context, no prioritization, and no actionable recommendations. Good for researchers; overwhelming for most people.
SelfDecode offers health reports with supplement suggestions and risk scores. It's a subscription model ($97/year), so you're paying ongoing for access to your own genetic analysis. Reports cover similar territory to True46 but without CPIC-validated drug interaction alerts or a doctor-ready pharmacogenomics card.
Genetic Genie provides a free methylation and detox analysis. It covers MTHFR and a handful of related genes, but nothing beyond that. A useful starting point, but far from comprehensive.
If you have AncestryDNA data instead of (or in addition to) 23andMe, the same analysis tools work. True46 accepts both formats and automatically converts AncestryDNA format during upload.
To download your AncestryDNA raw data:
During Chapter 11 proceedings, 23andMe's assets — including its database of genetic information — could be sold to the highest bidder. While privacy laws like GINA (Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act) provide some protection, the legal landscape for genetic data sales during bankruptcy is largely untested.
Key concerns:
What you can do:
Your raw data file contains genetic information but no payment details, social security numbers, or other financial data. When choosing an analysis tool, look for services that delete your raw data after processing (True46 deletes raw data immediately after analysis) and don't sell or share genetic data with third parties.
Yes. Your raw data file is yours to keep and use with as many services as you want. Save a copy in a secure location.
Under Chapter 11 bankruptcy, 23andMe continues operating while reorganizing. However, there is no guarantee of how long services will remain available. Download your raw data now rather than waiting.
You can order a DNA test from AncestryDNA or MyHeritage, then upload the raw data to True46. See our Get Tested guide for recommendations on which test to buy.
No. True46 is a consumer wellness product that provides informational analysis of common genetic variants. For clinical-grade genetic testing, hereditary disease screening, or medical diagnosis, consult a certified genetic counselor. True46's Doctor Card tab is designed to facilitate conversations with your healthcare provider.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. Consult a qualified professional for guidance on your specific situation.