What You Need to Know Before Uploading
GEDmatch accepts uploads of Autosomal DNA raw data files
from most major DNA testing companies. GEDmatch does not perform DNA testing —
you need to first take a DNA test with a testing company (such as AncestryDNA,
23andMe, FamilyTreeDNA, MyHeritage, or LivingDNA), download your raw data file,
and then upload that file to GEDmatch.
Important limitations:
• GEDmatch only accepts Autosomal DNA data. Y-DNA
and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) files cannot be uploaded.
• Once uploaded, your DNA data is converted into a
proprietary format. You cannot download your raw data file back from
GEDmatch. Always keep a copy of your original file.
• Each unique DNA file can only exist once on GEDmatch.
If the same DNA has already been uploaded, it will be flagged as a duplicate.
Step-by-Step Upload Instructions
2. On your home page, click "Upload DNA"
(or "Upload your DNA data").
3. Select the source of your DNA data from the
drop-down menu (e.g., AncestryDNA, 23andMe, FTDNA, MyHeritage, LivingDNA). If
your company is not listed, select "Other" and enter the name
manually.
• Note: You must select a source — leaving this
blank will result in an error: *"Please select a Source from the list OR
select Other to manually enter a source."*
4. Click "Choose File" or "Browse"
and select the raw data file from your computer.
5. Click "Upload" to begin the upload.
After uploading, your kit will be assigned a Kit Number
(e.g., AB1234567). You will receive a confirmation.
How to Download Raw Data from Your Testing
Company
AncestryDNA
2. Go to your DNA Settings page (click DNA →
Settings).
3. Scroll down and click "Download Raw DNA
Data."
4. Confirm your password and click "Confirm."
5. You will receive an email with a download link. The
file will be a .txt file inside a .zip archive.
6. Upload the .zip or .txt file directly
to GEDmatch.
23andMe
2. Go to Settings (click your name in the top
right).
3. Scroll to "23andMe Data" and click "Download
Raw Data."
4. Follow the prompts to download. The file will be a .txt
file.
5. Upload this file to GEDmatch.
FamilyTreeDNA (FTDNA)
2. Go to Settings → Account Settings.
3. Look for the "Download Raw Data"
option under the Autosomal section.
4. Download the autosomal data file (usually a .csv
or .gz
file).
5. Upload this file to GEDmatch.
6. Note: FTDNA also offers Y-DNA and mtDNA tests —
only the Autosomal (Family Finder) file is accepted by GEDmatch.
MyHeritage
2. Go to DNA → DNA Kits.
3. Click the three-dot menu next to your kit and select "Download
raw data file."
4. Download and upload the file to GEDmatch.
- Important (as of January 2026): MyHeritage
announced changes to their raw data download feature effective December 31,
2025. If you are having trouble downloading, contact MyHeritage support for
assistance, then upload the file you receive to GEDmatch.
LivingDNA
1. Log in to your LivingDNA account.
2. Navigate to your DNA results settings.
3. Download your raw data file.
4. Upload to GEDmatch, selecting "LivingDNA"
or "Other" from the source dropdown.
Processing Time
After uploading, your DNA kit typically takes 24 to 48
hours to fully process. During this time:
• Your kit number will appear in your profile.
• The status may show as "Processing" —
this is normal.
• You will not be able to use the matching tools until
processing is complete.
• You may see a message saying *"Upload disabled
until chosen DNA-file has been processed"* — this simply means your
previous upload is still being processed. Once processing is complete, you can begin using GEDmatch
tools like One-to-Many matching.
Common Upload Issues and Solutions
"Please select a Source from the
list"
Make sure you have selected your DNA testing company from the
drop-down menu on the upload page. This field is required.
"Upload disabled until chosen DNA-file
has been processed"
This message usually means a previous upload is still being
processed (typically 24–48 hours). However, if you see this message for more
than 48 hours, it may indicate a processing error rather than normal wait
time. Clear your browser cache and cookies and check again. If the message
persists beyond 2 days, contact GEDmatch Support with your kit number — our
team can investigate and resolve the issue.
Upload page not responding or errors
Try clearing the cache and cookies in your web browser,
then attempt the upload again. This resolves most upload issues.
"This kit is a duplicate"
GEDmatch does not allow the same DNA data to exist in more
than one active kit. If you see a duplicate warning, it means this DNA file has
already been uploaded (possibly under a different account or email). See our
article on [Duplicate Kit Issues and How to Resolve Them] for more details.
"Failed HTZ ratio test" or kit
rejected after upload
This means the data file did not pass GEDmatch's quality
checks. This can happen if the file is corrupted, incomplete, or in the wrong
format. Try re-downloading the raw data from your testing company and uploading
again.
Upload stuck / kit not processing
If your kit has been in "Processing" status for more
than 48 hours, please clear your browser cache and cookies and check again. If
the issue persists, contact support with your kit number.
Trying to upload a GEDCOM (family tree)
through the DNA upload
The DNA upload link only accepts DNA raw data files. If you
receive an error about file naming or format when uploading a .ged
file, you may be using the wrong upload link. GEDCOMs (family trees) have a
separate upload page.
Site says to upload but I already did
If the site prompts you to upload again despite having a kit,
check that you are logged into the correct account. Also try clearing your
browser cache. If you still see this message, contact support with your kit
number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I upload DNA data from Basepaws or other animal DNA
tests?
No. GEDmatch's software and algorithms are designed
exclusively for human autosomal DNA.
Can I upload DNA for a deceased family member?
Yes, you may upload DNA data for a deceased relative as long
as you have the legal right to the data.
Can I upload multiple DNA kits (from different family
members)?
Yes. You can upload multiple DNA kits to the same GEDmatch
profile. Each kit will receive its own unique kit number.
How do I combine kits from different testing companies for
the same person?
Tier 1 members can use the "Combine multiple kits into 1
Superkit" tool to merge results from different testing companies for the
same individual.
Can I download my DNA data back from GEDmatch?
No. When a DNA data file is uploaded to GEDmatch, it is
converted into a proprietary format that is only usable within the GEDmatch
database. Always keep a copy of your original raw data file from your testing
company.
Does GEDmatch work on mobile phones?
The GEDmatch website works best from a laptop or desktop
computer. Some features, including the upload page, may not function properly
on mobile devices.