Whether you noticed a typo in your birth year, are updating your gender identity, or simply want to change how your name appears to potential relatives, Ancestry allows you to modify the personal details attached to your DNA kit at any time.
It is important to distinguish between the internal test details (which help Ancestry manage your sample) and your public display name (what your DNA matches see). This guide covers how to update both to ensure your account is accurate and your privacy is protected.
How to Change Your Test Details (Name, Gender, Birth Year)
These settings are specific to the DNA kit itself. Updating the name here changes the label on the test (useful if you manage multiple kits), but it does not change the name on your billing or subscription account.
- Go to DNA Settings: Log in and click the DNA tab > Your DNA Results Summary.
- Open Settings: Click the Settings button (gear icon) in the top-right corner.
- Locate Test Details: At the very top of the page, you will see the section labeled “Test Details.”
- Edit: Click the Change link next to the specific field you want to update:
- Name: This is the name displayed on your dashboard.
- Gender: You can update this to reflect your current identity.
- Birth Year: Used for internal age verification and differentiating kits.
- Save: Click Save to apply the changes immediately.
Note for Managers: If you manage a test for a family member—for example, if you are handling an account shared with a spouse or parent—make sure you are in their specific settings. You can switch between tests by clicking “View Another Test” in the top DNA menu.
How to Change Your Public Display Name (Privacy)
If you are uncomfortable with strangers seeing your real full name in their match list, you can switch to using your initials or a username. This is a common privacy step for users who want to see their ethnicity results but remain discreet.
- Stay on the DNA Settings page.
- Scroll down to the Privacy section.
- Look for “Display Name” and click Change.
- Select Your Preference: You can choose to display:
- Your real name (e.g., “John Smith”).
- Your username (e.g., “JSmith1980”).
- Your initials (e.g., “J.S.”).
- Save: The change will update across all your matches’ lists within 24 hours.
(If limiting your name isn’t enough and you want to vanish completely, you may prefer to choose not to be listed as a DNA match entirely.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, no. Your ethnicity estimate and DNA matches are based on your biological DNA data, not the text label in your settings. However, keeping this accurate helps Ancestry’s algorithms sort relationships correctly (e.g., distinguishing between “Father’s Side” and “Mother’s Side” matches).
No. The “Test Details” section only affects the DNA kit. To check your billing details, you should view your membership order history under your main account profile.
Ancestry requires DNA test takers to be at least 18 years old to manage their own account. If you enter a birth year that indicates the user is a minor, the system may flag the account. If this happens, you may need to follow the steps to activate a kit for a child properly under a parent’s account.
Conclusion
Keeping your DNA test details accurate ensures a smoother experience when sorting through matches, while adjusting your display name gives you control over your digital footprint. Whether you are correcting a simple typo or curating your privacy, these updates are instant and reversible.
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