How to Reset Your Ancestry Password & Unlock Your Account

Q: How do I change my email address once I log in?

Once you are back in, go to Account Settings (top right corner) > Profile > Email . You can update it there to ensure you don't get locked out again.

Q: Will resetting my password delete my family tree?

No. Your family tree, DNA results, and saved records are linked to your account ID , not your password. Changing credentials never deletes data.

Locked out of your account? Whether you have forgotten your password or your account has been temporarily locked due to too many login attempts, recovering access is usually quick.

This guide will walk you through the standard password reset process and provide solutions for difficult situations, such as not receiving the reset email or losing access to your email address entirely.

Table of Contents

How to Reset a Forgotten Ancestry Password

If you still have access to the email address you used to sign up, follow these steps:

Go to the Login Page: Visit Ancestry.com/login.
Select “Forgot Password?”: Look for the “Forgot?” link located just above the password field.

Enter Your Email: Type in the email address associated with your account and click Continue.
Check Your Inbox: Ancestry will send you a code or a reset link.
- Tip: The subject line will usually be “Password Reset.”
Create New Password: Click the link in the email, enter your new password, and click Save.
- Security Requirement: Your password must be at least 8 characters long and should contain a mix of numbers and symbols.

Troubleshooting: Why Can’t I Reset My Ancestry Password?

Scenario A: “I didn’t receive the email.”

If you requested a reset but nothing arrived:

Check Spam/Junk: This is the most common issue.
Wait 15 Minutes: Sometimes the system is slow.
Check for Typographical Errors: Did you type gmal.com instead of gmail.com? Try requesting the reset one more time.

Scenario B: “I no longer use that email address.”

This is a difficult situation. If you cannot log in to your old email to get the reset link, you cannot reset the password yourself.

The Solution: You must contact Ancestry Support by phone.
What you need: To prove you own the account, have your billing information (last 4 digits of credit card) or details about your family tree ready so the agent can verify your identity and update your email manually.

Scenario C: “My Account is Locked.”

If you see a message saying your account is locked:

Cause: Too many incorrect password attempts.
Fix: Wait 30 minutes. The lock is usually temporary. After 30 minutes, try the “Forgot Password” steps above. Do not keep guessing, or the timer will reset.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I change my email address once I log in?

Once you are back in, go to Account Settings (top right corner) > Profile > Email. You can update it there to ensure you don’t get locked out again.

Will resetting my password delete my family tree?

No. Your family tree, DNA results, and saved records are linked to your account ID, not your password. Changing credentials never deletes data.

Why does it say “Invalid Password” when I try to make a new one?

Ancestry prevents you from using very weak passwords (like “123456” or “password”). Try a longer phrase, such as History-Tree-2025!.

I use the Ancestry App. Do I need a different password?

No. Your email and password are the same for the Ancestry website, the Mobile App, and the AncestryDNA app.

Need Further Assistance?

If the steps above do not work, or if you suspect your account has been hacked, contact official support immediately. Ancestry Customer Service: 1-800-262-3787 Support Hours: Mon-Fri, 9am-11pm EST.