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Export your AncestryDNA file, upload it, and understand how Pathway Health Science uses your data.

AncestryDNA .txt only Educational only Private by default
Upload AncestryDNA file → start here
Support Self-serve File AncestryDNA .txt
Quick links Export Fix Privacy Disclaimer
How to export your AncestryDNA file
You’ll upload a .txt file downloaded from AncestryDNA. Don’t upload a PDF, ZIP, or screenshot.
File type: .txt Keep the header rows
  1. 1
    Go to Account Settings
    Log in to Ancestry.com. Click your profile icon (top right) → Account Settings.
    Ancestry: open Account Settings from the profile menu
    Profile menu → Account Settings
  2. 2
    Open your DNA settings
    In the left menu, click DNA. Select your name/test if prompted.
    Ancestry: open the DNA section from settings sidebar
    Left menu → DNA
  3. 3
    Request your DNA download
    Scroll to Download or delete, then click Download DNA data.
    Ancestry: Download or delete section with Download DNA data button
    Download or delete → Download DNA data
  4. 4
    Confirm & verify
    Check the consent box and continue. Then verify your account (email or password). The download email usually arrives within a few minutes, but can take up to 24 hours.
    Ancestry: consent checkbox and verification prompt
    Consent → verify account
  5. 5
    Download the ZIP, extract the .txt, then upload
    Use the download link emailed to you. Extract the ZIP and upload the .txt on Upload.
    Download ZIP, extract TXT, then upload to Pathway
    Email link → ZIP → .txt → Upload
What does a valid file look like? click to expand
  • It’s a plain-text file ending in .txt.
  • It usually starts with a few header/comment lines, then a table of rows.
  • It contains columns like rsid, chromosome, position, allele1, allele2.
  • Don’t edit the file. Don’t remove the header lines.
Troubleshooting
Most upload issues come from file type, size, or an incomplete download.
If you see “file not supported”
Make sure you selected the AncestryDNA .txt file (not a ZIP, PDF, or screenshot).
Upload button is disabled
  • You may already have an active upload processing. Wait for it to finish.
  • If the page says “one active upload per account,” that guardrail is working as intended.
  • Refresh the page if your connection dropped during processing.
Upload fails immediately
  • Confirm the file ends in .txt.
  • Re-download from AncestryDNA if the file is empty or unusually small.
  • Try a different browser if the file picker behaves oddly.
Progress gets stuck
  • Leave the tab open - processing can take a few minutes for large files.
  • If it hasn’t moved for a long time, refresh once. The server keeps working in the background.
  • If it repeatedly fails at the same stage, re-download the file and upload again.
I uploaded the wrong file

If you uploaded the wrong file, you can usually upload again right away if the upload fails immediately (for example, an unsupported file type). If the upload is accepted and processing starts, wait for it to finish. If your account is limited to one upload, you may need to delete the existing upload before uploading a replacement.

Important disclaimer
This is educational guidance, not medical care.
Not medical advice
Pathway Health Science provides fitness, exercise, nutrition, and lifestyle education based on genetics research. It does not diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you have health concerns, talk with a licensed clinician.
Limits of DNA-based insights
  • Genes are only one piece of the puzzle. Sleep, training, diet, stress, and environment matter a lot.
  • Many genetic effects are small and can vary by population and study design.
  • Your results may change as the science and our pipeline improve.
How to use recommendations safely
  • Start with small changes and track how you feel for 2-3 weeks.
  • If you have a condition, are pregnant, or take medication, check with a clinician before making big changes.
  • Stop if you experience pain, dizziness, or unusual symptoms.