Transferring DNA Tests To FamilyTreeDNA (FTDNA)

If you have been tested at Ancestry, 23andMe, or MyHeritage, you should consider transferring your results to FamilyTreeDNA. This gives you exposure to another group of people who have had their DNA tested, as well as gives you access to some additional genetic tools that you may find useful in your research.

Two things to know before you transfer:

1. There is a small fee to unlock part of your results, but you may decide you don’t need to pay it. Some of the tools you will want are included in the free transfer.
2. FamilyTreeDNA is only accepts the following DNA data files:

• • AncestryDNA array V1 (May 2012 – April 2016)
  • AncestryDNA array V2 (May 2016 – present)
  • MyHeritage DNA (results received after March 1, 2019)
  • 23andMe V3 (December 2010 – October 2013)
  • 23andMe V4 (November 2013 – September 2017)
  • 23andMe V5 (August 2017 – present)

How to transfer to FTDNA as a new customer

NOTE: If you have an existing YDNA or mtDNA kit at FTDNA, follow the instructions for current customers further down this page.

1. Go to www.familytreedna.com.*In the upper left menu, click on Upload DNA Data. A dropdown menu will appear. Click Autosomal DNA.

2. A form will appear. Fill it out with the information for the person whose test results you are transferring.

If you already have a FTDNA account for the person whose data you are trying to upload, then make sure you use the “Already have an FTDNA account” button so you can link this autosomal data to your current FTDNA account. (If the uploaded data is for your dad, but your mom has an account at FTDNA, DO NOT LINK THEM.)

Once you’re finishing fillout out the form, click Join Today!

3. You’ll be directed to an upload page. Select 23andMe/ AncestryDNA or MyHeritage DNA based on the test results you are uploading.

If you’re uploading raw DNA data from 23andMe or AncestryDNA:

Select 23andMe / AncestryDNA. Upload the raw file you downloaded from Ancestry 23andMe. (Do not unzip the file first.)

Once you’ve selected the correct file, click Submit.

If you’re uploading raw DNA data from MyHeritage:

Select MyHeritage. Once you click Agree and Proceed to MyHeritage, MyHeritage will transfer your raw DNA data. 

4. You’ll receive an email (to the email address you entered with your FTDNA sign in information) with your FTDNA kit number and temporary password.

How to transfer to FTDNA as a current customer

Follow these directions if you already have a FamilyTreeDNA kit.

1. Sign in to your FTDNA account.

2. In the upper righthand corner in the navigation bar, click Add Ons & Upgrades. 

3. On the Add Ons page, scroll down to DNA Transfer Options. In the Autosomal Transfer section, click Transfer Now.

4. You’ll be directed to the autosomal DNA transfer page. On the upload page, click MyHeritage.

5. Click Go. Follow the directions on the MyHeritage transfer page.