AncestryDNA is famous for connecting relatives, but not everyone takes a DNA test to find family. Many users are strictly interested in their Ethnicity Estimate and have no desire to be contacted by strangers or discover unexpected relatives.
If you value your privacy, Ancestry gives you the flexibility to “Opt-Out” of matching. This guide explains how to turn off DNA matching so you can view your heritage results without being visible to anyone else.
(Note: If you are just setting up your kit now, you can choose this setting during the initial setup. See our guide on How to Activate Your AncestryDNA Kit for those specific steps.)
What Happens When You Disable AncestryDNA Matching (ThruLines + Visibility)
Before you flip the switch, it is important to understand that this is an “All or Nothing” setting. When you choose not to be listed:
- You become invisible: No one can see you in their match list.
- You lose access: You cannot see your matches either. The list will simply disappear.
- ThruLines Stops Working: Since ThruLines relies on connecting you to other people’s trees via DNA, this feature will be disabled.
- Notes are Saved: If you starred matches or wrote notes previously, they are not deleted. They will be hidden, but if you decide to turn matching back on later, all your notes and stars will reappear.
Privacy Tip: If you only want to block one specific person (like an abusive relative) but keep seeing everyone else, do not use this method. Instead, read our guide on How to Hide Specific Ancestry DNA Matches.
Step-by-Step: Turn Off AncestryDNA Matches (DNA Settings Privacy Toggle)
You can change this setting at any time, and the change usually takes effect within 24 hours.
- Log In: Go to Ancestry.com and sign in to your account.
- Go to DNA Settings: Click the DNA tab in the top menu, then select Your DNA Results Summary.
- Open Settings: Click the Settings button (gear icon) in the top-right corner of the page.
- Privacy Section: Scroll down to the section labeled Privacy.
- Change Visibility: Look for the option “DNA Matches.”
- To Hide Yourself: Toggle the switch to Off (or “Do not list me”).
- To Reappear: Toggle the switch to On.
Managing Privacy for Spouse/Child AncestryDNA Tests (View Another Test)
If you manage a DNA test for someone else—for example, if you manage a test for your husband or wife—you must change the settings for their specific test.
- Go to the DNA tab.
- Click “View Another Test” and select the person’s name.
- Follow the steps above. Changing the privacy for your test does not automatically hide your spouse or child.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see my DNA matches without them seeing me?
No. Ancestry operates on a “reciprocal” system. To see the data of others, you must share your own. You cannot be invisible while spying on other people’s lists.
Can I download my list of matches before I opt out?
Ancestry does not currently have a “Download Match List” button. If you want to save your matches before hiding, you must manually copy the information or take screenshots.
If I turn matching back on, will I lose my previous data?
No. All your previous “Starred” matches, custom groups, and notes are preserved in the background. When you toggle matching back On, everything will be restored exactly as you left it.
Does this hide my Family Tree?
No. This setting only hides your DNA results. If you have a Public Family Tree, people can still find your tree by searching for your name. To hide your tree, you must go to Tree Settings and change it to “Private.”
Conclusion
Ancestry gives you full control over your data. Whether you are taking a temporary break from genealogy or you simply prefer to keep your biological data private, opting out of matching is a reversible, safe choice. You can enjoy your Ethnicity Estimate in peace, knowing that your profile is not appearing in search results for others.
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