5 Common Account Settings to Check on 23andMe
23andMe is one of the most widely used consumer genetics services, and many users who create an account don’t revisit their settings after the initial sign-up. Given the personal nature of genetic information, account settings on the 23andme website influence who can see your results, how they can be used, and how easily someone else might access your account. Periodically reviewing those settings reduces the risk of unintended sharing and keeps your profile aligned with current privacy preferences. This article walks through several common account settings that people often overlook, why each matters for privacy and control, and practical steps to verify or update them on the 23andMe site without getting into medical interpretations of your genetic reports.
How to protect your 23andMe account with strong login and two-step verification
Account security starts with the basics: a unique, strong password and two-step verification (2SV) where available. On the 23andme website you can change your password from the account settings area and enable 2SV via text message or an authentication app. Using a password manager to generate and store a long, random password reduces the chance of credential reuse across services. Two-step verification prevents access even if a password is compromised; enable it and review authorized devices or active sessions periodically. If you use social sign-in (Google or Apple), check those linked accounts’ security controls too. Regularly updating your recovery email and phone number helps regain access without exposing your account to unnecessary risk, which is especially important for sites that store sensitive genetic data.
Who can see your genetic reports and how to manage sharing preferences
23andMe offers multiple sharing features—sharing health reports, ancestry results, or raw DNA data with family members or researchers—and each of these is controlled independently. On the 23andme website, look for “Sharing” or “DNA Relatives” settings to see whether your profile is visible to other users or to opt out of matching. If you’ve previously shared specific reports with a health professional or family member, you can revoke access from the same area. Be mindful that sharing ancestry matches or uploading your raw DNA can result in connections that reveal information about relatives who did not consent. Adjusting sharing options to “private,” reviewing existing shares, and understanding that toggling matches off may take time to propagate are practical steps to keep control over how and with whom your genetic information is shared.
What to check before downloading or uploading raw genetic data
Downloading your raw DNA from the 23andme website gives you a file you can use with third-party interpretation services, but that file contains detailed genetic information and should be stored and shared cautiously. Before downloading, confirm that your download is initiated from a secure device and that the destination (local drive or cloud storage) is encrypted if possible. Similarly, if you’ve previously uploaded your raw data to third-party websites, review those external accounts’ privacy policies and unlink 23andMe access where you no longer want third-party analysis. On the 23andMe site you’ll find an option to request your raw data; check the account email for the download link and consider deleting local copies you no longer need. Treat raw data like any other sensitive personal file: limit copies and only share with services you trust.
Managing DNA Relatives, profile visibility, and family tree settings
DNA Relatives and profile settings determine whether you appear in other users’ match lists and whether your profile displays identifying information. On the 23andme website you can edit your profile name, photo, and how much ancestry detail is shown to matches. If you prefer anonymity, remove photos, use a nickname, and set your match visibility to a more restrictive option. For parents or guardians managing kits for minors, confirm that the kit’s account reflects the intended visibility and consent choices, since minors’ data has additional privacy considerations. Regularly auditing who appears in your DNA Relatives list and checking for unexpected matches helps you spot whether an old share or mislabeled kit is affecting your visibility.
Privacy controls, data export, and account deletion: where to find them and what they do
23andMe provides explicit options for data export and account closure on the 23andme website, but the implications of each action differ. Exporting reports and raw data gives you local copies; deleting the account may remove access to reports and matches, but some anonymized research data could remain in aggregated form per the company’s policies. Use the account settings to review consent to research participation and to withdraw if you no longer wish your de-identified data to be used. Below is a quick reference table summarizing common settings, where to find them, and recommended actions to align with privacy goals.
| Setting | Where to find it on 23andMe | Recommended action |
|---|---|---|
| Password & 2SV | Account > Security | Use unique password + enable two-step verification |
| Sharing / DNA Relatives | Sharing Preferences / DNA Relatives | Limit visibility, remove unwanted shares |
| Raw data download | Settings > Download | Download to encrypted storage, avoid unnecessary uploads |
| Research participation | Account > Research & Consent | Opt out if you do not want de-identified use |
| Account deletion | Account > Close account | Understand data retention policy before deleting |
Regularly reviewing these five areas on the 23andMe website—security, sharing, raw data handling, relatives/profile, and export or deletion controls—gives you practical control over how your genetic information is stored, shared, and used. Small routine checks, such as confirming your recovery email and revoking obsolete third-party connections, are low-effort steps that can prevent accidental exposure of sensitive information. If you share kits with family members or use services that analyze raw data, coordinate privacy preferences together. Staying informed about the platform’s settings and any policy updates is the best way to keep your genetic data aligned with your privacy expectations.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about managing privacy and account settings on the 23andMe website and is not medical or legal advice. For decisions that affect your health or legal rights related to genetic testing, consult qualified professionals and review 23andMe’s official policies and terms of service.
This text was generated using a large language model, and select text has been reviewed and moderated for purposes such as readability.
