How to Download and Upload Your AncestryDNA Raw Data

AncestryDNA is one of the largest consumer DNA databases in the world, with over 25 million people tested. While Ancestry focuses primarily on ethnicity estimates and family matching, the raw genetic data behind those results is yours to keep — and it contains a wealth of information that goes far beyond ancestry.

By downloading your AncestryDNA raw data and uploading it to ChatDys, you can analyze your SNPs against research on dysautonomia, POTS, MCAS, EDS, Fibromyalgia, and related conditions. This guide explains what your file contains, how to download it, and how to get it into ChatDys.

What Is AncestryDNA Raw Data?

Like all consumer DNA tests, AncestryDNA uses SNP genotyping — a microarray chip that reads hundreds of thousands of specific positions across your genome. Each position is called a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), identified by a reference number called an rsID.

Your raw data file is a plain-text, tab-separated file that lists every SNP Ancestry measured. It is the underlying genetic data — not a report, not an interpretation, just the raw measurements.

What the File Looks Like

The file is delivered as a .zip archive. When unzipped, you will find a .txt file typically named:

AncestryDNA.txt

AncestryDNA.txt

The file begins with several comment lines starting with # that describe the genome build (typically GRCh37/hg19, also called Build 37) and other metadata. Below the header, the data is organized into four columns:

Note: AncestryDNA formats the genotype as two separate columns (allele1 and allele2) rather than a single combined column (e.g., AG). Analysis tools handle this automatically — you do not need to modify the file.

A typical excerpt looks like this:

#AncestryDNA raw data download
#This file was generated by AncestryDNA at 2024-04-01 12:00:00 UTC
#Data was collected using AncestryDNA array version: V2.0
#Genome Build: 37
rsid	chromosome	position	allele1	allele2
rs4477212	1	82154	A	A
rs3094315	1	752566	A	G
rs3131972	1	752721	A	G

#AncestryDNA raw data download
#This file was generated by AncestryDNA at 2024-04-01 12:00:00 UTC
#Data was collected using AncestryDNA array version: V2.0
#Genome Build: 37
rsid	chromosome	position	allele1	allele2
rs4477212	1	82154	A	A
rs3094315	1	752566	A	G
rs3131972	1	752721	A	G

How Many SNPs Does AncestryDNA Cover?

AncestryDNA has used several chip versions over the years. The current version covers approximately 700,000 SNPs, making it one of the more comprehensive consumer arrays available:

Both versions are widely supported by third-party analysis tools. If you tested before 2016, your data is on V1; after 2016, it is on V2. You can find your chip version in the comment lines at the top of your raw data file.

How to Download Your AncestryDNA Raw Data

Step 1: Log In to Your Account

Go to ancestry.com and sign in.

Step 2: Navigate to Your DNA Results

Hover over the DNA tab in the top navigation menu and click "Your DNA Results Summary" (or click directly on your name under the DNA tab if you have tested).

Step 3: Open DNA Settings

On your DNA results page, click the Settings icon (a gear icon) in the upper-right area of the page, or look for a "Settings" link near your name.

Step 4: Request the Download

Scroll down to the section labeled "Download DNA Data" and click "Download DNA Data". Ancestry will ask you to confirm your identity — enter your password when prompted.

After confirming, Ancestry will begin preparing your file. You will receive an email when it is ready. This typically takes a few minutes, but can occasionally take up to 24 hours.

Step 5: Confirm and Download

When you receive the email from Ancestry, click the "Confirm Data Download" link inside it. This will take you back to the Ancestry website where you can click "Download" to save the .zip file to your computer.

Security tip: The download confirmation link expires after a short time. If it has expired, simply return to DNA Settings and request a new download.

Step 6: Keep the File Safe

Your AncestryDNA raw data file is uniquely identifying. Store it in a secure location on your device, and only upload it to services you trust. Do not share it publicly or via email.

Differences Between AncestryDNA and 23andMe Raw Data

If you have tested with both companies, you may notice some differences in your raw data files. These are normal and stem from the different chip designs each company uses:

The SNP sets do not overlap perfectly — each company's chip covers a slightly different selection of positions. This means that uploading data from both companies to ChatDys (if you have tested with both) can provide broader coverage of relevant variants.

How to Upload to ChatDys

Once you have your .zip file, uploading to ChatDys is straightforward:

1. Navigate to the Genetics section in the ChatDys sidebar.
2. Click the "Upload Raw DNA" tab.
3. Click "Choose File" and select your AncestryDNA .zip file.
4. Click "Upload & Analyze".

ChatDys automatically detects the AncestryDNA file format (including the two-column allele structure) and parses it correctly. Your variants are then cross-referenced against a curated database of SNPs studied in the context of dysautonomia, POTS, MCAS, EDS, Fibromyalgia, Long COVID, and related conditions.

Results appear in the "My Variants" tab, organized by condition and evidence level, with links to the underlying research papers for each variant.

Privacy and Data Handling

Your raw DNA file is processed securely and the raw file is not retained after parsing. Only the extracted variant results are stored in your private ChatDys account. You can delete your genetic data at any time from your account settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my AncestryDNA data even if I only tested for ancestry, not health? Yes. The raw data file contains the same SNP measurements regardless of which Ancestry reports you purchased. The raw data is the foundation for all reports.

What if I tested a family member's DNA under my account? You can download raw data for any kit managed under your account. In Step 2, look for a kit selector or dropdown to choose which person's data to download.

My file downloaded but it is empty or very small. What happened? This occasionally happens if the download was interrupted. Try requesting a new download from Ancestry Settings.

Does uploading to ChatDys affect my Ancestry account or DNA matches? No. Downloading and uploading your raw data to third-party tools has no effect on your Ancestry account, ethnicity estimates, or DNA matches.

Can I upload both AncestryDNA and 23andMe data to ChatDys? Yes. ChatDys can store and analyze data from multiple testing companies. Uploading from both can increase the number of relevant variants identified, since each company's chip covers different SNPs.

This article is for informational purposes only. Raw genetic data is not a medical test and should not be used for diagnosis or treatment decisions. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider or genetic counselor for medical guidance.