Ancestry deletion is permanent and removes your DNA results, family tree, and all messages
When you delete your Ancestry account, the company removes your login credentials, DNA results if you took a test, your family tree, messages, and saved searches. This action cannot be undone. If you have already taken a DNA test, deletion does not remove your genetic data from Ancestry's research database — it only severs the connection between that data and your account. You will need to submit a separate DNA deletion request if you want your genetic information removed from their research use.
The deletion process itself takes a few minutes to initiate through your account settings, but Ancestry may take up to 30 days to fully process the request and remove your information from their active systems. During this window, you can still log back in and cancel the deletion if you change your mind.
Key Takeaways
- Deleting your account removes your login, family tree, messages, and DNA results from your profile, but does not automatically remove your DNA from Ancestry's research database.
- You must submit a separate DNA deletion request through Ancestry's privacy portal if you want your genetic data removed from research use.
- The deletion process takes a few minutes to start, but Ancestry has up to 30 days to fully remove your data from their systems.
- You can cancel a deletion request within 30 days by logging back into your account before the process completes.
Steps to delete your account through Ancestry's website
Log into your Ancestry account and go to Settings, which you will find in the top right corner of the page under your profile menu. Select Account Settings, then scroll down to find the Delete Account option near the bottom of the page. Ancestry will ask you to confirm your password before proceeding.
Click the delete button and Ancestry will show you a final confirmation screen listing what will be removed: your family tree, DNA results, messages, and saved searches. Read this screen carefully because it is your final note to cancel. If you proceed, Ancestry will send a confirmation email to the address associated with your account. You do not need to click a link in that email — the deletion begins when ready after you click the delete button on the website.
From this point forward, you have 30 days to change your mind. If you log back into your account at any time during this 30-day window, the deletion request will be cancelled and your account will remain active. After 30 days, Ancestry will permanently remove your account data from their systems.
Removing your DNA from Ancestry's research database
Deleting your account does not remove your DNA from Ancestry's research programs. If you took a DNA test and want your genetic information removed from Ancestry's research use, you must submit a separate request through their Privacy Center. Go to Ancestry.com, scroll to the bottom of the page, and click Privacy. Select Your Privacy Choices and then DNA Deletion Request.
Ancestry will ask you to verify your identity — usually by confirming your email address or answering security questions tied to your account. Once verified, you can request that your DNA be removed from their research database. This request is separate from account deletion and must be submitted even if you have already deleted your account. Ancestry processes DNA deletion requests within 30 days, though they may contact you to confirm your identity before proceeding.
Keep in mind that if you have already shared your DNA results with family members through Ancestry's shared DNA features, those family members will still have access to the results on their own accounts. Deleting your DNA only removes it from Ancestry's systems, not from the accounts of people you have already shared it with.
What happens to your family tree after deletion
When you delete your account, your family tree is removed from Ancestry's public and private databases. However, if other users have already downloaded or saved a copy of your tree, or if they have built their own trees that reference your information, those copies will remain on their accounts. Ancestry does not retroactively remove information that other users have already saved.
If you are concerned about a specific family tree that other users may have copied, consider making your tree private before deletion. This limits visibility but does not prevent people who already have access from keeping their copies. If you want to remove specific information from a tree before deletion, you can edit or delete individual people and records while your account is still active.
Reactivating your account during the 30-day window
If you delete your account and then decide you want to keep it, you have 30 days to cancel the deletion. straightforward log back into your account using your original email and password. Ancestry will recognize that a deletion is in progress and will ask if you want to cancel it. Click yes, and your account will be restored with all your data intact — your family tree, messages, and DNA results will all return to their state before deletion.
After the 30-day window closes, you cannot recover a deleted account. Ancestry does not restore accounts after this period, even if you contact their customer service. If you want to use Ancestry again after permanent deletion, you will need to create a new account from scratch.
Contacting Ancestry support if you cannot delete your account
If you encounter an error when trying to delete your account, or if the delete button does not appear in your account settings, contact Ancestry's customer service through their website. Go to the Help section and select Contact Us. You can reach support by email, phone, or through their online chat, depending on your subscription level. Ancestry's phone support is available during business hours and can often resolve account deletion issues when ready.
If you have a subscription to Ancestry (such as a monthly or annual membership), you may need to cancel your subscription before deleting your account. Some users report that the delete option does not appear until any active subscription has been cancelled. Check your Subscription Settings first and cancel any active plans, then return to the delete account option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I read my family tree before deleting my account?
Yes. Before you delete your account, go to your family tree, click the menu icon, and select read. Ancestry will generate a file in GEDCOM format that you can save to your computer. This file contains your tree structure and the information you have entered, though it may not include all photos or documents you have attached. read your tree while your account is still active, as you cannot access it after deletion begins.
What if I have a subscription — do I need to cancel it first?
You should cancel any active subscription before deleting your account, though some users have been able to delete without doing so. If the delete button does not appear, check your Subscription Settings and cancel any active plans. After cancellation, return to account settings and try the delete option again. Cancelling your subscription does not delete your account — you must complete both steps separately.
Will deleting my account remove me from DNA matches with relatives?
Yes. Once your account is deleted, you will no longer appear in the DNA match lists of relatives who have tested with Ancestry. However, if relatives have already saved or noted your match information, they may still have a record of it on their own devices. Your deletion only removes you from Ancestry's active matching system.
Can Ancestry recover my account after the 30 days is up?
No. After 30 days, your account is permanently deleted and cannot be recovered. Ancestry does not restore deleted accounts under any circumstances. If you want to use Ancestry again, you will need to create a new account and start over.
What happens to my DNA if I delete my account but not my DNA?
If you delete your account without submitting a DNA deletion request, your genetic data will remain in Ancestry's research database under a de-identified profile. Ancestry will no longer connect it to your name or account, but they may continue to use it for research purposes. To remove your DNA entirely, you must submit a separate DNA deletion request through their Privacy Center.