Ancestry · classic sign‑in

How to Login Ancestry with Email?

Using your email and password is the traditional way to access your Ancestry account. A successful ancestry login with email connects you to your family tree, DNA results, and billions of historical records. This guide covers the step‑by‑step process for logging in on both computer and mobile devices, explains what to do if you forget your password, and helps you troubleshoot common email‑related login issues.

Why use email login?

Universal access Works on any device, any browser, without needing a third‑party account.

Simple & familiar The same method you use for most online accounts – just type and go.

Full control Your login is independent of Google, Apple, or Facebook – you manage it directly.

Recovery options Password resets are straightforward via your email inbox.

What you need before you start

The email address you used when you created your Ancestry account.
Your Ancestry password.
If you have two-factor authentication (2FA) enabled, have your phone or authenticator app ready.
A device with internet access and a web browser or the Ancestry app.

Method 1: Login with email on a computer (web browser)

🖥️ Step-by-step web login

Open your preferred web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, etc.).
Go to the Ancestry website: type www.ancestry.com in the address bar and press Enter. You can also use your regional domain like ancestry.co.uk.
Once the page loads, click the Sign in button located at the top‑right corner of the screen.
You will see two fields: one for Email and one for Password.
Enter the email address associated with your Ancestry account. Double‑check for typos – especially if your email contains dots, numbers, or unusual characters.
Enter your password. You can click the eye icon to reveal the text and ensure your caps lock is not on.
If you have two-factor authentication (2FA) enabled, a new field will appear asking for a 6‑digit code. Retrieve the code from your authenticator app, SMS, or email and enter it.
Click the Sign in button. After a moment, you will be logged in and directed to your Ancestry homepage, where your tree, hints, and DNA information will load.

Tip: On your personal computer, you can check “Remember me” to stay signed in for future visits. Avoid this on shared or public computers.

Method 2: Login with email on the Ancestry app (mobile)

📱 Step-by-step app login

Locate the Ancestry app on your phone or tablet and tap to open it. If you don't have it, download it from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
On the welcome screen, tap Sign in.
Enter your Ancestry email address and password in the provided fields.
If 2FA is active, enter the verification code when prompted.
Tap the Sign in button. The app will then load your dashboard with your tree and DNA matches.
For future convenience, the app may ask if you want to enable fingerprint or face login – you can choose yes or no.

    Note: Your email login works across all platforms. If you have both the main Ancestry app and the AncestryDNA app, you'll need to log in separately to each using the same email and password.
  

What if you forgot your password?

If you can't remember your password, don't worry – resetting it is easy.

On the sign‑in screen (web or app), click or tap the Forgot password? link below the password field.
Enter the email address you use for Ancestry. A password reset email will be sent to that inbox.
Check your email (and spam folder) for a message from Ancestry. It contains a link that will take you to a page where you can create a new password.
Choose a strong, new password and confirm it.
Return to the Ancestry sign‑in page and log in with your email and the new password.

This process does not cancel your subscription or delete any tree data – it simply restores your access.

Troubleshooting: common email login issues

❌ “Incorrect email or password”

This is the most common error. First, double‑check your email for typos. Ensure you are using the exact email address you signed up with – sometimes people have multiple email addresses. Use the “Show password” feature to verify caps lock isn't on. If you're certain the credentials are correct, try the “Forgot password” option to reset. Also, if you originally signed up using Google or Apple, you must use those buttons, not the email field.

📧 Email not recognized

If the system says your email isn't associated with an account, try these:

Check if you might have used a different email address (like an old one, or a work email).
If you have a DNA kit, the email on your kit might be different – check any Ancestry emails you've received to see which address they were sent to.
If you signed up via Google or Apple, your email is still used but you must sign in with those buttons. Try that.
If all else fails, you can create a new account with your current email, but you will lose access to any existing tree or DNA data. Better to use account recovery options.

🔐 Two-factor code not received

If you have 2FA enabled and aren't getting the code via SMS or email:

For SMS, ensure your phone has reception and that your number is correct in Ancestry settings.
For email, check your spam folder and add ancestry.com to your contacts.
If you use an authenticator app, open the app and use the current code – ensure your phone's time is synced automatically.
Use one of your backup codes if you saved them during 2FA setup.

📵 “Account locked” after too many attempts

For security, Ancestry may temporarily lock your account after several failed login attempts. Wait 15–30 minutes and try again. Meanwhile, use the “Forgot password” option to reset your password. Avoid repeatedly trying during the lockout – it extends the time.

🌐 Browser issues affecting login

If you're having trouble on a computer, try these browser fixes:

Open an incognito or private window and attempt to log in there. If it works, clear your regular browser cache and cookies.
Disable ad-blockers or privacy extensions temporarily – they might block login scripts.
Ensure your browser is updated to the latest version.

🔄 App login problems

If the app won't let you log in, try these:

Close the app completely and reopen it.
Restart your phone.
Ensure the app is updated to the latest version via your app store.
If problems persist, uninstall and reinstall the app – your data is safe online.

Security best practices for email login

Use a strong, unique password for your Ancestry account. A password manager can help generate and store complex passwords.
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) in your Ancestry account settings for an extra layer of security.
Never share your password with anyone. Ancestry will never ask for your password via email or phone.
Be cautious of phishing emails – only log in by typing ancestry.com directly into your browser.
On shared or public computers, always log out when finished and do not check “Remember me”.
Periodically review active sessions: go to Account settings → Security (on the web) to see where you're logged in and sign out of any unfamiliar devices.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use any email address for my Ancestry account?

Yes, you can use any valid email address you own. Just make sure you have access to it for account verification and password resets.

What if I no longer have access to my email?

If you can't access the email associated with your Ancestry account, account recovery becomes more difficult. You may need to contact Ancestry support and provide identifying information to prove you own the account. It's always good to keep your email address current in your account settings.

Can I change the email address on my Ancestry account?

Yes. After logging in, go to Account settings (click your profile icon). There you can change your email address. A verification email will be sent to the new address to confirm the change.

I signed up with Google/Apple – can I also log in with email?

If you signed up using Google or Apple, you don't initially have a password set. However, you can add an email/password login by going to Account settings and setting a password. Alternatively, you can always use the Google/Apple buttons to sign in.

Is email login secure?

Yes, when combined with a strong password and two-factor authentication, email login is very secure. Always follow best practices to protect your account.

Conclusion

Logging into Ancestry with your email is the standard, reliable method to access your family history. Whether you're on a computer or mobile device, the process is simple: enter your email and password, complete two-factor verification if enabled, and you're in. If you ever forget your password, the reset process is straightforward. By following the troubleshooting tips and security best practices above, you can ensure a smooth and secure ancestry login with email every time.