GEDmatch
GEDmatch is a place to collaborate with others who have been tested at other companies and gain access to more genetic tools to try to figure out how you are related to others.
GEDmatch is a FREE (yes, FREE!) service. Anyone can upload genetic genealogy test results from 23andMe, FTDNA.com (the Family Finder test), and Ancestry.com.
GEDmatch for personal v. law enforcement use
If you are doing your personal genetic genealogy, you absolutely do not need GEDmatch to be successful.
To find more matches: transfer your DNA to MyHeritage, Family Tree DNA, and Living DNA, as their databases have far more people than GEDmatch.
To build your family tree using your DNA match list, get a copy of Your DNA Guide—the Book for the step-by-step skills and strategies you need.
If you are interested in the advanced tools GEDmatch offers, however, then keep reading for how to get started.
If you are a member of law enforcement and you want to learn to use GEDmatch, click HERE.
GEDmatch Privacy Issues
Before you get started on GEDmatch, you need to be aware that your privacy may not be protected from law enforcement investigators. In November 2019, a law enforcement official obtained a warrant allowing him access to all GEDmatch samples, not just those who had opted-in. In December 2019, GEDmatch was purchased by Verogen, a forensic testing company that works with law enforcement.
The Legal Genealogist Judy G. Russell did an excellent job of explaining what you need to know. I strongly encourage you to read the announcement and Judy’s explanation so you can make the decision that’s best for you about whether to use GEDmatch—and so you can speak with any relatives whose DNA you may have already uploaded to GEDmatch so THEY can decide what they want done with their DNA.
How to get started on GEDmatch
If you would like to proceed with using GEDmatch, follow these steps:
1. Download your raw data from your DNA testing company. (Here’s how to download your raw DNA.)
2. Head over to www.GEDmatch.com and click on “New User.”
3. Fill out the required form.
4. Check your email for confirmation.
5. Add the code from your email to the GEDmatch site to complete registration.
6. In the File Uploads box, select your testing company: Ancestry, 23andMe or Family Tree DNA (FTDNA) Family Finder (see more on XDNA below). Note: If you have been tested at more than one company, there is no need to upload multiple sets of data. One is sufficient, and it doesn't matter which.
7. Enter the required information. This first image is for FTDNA. The second for Ancestry.com.
(Similar fields for Ancestry.com customers:)
8. If you tested with FTDNA, follow the same procedure to upload your XDNA data. First click on FTDNA X-DNA in the File Uploads menu. (Other testing companies, move on to Step 8.)
Then upload your X data, filling in the information as shown.
9. When your results are processed (can take up to a few weeks) they will appear on your homepage in the box titled “Your DNA Resources.”
If you are ready to upload to GEDmatch, click on their logo below to go to their website and get started:
Get Expert DNA Help
Want help using GEDmatch, or want to learn about alternatives for answering your specific DNA question? Schedule a DNA Mentoring session with us!
If you are a member of the law enforcement community and would like to learn how to use GEDmatch and genetic genealogy principles to help solve cases, please click here.
