To begin the process, log into your Ancestry account and navigate to the account settings. Look for the “Delete Account” option under your account details. Ancestry requires you to fill out a form to confirm your intent to delete the account, and they will notify you that it may take up to 30 days for the deletion to be processed. This is a crucial step for anyone seeking how to delete an Ancestry account completely, as the company emphasizes protecting sensitive data, especially any genetic or family history information tied to your account.
Before proceeding with deletion, ensure that you have downloaded or backed up any genealogical information or historical records you may want to keep. Once the account is deleted, all associated data, including family trees and DNA results, will be permanently removed, and there’s no way to recover this information. This highlights why it’s important to carefully consider the decision to delete your account, especially if you’ve invested significant time into building your ancestry profile.
It’s also important to know that if you’ve taken an AncestryDNA test, you may need to contact customer support directly regarding the disposal or retention of your DNA sample, as this process is separate from simply learning how to delete an Ancestry account. DNA samples may still be stored in their labs even after account deletion unless you specifically request that they be destroyed. This additional step ensures that no part of your genetic information remains on their servers if that’s a concern for you.
Finally, if you have any active subscriptions to Ancestry’s services, make sure to cancel these first before proceeding with the account deletion. Simply knowing how to delete an Ancestry account won’t cover the need to stop any recurring charges, as these can continue unless they are manually canceled through your account’s billing section. Be sure to settle any remaining fees or outstanding balances to avoid complications.