Ancestry has undoubtedly been a significant player in the genealogy and family history research field, helping countless individuals uncover their roots and connect with their past. However, there might come a time when you decide to move on from the platform for various reasons. Whether you’ve achieved your research goals or simply want a fresh start, knowing how to delete your Ancestry account permanently is essential.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring a seamless account deletion experience.
Understanding the Decision to Say Goodbye
Before delving into the technicalities of deleting your Ancestry account, it’s worth reflecting on your reasons for doing so. Are you looking for a break from genealogy research, or have you found all the information you need? Maybe privacy concerns are at play, or you’re consolidating your online presence. Whatever your motive, understanding it will make the process more purposeful.
Blog title: Is Account Deletion the Right Step?
When you’ve spent considerable time building your family tree and exploring historical records, parting ways might seem daunting. But remember, your data and journey are yours to control. If you’re certain about deleting your Ancestry account, follow these steps.
Step 1: Log into Your Ancestry Account
The first step, naturally, is to log into your Ancestry account. Make sure you have your login credentials at hand.
Step 2: Access Your Account Settings
Navigate to the upper-right corner of the Ancestry website, where you’ll find your profile picture or username. Click on it to reveal a drop-down menu. From there, select “Account Settings.”
Step 3: Locate the Delete Account Option
In the “Account Settings” section, scroll down until you find the “Delete Account” option. Clicking on this will initiate the account deletion process.
Important Points to Consider Before Deleting
Before you proceed further, let’s address a few essential points that can influence your decision to delete your Ancestry account.
1. Backup Your Data
Deleting your account will result in the loss of all your data, including family trees, photos, and documents. Make sure to download any information you want to keep before moving forward.
2. Subscription Status
If you have an active subscription, cancelling it before deleting your account is crucial to prevent any future charges.
3. Collaboration and Sharing
Are you collaborating with other family members on Ancestry? Communicate your decision to delete the account, ensuring everyone has a chance to save their work.
4: Confirm Your Decision
After considering the implications, if you’re determined to proceed, confirm your decision to delete the account. Ancestry might prompt you to provide feedback on your reason for leaving, but this step is optional.
The Deletion Process and Timeframe
Once you confirm the account deletion, Ancestry will initiate the process. The platform states that it might take up to 30 days for all your data to be removed from their systems.
Pro Tip: Clear Your Browser Cache
To ensure no one else can access your account during the deletion process, clear your browser cache and cookies after confirming the deletion.
FAQs About Deleting Your Ancestry Account
Is there a way to recover a deleted Ancestry account?
No, once you’ve deleted your Ancestry account, the process is irreversible. Make sure you’ve backed up all the data you need before proceeding.
Will my DNA test results be deleted as well?
Yes, your DNA test results and any associated data will also be removed along with your account.
Can I create a new account after deleting the old one?
Yes, you can create a new Ancestry account if you decide to return to the platform in the future.
What happens if I change my mind during the 30-day deletion period?
You can contact Ancestry’s customer support if you change your mind before the 30-day deletion period is over. They might be able to assist you in recovering your account.
Is there a way to keep my account but make it private?
Yes, you have the option to change your account privacy settings to restrict who can view your information without deleting your account.
Conclusion
Deciding to delete your Ancestry account is a significant step that requires careful consideration. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can confidently proceed with the account deletion process while safeguarding your data and understanding the implications. Remember, your genealogical journey is yours to shape, and Ancestry is just one tool among many on your path to discovering your roots.
Tahmina is a freelance writer and editor specializing in creating compelling content for websites, and blogs. She has a passion for apps and enjoys creating content that helps people get the most out of their phones and tablet.