How To Transfer DNA Results from One Company to Another 2026

If you have taken a DNA test with AncestryDNA, 23andMe, or another major provider, you have likely wondered what other insights your genetic data might reveal. Transferring your DNA results from one company to another allows you to access additional matches, ethnicity comparisons, and specialized analysis tools without paying for another test. This process involves downloading your raw DNA data file and uploading it to compatible platforms that accept transfers.

The genetic genealogy landscape shifted dramatically in 2026. MyHeritage discontinued accepting new DNA uploads, while 23andMe’s bankruptcy filing raised important questions about data security and company stability. Despite these changes, several excellent platforms still welcome your DNA data, each offering unique features for exploring your ancestry and connecting with genetic relatives. Whether you are an adoptee searching for birth parents or a family historian building your tree, understanding how to move your DNA results between companies can significantly expand your research possibilities.

In this guide, I will walk you through everything you need to know about DNA data transfer in 2026. You will learn which companies currently accept uploads, how to download your raw data safely, and where to upload it for the best results. I will also cover privacy considerations that every genetic genealogist should understand before sharing their DNA with third-party platforms.

What is DNA Data Transfer?

DNA data transfer refers to the process of moving your raw genetic data from one testing company to another platform that accepts external uploads. When you take an autosomal DNA test with companies like AncestryDNA or 23andMe, they analyze approximately 700,000 locations across your genome called SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms). This raw data file contains your unique genetic signature, which can be downloaded and uploaded to other services for comparison against their databases.

The key advantage of transferring DNA results is expanding your reach without additional testing costs. Each company maintains its own database of tested individuals. By uploading your data to multiple platforms, you increase your chances of finding genetic matches, discovering new ethnicity estimates, and accessing specialized tools like chromosome browsers or segment triangulation features that might not be available at your original testing company.

The Basics of DNA Results Portability

Your DNA results are stored as a digital file containing strings of letters representing the base pairs at each tested location in your genome. This raw data file typically comes in TXT or ZIP format and includes your genetic information without any interpretive analysis. The portability of this data depends on the testing chip technology used by different companies. Most major providers use similar Illumina chip technology, creating enough overlap for meaningful comparisons even when uploading between platforms.

Not all DNA testing companies accept transfers from competitors. Understanding which platforms welcome external data and which require native testing is essential before attempting any transfer. Companies that accept uploads generally offer basic matching and ethnicity estimates for free, though some charge unlock fees for advanced features like chromosome browsers or detailed relationship predictions.

Companies Offering Transferable DNA Results

Several major platforms currently accept DNA transfers from other testing companies. FamilyTreeDNA welcomes uploads from AncestryDNA, 23andMe, and MyHeritage, offering free autosomal matching with optional paid unlocks for advanced tools. GEDmatch serves as a powerful third-party analysis platform where you can compare your DNA against users from virtually every testing company. Living DNA accepts transfers for their One World One Tree project, providing free ethnicity breakdowns and matching capabilities.

AncestryDNA and 23andMe represent the two largest testing databases but operate differently regarding transfers. AncestryDNA does not accept uploads from other companies, requiring all users to test directly with them. 23andMe similarly maintains a closed system where transfers are not accepted. However, both companies allow you to download your raw data for uploading elsewhere. In 2026, 23andMe’s bankruptcy filing has raised concerns about data security, making it more important than ever to understand your options for backing up and transferring your genetic information.

Also Read: What is Genetic Genealogy? A Complete Guide to DNA Ancestry

Preparing to Transfer Your DNA Results

Before initiating any DNA transfer, proper preparation ensures a smooth process and protects your genetic privacy. Think of this stage as organizing important documents before a move. You need to verify your source data is accessible, understand what each destination platform offers, and establish clear privacy boundaries for your genetic information.

The genetic genealogy landscape has changed significantly, making preparation even more critical. With MyHeritage discontinuing DNA uploads in early 2026 and ongoing privacy concerns across the industry, taking time to research each platform’s current policies prevents wasted effort and potential data security issues. Understanding what to expect after uploading, including processing times and available features, helps set realistic expectations for your transfer experience.

Checklist Before Transferring

Before downloading your DNA data or creating accounts at new platforms, work through this preparation checklist. First, confirm your original testing company account is active and you can access your DNA results page. If you tested with AncestryDNA or 23andMe, verify you know your login credentials and have access to the associated email address for confirmation links.

Next, research each potential destination platform thoroughly. Check their current transfer acceptance policies, as these change frequently. FamilyTreeDNA and GEDmatch both accept uploads, but their feature sets differ significantly. Read their privacy policies carefully, noting any law enforcement matching opt-ins or data sharing agreements. Create a backup folder on your computer specifically for storing DNA files, keeping them separate from other documents for easy access and security.

Technical Requirements for DNA Data Transfer

Transferring DNA data requires specific technical setup to ensure successful uploads. You will need a reliable internet connection, as raw DNA files can be quite large. AncestryDNA files typically range from 5-10 MB in compressed ZIP format, while 23andMe files are smaller TXT files around 5 MB. Ensure your browser is up to date, as older browsers may have trouble with upload interfaces at some genealogy platforms.

The raw DNA file you download will be in either TXT or ZIP format depending on your testing company. AncestryDNA provides a ZIP file containing a TXT file with your genetic data. 23andMe offers a direct TXT download. You should not need to unzip or modify these files before uploading to most destinations. However, some platforms may have specific file format requirements. Living DNA, for example, accepts various formats but works best with AncestryDNA files. Keep your downloaded files secure and avoid opening them in text editors, as accidental changes can corrupt the genetic data.

Also Read: Big Y-700 Test for Ancestry – Explore Your DNA Story

How To Transfer DNA Results from One Company to Another

The actual transfer process involves two main phases: downloading your raw DNA data from your original testing company, then uploading that file to your chosen destination platform. Each company has slightly different procedures for both steps, but the general workflow remains consistent across platforms. Understanding the specific requirements for your source and destination companies prevents common errors that delay processing.

Processing times vary significantly between platforms. FamilyTreeDNA typically sends confirmation emails with kit numbers within a few hours of upload. GEDmatch processes uploads almost immediately, though their one-to-many matching tools may take longer to populate. Results availability depends on the specific features you are accessing, with basic matching often available faster than detailed segment analysis or ethnicity breakdowns.

Downloading Your Raw Data from AncestryDNA

AncestryDNA makes downloading your raw genetic data straightforward through their DNA settings page. Start by signing into your Ancestry account and clicking the DNA tab at the top of the page. From there, select Settings to access your DNA test management options. Scroll down to the Download DNA Data section and click the Download button to initiate the process.

Ancestry requires identity verification before releasing your raw data. Enter your account password and check the consent box acknowledging that you understand the privacy implications of downloading your genetic information. After submission, Ancestry sends a confirmation email to your registered address with the subject line Your request to download AncestryDNA raw data. Click the Confirm Data Download link in that email to proceed.

Once confirmed, you will be redirected back to Ancestry where a Download DNA Data button appears. Click this button to save the ZIP file to your computer. Store this file in your dedicated DNA backup folder. The ZIP contains your genetic data in a TXT file format that most transfer destinations accept. Keep this file secure, as it contains your complete genetic profile.

Downloading Your Raw Data from 23andMe

23andMe also allows raw data downloads, though their interface differs from AncestryDNA. Sign into your 23andMe account and navigate to the menu in the top-right corner. Select Browse Raw Data from the dropdown options. On the raw data browse page, look for the Download option, which may be located in a menu or settings area depending on the current website layout.

23andMe will present consent forms explaining the privacy considerations of downloading your genetic information. Read these carefully and confirm your understanding of how the data might be used. After consenting, you may need to verify your identity through email confirmation or security questions depending on your account settings.

Once verified, 23andMe generates your raw data file in TXT format. This file downloads directly without ZIP compression, making it immediately ready for uploading to other platforms. The file contains your SNP data in a standardized format that GEDmatch, FamilyTreeDNA, and Living DNA can all process. Save this file securely alongside your other DNA data backups.

Uploading To FamilyTreeDNA

FamilyTreeDNA accepts autosomal DNA transfers from AncestryDNA, 23andMe, and MyHeritage through their dedicated transfer portal. Visit the FamilyTreeDNA autosomal transfer page and begin by entering the tester’s information. You will need to provide a name, email address, and gender for the person whose DNA you are uploading. If you manage multiple DNA kits, each must be uploaded under its respective individual’s information.

During the upload process, FamilyTreeDNA presents consent forms and terms of service agreements. Read these carefully, as they cover important topics like matching opt-ins and data storage policies. After accepting the terms, attach your downloaded raw DNA file using the file picker. The upload typically completes within a few minutes depending on your connection speed.

Within a few hours of submission, expect an email containing your kit number and a temporary password. Use these credentials to log into FamilyTreeDNA and access your transferred results. Note that FamilyTreeDNA offers free matching but charges a $19 unlock fee for advanced features including the chromosome browser, myOrigins ethnicity estimates, and detailed relationship predictions. Many users find this fee reasonable given the additional matches and tools received.

Uploading To GEDmatch

GEDmatch has become an essential platform for advanced genetic genealogy work, particularly for adoptees and those working on brick wall research. The platform accepts uploads from all major testing companies and offers powerful analysis tools unavailable elsewhere. To begin, create a free GEDmatch account at their website and verify your email address through the confirmation link they send.

Once logged in, navigate to the File Upload section from your dashboard. GEDmatch accepts various file formats including AncestryDNA, 23andMe, MyHeritage, and FamilyTreeDNA files. Select your testing company from the dropdown menu, enter the name and alias you want associated with the kit, and choose whether to make the results public or private. Public results allow other users to see your kit in matching lists, while private results require your approval for others to compare.

Upload your raw DNA file using the file picker. GEDmatch processes uploads quickly, usually making your kit available for matching within minutes. However, their one-to-many comparison tools that show all your matches may take several hours to populate fully. Be aware that GEDmatch requires an explicit opt-in for law enforcement matching, which presents a separate consent screen during registration. Consider your comfort level with this feature before enabling it.

Uploading To Living DNA

Living DNA offers free DNA uploads as part of their One World One Tree initiative. This platform specializes in detailed British and Irish ancestry breakdowns but accepts transfers from all major testing companies worldwide. To upload, create a Living DNA account and navigate to their DNA upload section from your account dashboard.

Living DNA provides clear instructions for each source company’s file format. Select whether you are uploading AncestryDNA, 23andMe, or another platform’s data, then attach your raw file. Their system accepts both ZIP and TXT formats depending on the source. After uploading, you must agree to their terms of service and privacy policies before processing begins.

Processing at Living DNA historically took longer than other platforms, with some users experiencing delays of weeks or months for matching capabilities to activate. However, their ethnicity estimates typically appear faster. The platform offers free basic features with the upload, making it worth trying if you have British or Irish ancestry where their regional breakdowns excel.

DNA Company Comparison Table

Understanding which companies accept DNA transfers and what they offer helps you prioritize your uploads. This comparison table summarizes the current landscape in 2026 for the major platforms accepting external DNA data.

Company	Accepts Uploads	Free Features	Paid Features	Best For
FamilyTreeDNA	Yes	Autosomal matching	Chromosome browser, ethnicity ($19)	Advanced tools, Y-DNA
GEDmatch	Yes	One-to-one matching, admixture tools	Tier 1 advanced tools ($10/month)	Advanced analysis, adoptees
Living DNA	Yes	Ethnicity estimates, matching	Enhanced features	British/Irish ancestry
MyHeritage	No (discontinued in 2026)	Existing transfers only	N/A	Existing users only
AncestryDNA	No	N/A	N/A	Must test directly
23andMe	No	N/A	N/A	Must test directly

As this table shows, your options for DNA transfers in 2026 have narrowed but remain valuable. FamilyTreeDNA, GEDmatch, and Living DNA continue accepting uploads and offer distinct advantages. FamilyTreeDNA excels for those wanting chromosome browsers and Y-DNA integration. GEDmatch provides the most advanced analysis tools for serious genetic genealogists. Living DNA offers unique ethnicity insights for British and Irish heritage.

MyHeritage’s discontinuation of new uploads represents a significant shift in the industry. If you already transferred DNA to MyHeritage before this change, your data remains accessible. However, new users cannot upload to their platform. AncestryDNA and 23andMe have always maintained closed systems, requiring direct testing with their services.

Privacy and Security Considerations

Transferring your DNA data involves important privacy decisions that deserve careful consideration. Your genetic information is uniquely personal and immutable. Unlike a password, you cannot change your DNA if it becomes compromised. Understanding how each platform handles your data helps you make informed choices about where to upload.

The 23andMe bankruptcy filing highlighted the importance of understanding data ownership and company stability. When you upload DNA to any platform, you are entrusting them with sensitive genetic information. Review each company’s privacy policy, paying particular attention to data deletion rights, sharing agreements with third parties, and law enforcement access policies.

Law Enforcement Access and Opt-In Policies

GEDmatch gained attention for its role in investigative genetic genealogy, where law enforcement uses DNA databases to solve cold cases. GEDmatch now requires an explicit opt-in for law enforcement matching, separate from general matching services. During registration, you will see a clear choice about whether to allow your DNA to be used for law enforcement comparisons. Consider your personal comfort level with this use case before deciding.

FamilyTreeDNA previously allowed law enforcement matching by default but now requires opt-in consent. Living DNA maintains policies against law enforcement use of their database. Understanding these distinctions helps you choose platforms aligned with your privacy preferences. Remember that you can usually change these settings later through your account dashboard if your views evolve.

Data Deletion and Account Management

Before uploading to any platform, understand how to delete your data if you later choose to remove it. Most companies provide data deletion options in account settings, though the process varies. GEDmatch allows kit deletion through your dashboard. FamilyTreeDNA requires contacting customer service for complete data removal. Document these procedures when you create your accounts so you know your options.

Consider creating separate email addresses for DNA testing accounts to compartmentalize your genetic genealogy activities from other online activities. Use strong, unique passwords for each platform and enable two-factor authentication where available. These basic security practices protect your genetic information from unauthorized access.

Troubleshooting Common DNA Transfer Issues

Even with careful preparation, DNA transfers sometimes encounter problems. Understanding common issues and their solutions saves frustration when uploads fail or results seem incorrect. Most problems stem from file format mismatches, browser compatibility issues, or account verification delays.

File Format Errors and Conversion

The most common upload failure occurs when platforms reject file formats. Some older 23andMe files or international versions use slightly different formatting that certain platforms cannot process. If your upload fails with a format error, try using conversion tools like mapmy23.com to standardize your file. These free services reformat your DNA data to match the specifications required by different genealogy platforms.

Always download fresh copies of your raw data directly from your testing company rather than using old backups. Testing companies occasionally update their file formats, and newer uploads may work better at destination platforms. If you have trouble with one browser, try another. Chrome and Firefox generally work best for DNA uploads, while Safari sometimes encounters compatibility issues with certain genealogy sites.

Account Verification and Email Issues

Many transfer delays occur because confirmation emails land in spam folders or because users cannot access the email addresses associated with their original DNA testing accounts. Before starting transfers, verify you can receive emails at the addresses registered with AncestryDNA or 23andMe. Check spam folders if expected confirmation messages do not arrive within a few hours.

FamilyTreeDNA sends kit numbers and passwords via email after upload. If you do not receive this email within 24 hours, check your spam folder and verify you used the correct email address during upload. Contact their customer service if the email remains missing, as you need these credentials to access your transferred results.

Understanding Results Discrepancies

Ethnicity estimates often differ between platforms due to different reference populations and algorithms. Do not be alarmed if your Irish percentage varies between AncestryDNA, FamilyTreeDNA, and GEDmatch. Each company uses distinct methods to analyze your genetic heritage. These variations represent different interpretations of the same underlying data rather than errors.

Matching databases also produce different results. You may find more matches at FamilyTreeDNA for certain ethnic groups while GEDmatch excels for others. This variation occurs because each platform attracts different user demographics. One platform might have more British testers while another attracts more American users. Uploading to multiple platforms gives you the most comprehensive view of your genetic connections.

What to Expect After Transferring Your DNA

After successfully uploading your DNA data, understanding the timeline and available features helps you make the most of each platform. Processing times vary significantly between companies, and the features available for free versus paid tiers differ substantially.

At FamilyTreeDNA, you will receive an email with login credentials within hours. Free features include autosomal DNA matching with other users who have also transferred or tested there. To access the chromosome browser, detailed ethnicity breakdowns, and advanced relationship predictions, you must pay the $19 unlock fee. Many serious genealogists consider this fee worthwhile for the tools provided.

GEDmatch processes uploads almost instantly, with your kit appearing in the database within minutes. However, their one-to-many matching tool that shows all your genetic relatives may take several hours to fully populate. Free GEDmatch features include one-to-one comparisons with specific kits, admixture calculators showing various ethnicity estimates, and matching segment data. Their Tier 1 subscription unlocks additional calculators and tools for $10 monthly.

Living DNA historically had slower processing times, with some users waiting weeks for full matching capabilities. Their ethnicity estimates typically appear faster than their matching database. Once active, you can view your regional breakdowns and connect with genetic relatives in their system. Their focus on British and Irish regional specificity makes them particularly valuable for users with ancestry from those regions.

Companies That Do Not Accept DNA Transfers

Understanding which major companies do not accept DNA transfers helps set realistic expectations and avoids wasted effort. AncestryDNA maintains the largest genetic genealogy database but operates as a closed system. They do not accept uploads from 23andMe, FamilyTreeDNA, or any other testing company. To access AncestryDNA’s matching database, you must purchase their testing kit and submit a fresh saliva sample.

23andMe similarly does not accept transfers from competitors. Their database remains accessible only to those who test directly with their service. Given 23andMe’s bankruptcy filing, potential customers may want to consider the company’s stability before purchasing new tests. However, existing 23andMe customers can still download their raw data for uploading to the platforms covered in this guide.

MyHeritage previously accepted DNA uploads but discontinued this practice in 2026. Users who transferred to MyHeritage before this policy change retain access to their results and matches. However, new users cannot upload DNA to MyHeritage and must instead purchase their testing kit if they want to join that database.

Also Read: MyHeritage vs Ancestry 2026 – Which is Better?

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Transferring your DNA results from one company to another remains a powerful strategy for expanding your genetic genealogy research in 2026. Despite significant industry changes including MyHeritage discontinuing uploads and 23andMe’s bankruptcy, several excellent platforms continue accepting transfers. FamilyTreeDNA, GEDmatch, and Living DNA each offer unique features that can reveal new insights about your ancestry and connect you with genetic relatives across different databases.

Success with DNA transfers requires understanding the current landscape, preparing your files correctly, and making informed privacy decisions. Download your raw data from AncestryDNA or 23andMe, choose your destination platforms based on your research goals, and upload carefully following each site’s procedures. Remember that free features vary significantly between platforms, with some requiring unlock fees for advanced tools like chromosome browsers.

As genetic genealogy continues evolving, staying informed about company policies and privacy considerations protects both your data and your research progress. Whether you are breaking through brick walls in your family tree or searching for biological relatives, strategically transferring your DNA results maximizes the value of your original testing investment. For further learning about genetic genealogy and DNA testing, explore our guides on genetic genealogy fundamentals and the best genetic genealogy websites available today.