Ancestry · DNA results

How to Login Ancestry DNA Account?

Your AncestryDNA results hold the key to your ethnic origins and connections to relatives you never knew you had. A successful ancestry dna account login gives you access to your ethnicity estimate, DNA matches, and parent-child relationships. This guide walks you through logging into your DNA account on both the website and the dedicated AncestryDNA app, plus troubleshooting tips for common access issues.

Understanding your AncestryDNA account

Your AncestryDNA account is actually the same as your standard Ancestry account. When you activate a DNA kit, it is linked to an Ancestry account (either a new one or an existing one). So logging into your DNA account means logging into your Ancestry account with the email and password associated with your DNA kit.

Ethnicity estimate See your genetic breakdown by population region.

DNA matches Discover relatives who share DNA with you, from close family to distant cousins.

Parent-child links Identify parent-child relationships and connect trees.

ThruLines See how you might be related to your matches through your tree.

Method 1: Login to your DNA account on a computer (web browser)

🖥️ Step-by-step web login

Open your browser and go to www.ancestry.com (or your regional site).
Click the Sign in button at the top-right corner of the page.
Enter the email/username and password associated with your DNA kit. This is the account you used when you activated your kit.
If you have two-factor authentication enabled, enter the verification code when prompted.
After signing in, you'll be on your Ancestry homepage. To access your DNA results, click the DNA tab in the top menu bar.
A dropdown will appear. Select Your DNA Results Summary or DNA Matches to explore your information.

Tip: You can also directly go to www.ancestry.com/dna after logging in.

Method 2: Login using the AncestryDNA app (mobile)

Ancestry offers a dedicated app for DNA results, which provides a streamlined experience focused on ethnicity, matches, and insights.

📱 Step-by-step AncestryDNA app login

Download the AncestryDNA app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
Open the app. On the welcome screen, tap Sign in.
Enter the email/username and password for the account linked to your DNA kit.
If 2FA is enabled, enter the verification code.
After signing in, you'll land on your DNA homepage. You can view your Ethnicity, Matches, and Parent-Child relationships.

Note: You can also use the main Ancestry app – your DNA data is available there as well under the DNA tab.

Method 3: Login using the main Ancestry app (mobile)

📱 Accessing DNA in the main app

Open the main Ancestry app (green leaf icon). If you're not logged in, tap Sign in and enter your credentials.
At the bottom of the screen, tap the DNA icon (it looks like a double helix).
Your DNA summary will appear, with tabs for Ethnicity, Matches, and more.

    Important: If you have multiple DNA kits (e.g., you manage a family member's kit), you can switch between them in the DNA section. Look for a dropdown or "Manage kits" option.
  

What if you don't have an Ancestry account yet?

When you purchase and activate an AncestryDNA kit, you will be guided to create an Ancestry account or sign into an existing one. This account becomes your DNA account. If you never created an account or forgot which one you used:

Check your email for the activation confirmation – it will show the email address used.
Try signing in with any email addresses you commonly use, using the "Forgot password" option if needed.
If you're still stuck, you may need to contact Ancestry support to recover the account linked to your kit.

Managing multiple DNA kits in one account

You can manage DNA results for yourself and family members (with their permission) from a single Ancestry account. After logging in:

Go to the DNA tab and click Your DNA Results Summary.
Look for a dropdown or a link that says "Switch kits" or "Manage kits".
From there, you can add a new kit (using the activation code) or switch between existing kits.
Each person's results are kept separate – you choose which to view.

Troubleshooting: common DNA login issues

🔍 "I can't find my DNA results after login"

If you're logged in but don't see DNA data:

Make sure you're in the correct account – you might have multiple Ancestry accounts.
Check if your kit has been fully processed. DNA results typically take 6-8 weeks. The status will show "Processing" or "Results ready".
Look for the DNA tab – if it's not there, your account may not have a linked kit. Try adding your kit using the activation code.

🔐 "Wrong account – I see someone else's results"

If you log in and see DNA results for a family member, you're likely in the account used to manage their kit. To see your own results, you need to:

Switch kits within the DNA section (if your kit is also linked to this account).
Or sign out and sign into the account associated with your own kit.

📵 "App crashes when viewing DNA"

If the app crashes when you try to access DNA results:

Update the app to the latest version.
Restart your phone.
Clear the app cache (Android) or offload the app (iOS).
If problems persist, try viewing your DNA on the website – it's likely an app-specific bug.

🔄 "My DNA matches aren't loading"

DNA matches can take a moment to load, especially if you have many. Try refreshing the page or waiting a few minutes. If the issue persists, check Ancestry's system status or try again later.

👤 "I forgot which email I used for my DNA kit"

Try these steps:

Search your email inbox for "AncestryDNA activation" or "Your DNA results are ready". That email will show which address received it.
Try signing in with any email you think it might be, using "Forgot password" to see if an account exists.
If you still can't find it, contact Ancestry support with your kit number (found on the vial or activation card) – they can help locate the associated account.

Security best practices for your DNA account

Your DNA data is sensitive – use a strong, unique password for your Ancestry account.
Enable two-factor authentication to prevent unauthorized access.
Be mindful when sharing login credentials with family members; consider using the "manage kits" feature instead.
Review your privacy settings regularly: you can choose whether to appear in matches, and what information is visible.
If you tested with a family member's kit (e.g., you manage a parent's kit), ensure you have their consent to access their results.

Frequently asked questions

Is the AncestryDNA app the same as the main Ancestry app?

No, they are separate apps. The main Ancestry app includes trees, records, and DNA. The AncestryDNA app is focused solely on DNA results and matches. You can use either to view your DNA data.

Can I have DNA results from multiple people in one account?

Yes, you can manage multiple DNA kits under one account. This is common for parents or relatives whose results you help manage.

Do I need a subscription to see my DNA matches?

No, viewing your DNA matches and ethnicity estimate is free. However, to access matches' trees or send messages, you may need a subscription.

What if I never activated my DNA kit?

You must activate your kit using the code provided. During activation, you'll create or sign into an Ancestry account. Your results will appear in that account once processing is complete.

Can I delete my DNA data after logging in?

Yes, in your DNA settings, you can choose to delete your DNA results. This is permanent and cannot be undone.

Conclusion

Logging into your AncestryDNA account is simply logging into the Ancestry account associated with your DNA kit. Whether you use the website, the main Ancestry app, or the dedicated AncestryDNA app, the process is the same: enter your email and password, complete two-factor verification if enabled, and navigate to the DNA section. From there, you can explore your ethnicity, connect with matches, and uncover your genetic history. Keep your account secure, and enjoy the journey of discovery.