Tracing your roots can be a fulfilling yet challenging endeavor. With countless genealogical records available online, two prominent resources stand out: Ancestry and FamilySearch. Both platforms offer unique features that can enhance your family history research. Have you ever wondered how to connect your Ancestry account to FamilySearch? In this article, we will provide a detailed, step-by-step guide, enabling you to leverage both platforms for a more enriching experience in genealogical research.
Understanding Ancestry and FamilySearch
Before diving into the connection process, it is crucial to grasp what makes each platform valuable.
What is Ancestry?
Ancestry is one of the largest genealogical research services, boasting millions of family trees, historical documents, and DNA testing services. With a user-friendly interface, Ancestry allows users to create family trees, access census records, birth and death certificates, and much more. The platform operates on a subscription model, offering various tiers depending on the depth of record access desired.
What is FamilySearch?
FamilySearch, operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is a free genealogical resource. It houses a vast collection of records, including bibles, church records, and military documents. Unlike Ancestry, FamilySearch is entirely free, making it an attractive option for many genealogy enthusiasts. Its rich database can be a great complement to the data gathered from Ancestry.
Why Connect Ancestry to FamilySearch?
Connecting Ancestry to FamilySearch can significantly enhance your genealogical research by allowing you to:
- Expand Your Family Tree: Combining records from both databases can help identify new relatives and fill gaps in your family tree.
- Access More Records: Each platform offers unique collections. By integrating both, you broaden your access to historical data.
Step-by-Step Guide to Connecting Ancestry to FamilySearch
To connect your Ancestry account to FamilySearch, follow these simple steps. Make sure you have active accounts on both platforms.
Step 1: Prepare Your Accounts
Before linking the two accounts, ensure that you have the following:
- An active Ancestry account.
- An active FamilySearch account.
- Basic knowledge of navigating both interfaces.
If you do not have a FamilySearch account, you can create one by visiting the FamilySearch website and signing up for free.
Step 2: Sign in to Your Accounts
First, sign in to your Ancestry account. This will enable you to access your family trees and other records.
Next, open another tab and sign into your FamilySearch account.
Step 3: Navigate to the FamilySearch Ancestry Connection
To connect your accounts, follow these steps:
- Go to the FamilySearch website.
- Click on the “Family Tree” tab at the top of the page.
- On the Family Tree page, look for the option that mentions connecting with Ancestry. You may find it under settings or preferences.
- Click on the link by selecting “Connect to Ancestry”.
Step 4: Authorize the Connection
After you click the connection option, you will be redirected to an authorization page. Here, you will need to:
- Log into your Ancestry account if you are not already logged in.
- Grant FamilySearch permission to access your Ancestry data.
Be sure to read through the permissions carefully! By allowing access, FamilySearch can gather and merge data from Ancestry into its system, making it easier for you to find ancestors.
Step 5: Merging Ancestry and FamilySearch Data
Once the accounts are connected, you will begin to see hints and matches that indicate potential records available on FamilySearch related to your Ancestry family tree. Here’s how you can merge data:
- Go to your Family Tree on FamilySearch.
- Look for hints or notifications indicating possible matches from Ancestry.
- Click on the hints to view the suggested records.
- You can review and merge the data into your FamilySearch account. This is crucial for accurate family tree development.
Best Practices for Research
Now that your accounts are successfully connected, it’s time to maximize your research efforts. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Regular Updates
Keep both family trees updated. New records may become available over time, so frequent checks on both platforms are beneficial.
Use Both Platforms Effectively
Utilize Ancestry for its robust family tree-building tools and DNA testing features. Use FamilySearch for its extensive collection of free historical documents. Together, they create a powerful combination.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
While connecting your accounts is generally straightforward, you may encounter some issues. Here are some common problems and solutions:
Permission Denied
If you’re receiving a permission denied error while trying to connect, double-check that you are logged into the correct Ancestry account. Make sure your account is in good standing, as sometimes billing issues can affect access.
Data Not Syncing
In case data from Ancestry isn’t appearing on FamilySearch, make sure you have saved all updates and changes made on Ancestry. Sometimes data sync takes a while, so give it a little time before you try again.
Need Help?
Both Ancestry and FamilySearch offer customer support. Consult the help sections on their respective websites or contact customer support for further assistance.
Benefits of Utilizing Ancestry and FamilySearch Together
By linking your accounts, you not only enhance your personal genealogy project but also contribute to the larger community of family historians. Here are some advantages:
Rich Genealogical Collaboration
Connecting your accounts can open up opportunities for collaboration with other users researching similar surnames or ancestors. By viewing hints and matches, you may discover cousins you never knew existed.
Access to Unique Collections
As mentioned earlier, Ancestry and FamilySearch have different collections. Ancestry may have more contemporary documents, while FamilySearch often excels at historical records in specific regions. Access to both can significantly strengthen your family history research.
Conclusion
Connecting Ancestry to FamilySearch is a strategic move for anyone dedicated to uncovering their family history. With the ability to access a wealth of records and enhance your family tree, this connection can streamline your research and provide valuable insights into your lineage.
Whether you’re a seasoned genealogist or just getting started, following this guide ensures that you can effectively connect your accounts. Remember to stay organized, be patient during research, and explore the unique features each platform offers.
Embark on your journey today and unlock the fascinating stories behind your ancestry! Happy searching!
What is the relationship between Ancestry and FamilySearch?
Ancestry and FamilySearch are both prominent genealogy platforms, but they serve slightly different purposes. Ancestry is a subscription-based service that offers access to vast collections of records, allowing users to build and expand their family trees. FamilySearch, on the other hand, is a free resource managed by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, providing users with tools to research their genealogy and access a wealth of records.
While they are independent entities, connecting your Ancestry account with FamilySearch can improve your research experience. By linking these platforms, you can easily transfer data between them, utilize the free records on FamilySearch, and enhance the accuracy of your family tree with information from both sources. This cross-reference can save you time and effort in your genealogy research.
How can I connect my Ancestry account to FamilySearch?
To connect your Ancestry account to FamilySearch, you’ll first need to create a FamilySearch account if you don’t already have one. Once you’re logged in to FamilySearch, locate the “Ancestry” section under the “FamilyTree” menu. There, you will find an option to connect your Ancestry account. You will need to sign in to your Ancestry account to grant FamilySearch permission to access your data.
After you’ve successfully linked the two accounts, you can start using the integrated features to enhance your genealogy search. You will be able to view hints, records, and potential matches from FamilySearch directly within your Ancestry family tree. This seamless integration is designed to provide a richer and more efficient research experience.
What benefits do I get from connecting Ancestry to FamilySearch?
Connecting your Ancestry and FamilySearch accounts offers several benefits for genealogical research. For starters, it allows for the automatic synchronization of information between the two platforms. This means that updates you make in either account can reflect in the other, helping to ensure that your family tree remains consistent across platforms.
Moreover, by linking accounts, you gain access to a wider pool of records and hints, enabling you to discover new relatives and connections that might not have been visible on either platform alone. This interconnectedness allows for a more comprehensive view of your family history, facilitating deeper research and findings.
Are there any costs associated with using FamilySearch?
FamilySearch is a completely free genealogy service, making it an attractive option for users who want to explore their ancestry without any financial burden. You can create an account and access a vast number of historical records, family trees, and genealogy tools at no cost. This includes the ability to connect with other users and collaborate on family history projects.
While some might find that having an Ancestry subscription unlocks additional record collections and features, using FamilySearch independently still offers a wealth of information. Connecting both services can provide a cost-effective way to enhance your research without needing a subscription for everything you want to access.
Can I transfer my family tree from Ancestry to FamilySearch?
Yes, transferring your family tree from Ancestry to FamilySearch is possible, though the process is not entirely straightforward. After linking your accounts, you’ll be able to upload your Ancestry tree to FamilySearch, allowing your family structure to be available on both platforms. This can be a great way to ensure your research and findings are showcased effectively.
Keep in mind that during the transfer process, some details like media files may not be transferred automatically. It is always advisable to verify the data after the transfer is complete to ensure that everything is accurate. You may need to correct or enhance some details manually based on the records available on FamilySearch.
What should I do if I encounter issues while connecting the accounts?
If you’re having trouble connecting your Ancestry and FamilySearch accounts, there are several steps you can take. First, double-check your login credentials for both accounts to ensure that they are entered correctly. It’s common to have trouble if the passwords or usernames are slightly off. Ensure that both accounts are active and functioning separately before attempting to connect them.
If issues persist, consult the help sections of both Ancestry and FamilySearch for troubleshooting guides. Both platforms typically have extensive FAQs and user forums where you can find solutions to common problems. Additionally, reaching out to customer support for either service can provide personalized assistance, helping you navigate any persistent technical difficulties you may encounter.