This article is for help with the Ancestry app. If you're using a computer or a browser on your phone or tablet (like Safari or Chrome), see Starting an Ancestry Membership. If you have an existing Ancestry membership you'd like to change, see Upgrading Your Membership or Downgrading Your Membership.
The Ancestry mobile app is free, but an Ancestry membership could help you discover more. Memberships provide you with access to records and public family trees on Ancestry. Different memberships give you access to different records. Most people use these records to build their family trees beyond what they already know.
Memberships started within the app are bought and managed through the third-party app store you downloaded the app from (like Apple's App Store or Google Play).
Starting a membership in the Ancestry app
- Open the Ancestry app and sign in.
- In the top-left corner, tap your profile.
- Under Settings, tap Account (iOS) / Account settings (Android).
- Under Membership, tap See Plans.
- Choose a membership. You can cancel anytime.
- Review your membership selection, then enter or select your payment method.
- Tap Subscribe and enjoy your Ancestry membership!
If you chose a free trial:- You'll get 14 days for free, and then your membership will automatically renew based on the membership terms you selected (monthly, semi-annually, or annually), plus applicable taxes until you cancel.
- To avoid being charged, cancel your membership before the trial expires. Uninstalling the Ancestry app will not cancel your membership. For help canceling, see Managing a Membership Purchased in the Ancestry App.
Frequently asked questions
What payment methods are accepted?
Memberships started within the app are bought and managed through the third-party app store you downloaded the app from (like Apple's App Store or Google Play). Accepted payment methods vary by the app store. Select your app store below to see which payment methods are accepted.
Why do I need to provide a payment method to start a free trial?
A payment method is required to start a free trial to ensure that each person receives only one trial. You can cancel your free trial during the trial period without being charged.
Can I pause a membership purchased in the app?
Memberships purchased in the app cannot be paused, but you can cancel them and resubscribe later. When you cancel your membership, your account becomes a free registered guest, which saves your family tree(s) and provides you access to the free resources on Ancestry. When you’re ready for another membership, you can restart your membership.