The Family Finder Upgrade allows customers with existing microarray autosomal DNA results or autosomal DNA transfers to upgrade their testing to Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS). This upgrade provides enhanced testing scope and prepares your account for upcoming genetic tools and reports.
Upgrade Types and Eligibility
FamilyTreeDNA offers three distinct upgrade paths based on your original test type:
- Family Finder Upgrade - Designed for users who completed a microarray-tested Family Finder test (tests processed before March 2, 2026).
- Autosomal Unlock to Family Finder Upgrade - Designed for users who previously uploaded autosomal DNA raw data from another company and purchased the autosomal transfer unlock.
- Autosomal Transfer to Family Finder Upgrade - Designed for users who uploaded a free autosomal DNA transfer from another company but have not purchased the autosomal transfer unlock.
Pricing
Pricing for the Family Finder Upgrade begins at $29. Product pricing is subject to change at any time.
How to Order
You can order the Family Finder Upgrade directly through your FamilyTreeDNA account in any of the following ways:
- Dashboard - Locate the Family Ancestry section on your dashboard and click Learn More to select your upgrade.
- Add Ons and Upgrades - Click Add Ons and Upgrades in the top navigation bar while signed in, then locate the Family Ancestry section.
- Shopping Cart - Navigate to your Shopping Cart to view available upgrade options for your kit.
Sample Requirements
Most customers do not need to submit a new cheek swab. FamilyTreeDNA will use your stored sample on file in our lab whenever possible. If the stored sample fails or there are no stored samples available, a recollection kit will automatically be shipped to the address on file. When placing your upgrade order, please be sure to use your current shipping address.
What to Expect with Your Results
Current Results and Data
- Data Retention - Your existing results remain accessible in your account while your upgrade processes.
- Data Replacement - When your new Upgrade results post, your previous raw data, match lists, and myOrigins estimates will be replaced permanently by the new Next-Generation Sequencing data.
- Data Download - It is important to download the raw data file, match list, and report screenshots before your new results post if you wish to retain a copy of your old data.
NOTE: Raw data from Autosomal Transfers cannot be downloaded - Match Notes and Links - All existing match notes and linked relationships will remain saved in your account.
Transfer Accounts
If you purchase the Autosomal Transfer to Family Finder Upgrade, your access to tools—such as myOrigins, Chromosome Painter, Chromosome Browser, and ancientOrigins—will become available once your upgrade results are fully processed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can FamilyTreeDNA use a sample stored at another testing company?
No. FamilyTreeDNA cannot retrieve or request samples stored with third-party services, including MyHeritage DNA samples.
Will I lose my match notes or linked relationships?
No. Your saved match notes and linked relationships will remain intact on your match list.
Will my raw data file change?
Next-Generation Sequencing analyzes significantly more data points, but our research and development team must analyze this new data for compatibility. There will be slight variations between the downloadable data from the two test versions, as there would be between any two test versions, but these differences are slight.Your new raw data file will permanently replace your previous file once processing completes.
Can I access my old results after my upgrade completes?
No. Previous results will be removed from our system once your new results post. Please download any raw data or save screenshots of your current results before your upgrade finishes processing.