What Can You Do With 23andMe Raw Data? Best Options (2026)

Your 23andMe raw data file contains more than ancestry information. Among the hundreds of thousands of genetic variants tested on your genotyping array are variants in pharmacogenes — genes like the CYP2D6 enzyme, which metabolizes 25% of prescribed drugs — that directly influence how your body processes medications.

This guide focuses on the most clinically actionable use of that data: pharmacogenomic analysis — identifying how your genes may affect your response to common medications, backed by clinical guidelines from CPIC (Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium).

What's in Your 23andMe Raw Data File

Your 23andMe raw data is a text file listing every genetic variant (SNP) tested on your genotyping array. Each line contains a variant identifier (rsID), the chromosome and position, and your genotype — the two alleles you carry at that position.

A typical 23andMe raw data file contains between 600,000 and 700,000 variants. Among these are hundreds of positions in pharmacogenes: genes that encode the enzymes responsible for processing medications in your body. 23andMe's own health reports cover only a limited number of pharmacogenomic markers — a full analysis of your raw data covers substantially more.

Why Medication Safety Is the Most Actionable Use

Pharmacogenomic analysis connects directly to clinical practice. CPIC guidelines provide specific, evidence-based recommendations for how to adjust medication prescribing based on your genotype. The FDA includes pharmacogenomic information in the labeling of hundreds of medications, reflecting the growing clinical relevance of this field.

For example, your CYP2C19 results determine how effectively you activate clopidogrel (Plavix), a widely prescribed blood thinner. Your CYP2D6 results affect how you metabolize approximately 25% of all prescribed drugs, including many antidepressants, opioids, and antipsychotics.

These are not abstract genetic curiosities. They are findings that your doctor can consider when making prescribing decisions. Learn more about how pharmacogenomic testing works from raw data.

Pharmacogenes in Your 23andMe Raw Data

Your raw data file may contain variants in these key pharmacogenes. Each gene affects a different set of medications, and your results will show your metabolizer status for each gene:

• CYP2D6 — Metabolizes approximately 25% of prescribed drugs, including antidepressants, opioids ( codeine, tramadol), tamoxifen, and antipsychotics.
• CYP2C19 — Affects clopidogrel activation, certain antidepressants (SSRIs), and proton pump inhibitors.
• CYP2C9 — Influences warfarin metabolism, certain NSAIDs, and phenytoin.
• VKORC1 — Affects warfarin sensitivity and dosing requirements.
• SLCO1B1 — Influences simvastatin transport and the risk of statin-related muscle effects.
• DPYD — Determines how you process fluoropyrimidine chemotherapy drugs. Variants can cause severe toxicity.
• TPMT / NUDT15 — Affects thiopurine drug metabolism, used in autoimmune diseases and certain cancers.

How to Download Your Raw Data from 23andMe

• Log in to your 23andMe account at 23andme.com
• Navigate to Settings
• Scroll to "23andMe Data" or "Download Raw Data"
• Complete the identity verification step
• Download the file (it will be a .txt or .zip file)

The download may take a few minutes to prepare. Once downloaded, the file is yours to keep and use with any compatible analysis service. For complete instructions covering all supported services, see our guide to uploading AncestryDNA or 23andMe raw data.

23andMe in 2026: Why Downloading Your Raw Data Matters Now

In late 2024, 23andMe filed for bankruptcy protection and began exploring a sale of its assets. As of early 2026, the company continues to operate and users can still access their accounts, but the long-term future of the platform remains uncertain.

If you have a 23andMe account, downloading your raw data file now ensures you retain a personal copy regardless of what happens to the service. Your raw data file is a standard text file that you own — once downloaded, it does not depend on 23andMe's infrastructure or continued operation.

Your downloaded file contains the same pharmacogenomic variants that were genotyped when you originally provided your sample. These variants do not change over time — a file downloaded today is as useful for analysis as one downloaded years ago.

If you are concerned about how your genetic data may be handled during a corporate transition, review 23andMe's current privacy disclosures for information about data deletion options. DecodeMyBio processes your uploaded raw data solely to generate your report and offers clear data handling and deletion policies.

Privacy and Data Handling

Your raw DNA data is sensitive personal information. When choosing a service to analyze it, check how the service stores your data, whether it has clear deletion policies, and whether your data is shared with third parties.

DecodeMyBio processes your raw data to generate your report and does not sell or share your genetic information. See our privacy policy and limitations page for full details.

What to Look For in a Pharmacogenomic Analysis Service

When choosing a service to analyze your raw data for pharmacogenomics, consider these factors:

• Clinical guideline backing: Does the service map results to published guidelines (CPIC, DPWG), or does it use a proprietary algorithm? Published guidelines are peer-reviewed and independently verifiable.
• Methodology transparency: Is the analysis process documented? Can you understand how your variants were interpreted?
• Drug-gene coverage: How many clinically relevant drug-gene interactions are included in the report?
• Plain-language explanations: Does the report explain findings in terms you and your doctor can act on, or does it present raw variant data?
• Limitations disclosure: Does the service clearly explain what consumer-grade analysis can and cannot do?
• Privacy and data handling: How is your genetic data stored, and is it shared with third parties?

For a detailed comparison of different approaches — including clinician-ordered tests and raw data analysis services — see our pharmacogenomics testing comparison. For DecodeMyBio's specific approach, see our methodology, data sources, and limitations pages.

Raw Data Analysis Tools Compared

Several services can analyze your 23andMe or AncestryDNA raw data. They differ in focus, methodology, and what they report. Here is a factual comparison of commonly used options:

Information reflects publicly available descriptions as of March 2026. Features and pricing may change. DecodeMyBio is the service behind this guide — see our methodology for how we differ.

The key differentiator is the guideline basis. CPIC guidelines are peer-reviewed, independently published, and used in clinical pharmacogenomics programs at major health systems. Other tools may use proprietary algorithms, GWAS associations, or literature references that do not carry the same level of clinical actionability. For a broader comparison including clinician-ordered tests, see our testing options comparison.

What Your Raw Data Could Reveal About Your Medications

The following are examples of real drug-gene interactions supported by CPIC Level A evidence — the highest level of clinical actionability. Your raw data may contain the variants that determine these outcomes:

• CYP2D6 poor metabolizer + codeine: Codeine may not be effectively converted to morphine, resulting in inadequate pain relief. CPIC recommends an alternative analgesic.
• CYP2C19 poor metabolizer + clopidogrel: Clopidogrel may not be effectively activated, potentially reducing its antiplatelet efficacy. CPIC recommends an alternative agent.
• CYP2C9 / VKORC1 variants + warfarin: Certain genotypes require significantly reduced warfarin doses to avoid bleeding risk. CPIC provides genotype-guided dosing recommendations.
• SLCO1B1 reduced function + simvastatin: Reduced SLCO1B1 function increases the risk of statin-related myopathy. CPIC recommends a lower dose or alternative statin.

These are not hypothetical — they are established drug-gene pairs with specific CPIC prescribing recommendations. Your metabolizer status for each gene determines which of these interactions apply to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 23andMe raw data accurate enough for pharmacogenomic analysis?

23andMe's genotyping arrays are highly accurate for the specific variants they test (typically >99% concordance). However, they test a predefined set of variants and cannot detect all possible genetic variations. Some rare variants or structural changes (like gene deletions) may not be captured. DecodeMyBio reports results based on the variants available in your data and clearly notes these limitations.

What medications are covered in a pharmacogenomic report?

DecodeMyBio reports cover medications with CPIC Level A or Level B evidence for drug-gene interactions. This includes drugs across multiple categories: antiplatelet agents like clopidogrel, antidepressants, opioids, proton pump inhibitors, antipsychotics, and others. The specific medications flagged depend on your individual genotype results.

Can I use raw data from other DNA testing services?

Yes. DecodeMyBio accepts raw data from 23andMe, AncestryDNA, MyHeritage, and FamilyTreeDNA. The coverage of pharmacogenomic variants varies slightly between platforms, but the major pharmacogenes are well-represented across all supported services.

Should I stop taking my medications based on my report?

No. A pharmacogenomic report is designed to inform discussions with your healthcare provider, not to replace clinical judgment. Never change, stop, or adjust medications without consulting your prescriber. See our guide to understanding your report for more on how to discuss results with your doctor.

How is this different from 23andMe's own health reports?

23andMe's health reports cover selected health predispositions, carrier status, and traits with limited pharmacogenomic information. DecodeMyBio focuses specifically on pharmacogenomics, analyzing a broader set of pharmacogenes and mapping results to CPIC clinical guidelines with detailed drug-gene interaction data.

Is my genetic data safe?

DecodeMyBio does not sell or share your genetic data with third parties. Your raw data is used solely to generate your pharmacogenomic report. See our privacy policy for complete details on data handling and retention.

Should I download my 23andMe raw data now?

We recommend downloading your raw data file and keeping a personal copy, regardless of any changes to 23andMe's services or ownership. Your raw data file is yours — once downloaded, you can use it with any compatible analysis service at any time.

What does "poor metabolizer" mean in my results?

A poor metabolizer has significantly reduced enzyme activity for a specific pharmacogene. This can mean a medication builds up in your body (higher side effect risk) or a prodrug is not activated effectively (reduced therapeutic benefit). See our plain-language guide to metabolizer status for a full explanation of all five metabolizer categories.

How does this compare to GeneSight or clinical pharmacogenomic testing?

Different approaches to pharmacogenomics have different strengths. Clinician-ordered tests like GeneSight offer clinical-grade sequencing with physician involvement. Raw data analysis services use your existing consumer DNA data at a lower cost. See our pharmacogenomics testing comparison for a detailed breakdown.

Can I still download my raw data from 23andMe in 2026?

As of March 2026, 23andMe accounts remain accessible and the raw data download feature is available. We recommend downloading your file promptly, as service availability may change during the ongoing bankruptcy proceedings. Once downloaded, the file is yours to keep regardless of future platform changes.

Is it safe to upload my raw DNA data to a third-party service?

Safety depends on the service's data handling practices. Before uploading, verify that the service has a published privacy policy, does not sell your data to third parties, and offers data deletion. DecodeMyBio does not sell or share genetic data and provides a clear data deletion policy.

What exactly is in a 23andMe raw data file?

A 23andMe raw data file is a tab-separated text file containing 600,000 to 700,000 rows, one per genetic variant. Each row lists the rsID (variant identifier), chromosome, position, and your two-allele genotype at that position. The file does not contain your name, health reports, or ancestry analysis — only genotype data.

How can I use my 23andMe raw data for health insights in 2026?

Your raw data file can be uploaded to compatible analysis services for pharmacogenomic analysis, nutrigenomic insights, or ancestry refinement. For medication safety, services like DecodeMyBio extract variants in pharmacogenes and map them to CPIC clinical guidelines. See our guide to pharmacogenomics from raw DNA data for details on what consumer genotyping reveals.