How to Track Your AncestryDNA Kit (Order Status & Troubleshooting)

Once you have purchased your AncestryDNA kit, the waiting game begins. Whether you are eager to get started or worried that the package has gone missing, tracking your order is simple.

Ancestry typically ships kits within a few days of purchase. In most cases, they use a shipping partner (like UPS or DHL Global Mail) to move the package to your region, and then hand it off to your local postal service for final delivery.

Here is how to track your kit’s location and what to do if the status isn’t updating.

Table of Contents

Track AncestryDNA Kit via Shipping Email (UPS/DHL/USPS Links + 2-4 Day Delay)

The easiest way to find your kit is through the confirmation email sent to you when the label was created.

Wait for the Email: It can take 2-4 business days after purchase to receive the “Your Kit Has Shipped” email.
Find the Link: Open the email and look for the button that says “Track Your Shipment” or a blue tracking number link.
View Carrier Status: This will take you to the carrier’s website (usually UPS, USPS, or DHL).
- Note: If the status says “Label Created” but not “Shipped,” give it another 24 hours for the carrier to scan the box.

Check AncestryDNA Status in Your Account Dashboard

If you deleted the email or can’t find it, you can track the package directly from your dashboard.

Log In: Sign in to your account at Ancestry.com.
Go to DNA: Click the DNA tab in the top navigation bar.
Check the Status Bar:
- If you haven’t received the kit yet, you should see a link that says “Track DNA Kit” near the top of the page.
- If you have already mailed your sample back, this same bar will show you if the lab has received it.

Fix “Not Authorized” Tracking Error: Ancestry Login Cache Clear Solution

Problem 1: “You Are Not Authorized to Access This Page”

This error often happens when you click a tracking link in an email, but your browser is confused about your login session.

The Fix: This is usually a browser cache issue.
1. Log out of Ancestry completely.
2. Clear your browser history/cache.
3. Log back in. (If you have forgotten your credentials while trying to fix this, see our guide on How to Reset Your Ancestry Password.)

Problem 2: I Only See Ads to “Buy a Kit” (No Tracking Info)

If you log in and see a big banner asking you to “Buy a DNA Kit” instead of showing your order status, one of two things is happening:

Wrong Account: You may have two Ancestry accounts. You are likely logged into an old account that doesn’t have the order history. Try logging in with a different email address.
Not Activated: If you already received the kit and mailed it back, but still see “Buy Now” ads, you may have forgotten to link the tube to your account. You must Activate Your AncestryDNA Kit using the 15-digit code for the status bar to appear.

Problem 3: Stuck “In Transit” Tracking: Find Secondary Postal Number

Shipping partners often hand off packages to the local post office for the “last mile” of delivery.

What to do: If the tracking hasn’t moved in 5 days, look for a “Secondary Tracking Number” on the UPS/DHL page. Enter that new number into your local postal service website (e.g., USPS, Royal Mail, Canada Post) for more accurate details.

Conclusion

Most kits arrive within 7-10 business days. If your kit is marked “Delivered” but you don’t have it, or if it has been lost in transit for more than two weeks, you should contact Ancestry support immediately to request a free replacement kit.