Ancestry · family history on the go

How to Download Ancestry App?

The Ancestry app brings billions of records and your family tree directly to your pocket. Whether you have an iPhone, iPad, Android phone, or Kindle Fire, downloading the official Ancestry app takes just a minute. Once installed, you can view hints, manage your tree, and explore DNA results anywhere. This guide covers safe download sources, step‑by‑step instructions, and tips to get started after the download.

Why use the Ancestry mobile app?

Tree on the go Add, edit, or review family members while waiting in line. All changes sync with your online tree after you ancestry app download and sign in.

DNA insights If you’ve tested, the app shows your ethnicity update, DNA matches, and parent‑child links.

Instant hints Receive leaf hints as you browse – push notifications let you know when a new record matches your tree.

Offline access Saved records and trees are viewable even without internet (with limited offline mode).

Two official Ancestry apps

Ancestry offers two main applications, both free to download (some features require a subscription). Make sure you pick the correct one for your needs:

Ancestry – the flagship app for family trees, records, hints, and DNA (if you have a kit linked).
AncestryDNA – a streamlined app focused on DNA results, matches, and ethnicity. Ideal if you primarily use DNA features.

In this guide we focus on the main “Ancestry” app, but the download steps are almost identical for the DNA version.

How to Download Ancestry App on iPhone & iPad

📱 Download from the App Store (iOS)

Unlock your iPhone or iPad and locate the App Store icon (blue background with white “A”). Tap to open.
At the bottom, tap the Search tab. In the search field, type ancestry app or ancestry.com app.
Look for the official app by “Ancestry.com LLC”. It has a green leaf on a white background and the name Ancestry. Verify the publisher to avoid fake apps.
Tap Get (or the cloud icon if you’ve downloaded it before). You may need to authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple ID password.
Wait for the download and installation to finish. Once complete, tap Open.
After launching, you can sign in or create a new account. All your tree data will sync automatically after a successful ancestry app download sign‑in.

If you prefer the DNA‑centric version, search for “AncestryDNA” and follow the same steps.

How to Download Ancestry App on Android (Phone / Tablet)

🤖 Download from Google Play Store

Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device. Ensure you are signed into a Google account.
Tap the search bar at the top and type download ancestry app or simply “Ancestry”.
From the results, choose the official app: Ancestry by Ancestry.com LLC. Icons display a green leaf.
Tap Install. The app will begin downloading. You’ll see the progress on the screen.
After installation, tap Open to launch the app. You may also find the Ancestry icon on your home screen or app drawer.
Sign in with your ancestry login credentials. Your trees and DNA information (if any) will appear.

Note: The AncestryDNA app is also available on Android – search separately.

How to Download Ancestry App on Kindle Fire (Amazon Tablet)

Kindle Fire tablets use Amazon’s Appstore, not Google Play. Here’s how to get the Ancestry app on Fire OS:

From the home screen, tap Apps and then open the Amazon Appstore (or search for “Appstore” if not visible).
Tap the magnifying glass to search, and enter ancestry app download or “Ancestry”.
Find the official Ancestry app. Check the developer name: Ancestry.com LLC.
Tap Get or Download. The app will install on your Kindle.
Once done, tap Open. Sign in with your account. Note that some Kindle models might have limited compatibility, but core tree viewing works.

If the app doesn’t appear in the Amazon Appstore, your Fire tablet may need to enable “Apps from unknown sources” (not recommended) – instead, consider accessing Ancestry via the Silk browser.

    Important: Always download the Ancestry app from official stores (Apple App Store, Google Play, Amazon Appstore). Avoid third‑party APK websites – they may contain malware or fake versions.
  

What to do after you download the app

Successfully completing the ancestry app download is just the beginning. Here are the first steps inside the app:

Sign in using the same email and password you use for Ancestry on the web. This ensures all trees and DNA data sync.
If you haven’t created an account yet, tap “Create a new account” and follow the prompts. You can start a free trial or build a basic tree without immediate payment.
Enable notifications (optional) – the app can alert you about new hints, messages, or DNA updates.
Explore the bottom menu: Home (activity), Tree (view and edit), DNA (if linked), Search, and Hints.

Troubleshooting: download or install problems

Sometimes the app won’t download or install correctly. Below are common hiccups and how to resolve them.

📶 Insufficient storage space

If your phone shows “storage full”, you cannot complete the ancestry app download. Delete unused apps, clear cache, or move photos to cloud storage. On Android, go to Settings → Storage to see what’s taking space. On iPhone, check iPhone Storage in Settings. After freeing up space, retry the download.

🌐 Region / country restrictions

The Ancestry app is available in most countries, but if your App Store region doesn’t list it, you may need to switch regions (requires payment method change) or download directly via web browser – though the app version is recommended. For iOS, you can also create a new Apple ID in a supported country, but that’s advanced. Most users simply check again after a few days.

🔞 Age‑restricted or parental controls

If you see “this item cannot be purchased at this time” or a restriction message, check your device’s parental controls or content restrictions. On iPhone, go to Settings → Screen Time → Content & Privacy Restrictions, ensure “App Store” allows downloads. On Android, open Family Link or Play Store settings to verify restrictions.

🔄 App stuck at “waiting” or “pending”

Sometimes downloads pause. On iPhone: try tapping the waiting icon, then “resume download”. If that fails, restart your device. On Android: go to Play Store → My apps & games → check if download is stuck; cancel and re‑initiate. Ensure you have a stable Wi‑Fi or cellular connection for the ancestry com app download.

🛑 App crashes on launch after download

If the app opens then immediately closes, try these steps: restart your phone; update your device operating system; delete the app and re‑download it from the official store. Most crashes are fixed by a fresh install and ensuring the app is up‑to‑date.

Frequently asked questions about Ancestry app download

Is the Ancestry app free to download?

Yes, the app itself is free. However, many records and DNA features require an active subscription or a one‑time kit activation. You can still view your tree and basic hints without paying.

Can I download Ancestry app on a laptop or Windows PC?

There is no official native Windows app for Ancestry. However, you can use the Windows Subsystem for Android (on Windows 11) to install Android apps, or simply access Ancestry via a web browser. The browser version is fully functional.

Do I need an account to use the app after download?

You need to sign in or create a free account to view any content. After the download ancestry app step, you’ll be prompted to log in.

Will my tree sync between app and computer?

Absolutely. Any changes made on the app appear on the website after syncing (usually within seconds).

Tips for a great Ancestry app experience

Keep the app updated: turn on automatic updates to always have the latest features and security fixes.
Use Wi‑Fi for initial download and for loading large record images.
If you have both tree and DNA, link your DNA kit to your account via the web or app (under DNA settings).
Explore “Shaky Leaf” hints – they appear when the app finds a potential record match for your ancestors.

Conclusion

Downloading the Ancestry app opens a world of family history at your fingertips. Whether you prefer iPhone, Android, or Kindle, the process is straightforward: open your device’s official app store, search for Ancestry, and tap install. After the ancestry app download, sign in with your account and start exploring. Your tree, DNA matches, and historical records are all waiting – mobile.