Manual method
- Use a computer, open DNA > Manage DNA kits, then the kit’s three-dot menu > Download kit.
- Select the DNA data file; if offered and wanted, request Specialized Genomic CRAM File separately.
- Accept the download notice and follow the email verification flow.
- Download all requested files; store raw genotype and CRAM as different artifacts.
Coverage and limitations: Only the kit manager can download. Previously uploaded kits cannot be re-downloaded here. CRAM needs reference-genome context and is not a simple replacement for a standard genotype text file.
Size and time to allow
Illustrative planning size: 0.02 GB; scenario range 0.005–2.1 GB. This is a storage-planning example, not a measured average. Your archive may be smaller or larger. Central example is a genotype file; an eligible WGS kit’s optional CRAM is about 2 GB according to MyHeritage.
Preparation and hands-on time: For CRAM, MyHeritage states a few hours up to a day; emailed links last 24 hours. Check the confirmation screen for raw-file processing time.
For the 0.02 GB example, network transfer alone is approximately:
| Connection download speed | Transfer estimate |
|---|---|
| 10 Mbit/s | 23 sec |
| 50 Mbit/s | 5 sec |
| 100 Mbit/s | 3 sec |
These calculations use decimal GB and 70% of the advertised speed. Tiny transfers can take longer because of startup overhead. Local exports do not need an internet download; use these numbers only for a network transfer. Preparation, retries, extraction, checking and a cloud upload are additional; use upload speed for the latter.
Where and how to keep it
An encrypted USB key can hold this example, but keep another independent copy on an external drive or in private encrypted cloud storage. A USB key alone is easily lost and is not a complete preservation plan. Genetic files can also reveal information about relatives; keep access limited and store the recovery key separately.
Create a dated myheritage_dna/YYYY-MM-DD/ folder. Keep received originals unchanged, use a separate working copy, and note the account/profile, selected dates, formats and known gaps in a private README. Compare file sizes, check any supplied checksums, and open sample files from the backup before considering the task finished. Repeat after meaningful additions. Follow the storage, archive-checking and large-file guide.
Sources and review
Public documentation was reviewed on 27 October 2026. No signed-in export or restoration was performed. Account options and availability can change; follow the current provider instructions.