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Transferring Your Autosomal DNA From Another Company

If you or a family member has previously tested your autosomal DNA at AncestryDNA™, 23andMe®, or MyHeritage™, you can transfer your results to FamilyTreeDNA by uploading your raw data file. After transferring your file, your autosomal data is uploaded to our database, one of the world's largest genetic genealogy databases. Your data will remain in the company database of origin; you will only be uploading a copy of that data. 

Note: The types of raw data files we accept can vary depending on when you took your original test, and which company that performed the test. You can see what types of raw data files we accept in our Introduction to Autosomal DNA Transfers article.

The Transfer Process

The transfer process is different for people who have not taken a DNA test with FamilyTreeDNA, and those who already have a kit number from a previous DNA test with us. Each kit in our system is designated for a single test taker. If you manage multiple kits with FamilyTreeDNA, it is important to make sure that any data you upload matches the correct kit number.

For example, if you are uploading data for Aunt Sue, make sure you are signed into Aunt Sue's kit (if she has one) when transferring her autosomal DNA. The transfer process will differ depending on whether or not Aunt Sue has a kit.

New Customer Upload Process

Important: This process will create a NEW FamilyTreeDNA Kit number. If you have an existing Y-DNA or mtDNA kit please see the Current Customer Upload Process section below.

On the FamilyTreeDNA homepage, on the top navigation bar, click Upload DNA Data.

Autosomal Transfer - new customer main landing page.png

This will bring you to a step-by-step guide to upload your data. If you have questions about what types of data transfers are allowed, please see our Introduction to Autosomal DNA Transfers article.

Current Customer Upload Process

Important: If you have already taken a Family Finder test, you cannot upload data from another company to your account. If the person whose results are being transferred does not already have a FamilyTreeDNA kit, please see the New Customer Upload Process section above.

  1. Sign in to your account.
  2. Navigate to the Add-Ons & upgrades page. 
  3. The Add Ons & Upgrades page will display different testing options depending on the test(s) you have already purchased on the kit.
  4. Scroll down until you see the DNA Transfer Options section, and click the Transfer Now button.
    Add-ons and Upgrades landing page w lines.png

Unlocking your Autosomal DNA Transfer

After you have transferred your autosomal DNA data to the FamilyTreeDNA database, you can unlock additional tools to enhance your research for $19 USD fee. You can learn more about what tools this includes in our Introduction to Autosomal DNA Transfers article. Follow the steps below to unlock your transfer:
 

  1. Sign in to your kit.
  2. On your dashboard, locate the Autosomal DNA Results & Tools section
    Autosomal unlock 1.png
     
  3. Click on any of the greyed out buttons. These include the Unlock button in the top-right corner of the screen, as well as the myOrigins®, Chromosome Browser, and Chromosome Painter buttons.
  4. You will automatically be taken to the autosomal unlock page.
    Autosomal transfer graphic 2.png
  5. Click the Orange "Unlock for $19" Button
    Note: The dollar amount in this image is subject to change. 
  6. You are taken to the shopping cart to complete your transaction

Once the unlock is processed, which can take up to 72 hours, you will have full access to all the Family Finder tools and features with your transferred DNA data.

 

 

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