Ancestry: Family History & DNA
How does the hint system work in Ancestry: Family History & DNA?
The hint system aggressively flags relevant records and other users' family trees that match your ancestors. You can accept or ignore each hint with a single tap, making it easy to quickly build out your family tree.
Can I merge duplicate records directly from the mobile app?
No, merging duplicate records is not currently available on the mobile app; you need to use the website for that. However, the app's keyboard and forms are solid for typing names and dates, and the autofill for locations is very accurate.
What should I do if I accidentally hit 'ignore' instead of 'save' on a record hint?
The undo option is not obvious, so you may need to manually search for the hint again. To avoid this, double-check before tapping, as the app doesn't provide a clear way to reverse the action.
Why won't a census record load on my phone, showing only a spinning circle?
This can happen due to a temporary glitch or connectivity issue. If it persists, submit a support ticket through the app; you'll get an automated reply immediately, and a real person typically responds within a few business days.
How does Ancestry compare to other family history apps for building a tree and finding records?
Ancestry loads faster and has a much more effective search than older apps—for example, finding a 1930 census record in two minutes versus six months of no results elsewhere. It also offers a map view of ancestors' locations over time, but requires a subscription ($24.99/month for U.S. records) to access actual documents.
