Copying atDNA Data from One Testing Company to Another - Updated (2021) Process

mcmurryjulie, Pixabay licensed image (https://pixabay.com/vectors/genetic-testing-gene-panel-genetics-2316642/).

If you've taken an autosomal DNA test at every testing company you won't have a need for this process. Many of us have tested at one or two or three companies yet want to have our DNA data available for comparison at additional companies — to fish in more ponds. We need to know how to obtain a copy of our data from one site and upload it to another.

The companies that allow uploading the DNA data from another site usually charge much less for access to their tools than the cost of a new test kit. Transferring (copying the data file) saves a few dollars or pounds over doing another full test kit. AncestryDNA and 23andMe do not allow uploads from other companies.

Many people use the term "transferring your raw DNA data" from one company to another. This sounds like you are removing your data from one site and moving it to another. What really happens is you copy your data from the original testing company and place a duplicate of the data on a second site. The data now resides on two sites.

The companies periodically change their download/upload processes. Instead of repeating the steps that work today for each company, I'm linking to the company's instructions. Those likely get updated as the process changes so will be more current than anything written elsewhere.

The steps to download (copy from the company site to your computer) your raw autosomal DNA data file for each company can be found by clicking these links. You must login to your account first to access the data.

• 23andMe - https://customercare.23andme.com/hc/en-us/articles/212196868-Accessing-Your-Raw-Genetic-Data
• AncestryDNA - https://support.ancestry.com/s/article/Downloading-AncestryDNA-Raw-Data
• FamilyTreeDNA - https://learn.familytreedna.com/autosomal-ancestry/universal-dna-matching/may-download-family-finder-raw-data/
• LivingDNA - https://support.livingdna.com/hc/en-us/articles/360011384960-How-do-I-download-my-raw-data-
• MyHeritage - https://faq.myheritage.com/en/article/how-do-i-download-my-raw-dna-data-file-from-myheritage

The steps to upload (copy from your computer to the company site) your raw autosomal DNA data file to each company that allows uploads can be found by clicking these links. Some of the companies display all of the steps immediately. Some require you to login first then walk you through the process.

• 23andMe - uploads not allowed
• AncestryDNA - uploads not allowed
• FamilyTreeDNA - https://help.familytreedna.com/hc/en-us/articles/4402392808463-Autosomal-DNA-Transfers-Guide#new-customer-upload-process-0-1
• LivingDNA - https://livingdna.com/free-dna-upload
• MyHeritage - https://www.myheritage.com/dna/upload

GEDmatch is not a testing company but offers many popular third-party tools. However, their updated website either has no upload/download instructions or they are hidden and hard to find. Perhaps more information is available to those with an account after login.

There are other smaller companies that may allow upload/download. Check their online help for instructions or contact their tech support group.

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All statements made in this blog are the opinion of the post author. This blog is not sponsored by any entity other than Debbie Parker Wayne nor is it supported through free or reduced price access to items discussed unless so indicated in the blog post. Hot links to other sites are provided as a courtesy to the reader and are not an endorsement of the other entities except as clearly stated in the narrative.

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To cite this blog post:
Debbie Parker Wayne, "Copying atDNA Data from One Testing Company to Another - Updated (2021) Process," Deb's Delvings, 7 October 2021 (http://debsdelvings.blogspot.com/2021/10/copying-atdna-data-from-one-testing.html : accessed [date]).

© 2021, Debbie Parker Wayne, Certified Genealogist®, All Rights Reserved