Ancestry · sign in with Google

How to Login Ancestry with Google Account?

Using your Google account to sign in to Ancestry is fast, secure, and eliminates the need to remember another password. A successful ancestry login with google account connects you instantly to your family tree, DNA results, and billions of historical records. This guide walks you through the process on both computer and mobile, explains how to link an existing Ancestry account to Google, and helps you troubleshoot common issues.

Why sign in with Google?

One less password No need to create or remember a separate Ancestry password – use your Google credentials.

Enhanced security Google's advanced security features, including two‑factor authentication, protect your account.

Quick access If you're already signed into Google on your device, logging into Ancestry can be just one click.

Easy recovery If you lose access, account recovery goes through Google, which is often simpler.

Before you start: two scenarios

There are two common situations:

You are new to Ancestry – you can create an account using your Google login from the beginning.
You already have an Ancestry account (created with email/password) – you can link your Google account to it for easier future logins.

Method 1: Sign up for a new Ancestry account using Google

✨ On a computer (web browser)

Go to the Ancestry website (www.ancestry.com) and click Sign in at the top right.
Below the email and password fields, you'll see buttons for Continue with Google (and possibly Apple). Click Continue with Google.
A Google sign‑in window will appear. Select the Google account you want to use. If you're not already signed into Google, enter your Google email and password.
Google will ask for your permission to share your name and email address with Ancestry. Click Continue.
You will be redirected to Ancestry, and a new account will be created automatically using your Google information. You may be asked to complete a quick profile (like your name preferences).
After that, you're logged in and can start building your tree.

📱 On the Ancestry app (iPhone/Android)

Download and open the Ancestry app. Tap Sign in.
On the sign‑in screen, tap the Continue with Google button.
Choose the Google account you wish to use (or sign into Google if prompted).
Grant permission for Ancestry to access your basic profile info.
The app will create your account and log you in automatically.

Method 2: Link your existing Ancestry account to Google

If you already have an Ancestry account (created with email/password), you can connect your Google account so you can sign in either way in the future.

🔗 Steps to link Google to your existing account

First, log into your Ancestry account using your usual email and password (do not use Google sign‑in yet).
Once logged in, click on your profile icon (top right on computer, or bottom right in the app) and select Account settings.
Look for a section called Social sign‑in or Connected accounts. (The exact wording may vary, but it's usually under Security or Login options.)
Click the button to Connect Google account or Add Google login.
A Google pop‑up will appear. Select the Google account you want to link and grant permission.
Ancestry will confirm that your Google account is now linked. From now on, you can use the “Continue with Google” button to log in.

    Important: Linking your Google account does not remove your original password – you can still use it if you prefer. Both methods will work.
  

Logging in with Google on different devices

Once your Ancestry account is connected to Google, logging in on any device is simple:

On a computer: Go to ancestry.com, click Sign in, then click Continue with Google. Select your Google account.
On the Ancestry app: Open the app, tap Sign in, then tap Continue with Google. Choose your account.
On a shared device: Be careful to log out of both Ancestry and Google when you're done.

What if I have multiple Google accounts?

If you're signed into multiple Google accounts on your browser or phone, Google will prompt you to choose which one to use for Ancestry. Simply select the one linked to your Ancestry account. If you choose the wrong one, you can go back or try again with a different account.

Troubleshooting Google login issues

❌ “Email already in use” when trying to sign up with Google

This usually means you already have an Ancestry account created with that email address (using a password). Do not create a new account. Instead, log in using your email and password, then link your Google account following the steps in Method 2 above. After linking, you can use Google sign‑in going forward.

🔐 Google authentication fails or redirects back

If you click “Continue with Google” but it just returns to the sign‑in page, try these steps:

Clear your browser cache and cookies, or try an incognito/private window.
Ensure that you are allowing pop‑ups from Google and Ancestry in your browser settings.
Check that your Google account is active and not having issues (try logging into Gmail).
If you use a Google Workspace (company/school) account, some administrators may restrict third‑party access – contact your admin.

🔄 “This Google account is already linked to another Ancestry account”

A single Google account can only be linked to one Ancestry account. If you see this message, you may have previously created a different Ancestry account with that Google email. Try signing in with that Google account directly – you might be taken to an existing Ancestry profile. If you need to unlink and relink, you may need to contact Ancestry support.

📵 Google sign‑in works on web but not on app

Ensure the Ancestry app is updated to the latest version. Also, check that you are signed into the correct Google account on your device (in your phone's Settings under Accounts). If you have multiple Google accounts, the app may default to one – you can usually switch by tapping the account icon during the Google sign‑in prompt.

🔑 I forgot which Google account I used

If you have multiple Google accounts, try signing in with each one until you find the one that works. If you're still stuck, use the “Forgot password?” option on the regular email/password sign‑in – Ancestry will send a reset link to the email associated with your account. That email address will tell you which Google account is linked.

Security best practices when using Google sign‑in

Protect your Google account with a strong password and two-factor authentication (Google's 2FA). This automatically secures your Ancestry access.
Be cautious when using Google sign‑in on public or shared computers – always sign out of both Ancestry and Google when finished.
Regularly review the apps connected to your Google account: visit myaccount.google.com → Security → Third‑party apps. You can see and revoke access for Ancestry if needed.
If you ever lose access to your Google account, recover it through Google's recovery process first, then you can log into Ancestry.

Frequently asked questions

Is signing in with Google safe?

Yes. Google uses industry-standard OAuth 2.0 authentication. Ancestry never receives or stores your Google password – only a secure token with your basic info (name and email). You can revoke access at any time from your Google account settings.

Can I still use my original Ancestry password after linking Google?

Yes, your original password remains active. You can sign in either way. If you ever want to remove Google sign‑in, you can do so in your Ancestry account settings.

What happens if I delete my Google account?

If you delete your Google account, you will lose the ability to sign in with Google. However, if you also set a password on your Ancestry account (the original one), you can still log in with that email and password. If you never set a password, you may need to use the “Forgot password” option to create one or contact Ancestry support.

Can I link multiple Google accounts to one Ancestry account?

No, each Ancestry account can only be linked to one Google account (and one Apple account, if applicable).

Does using Google sign‑in affect my subscription or DNA data?

Not at all. It's just a method of authentication. Your subscription, tree, and DNA information remain the same.

Conclusion

Using your Google account to log into Ancestry is a convenient, secure way to access your family history. Whether you're creating a new account or linking an existing one, the process takes only a few clicks. Once set up, you can sign in on any device with the “Continue with Google” button – no need to remember another password. Follow the troubleshooting tips above to resolve any hiccups, and enjoy exploring your roots with the ease of ancestry login with google account.