Ancestry · desktop access

How to Login Ancestry on Computer?

Using Ancestry on a computer (Windows, Mac, or even Linux) gives you the largest screen and most powerful research tools. Whether you're at home with a desktop or traveling with a laptop, a successful ancestry login computer connects you to your family tree, billions of records, and DNA insights. This guide covers everything: the simple steps to sign in, what to do if you run into trouble, and tips for a smooth experience on your computer.

Why use Ancestry on a computer?

Larger workspace View and edit your tree with more space, see multiple records side by side.

Full record access All historical documents, images, and newspapers display optimally on a bigger screen.

Keyboard shortcuts Faster navigation and data entry – great for building trees quickly.

Easy printing Print family trees, record summaries, or research notes directly from your browser.

Before you begin

To log into Ancestry on a computer, you'll need:

A computer with an internet connection and a modern web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge).
Your Ancestry account email address and password.
If you have two-factor authentication (2FA) enabled, keep your phone or authenticator app nearby.
If you're using a public or shared computer, remember to log out afterwards.

Step-by-step: Login to Ancestry on computer (web browser)

🖥️ Standard login procedure

Open your preferred web browser (e.g., Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge).
In the address bar, type www.ancestry.com (or your local Ancestry domain like ancestry.co.uk for the UK, ancestry.ca for Canada, etc.) and press Enter.
Once the page loads, look for the Sign in button. It is usually located in the top‑right corner of the screen. Click it.
You will be taken to the sign‑in page with two empty fields: one for your email/username and one for your password.
Enter the email address associated with your Ancestry account. Double‑check for typos.
Enter your password. You can click the eye icon to reveal the text and ensure your caps lock is off.
If you have two-factor authentication (2FA) enabled, a new field will appear asking for a 6‑digit code. Open your authenticator app (like Google Authenticator, Authy) or check your SMS/email for the code. Enter it promptly.
After submitting the correct credentials and code, you will be redirected to your Ancestry homepage. Your family tree, recent hints, and DNA information will load.

That's it – you have successfully completed an ancestry login computer session.

    Remember me: If you are on your personal computer, you can check the “Remember me” or “Stay signed in” option to avoid entering your credentials every time. Do not use this on shared or public computers.
  

Using different Ancestry regional sites

Ancestry operates country‑specific sites (e.g., ancestry.com.au for Australia, ancestry.de for Germany). Your single account works across all of them. If you navigate to a different regional site, simply click “Sign in” and use your usual email and password. Your tree and data remain the same.

What if you forgot your password?

It happens. If you can't remember your password when trying to log in on your computer:

On the sign‑in page, click the Forgot password? link below the password field.
Enter your Ancestry email address. A password reset email will be sent to that inbox.
Check your email (and spam folder) for a message from Ancestry. Click the link inside – it will take you to a page where you can create a new password.
After resetting, return to the Ancestry sign‑in page and log in with your new password.

This process does not affect your subscription or tree data.

Two-factor authentication on a computer

2FA adds an extra layer of security. When you log in from a computer for the first time, or after clearing cookies, you'll need to provide a verification code. If you no longer have access to your authenticator app or phone, use one of the backup codes you saved during 2FA setup. If you lost those, you may need to contact Ancestry support for account recovery.

Troubleshooting: common computer login issues

❌ “Incorrect email or password”

This is the most frequent error. Double‑check for spelling mistakes. Ensure the email is exactly the one you used to sign up. Use the “Show password” feature to verify caps lock isn't on. If you're sure the credentials are correct but still can't log in, use the “Forgot password” option to reset. Also, if you originally signed up with “Sign in with Apple” or “Google”, you must use that same button – not the email/password fields.

🔐 Two-factor code not working

If your authenticator app code is rejected, ensure the time on your phone is synced correctly (many apps are time‑based). For SMS codes, check your phone signal and that your number is current in Ancestry settings. If you use email for 2FA, check spam. Still stuck? Use a backup code if you have one. After logging in, you can review your 2FA settings.

🌐 Browser or cache problems

Sometimes your browser's stored data can interfere with login. If you encounter blank pages, redirects, or errors, try these steps:

Open an incognito or private browsing window and attempt to log in there. If it works, clear your regular browser cache and cookies.
Disable ad-blockers or privacy extensions temporarily – they might block login scripts.
Ensure your browser is updated to the latest version.

📵 “Account locked” after too many attempts

For security, Ancestry may temporarily lock your account after several failed login attempts. Wait 15–30 minutes and try again. Meanwhile, reset your password to ensure you have the correct one. Avoid repeatedly trying during the lockout – it extends the time.

🔄 Automatic redirect to wrong region

If you are traveling or using a VPN, Ancestry might redirect you to a local site. This is normal – your login works globally. If you prefer the US site, you can usually change the region at the bottom of the page or manually type ancestry.com.

Security best practices for computer login

Use a strong, unique password for your Ancestry account – a password manager helps.
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) in your account security settings.
On personal computers, you can safely use “Remember me”. On shared or public computers, always log out when finished and do not save the password in the browser.
Periodically review active sessions: go to Account settings → Security (on the web) to see where you're logged in and sign out of any unfamiliar devices.
Keep your computer's operating system and browser updated for the latest security patches.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a desktop app for Ancestry?

Ancestry does not offer a dedicated native app for Windows or Mac. The website (accessed via browser) is the official way to use Ancestry on a computer. It is fully optimized for desktop use.

Can I use Ancestry on multiple computers?

Yes, you can log in to your Ancestry account from any number of computers. All your trees and data are stored in the cloud and sync automatically. Just use your email and password on each machine.

Will logging in on a different computer log me out elsewhere?

No, you can be logged in simultaneously on multiple computers and devices. You'll remain active everywhere unless you manually sign out or use the “Sign out of all devices” feature.

My computer browser keeps forgetting my login. Why?

If you're not using “Remember me”, the session may expire after you close the browser. Also, some browsers are set to clear cookies on exit – adjust your browser settings if you want to stay logged in. On a shared computer, this is actually a security feature.

I signed up on the app. Can I log in on my computer?

Absolutely. Your account is cross‑platform. Use the same email and password on the computer. If you used “Sign in with Apple” or “Google” on the app, use those same buttons on the computer.

Conclusion

Logging into Ancestry on a computer is a simple process: open your browser, go to ancestry.com, and sign in with your email and password. With two-factor authentication, you get an extra layer of security. Whether you're using a Windows laptop, a Mac, or even a Linux machine, the Ancestry website provides all the features you need for serious family history research. Follow the tips above to troubleshoot any issues, and you'll be exploring your family tree on the big screen in no time.