If you are already opted-out, this is how you can opt-in. If you are currently opted-in to DNA matching, this will opt you out. You will want to click the “Change” button under the DNA matches section. The first option is the one we are looking for: “DNA Matches”. In the image below, I put a little red arrow pointing to where you should click to access your DNA test settings on Ancestry:įrom your test settings page, you will notice that your Privacy settings are at the very top. Your DNA test settings is where you can change all settings related to your DNA test results. The image below shows you where you should click to access the drop-down menu:įrom your DNA results summary page, you should click the little gear icon that is on the top right side of the page. You can click here to access the Ancestry login page.įrom your main Ancestry dashboard, click the “DNA” tab on the top menu, and select “Your DNA Results Summary” from the drop-down menu. If you have decided that you would definitely like to opt-out of DNA matching on Ancestry, the first thing that you should do is log in to your DNA results.
How to opt-out of DNA matching on Ancestry In this case, one would have to completely opt-out of DNA matching in order to not show up on someone’s DNA match list. Occasionally, people realize that someone unexpected (usually a close relative DNA match) has appeared on their DNA match list and they would prefer not to be visible to this person.
Perhaps they were adopted as a child, or gave a child up for adoption, and want to preserve their privacy. Not everyone loves the idea of contacting distant relatives, or receiving notes from distant relatives asking for help finding a connection.Īnother very common reason that people would prefer not to receive DNA matches is because they are only interested in seeing their ethnicity results in order to learn a little bit about their family’s origins. The most common reason that people want to turn off DNA matching is because they didn’t realize that they would be matched to living, breathing strangers who are likely related to them in some way and who might eventually send them messages.
Reasons why people want to turn off DNA matchingĮven though DNA matches are my favorite part of DNA testing, and it (almost) hurts my heart to explain how to turn DNA matching off, I realize that there are many good reasons why people might want to know exactly how to go through this process. This post addresses those who are interested in not showing up as DNA matches for other Ancestry DNA users.
Your reasons for wanting to keep your ethnicity results private or completely opt-out from DNA matching will depend on many factors.
You can choose to opt-out entirely from DNA matching on Ancestry.You can choose to hide your ethnicity from your DNA matches.If you have done, or are considering doing, a DNA test with Ancestry, and you want to know whether it is possible to still have access to your results, yet “hide” them from others, you have two options: Whether you are wondering how to protect your own privacy or that of your close family member, or saw someone show up on your DNA match list who isn’t there anymore, I am sure you will find answers in this post.