Messaging AncestryDNA Matches

Your matches can be a valuable resource. They might be able to share information, answer your questions, and even connect you with new family members. Send them a message to say hi, offer to help, and learn what they can share.

 

Messaging a DNA match

  1. From your list of DNA matches, find the match you want to message.
  2. Next to them, select the three horizontal dots and choose Message.
  3. At the bottom of your screen, enter a message and click Send.

 

Tips for starting conversations with DNA matches

Not sure how to start the conversation? Try this:

  • Introduce yourself.
  • Explain why you’re reaching out. For example, you’re DNA matches, and you're wondering how you're related.
  • Talk about family trees.
    • If they don’t have one linked to their DNA results, suggest they create and link a family tree.
    • If their tree is public, mention any common ancestors, shared matches, and last names you may have in common.
    • If they have a private tree linked to their DNA results, politely ask for an invitation to view it. 
  • Offer to help in their research and ask if they can help with yours. 


Note: Some members manage more than one DNA test. If your match list says “Managed by [Name],” you're messaging the person managing the DNA results, not the person who took the test. Let them know whose results you're messaging about.

 

Frequently asked questions

Select a question below to view the answer. Select the question again to hide it.

Who can see the messages I send? 


Your messages are visible only to you and the recipients of your messages. Others (including anyone you’ve shared your DNA with) can only see messages they send or receive. 

 

How do I check for responses to my messages? 


To check for responses to your messages, visit the messaging center. For more help and information, see Messaging on Ancestry.

 

How do I edit a message? 


Messages can only be changed or edited before sending. Once a message is sent, you can delete it and send a new one.

 

How do I share my tree with a DNA match who has messaged me? 


To share your tree with a DNA match who messaged you, follow the steps in Sharing a Family Tree to create an invitation link you can reply with or send them an invitation by email or username.

 

Why is someone I don't know messaging me?


If someone you don't know contacts you, they might be related to you through your DNA. If they are a DNA match, clicking on the conversation with them will give you the option to View the match on Ancestry, and in the panel on the right, you may see details like the estimated relationship to them. 

If the message's contents seem suspicious, like spam or phishing, report both the message and the sender for our review.

 

How do I report a message or its sender?


Anything that violates our Terms and Conditions, Privacy Statement, or Community Guidelines should be reported. If you think the content of someone’s message goes against any of these, report it for our review.

To report an image you received, click the three dots and select Report.

To report the sender of a message, see Reporting Abuse on Ancestry.
Note: reporting someone does not stop them from contacting you. 

To prevent someone from messaging you again, block their account(s).  

To hide the conversation from your list of messages, archive the message.

 

How do I keep DNA matches from messaging me?


You control who can message you on Ancestry. To stop DNA matches from messaging you, you can block specific matches, turn off all messaging, or turn off DNA matching.

Choose what you want to do:


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