This post has been updated.
AncestryDNA has, by far, the largest commercial database of autosomal DNA testers in the world, larger than all of the other genealogical databases combined. This graph says it all:
As of this writing, their corporate page says they have “almost 10 million people in the AncestryDNA database”, and I suspect they’ve already broken that threshold. For that reason, AncestryDNA is, hands down, the first place to start if you’re new to DNA testing and interested in genealogy.
But, it’s not the last.
Because each of the DNA testing companies has its own set of customers, you will have DNA cousins at, say, 23andMe who haven’t tested at AncestryDNA, and vice versa. In fact, I recently broke down a brick wall on my Larkin line using three DNA matches at 23andMe who haven’t tested anywhere else. Likewise, I have key matches at MyHeritage and Family Tree DNA who have only tested at those companies. If I were not in those databases myself, I would never have found them.
Paying for DNA tests at multiple companies adds up quickly. Fortunately, you don’t have to! The smaller companies are actively trying to grow their databases by accepting data from their competitors … for free! That means you can pay for a single test at AncestryDNA and copy the results to MyHeritage, Family Tree DNA, and Living DNA at no additional cost. This so-called transfer process won’t remove your DNA data (sometimes called a “kit”) from AncestryDNA, it’ll just add it to the other databases.
Unfortunately, If you want to be in 23andMe’s matching database, you’ll have to purchase a test through them. They do not accept transfers from other companies to find DNA relatives.
AncestryDNA isn’t the only source of data the smaller companies will accept; they will also take data from one another. Click here for a summary of which DNA data transfers are possible. But by the bang-for-your-buck metric, testing at AncestryDNA first is the best way to go.
How to Download Your Data from AncestryDNA
The first step in a data transfer is to copy your “raw data file” to your personal computer. (If you’re working on a public computer, like at a library, make sure to delete the files from the hard drive when you’re done.) That file contains the actual DNA data-the As, Cs, Gs, and Ts-for roughly 700,000 spots in your genome.
To do this, log into your Ancestry.com account, click on the DNA tab at the top of the page, then click the Settings button at the top right.
On the next page, you will see an “Actions” panel at the top right. Click the button to “Download Raw DNA Data”. (Do not click the button below that one! It will delete your data.)
You will get a pop-up form. Enter your password, click the check box to acknowledge that a file stored on your computer is no longer protected by AncestryDNA, and click the orange “Confirm” button.
As an added security measure, AncestryDNA will send you an email with a link to download your data. When the email arrives, click the green button to “Confirm Data Download”.
This link will take you back to AncestryDNA’s web page, where you can now click the “Download DNA Raw Data” button to copy the data file to your computer. This will not remove your data from AncestryDNA.
The file will probably be saved in your “Downloads” folder (unless you’ve told your internet browser to save things somewhere else.) It will be called “dna-data-YYYY-MM-DD.zip”, where YYYY-MM-DD represents the date of the download. The “zip” ending means that the file is in a compacted form. Do not unzip it.
TIP: As a privacy precaution, the file will not have any identifying information in either its name or its contents. If you’re planning to do transfers for multiple people, do all of them for one person before starting on the next person to avoid mixing up the files.
Transfer Your Raw Data File to MyHeritage
The first place you will want to transfer your data is to MyHeritage. They have the largest database of the companies that accept transfer data – the biggest of the smallest, so to speak. To start the transfer, click here.
On the page that loads, click the fuchsia “Start” button.
The next page will guide you through setting up a free account with MyHeritage. Be sure to read the Service Terms and Privacy Policy. They are mandatory. If you don’t agree to them, do not continue with the upload. If you do agree, fill in the form and click the fuchsia “Go” button.
Now, you will be asked to specify whose DNA you are uploading, to confirm that you accept the Service Terms (again!), and to decide whether to accept the Informed Consent Agreement (for research). The Informed Consent is optional; again, please read them and decide whether you wish to contribute to their research program or not.
If you are uploading DNA data for someone else, you will also be asked to confirm that you have that person’s permission. Obviously, we would not want to upload DNA data for anyone against their wishes.
Finally, click the fuchsia “Upload” button. Navigate to the location on your computer where the AncestryDNA file was saved, select it, click “Open”, and wait for the data to upload. Once the file is safely transferred to MyHeritage, click “Done”. It will take a few days before you are fully integrated into their system and have DNA matches.
TIP: At MyHeritage, you can upload DNA kits for multiple people into the same account, so you do not have to log out then log back in to work with the DNA matches for multiple family members.
Transfer Your Raw Data File to Family Tree DNA
Be aware that the default setting for uploads (and original tests) at Family Tree DNA is to be exposed to law enforcement searches. The company has its own “investigative genetic genealogy” division.
Another place to upload your AncestryDNA data for more potential matches is Family Tree DNA. From the main page, hover your cursor over “DNA Tests” at the top left, then select “Autosomal Transfer”.
On the next page fill in the form with your name and email address to set up a free account. Be sure to read the Terms of Service. Do not upload your data if you do not agree to them.
(If you already have an FTDNA account from prior yDNA or mtDNA testing, click the red text below the JOIN TODAY! button. You will be asked to log into your account so you can upload the AncestryDNA data into it. If you’ve done the Family Finder test with FTDNA, there is no need to transfer the AncestryDNA file there.)
On the next page, click the rectangle that says “23andMe/AncestryDNA”.
Now, drag-and-drop your AncestryDNA file into the field that appears, or click the red text saying “browse file” to find it on your hard drive. Click the “SUBMIT” button when it turns red.
While you’re waiting for the file to upload, limber up your clicking finger, because you’re going to need it. When it’s done, you’ll get a message with your “kit number” and a notice that your password will be emailed to you.
- Click the orange “GO TO MYFTDNA” button.
- On the next page, confirm your email address, and click the orange “Confirm and Proceed” button.
- Read the Terms of Service and Privacy Statement, and, if you agree, check the box and click the orange “Confirm and Proceed” button.
- Read the “Consent to Participate in Matching” and, if you agree, check the box and click the orange “Complete and Proceed to Dashboard” button.
If you consented to matching, you should be able to access your match list within 24 hours (usually much faster).
NOTE: Each new data file uploaded to FTDNA will be in a separate account with its own login information. You can use the same email address for multiple accounts.
TIP: If you get an error with the upload, use this free online application to convert your AncestryDNA raw data file into a format FTDNA can read, and then upload the resulting file instead of the one you downloaded from AncestryDNA:
http://www.mapmy23.com/tools/ancestry_ftdna_fix.php
Transfer Your Raw Data File to Living DNA
Living DNA is the newest entry into the market. People who transfer data into their database will have access to DNA matching when it is introduced in late summer, 2018, but not to the Living DNA ethnicity estimates. Their data will be used as part of their One Family One World initiative to build a global family tree and to improve Living DNA’s ethnicity estimates.
To transfer into the Living DNA database, click here and fill out the “Your details” form.
You will then be asked to fill in information about your parents and grandparents. Here’s an example:
You will have the option to upload a gedcom if you want.
Under Research Project agreement, check the appropriate box. As always, read the terms and conditions first, and do not continue with the upload if you do not agree.
Click “Submit your application”. In a bit of e-mail overkill, Living DNA will first email you a link to confirm your email address, then, once you’ve done that, a second email with instructions on how to upload the data.
Log into your account at Living DNA and click the blue “Upload Data” button. On the next page, click the small “Choose File” button near the bottom, navigate to the data file on your computer, select it, then click “Upload File”.
You won’t be able to do anything with the uploaded data until matching becomes available in August 2018, so check back then. For now, consider it one more tasks scratched off your list!
TIP: At Living DNA, you can upload DNA kits for multiple people into the same account, so you do not have to log out then log back in to work with the DNA matches for multiple family members. When you enroll a new person into the One Family One World project, simply use the email address for the account you already have.
Transfer Your Raw Data File to GEDmatch
Please read this post before you transfer to GEDmatch. The default setting for new uploads to GEDmatch is to be exposed to law enforcement investigations. GEDmatch was purchased in December 2019 by Verogen, a company that makes equipment and supplies for law enforcement laboratories.
GEDmatch is a third-party site that functions like a common meeting ground for genetic genealogy. They accept data from the testing companies, and have some tools that none of the other sites offer. There are fewer privacy protections at GEDmatch than elsewhere, and US law enforcement uses the database for criminal investigations, so if those facts are a concern for you, GEDmatch may not be right for you. There is a way to “hide” your data at GEDmatch for privacy. I’ll explain how to do that below.
To create an account at GEDmatch, click here, fill out the User Registration form, then click “Register”.
You will receive an email with a registration confirmation code. Enter that code into the confirmation page at GEDmatch.
Read through the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, then at the bottom of the page, indicate whether you accept or reject the terms. If you accept them, you will be taken to the main page at GEDmatch.
Find the section called “Upload your DNA files” in the right-hand column and click the link for “Generic Uploads (23andme, FTDNA, AncestryDNA, most others”.
On the next page, fill out the first six fields with (1) the name of the person who tested, (2) an optional alias to be shown to DNA matches instead of their real name, (3) the tester’s sex, (4) the mitochondrial haplogroup (optional), (5) the Y haplogroup (optional), (6) and the original testing company (i.e., Ancestry). If you don’t give an alias, the tester’s real name will show to their matches. You can leave the haplogroup fields blank.
In the next section, indicate whose DNA data you are uploading. For most people reading these instructions, the kit will be your own, so you would select the first option. The other choices are self explanatory. You must make a choice to continue the upload process.
In the next section, specify who will be able to see the kit. Note that the default setting, “Opt-in”, exposes the tester to law enforcement investigations. I recommend considering both the pros and cons before selecting this option. “Opt-out” lets other matches in the system see the kit, with the exception of kits that are part of law-enforcement investigations. “Research” kits can see their matches but their matches can’t see them, like a one-way mirror. (This is the setting law enforcement uses.) And “Private” kits are not part of the matching system at all. Use this option if you only want to use tools, like Are Your Parents Related?, and don’t want to participate in relative matching at all.
Finally, at the bottom, click the “Choose file” button to navigate to the AncestryDNA file stored on your computer, select it, then click the “Upload” button. Wait for the upload to complete, at which point you will be assigned a 9-character “kit number”. Some of the tools at GEDmatch will be useable within 20 minutes or so. Matching should be available within 24 hours.
To update information about a kit or the privacy settings, go to the main page at GEDmatch. You should see your kit number(s) listed in the left-hand column under the header “DNA Resources”. Click the yellow pencil icon beside the kit you’d like to edit. The next page lets you edit or add information, for example if you have since learned your haplogroup(s), and change the privacy settings.
You can even delete the kit entirely or transfer control to another GEDmatch user using the three tabs near the top of the page.
TIP: At GEDmatch, you can upload DNA kits for multiple people into the same account, so you do not have to log out then log back in to work with the DNA matches for multiple family members. Of course, ethics require that you have explicit, informed consent from each tester to upload their data, regardless of who paid for the test.
You’re Done!
Congratulations! If you’ve done one or more of these uploads, you will soon have access to new DNA matches for free! Happy genealogizing. (Is that a word?!?)
Updates to this Post
14 Jun 2018 – updated to clarify that a transfer does not delete your DNA data from the original testing company and to add instructions for making a kit “research” at GEDmatch
13 May 2019 – added link to Judy G. Russell’s post to the section on GEDmatch
10 February 2020 – updated the instructions for GEDmatch
Timely and excellent info, Leah. I’ve copied a link from this post to my DNA Genealogy Group of Long Island. We have a constant flow of new members that will find your post invaluable. Thanks for a job well done.
Sincerely,
Patricia Ann Kellner
I hope they find it helpful! Please let me know if any of the steps are confusing.
Hi. Sigh!! My Laptop won’t let me Print this….& you can’t seriously expect me to remember it when I go to actually DO it??? (I am over 70) I did “Download my Raw Data”…but now don’t seem to be able to get back to that to “send” it to the other sites. Can it be made “Printable?” Thank you.
I am able to print it, but you don’t need to. Open the post in one browser window and use a separate browser window to do the transfers. That way you’ll have access to the instructions as well as the links to the websites you need to use.
Press Ctrl + P at the same time and that should create a printable PDF.
I’m trying to get my DNA from 23andme to Ancestry but all your instructions seem to be for the opposit
Neither Ancestry nor 23andMe accepts uploads of raw data files, so I’m afraid you can’t transfer either way between the two. I encourage you to test directly with Ancestry if you’re interested in genealogy. You’ll be glad you did!
Hi I started my DNA WITH 23 and me can I get my raw data from them
Yes, you can!
1. Log into your 23andMe account.
2. Click on your profile icon at the top right.
3. Select “Browse Raw Data”.
4. Click on the Download tab.
5. Read the text then check the “I understand” box.
6. Submit the request.
They will email you when the file is ready.
LOL… genealogizing… love the new word. An English professor once told me that if you got a word published 5 times, it was eligible for inclusion in the dictionary… you’re on your way…
Challenge accepted!
Thanks for the guided information about this process.
The only concern I have is using the word “transfer” to talk about it. I’m reluctant to use that and usually encourage people to “copy” their results. Some people think I want them to move it somewhere else.
This is a great post. Thank you for such detail.
I have been getting an error in LivingDNA – they tell me the location that I am putting in for my parents is incorrect. Is there a birth location format that I need to adhere to? I can’t seem to find any information about that.
Thank you!
Nick
I had that error too the last time I uploaded a kit. They’re aware of the problem. In the meantime, you can upload the kit without specifying parent/grandparent locations.
Hi,
Thanks for a good post. Would like to point out that GEDmatch is not a testing company. It is a great “clearinghouse” for people that want to upload their data from testing company in hopes of finding more matches and their DNA analytic tools are fun to use.
I am aware. 😉
Thank you for this website! It is such a helpful resource for this new industry.
Hi Leah,
With so many now testing direct at My Heritage, would you consider writing up a similar step-by-step guide for downloading from My Heritage.
It really would be great to have guides for all companies. So much easier to send matches a link to a guide like this.
Thanks, Elena
Good job. Thanks for posting.
Curious – I downloaded my raw DNA from Ancestry, and successfully uploaded it to My Heritage. But My Living DNA and Family Tree DNA both said my file couldn’t be uploaded. I didn’t do anything to the file when I downloaded it. I simply saved it…and moments later started going through the different links you have here to upload. Any tips? Suggestions?
I suspect the problem at LivingDNA is a glitch. Try again in a week or two. At FTDNA, try running the kit through the tool at MayMy23 before uploading:
http://www.mapmy23.com/tools/ancestry_ftdna_fix.php
Thank you!
I clicked on the above link and get a file not found error 404.
Which link?
Yes, I too have used http://www.mapmy23.com, & it does make the file receivable to many that would not take it in it’s original format. However you should be aware that for some reason, if nothing else gets altered, if your a woman the file that comes out may now show you as male. Don’t know why. This happened to both myself & my moms. So, in the end, useless for me.
Your sex as shown at the DNA companies is based on what you enter when you register, not on anything in your raw data file.
Hi,
Would you be able to help me with some information? My dad doesn’t know his birth father and I am trying to uncover his ethnicity and possibly a surname. I am looking into getting him to do a Y-DNA test, where is the best place to buy this? The popular sites don’t offer them, which is a shame because I would like to use Ancestry’s database. Does the amount of markers make a big difference? As the one that matches 100’s of markers is about $500. Would I still get a good result with the $99 test that uses 33 markers?
Thank You
I recommend that you have your father do both the AncestryDNA test, as well as the Y-37 test at Family Tree DNA. Both are on sale through the end of the year.
https://thednageek.com/dna-tests/
If you can only afford to go with one then AncestryDNA is your best option and it can land up giving incredible information. My sister who was adopted and knew nothing about her parents found out about her ethnicity. Also, she matched with first cousins, which led her fairly quickly to finding her birth parents.
I Louise
I know you posted your question in 2018 but I thought you may be interested in my experience which is the same as your research. I have an Ancestry account and had been trying to find my deceased fathers father. Basically doing local archive research I found my deceased grandmother had taken an individual to court for bastardy. This individual wasn’t on my family tree at that time so I placed him on my tree as my grandmothers husband. Around three weeks later I received an email from a gentleman in Australia saying his deceased grandfather wasn’t married to my grandmother. By the way I live in England.
Subsequently I found out both the man in Australia and his mother had completed a DNA test and we both decided that it would be worthwhile me doing the same. After the torment of waiting for my results, I now know I have a second cousin “Tracy” in Australia and also know my grandfathers name.
The results of Tracy and his mother where the highest on my lists of matching relatives, being the first two entries.
I hope you didn’t mind me emailing you and wish you every success with your research.
Regards Tony Dagger
I have uploaded my DNA from Ancestry to Living DNA, but I can’t any matches etc. Do you know if they are the still in the process of enabling this type of upload
Their matching program has not been fully implemented yet.
This the link that I tried and it did not work.
http://www.mapmy23.com/tools/ancestry_ftdna_fix.php
Okay, thanks. It appears to be offline right now. They may have disabled it when FTDNA began accepting all Ancestry data files a few months ago. They (FTDNA) seem to be having problems again. Hopefully it’s temporary.
My Heritage and Family Tree now charge in order to see DNA/Ethnicity information. The only information that is free when I downloaded my info from Ancestry.com are my matches. Anything else and sadly theres a one-time charge.
That’s not surprising. The companies are businesses and are expected to generate revenue.
How much are the charges at each site?
It’s free to do the transfer and get DNA matches. MyHeritage charges $29 (I think) to unlock additional tools and FTDNA charges $19. Sometimes there are discounts, and MyHeritage’s charges may differ if you subscribe.
Thanks for this info, it was most helpful
You’re welcome!
I am new to the DNA game. In trying to find my half brother’s bio father, my brother has tested at Ancestry, 23&Me, FTDNA. I read your post but am unsure if I can somehow see Ancestry and 23&Me together. My brother has 2-3 cousins on different sites and it would help to see them together and see who is related to whom. FTDNA has very few close matches.
Thanks for any help. Your info is fantastic.
There isn’t a way to view your Ancestry matches on 23andMe’s website or vice versa. What I do is build a tree at Ancestry for all of the matches that I can. You can use MyTreeTags (a beta feature at Ancestry) to mark the DNA matches and even create a custom tag to remind you which company they tested with. That makes them searchable. https://thednageek.com/ancestrys-mytreetags/
Once I start to make connections between the matches, I draw descendant trees in either LucidChart (www.lucidchart.com) or WATO (https://dnapainter.com/tools/probability) from their common ancestors down to the people who have tested. In LucidChart, I color code based on where they tested. With WATO, you can start to plug in hypotheses for where your half brother might fit into the descendant tree and it’ll tell you which is most likely so you can focus your efforts. (https://thednageek.com/science-the-heck-out-of-your-dna-part-7/)
Ok. I’ve done a lot of research and arrived at who might be my brother’s BF. I need someone to check my work and assumptions as I have never done this before. There’s a presentation that is self explanatory and guides the reader through some confusing information. Do you know anyone or any group that vet’s DNA research?
If you’d like to schedule a consultation, you can contact me via this link: https://thednageek.com/contact/
If you’re looking for more informal help from other enthusiasts, I recommend that you join the Genetic Genealogy Tips & Techniques group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/geneticgenealogytipsandtechniques/
I’m looking for my half brother and I have DNA results from 23&me and MyHeritage I don’t know what to look for. Also, can I upload both of my DNA results to one site?
DNA can only help you find your half brother if he or one of his direct descendants (child, grandchild) has tested. Yes, you can transfer your 23andMe and/or MyHeritage data to other sites. I recommend that you test with Ancestry, too, as they have the largest database.
This is most helpful. Let me research what you have sent and I will get back to you. Stay tuned.
Let me ask my brother what he wants to do for next steps. Stay tuned.
Gedmatch website has been updated, has more options when uploading information.
Thank you for that reminder. I updated the instructions.
Similar results. Although my parents were high school sweethearts he disappeared after my birth so getting DNA from him is highly unlikely. Thankfully many of my cousins used the same database & Ancestry.com was able to scientifically confirm what I’d always been told.
Can you tell me anything about how specific are the Living DNA ethnicity estimates when one upgrades from loading DNA data from another company? I already know 67% England/Wales and 30% Ireland/Scotland from Ancestry tests, are Living DNA (British company) estimates more specific than that? In other words could the $39 upgrade help me locate a British Isle region/county from which my ancestors came?
I’m afraid I can’t. Sorry.
This post was started in June 2018 so there are probably a few changes since then but can you tell me if I have to sign up to other sites before I can transfer my DNA from Ancestry & will I have to subscribe to them to view any results.
You need to create an account at each of the other sites. They all operate on a “freemium” model, in which some features are free and you have to pay to access other features. At MyHeritage and FTDNA, it’s a one-time fee. GEDmatch has a subscription. Note that MyHeritage has a subscription records service that is not required for the DNA results (much like Ancestry).
Not bat explanation but need an update!
I follow these steps and finally get my DNA raw file. I have successfully uploaded to some free / paid DNA platforms. Some of them could not process! But most did 🙂
Has anyone tested ADNTRO??
The steps that you have provided were quite helpful in transfering my DNA data to Gedmatch. This article covers few more updates on Gedmatch – https://www.ancestrymatch.com/blog/how-to-use-gedmatch-genesis-with-these-7-insights/
Hi,
I’ve just uploaded my Ancestry DNA data to My Heritage, there was no problem in the transfer as it was accepted by My Heritage but the file from Ancestry was a ‘.txt’ file rather than a ‘.zip’ file.
Just thought I’d let you know.
Your browser must have automatically unzipped the file. It’s good to know MyHeritage accepted it anyway. Thanks for letting us know!
Hi
The information you’ve provided is really helpful. Thank you. I do have a query and wonder if you could help or point me in the right direction. My Dad lives in Zimbabwe and has managed to obtain a print out of his DNA data but not the analysis….the company in Zimbabwe that did it for him were not able to do that part. Is there a way that I could manually (typing it in) his data on one of the sites mentioned here to enable me to get a break down of the his ancestry as opposed to uploading it through the various sites? I used Ancestry to obtain my DNA but not so easy for my Dad in Zimbabwe. Any help you could provide would be appreciated. Thank you!
It sounds like your dad did an “STR test” rather than the kind of test we do for genetic genealogy (“SNP tests”). An autosomal test for genetic genealogy would be something like 700,000 lines long. I think MyHeritage will ship to Zimbabwe so that might be your best option.