After purchasing an iMemories by Ancestry kit, you’ll have access to a status tracker that shows your kit’s progress and includes shipping updates with tracking links when available.
For the most up-to-date shipping information, use the tracking links to view updates directly from the shipping carrier.
Checking your iMemories by Ancestry kit status
If you're signed in to the account that purchased your iMemories by Ancestry kit, you can see your kit’s progress at each step using the status tracker.
You can find the iMemories by Ancestry kit status tracker in 2 places:
- On the Ancestry homepage, in the top-right corner.
Or, from any Ancestry page, click the Memories tab and select AncestryPreserve.
If you have more than one kit, read accessing another iMemories by Ancestry kit on your account to switch kits and view their status.
iMemories by Ancestry kit statuses
Here are the statuses you’ll see, what they mean, and what you can expect or do at each step.
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Gather your media:
Your kit has been ordered and will arrive soon. Kits are shipped through USPS and typically arrive within 7–10 business days*. While you wait, start collecting the items you’d like processed. For details on what you can include and how to prepare everything for shipping, read Collecting and Packing Items for iMemories by Ancestry.
If your kit has shipped and tracking is available, click Track kit to view its location and estimated delivery date. If the button is grayed out, check back later.
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Kit shipped to Ancestry: Your items are on their way.
Once tracking is available, you’ll see an estimated delivery date in the status tracker. Click Track kit to view its location and any additional details. Your kit should arrive at Ancestry within 3–5 business days*.
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Kit arrived at Ancestry: We’ve received your kit.
We’ll carefully log each item and prepare a quote for the cost to process your items. Preparing your quote typically takes 1–3 business days*.
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Review your quote: Check your quote to review your catalogued items and choose what you want digitized, transferred, or enhanced. Processing begins once you make your selections and pay.
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Digitizing your media: We’re carefully processing your items.
Processing time varies based on the quantity, type, and condition of the items in your kit. Media files are usually added to your account a few weeks* after processing begins, typically by the estimated completion date shown.
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First media ready: Some of your files are ready.
If certain items are processed faster than others, we’ll add those files to your account as soon as they’re ready. Remaining items will be added once processing is complete. We’ll notify you again when all files are available.
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Digitization complete: All your files are ready. You can now access them on Ancestry.
We’ll hold your items for 10 business days* to allow time for any final adjustments before preparing them for return.
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Originals sent back: We’ve shipped your original items via UPS to the same address used to ship your kit. Once tracking is available, you’ll see an estimated delivery date in the status tracker. Click Track kit to view its location and any additional details. Returned items usually arrive within 3–5 business days*.
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Originals delivered: Your original items have been delivered.
For more detailed delivery information from UPS, click View delivery details
*During busy times, like holidays, shipping and processing may take longer.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the tracking button grayed out?
If the tracking button is grayed out, tracking isn’t available yet. Tracking typically becomes available within 24 to 48 hours, so check back soon.
Why does the status tracker show different dates than the shipping carrier?
The status tracker shows the original estimated dates based on your kit’s planned delivery. In most cases, shipments arrive as expected. However, if timing changes while your kit is in transit, the carrier will show the most up-to-date shipping information.