I Forgot to Register My AncestryDNA Kit Before Mailing It (Solutions)

It is a common mistake: in the excitement of taking the test, you spit in the tube, seal the box, and drop it in the mail—only to realize later that you forgot to go online and register the 15-digit activation code.

Don’t panic. In many cases, this is completely fixable.

The lab does not process your sample the second it arrives. They scan the barcode first. As long as you can link that barcode to your account before (or even shortly after) it arrives at the lab, your results will process normally.

Here is what you need to do, depending on whether you still have the code or if it’s gone for good.

Scenario 1 — You Still Have the AncestryDNA Activation Code

Status: Easy Fix

If you wrote down the code, took a photo of the tube, or still have the instruction card that came inside the box, you are safe. The “Activation Code” is printed on both the tube and the instruction insert.

1. Log in immediately to Ancestry.
2. Go to the activation page.
3. Enter the 15-digit code just as if the kit were still in your hand.
4. Complete the consent steps.

Once you see the “Success” screen, the system will waiting for that specific barcode to arrive. You can then monitor the shipping status of your package to see when the lab actually receives it.

Scenario 2 — You Lost the AncestryDNA Activation Code

Status: Difficult (Likely Need Replacement)

AncestryDNA kits are anonymous by design for privacy. The lab cannot identify a sample by your name, your return address, or your credit card. They only know the 15-digit code.

If you mailed the tube and discarded the instruction card with the code, you have locked yourself out of that specific test.

Can Ancestry Support Recover a Lost Activation Code?

Generally, no. Support agents usually cannot retrieve an activation code for a kit that has already been mailed because they have no way to link the physical tube in the mail pile to your account.

However, if you saved the return tracking number (from the shipping label), there is a slim chance they can help, but do not count on it.

The Solution: Request a Free Replacement

If the code is lost, you must accept that the mailed sample will eventually be discarded by the lab as “unclaimed.” You need a new kit.

Ancestry offers a free replacement kit for situations like this.

1. Find Your Order Information: You will need the order number or proof of purchase. You can find this by looking up your transaction receipts and history.
2. Contact Support: Call Ancestry (1-800-262-3787) or use their online chat.
3. Explain the Issue: Tell them, “I mailed my kit but lost the activation code.”
4. Deactivation: They will deactivate the old kit (so no one else can use it) and mail you a new one.
5. Wait: The new kit typically arrives in 5-7 business days.

How to Avoid This AncestryDNA Mistake in the Future

When your replacement kit arrives, follow this “Golden Rule” to ensure you don’t face a delay again:

Pro Tip: Before you even open the plastic wrapper on the tube, take a clear photo of the 15-digit code and the barcode with your smartphone.

Having this photo acts as a permanent backup. Even if you lose the card, or if the kit gets lost in the mail and you need to prove which one was yours, that photo is your safety net.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

While mailing an unregistered kit feels like a disaster, it is a solvable problem. If you have the code, activate it now. If you don’t, request a replacement immediately. The only thing you lose is a bit of time—your money and your opportunity to explore your heritage are safe.