The Family Tree is a feature that automatically predicts a family tree based on the DNA you share with your relatives in 23andMe. The Family Tree feature is listed in the Family & Friends menu.
How it works
When you opt-in and participate in DNA Relatives or make one-to-one connections with other 23andMe customers, 23andMe compares your DNA and ages and predicts your genetic relationships.
To build your predicted family tree, we then go a step further: we also look at the predicted relationships between your relatives, and calculate many different ways you could all be related to each other. The tree you see represents the most likely tree out of all the possibilities we calculated.
If you choose to opt in to DNA Relatives, your Family Tree shows your close family members (3rd cousin or closer) that have been genotyped by 23andMe and who have also opted into the DNA Relatives tool. Additionally, any close family members with whom you have established a sharing connection will also be added to your tree.
Because the Family Tree predictions use only DNA and age, the identities of your predicted ancestors are unknown. When you determine which of your family members or ancestors links you to a particular DNA relative, you can manually write them into the correct position in the tree. Only you can view the information you add about living family members. Any information you add about ancestors that you mark as deceased can be seen by DNA relatives and connections.
Editing Your Tree
At this time, you are only able to add information about certain non-genotyped relatives. To add information about a relative:
- Click on the node and select the “Add basic info” button.
- Fill in the information that you have for this relative
- Be sure to click save to have this information added to your tree.
For more editing tips, visit our How to Build and Edit Your Family Tree article.
Privacy
The information you add to your tree about living relatives will only be visible to you. However, you can invite up to 5 connections to view your full DNA Relatives Family Tree. Tree viewers can see all the self-reported relatives in your tree, any Relatives in Common (both relatives must be participating in DNA Relatives), and any mutual connections. To add tree viewers, click the "Invite viewers" button and either choose from your existing connections or invite a new person to connect and view your tree. Review or remove tree viewers at any time through the "Invite viewers" button or through your account settings.
Records & Archives
Why are historical records no longer available in the family tree?
As of July 2025, we’ve retired access to the Records & Archives feature within our family tree experience. This change allows us to focus on core features that provide the most value to our users including enhanced tree-building tools, DNA insights and new genetic discovery features.
Any records you previously saved to your tree will remain in place. You won’t lose any information you’ve already added.
We know that Records & Archives has been a meaningful part of exploring your family history and we’re grateful to the many users who made it part of their family tree-building journey. While this feature is no longer available, we remain committed to creating tools and experiences that help you learn more about your family’s past.
What will happen to the records I already saved?
Any historical records you’ve attached or saved to your tree will remain visible and accessible in your account.
Will I be able to view new records or search archives?
No. Going forward, you will no longer be able to search for or view new historical records through the family tree experience.
How can I remove my info from this feature?
If you want to remove any information you’ve added to your family tree you can do so manually by tapping on the circle of the person whose info you want to remove, tapping edit basic info and tapping clear all information at the bottom on the menu.
Are there other ways I can continue researching my family history?
Yes! You can continue to grow your Family Tree, explore and add DNA matches, message matches to learn more about your connections and check back soon for new tools and features to help you make even more discoveries about your past and what makes you you.