Ancestry.com

Genealogy and family history subscription providing access to billions of historical records, family trees, DNA testing, and research tools

Genealogy

3-5 min estimate

Last verified: Jan 15, 2025

IMPORTANT: We guide you through steps, but YOU must complete the cancellation yourself. We never log into your account or access your personal information.

What Happens When You Cancel?

  • Your Ancestry.com subscription will remain active until the end of your current billing period. You can continue accessing all subscription features, historical records, and family tree tools until then. After cancellation, you'll lose access to subscription features and premium records. Your family tree, uploaded photos, and saved records will remain in your account, but you'll need an active subscription to view most historical records.

Step-by-Step Instructions

How to Cancel Ancestry.com

Need to cancel your Ancestry.com subscription? This guide will walk you through the cancellation process step-by-step. Whether you subscribed through Ancestry's website, we'll show you exactly how to cancel.

Note: After canceling, you'll retain access to Ancestry.com features until the end of your current billing period. Your family tree, uploaded photos, and saved records will remain in your account, but you'll need an active subscription to view most historical records.

Step 1: Sign in to Your Ancestry Account

Go to www.ancestry.com and sign in with your Ancestry account credentials.

Step 2: Access Account Settings

Click on your name or username in the top right corner, then select "Account Settings" from the dropdown menu.

Step 3: Navigate to Membership Section

In the Account Settings page, scroll down to find the "Membership" section. You'll see your current subscription details and next billing date.

Step 4: Cancel Membership

Click "Cancel Membership" or "Cancel subscription". Ancestry will show you information about when your subscription access will end.

Step 5: Confirm Cancellation

Review the cancellation details carefully. Ancestry may show you benefits you'll lose. If you want to proceed, follow the on-screen instructions to confirm the cancellation. You'll receive a confirmation email.

Troubleshooting

I can't find the Cancel button

  • Make sure you're signed in to the correct Ancestry account
  • Try accessing account settings directly: www.ancestry.com/account
  • Look for "Membership" section in Account Settings
  • Clear your browser cache and cookies, then try again

I subscribed through a third party

If you subscribed through Apple App Store or Google Play, you'll need to cancel through that platform's subscription management system:

  • Apple: Settings > [Your Name] > Subscriptions > Ancestry
  • Google Play: Google Play Store > Menu > Subscriptions > Ancestry

I want to pause instead of cancel

Ancestry.com doesn't offer a pause option. However, you can cancel and reactivate anytime without losing your family tree or saved information.

I'm being charged after cancellation

  • Check your email for the cancellation confirmation
  • Verify the cancellation date matches the end of your billing period
  • Make sure you clicked "Cancel Membership" and confirmed
  • Contact Ancestry Support if charges continue after the cancellation date

What happens to my family tree?

Your family tree, uploaded photos, and saved records will remain in your account after cancellation. However, you'll need an active subscription to view most historical records and access premium features.

Can I still access my DNA results?

Your DNA results will remain accessible, but some features may require an active subscription. Check Ancestry's current policy for DNA access after cancellation.

Additional Information

  • Reactivation: You can reactivate your Ancestry.com subscription anytime by visiting www.ancestry.com or through Account Settings
  • Family Tree: Your family tree and uploaded photos remain in your account after cancellation
  • Saved Records: Saved records remain accessible, but viewing new records requires an active subscription
  • DNA Results: DNA results remain accessible, but some features may require subscription
  • Refunds: Check Ancestry's refund policy if you need a refund

Conclusion

You've successfully canceled your Ancestry.com subscription! You'll continue to have access to subscription features until the end of your current billing period. After that, you'll lose access to premium records, but your family tree and saved information will remain in your account.

Your family tree and uploaded photos are all saved, so you can reactivate anytime. If you need help, Ancestry Support is available through the Help Center.

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Important Notes

You can reactivate your Ancestry.com subscription anytime without losing your family tree or saved information

If you cancel mid-cycle, you'll still have subscription access until your current billing period ends

Cancel at least two days before your renewal date to avoid being charged for the next billing cycle

Your family tree, uploaded photos, and saved records will remain in your account after cancellation

You'll need an active subscription to view most historical records after cancellation

Official Resources

Ancestry Help - Cancel MembershipAncestry Account SettingsAncestry Support Contact