Your Ancestry account is the gateway to your genetic history. Whether you are checking for new ethnicity updates or building your family tree, you must log in securely to protect your private data.
While the process is straightforward, issues with forgotten passwords or browser errors can sometimes lock you out. This guide covers how to sign in correctly and what to do if you cannot access your account.
How to Log In to Your Ancestry Account
You can access your DNA dashboard from any device. The login credentials are the same whether you are visiting ancestry.com or ancestrydna.com.
- Visit the Website: Open your web browser and go to the main Ancestry homepage.
- Locate Sign In: Click the Sign In button located in the top-right corner of the screen.
- Enter Credentials: Type in your registered email address (or username) and your password.
- Access Dashboard: Click Sign In. You will be directed to your personalized home page where you can view your trees and DNA results.
New Users: If you do not have a login yet, you do not necessarily need to buy a subscription immediately. You can create a free registered guest account to activate a kit or start a basic tree.
Troubleshooting Ancestry Sign In Problems
If you enter your details but cannot get in, there are usually two common causes: a forgotten password or a browser conflict.
1. Incorrect Password
If the site says your password is wrong, do not try to guess it multiple times, as this may temporarily lock your account for security.
- The Fix: Click the “Forgot?” link in the login box. You will need to enter your email to trigger an email verification. Follow the steps to reset your password securely.
2. “Not Authorized” or Looping Errors
Sometimes, you might enter the correct password but get kicked back to the login screen or see an error message saying “You are not authorized to access this page.”
- The Cause: This is often a “cookie” issue where your browser is holding onto old, expired login data.
- The Fix: You likely need to clear your cache or specific cookies. See our guide on how to fix the “Not Authorized” error message to resolve this glitch.
Managing Your Ancestry Account After Logging In
Once you are inside, you have full control over your billing and test settings.
- Billing: If you need to stop automatic payments, you must navigate to your “Account Settings” (under your profile icon) to cancel the subscription before your renewal date.
- DNA Settings: This is also where you can manage privacy for your results or link a test to a tree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Your username and password are universal. You use the exact same credentials for the Ancestry app, the AncestryDNA app, and the website.
No. Ancestry contains sensitive data, including living relatives’ names and genetic information. Always uncheck “Remember me” and manually click Sign Out when using a library or shared computer.
If you no longer have access to the email address you used to sign up, you cannot reset your password via email. You will need to contact Ancestry support directly to verify your identity and update your profile.
Conclusion
Logging in is the first step to unlocking your family history. By keeping your password updated and knowing how to troubleshoot browser errors, you ensure that your research—and your DNA data—remains accessible only to you.
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