You can compare your ancestral origins (regions and journeys) and traits with anyone who:

• Has AncestryDNA results
• Has matches turned on
• Allows DNA comparisons
• Is your DNA match, or has shared their DNA test with you

You can compare DNA results with up to 10 people at a time. To compare with someone who isn’t a match, ask them to share their DNA test with you.

Comparing DNA results

To compare DNA results with others, you and anyone you’re comparing with must have matches turned on (even if they’re not one of your matches) and allow comparisons.

1. From any Ancestry page, click the DNA tab and select Origins.
2. In the top-right corner, click Compare.
3. Under DNA compare, choose what you want to compare: Regions, Journeys, or Traits. 
   
   Why is someone missing regions, journeys, or traits?

Adding and removing people from DNA compare

When you first use DNA compare, you’ll see your results compared with 2 of your closest matches. You can add up to 10 total people and remove them at any time.

To add someone:

1. Next to the people you’re currently comparing with, click + Add someone.
2. In the opened side panel, check the box next to anyone you want to add (up to 10 total).
   • To search for someone, enter their name or username in the search field at the top of the side panel.
     • If their test is managed by someone else, search for the manager’s name or username.
   • To add someone who isn’t a match, ask them to share their DNA test with you. After you accept, they’ll appear in the DNA tests shared with you section.
3. Click Save at the bottom of the side panel. 

You’ll see the regions, journeys, or traits they’ve chosen to share. This could be all of their results, only the regions and journeys you have in common, or the traits they can access.

To remove someone:

1. Next to their name, click the three horizontal dots.
2. Click Remove. 

Removing someone stops only the DNA comparison. If they’re a DNA match, they’ll remain a match. If they’ve shared their test with you, their test stays shared with you. You can add them back to the DNA comparison at any time.

Allowing or Preventing DNA Comparisons

Ancestral origins

Control which of your ancestral regions and journeys you share with your DNA matches and others for comparison:

1. In the top-right corner of Ancestry, click your profile and select Account Settings.
2. On the left side, under Settings, click DNA.
3. Select a DNA test.
4. Scroll to the Visibility section and click Ancestral origins.
5. Choose whether to share all of your ancestral regions and journeys or only the ones you have in common.
6. Click Save.
    

Traits

Control if others can compare your traits with theirs:

1. In the top-right corner of Ancestry, click your profile and select Account Settings.
2. On the left side of the page, under Settings, click DNA.
3. Select a DNA test.
4. Scroll to the Visibility section and click Compare traits.
5. Toggle the switch:
   • On to allow others to compare your traits with theirs.
   • Off to prevent others from comparing with your traits and keep them private.
6. Click Save.

Frequently asked questions

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