AncestryDNA Activation
Ready for AncestryDNA activation? Learn how to activate your new DNA testing kit from AncestryDNA!
Before you get started with an AncestryDNA kit, make sure you know about DNA testing and family history. Download our free guide, “DNA Testing for Family History: What to Know Before You Test.”
Congratulations on purchasing an AncestryDNA test!
AncestryDNA is one of the best DNA tests you can take, due to the fact that they have the largest database of testers. Activating a DNA kit and setting up an account are simple. There is a lot to discover on the site, but Ancestry does require a paid membership to access the full benefits of their DNA tools and features. We’ll explain how to activate a DNA kit, and then you can read more on how to get the most out of an Ancestry two-week free trial subscription.
AncestryDNA Activation: Activate Your Test
Once you have an AncestryDNA kit, follow the provided instructions to activate your kit on Ancestry. Go to ancestry.com/activate to activate your test. You’ll need to sign in to your Ancestry account. If you don’t have an account, you’ll need to create one.
Once you’re signed in, you’ll be asked if you’re sure that you’d like to continue as yourself. This is because Ancestry only allows you to have one DNA test per account. If you are activating someone else’s kit, you’ll need to log into their Ancestry account or create a new account for them. But don’t worry about having to manage another account. Once their account is created and DNA test is uploaded, you can manage multiple DNA kits from your own account, with the permission of other test-takers.
You’ll be prompted to enter the 15-digit activation code located on your collection tube. Entering this code will link your test to your Ancestry account.
Now that you’ve activated your kit, return your sample to be tested with the prepaid return box included in your kit. You’ll receive an email in approximately 6-8 weeks letting you know that your DNA results are available to view on Ancestry.
But wait–should you also get an Ancestry.com subscription? Read more about the benefits of a paid Ancestry subscription for DNA before starting your free two-week trial.
