- What are haplogroups? faq id: 525
Haplogroups are genetic population groups that identify where in the Y-DNA or mtDNA tree of humanity you fit in. Haplogroups are what allow us to identify how large groups of people migrated from Africa around 60,000 years ago to different parts of the world.
For a more detailed explanation of haplogroups, please check here: http://www.familytreedna.com/understanding-haplogroups.aspx.
- Are Y-DNA haplogroups the same as mtDNA haplogroups? faq id: 526
No. While they use a similar alphanumeric naming system, the haplogroup names in mtDNA do not correspond with the same haplogroup names in Y-DNA. For a more detailed explanation of haplogroups, please check here: http://www.familytreedna.com/understanding-haplogroups.aspx.
- Where is my certificate? faq id: 527
A certificate is automatically included in any original test order. You can order additional certificates using the Upgrades and Refinements link , then Standard Orders from your personal page. If your certificate has not been printed yet or was only just printed, the system will not allow you to order another yet. If you transferred your Y-DNA results from the Genographic Project, a certificate is not automatically mailed; you can order one using the "Order Certificates" link.
- What is my password? faq id: 528
Your password is the second code you enter in when logging on to go to your personal page. The first is your kit number or sample code. Your password is emailed to you when we receive your samples and it is also included on the written report that is mailed to you. If you transferred from the Genographic Project your password is given to you at the time of the transfer. If you have lost your password please send an email to info@familytreedna.com with your kit number, name, and mailing address and request your password.
- I tested with the Genographic Project; why are you offering me the Y-DNA haplogroup test? faq id: 529
Our system is automatically programmed to offer a haplogroup test or Deep Clade test to individuals whose haplogroup have been tested or confirmed. Because the Genographic Project was able to predict your haplogroup with high confidence, it was not necessary to perform a haplogroup test on your sample. However, the haplogroup or Deep SNP test is made available to you if you wish to have your sample tested to confirm the haplogroup assignment.
- Is a certificate included with my test? faq id: 536
Yes! Family Tree DNA tests include a certificate suitable for framing which shows your results. A certificate is provided for every DNA test except for upgrades.
The chart below shows which tests you receive a certificate for:
| Test | Certificate |
|---|
| 12 Marker Y Dna Test |
Yes |
| 25 Marker Y DNA Test |
Yes |
| 37 Marker Y DNA Test |
Yes |
| 67 Marker Y DNA Test |
Yes |
| 25 Marker Y DNA Upgrade |
Not Included-optional |
| 37 Marker Y DNA Upgrade |
Not Included-optional |
| 67 Marker Y DNA Upgrade |
Not Included-optional |
| Y DNA Haplogroup Test |
Not Included |
| Y DNA Deep Clade Test |
Yes |
| mtDNA Test |
Yes |
| mtDNA Plus Test |
Yes |
| mtDNA H Subclade Test |
Yes |
| mtDNA Full Sequence |
Yes |
| mtDNA Plus Upgrade |
Not Included-optional |
Additional certificates and certificates for upgrades can be ordered for a small charge. To order a certificate, click on "Order Certificates” from the link on your personal page.
- When can I order a certificate? faq id: 537
You may find that you cannot order a certificate for a test through the “Order Certificates” link. When a certificate is automatically included in the test you order you cannot order an additional certificate for several days after your results come in to prevent individuals from ordering a duplicate accidentally. Certificates for tests that do not automatically include a certificate can be ordered at any time after the results arrive.
- What is my kit number? faq id: 538
Your kit number, or sample number, is a multi-digit number that is associated with your DNA and results. We use this number to keep track of your sample and to connect the sample to the results. Make sure to keep this kit number in a safe place in case you have any questions about the results once they are in. If you cannot find your kit number please send an email to info@familytreedna.com with the name and mailing address listed on the kit. Your kit was was on your receipt which was emailed to you when you placed your order. It is also on your Y or mtDNA results certificate.
- What is my password? faq id: 539
Your password is a 5-digit alphanumeric number which is used, along with your kit number, to access your Family Tree DNA personal page. This password is automatically generated by our system when we check in your sample and cannot be changed. If you do not know what your password is please send an email to info@familytreedna.com with the name and mailing address listed on the kit. The password is laos listed on the first page of your report that was mailed to you, along with your certificate when your results were reported.
- Will I get results through the mail? faq id: 540
Yes. We send out certificates and reports through regular postal mail. To see what the certificates look like, please go to this link: http://www.familytreedna.com/certificates-and-reports.aspx. The certificates and lab reports may take up to 3 weeks to arrive after your results have been uploaded to your online profile because we print and mail certificates in batches. However, please note that certificates and reports are not mailed out for upgrades or transfers from the Genographic Project. Here is a list of when we do and do not send certificates (for those which are marked "No" you may order an optional certificate for $10 through your personal page):
| Test | Certificate |
|---|
| 12 Marker Y Dna Test |
Yes |
| 25 Marker Y DNA Test |
Yes |
| 37 Marker Y DNA Test |
Yes |
| 67 Marker Y DNA Test |
Yes |
| 25 Marker Y DNA Upgrade |
No |
| 37 Marker Y DNA Upgrade |
No |
| 67 Marker Y DNA Upgrade |
No |
| Y DNA Haplogroup Test |
No |
| Y DNA Deep Clade Test |
Yes |
| mtDNA Test |
Yes |
| mtDNA Plus Test |
Yes |
| mtDNA H Subclade Test |
Yes |
| mtDNA Full Sequence |
Yes |
| mtDNA Plus Upgrade |
No |
- How can I see my results once they are posted? faq id: 541
Once your results are finished we will upload them to your Family Tree DNA personal page and send you an email to let you know that they are ready. This email will contain a link that will allow you to access your personal page or you can go to our main website at http://www.ftdna.com. On the upper right-hand side of this page you'll find two boxes...one for your Kit # and the other for your password. Here, enter in your kit number and password to bring up your kit.
- How do I log in? faq id: 542
You will be able to log in any time after Family Tree DNA has received your sample. To log in, go to www.familytreedna.com and enter your kit number and password in the boxes for kit and password at the top of the main page of the site.. Capitalize any letters in your kit number or password as they are case sensitive.
- How do I stop receiving match notification emails? faq id: 543
To stop receiving match notification emails, log in to your personal page. Next, go to the Setup Preferences section. In this section you have the ability to limit the search for matches to individuals in the same Surname Project as you, which would reduce the number of match emails you receive (only available if you are a member of a project). To stop receiving match notification emails, uncheck the boxes next to types of matches for which you wish to stop receiving notifications. To stop receiving all match notifications, uncheck all of the boxes. Click Update at the bottom of the page to save the changes.
- Why didn’t I receive a notification email when I got a new match? faq id: 544
There are several possibilities for why you may not receive a notification email.
- the email was sent but was intercepted or deleted by a spam filter or firewall.
- your email address was listed incorrectly in your contact information (click on the Update Contact Information link to check or update your contact information).
- the person you match originally had their settings selected to only look for matches within a different project. As a result, only those people they matched within that project would have received a notification email. The new match then joined the project you are in or changed their match settings.
- your match settings were selected to not look for that type of match or to look only within a project that the person you match was not a member of.
- you and the new match were enrolled in the same project, but were focusing your search for matches on different projects at the time the match was added into our database.
- the person you match did not originally signed the release form. Once they signed the form the matches appear, but in that case no notifications are sent.
- you did not originally sign the release form. Once you signed the release form, your matches appeared, but in that case no notifications are sent.
- How do I change my matching settings? faq id: 545
Log in to your personal page and go to the Setup Preferences section (available only after you have received results). In this section you have the ability to limit the search for matches to individuals in the same Surname Project as you or to look for matches across the entire database. Check the boxes next to the types of matches you want the system to look for, and uncheck the boxes next to the types of matches you do not want the system to look for. This will also control what match notification emails you receive. Click Update at the bottom of the page to save the changes.
- Where do I put my ancestor information? faq id: 546
There are three places where you can put information about your ancestry.
- the Update Contact Information link in your personal page has a dropdown menu from which you can select the country in which your ancestors originated for your direct paternal line or direct maternal line (if known). If you do not know it, leave it blank or select Unknown Origin. This information is displayed in the Ancestral Origins sections of the people that you match.
- the Setup Preferences section of your personal page has a space where you can enter the name of your most distant known ancestor on your direct paternal or direct maternal line. You can also enter birth and death locations and years. This information is displayed in your project’s results charts. If you are not in a project, then this information is not displayed anywhere but your own Setup Preferences page.
- the Gedcom section of your personal page allows you to upload a gedcom file of your family tree if you have one.
- How do I order additional tests? faq id: 547
Log in to your personal page and click the link labeled “Order Upgrades and Refinements.” To add on or upgrade to the Y-DNA12, 25, 37, or 67 marker tests, or to add on or upgrade to the mtDNA, mtDNAPlus, or mtDNA Full Sequence tests, click the Standard Orders choice. To order individual markers, DNA-Fingerprint testing panels, or Autosomal or X chromosome tests, click Advanced Orders.
Standard Orders – scroll down and select your preferred payment method. Please note that the tests you order will not be performed until they are paid. Tests are performed on the sample you have already provided and no new kit will be sent out unless the lab determines that they are unable to complete the testing with the current sample. Select the test or upgrade you want to order from the dropdown menu and click Continue to go to the billing page. Fill in your billing information and click Submit to complete the order.
Advanced Orders – check the boxes to select the test panels or individual markers that you wish to order. Click on linked panels and markers to read the product description. Click Continue at the bottom of the page, fill in your billing information, and click Submit. Please note that the only payment option available for these tests is credit card.
- How do I order a Y-DNA haplogroup test? faq id: 548
If you decide to test your haplogroup you can order the test either online on the link from your Haplotree page. Here you will be able to read about the available test as well as order it.
- What is the FTDNATiP Calculator, and how do I use it? faq id: 549
Please view the FTDNATiP Calculator FAQ here: http://www.familytreedna.com/faq-tip.aspx.
- What is a GEDCOM? faq id: 550
A GEDCOM is a common file format that allows genealogists to exchange information about their ancestors. A GEDCOM file can be created using genealogy software that allows you to export your data in GEDCOM format. If you have one, you can upload your GEDCOM file in the GEDCOM section of your personal page.
- How do I upload a Gedcom file? faq id: 551
Log in to your personal page and click on the section titled GEDCOM – Family Tree. Then follow the instructions on the page. All of the steps must be completed for the Gedcom file to be uploaded.
- Where on my computer do I find the Gedcom file? faq id: 552
A Gedcom file is a file you can create using genealogy software. When you create the Gedcom file, you select the place on the computer where it will be saved. This is where you will find it when you wish to upload your Gedcom file.
- How do I upload my results to Ysearch? faq id: 553
You can upload your Y-DNA results to Ysearch using a link provided in the Y-DNA Matches section of your personal page. This link is located just above your list of matches and says Click here to upload to Ysearch.org. Using this link will automatically fill in your Y-DNA results in the Create a New User page on Ysearch. Fill in the remaining information that you know and click Save Information to create your Ysearch account.
If you have already uploaded results to Ysearch or Mitosearch and have since received new Y-DNA results, the link to upload these to Ysearch will reappear in your Y-DNA Matches section. Click on this link and log in using your Ysearch or Mitosearch UserID and password. Then scroll to the bottom of the page and click Save Information to update your Ysearch account.
- How do I upload my results to Mitosearch? faq id: 554
You can upload your mtDNA results to Mitosearch using a link provided in the mtDNA Matches section of your personal page. This link is located just above your list of matches and says Click here to upload to Mitosearch.org. Using this link will automatically fill in your mtDNA results in the Create a New User page on Mitosearch. Fill in the remaining information that you know and click Save Information to create your Mitosearch account.
If you have already uploaded results to Ysearch or Mitosearch and have since received new mtDNA results, the link to upload these to Mitosearch will reappear in your mtDNA Matches section. Click on this link and log in using your Ysearch or Mitosearch UserID and password. Then scroll to the bottom of the page and click Save Information to update your Mitosearch account.
- How do I update my contact information? faq id: 555
To update your contact information, log in to your personal page and click on the link that says Update Contact Information. Update the contact information listed on this page and click Update to save the changes.
- How do I change or enter my country of origin? faq id: 556
To enter or change your country of origin listing, log in to your personal page and click on the link "Contact Information". Select the country in which your ancestors originated for your direct paternal line or direct maternal line (if known). If you do not know it, leave it blank or select Unknown Origin. This information is displayed in the Ancestral Origins sections of the people that you match.
- How do I get notification emails sent to more email addresses? faq id: 557
Log in to your personal page and click on the link to Contact Information. In the field labeled Additional E-Mails enter the email addresses of other individuals who should receive email notifications and have full access to the personal page. Separate multiple email addresses with a comma , or semicolon ;. Others who see your profile on their pages and want to email you will not see the email listed on the additional E-Mails. If you want to have everyone who sees your name listed be able to send an email to your additional email you'll need to add that email to your primary email line separated by a , or ;
- How do I join a project? faq id: 558
Joining is simple. If you have not tested before, just select the project you wish to join, either through the “Surname Search” box or by browsing through the list of projects at www.familytreedna.com/surname.aspx.
Then click on the title of the project you are interested in. You will see information on the project and below that you will either be able to fill out an order form or a Join Request.
If you have already tested and want to join a project you can click on the square blue "join" icon to the right of your name and kit number on your Family Tree DNA personal page. You can browse and search projects to join here.
- How do I remove myself from a project? faq id: 559
Log in to your personal page. To remove yourself from a project select the project iand click on the “X” symbol to the right of the dropdown menu.
- How do I order certificates? faq id: 560
The first certificate for a new kit or new test type is FREE. Please do not place a certificate order unless you want an additional copy. You may place the certificate order by logging in to your personal page and selecting the order certificate link on to your personal page (left hand side). Each additional certificate is $10. Only credit card payment is accepted for certificate orders.
- Why can’t I order a certificate for this test? faq id: 561
If you have not yet received the results or if a certificate is included with your test order and has not yet been printed and mailed, then the system will not allow you to order the certificate in order to prevent double ordering. After the first certificate is printed and mailed, you should be able to order additional copies one at a time. However, some tests which we no longer perform or only recently began to perform may not have certificates available.
- Why doesn’t anything happen when I click “Understanding Your Results”? faq id: 562
The “Understanding Your Results” link leads to a file in the .pdf format. This file is a copy of the generic report that is printed and mailed with the certificate. You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view a .pdf file. You may use another computer to view this file or you may download Adobe Acrobat Reader from this site:
http://www.adobe.com/
- Why is the password blank on the “Understanding Your Results” page? faq id: 563
This page is an electronic copy of the generic report that is printed and mailed along with a certificate. The password is filled in on the copy that is mailed.
- I tested before you implemented the SNP Assurance Program, will you confirm my haplogroup? faq id: 564
In most cases, if a previously tested member qualifies for the SNP Assurance Program we will confirm his haplogroup. you may email your request to info@familytreedna.com