UPDATED -Time’s Running Out to Upload DNA to MyHeritage for Free- deadline extended to 15 Dec 2018

Time’s running out! Only 15 days left to Upload DNA to MyHeritage for FREE!

 

This is our last chance to transfer Autosomal DNA tests from AncestryDNA, 23andMe, FamilyTreeDNA, and Living DNA to MyHeritage for FREE, to be grandfathered in to free ethnicity estimates, use of the chromosome browser, and some other features.

 

Deadline Announcement

On December 1, 2018, MyHeritage extended their free transfer policy for 2 weeks. The last day for DNA transfers is Saturday, 15 December 2018. After that, MyHeritage will no longer accept free transfers. Here’s a quote from their most recent blog:

We have just extended our deadline for free DNA uploads to December 16, 2018. As of this date, our policy regarding DNA uploads will change. DNA Matching will remain free for uploaded DNA data, but unlocking additional DNA features will require an extra payment for DNA results uploaded after this date.

Prior to this, the last day for transfers was 30 November 2018. From the MyHeritage blog:

As of December 1, 2018, our policy regarding DNA uploads will change: DNA Matching will remain free for uploaded DNA data, but unlocking additional DNA features (for example, ethnicity estimate, chromosome browser, and some others) will require an extra payment for DNA files uploaded after this date. We will announce the full details of the new policy once it is finalized, closer to December 1st. All DNA data that was uploaded to MyHeritage in the past, and all DNA data that is uploaded now and prior to December 1, 2018, will continue to enjoy full access to all DNA features for free. These uploads will be grandfathered in and will remain free.

 

In the future, you’ll be able to upload your DNA to MyHeritage for a fee and this fee may or may not include the same testing tools.

 

Why Upload DNA to MyHeritage NOW?

First, every DNA testing site has different tools for DNA analysis and even if you don’t have time to explore these tools now, it’s an easy way to be grandfathered into some great tools at MyHeritage that you’ll get to enjoy for free when you find the time to use them.

If you’re not familiar with the tools at MyHeritage, these include:

• • DNA matches – I love the DNA match filtering tools at MyHeritage. You can filter by people with trees, shared surnames, shared places; ethnicities you’re researching, locations people are from, or proximity of the predicted relationship; and you can compare matches by shared matches. This tool allows you to focus your research on DNA matches that might help you break down a brick wall.  

 

• • Chromosome browser – You can compare your DNA to that of other matches to possibly find a common ancestral connection through triangulation. This works best if you have some known close family who also test at or upload tests to MyHeritage. My husband and his mother have both tested at MyHeritage. His father is deceased but his paternal uncle has tested at MyHeritage. We use the Chromosome browser to compare unknown DNA matches to him and his mother then him and his paternal uncle for clues as to which family line the unknown match might be connected through.  

 

• Ethnicity Estimate – each DNA company uses different samplings of founder populations (see Founder Populations project) upon which ethnicity estimates are built. MyHeritage currently supports 42 ethnic populations and will soon be adding more ethnicities. My husband was surprised to find a small percentage of Ashkenazi Jewish in his ethnicity estimate and I was surprised to find a small percentage of Finnish DNA. I’m still sorting through Finnish matches trying to make the genealogical connection.  

 

Second, it benefits relatives who may have tested at a different DNA site than you. It makes sense to get your DNA to as many trusted testing sites as possible to assist people who have lost family connections and are trying to figure out who their genetic relatives are.

• Every day we see news articles about people who are finally finding biological family through DNA testing. It seems to give them a sense of connection they’ve been missing. It’s a benevolent gesture that takes very little effort on our part but may make a huge impact on the life of another person.
• Most people can’t afford to test at multiple DNA test sites and some test sites don’t permit DNA uploads so if you have a family member who has only tested at MyHeritage and you have only tested at Ancestry or 23andMe, it makes sense to upload your DNA to MyHeritage so this person can benefit from comparing their DNA to yours to assess potential “shared matches” as in the above-example with the chromosome browser & triangulation.

 

Here are some Q&As from the MyHeritage Help Center if you have further inquiries about their DNA testing and results.

 

How-To Instructions for Downloading DNA from other DNA Test Sites

 

• How to Download DNA Raw Data from 23andMe

  • Requirements:
    • Be able to login to your 23andMe account
    • Have access to your email
    • Have access to a secure computer

 

• • How to Download DNA Raw Data from AncestryDNA

    • Requirements:
      • Be able to login to your Ancestry account
      • Know your Ancestry password for verification (there is one place where your password will not be automated)
      • Be able to access your email for final download instructions
      • Have access to a secure computer

 

• • How to Download DNA Raw Data from FamilyTreeDNA

    • Requirements:
      • Be able to login to FamilyTreeDNA (you’ll need your kit number or GAP username and your password)
      • Have access to a secure computer
      • MyHeritage accepts the Build 37 Raw Data Concatenated download option

 

• • How to Download DNA Raw Data from Living DNA 

    • Requirements:
      • Be able to login to your Living DNA account
      • Have access to a secure computer

 

Instructions for Uploading DNA to MyHeritage

Here’s is a link to the MyHeritage site where you can upload your DNA to MyHeritageDNA.