23andMe data is gathered using a browser-based approach with AJAX interception. You log in to 23andMe through an embedded browser in the Client, and match data is captured automatically as the Client intercepts page responses. Additional data types (ICW, chromosome segments, haplogroups) are gathered via automated browser navigation after the initial login.
| Data Type | Available | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | Yes | Captured automatically during browsing |
| ICW (In Common With) | Yes | Gathered via automated navigation (default: On) |
| Chromosome Segments | Yes* | Requires a 23andMe+ subscription. Toggle available (default: Off). |
| Haplogroups | Yes | Maternal and paternal haplogroups (default: On) |
| Ancestry Composition | Yes | Ethnicity/ancestry estimates (default: Off) |
| Family Tree | No | Toggle exists but 23andMe provides limited tree data |
| Triangulation | No | Toggle exists but currently hidden in the UI |
23andMe may present a CloudFlare challenge during login. If you see a verification page, complete it in the browser and the Client will continue automatically.
If you have access to multiple 23andMe profiles (e.g., family members who have shared access), select which profile to gather from using the dropdown.
Default: On. Gathers shared match (In Common With) data. This data is essential for clustering tools (CLM, Shared Clustering, Warthen Interactive Cluster). Has a dedicated Clear button to remove previously gathered ICW data.
Default: Off. Gathers chromosome segment data showing where you share DNA with each match. This data is used by CMA and the chromosome browser in the Warthen Interactive Cluster. Has a dedicated Clear button.
Requires a 23andMe+ subscription. 23andMe only exposes chromosome segment data to accounts with an active 23andMe+ Premium membership. Free 23andMe accounts cannot access this data, so enabling the Chromosome toggle on a free account will not return segment data.
Chromosome gathering adds significant time to the gather process. Enable it when you specifically need segment data for CMA or chromosome mapping.
Default: On. Gathers maternal (mtDNA) and paternal (Y-DNA) haplogroup information.
Default: Off. Gathers ethnicity and ancestry composition estimates.
Default: Off. 23andMe provides limited family tree data compared to other services.
Set the minimum and maximum shared centimorgans to filter which matches are gathered. Only matches within this range will be collected.
23andMe sessions can expire during long gather operations. The Client handles session expiration and re-authentication automatically when possible. If you are logged out, you may need to click Web Login again to resume.
Use Web Logout to explicitly end your 23andMe session when done gathering.
Gathering saves your data into the local database (the .db file in your database folder). It does not create CSV files on its own. CSV files are produced by the report step, which reads the data already in your database and writes it out in the universal CSV format used by other genealogy tools.
There are two ways to produce the CSV files:
If you gathered without Auto-Report turned on and don't see any CSV files yet, your data is still safe in the database — just click Run Report to create the CSVs. There is no need to gather again.
The CSV files are saved directly in your database folder, alongside the .db file — the same folder the Open Folder button on the home page opens. You do not need to look inside the BrowserData subfolders; those hold the embedded browser's session cache, not your gathered data.
The exported CSV files are compatible with other genealogy tools, including DNAPainter, the Genealogical DNA Analysis Tool (GDAT), RootsFinder DNATools, and spreadsheet programs such as Excel and Google Sheets.