Maximizing your DNA Matches

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If you're just starting out with DNA, you may be interested in maximizing your DNA matches. Even though your testing site may have returned hundreds, thousands, or tens of thousands of results, finding more matches really isn't a bad thing. Unless you're prepared to spend a lot of time researching living people and reaching out to matches (who may or may not respond), it's unlikely you'll find where every match fits in your tree...not even close. So having more matches is better when trying to trace back to those elusive ancestors. You never know when one match may break down a brick wall to solve a mystery!

Testing your DNA is always an individual decision. Only you can decide if it's the right choice for you. There are concerns over privacy, the discoveries you might make, who might gain access to your data in the future and who else might be influenced by your results and research. These are all very valid concerns and no one can tell you if DNA testing is right for you - you must decide for yourself. I struggled with all the same questions, but decided to test anyway - and I  don't regret my choice one bit. Once you've made the choice to test, the next question is where?

There are 2 of the major sites who notably do not allow uploads from other testing sites, a critical step if you want to maximize your matches. These are 23andMe and Ancestry.com. While 23andMe can be good for those interested in how their DNA results might impact their future health, it's not the easiest site to deal with as far as matches in my experience. While I have tested there (since a friend gifted me the DNA kit), I find working with matches frustrating since so little information is provided, the site isn't geared toward research and I'm not at a point where I feel compelled to reach out to individuals to figure out how we're related.  Their tree builder is simply not up to par as compared to other sites. You can however download your raw DNA to upload elsewhere, so if the health component is important, it may be the right choice for you.

Ancestry does not allow uploads from other sites either, but it's likely your best bet for a first test. They also have the largest database of testers, so in general (but not always), you'll be more likely to find the most matches on their site. Plus, you can download your raw DNA for upload elsewhere. Their DNA tools are very easy to use (although some are now behind a paywall). I strongly suggest waiting for a holiday sale to buy a kit at Ancestry. You can usually find them on sale around major holidays for as low as $59. If you have Amazon Prime, they've always had the sale price and you don't have to pay extra for shipping. If you purchase through Ancestry, they do charge shipping fee.

Once your DNA results are back, if you've decided to maximize your matches, head over and download you raw DNA file (instructions for Ancestry are here). Now, I want to tell you where you can upload your raw DNA results once you have them in hand and how to get many more matches for free. Keep in mind, if your relatives have tested or uploaded their results at multiple sites, you may find some overlap, but you'll also find lots of matches who haven't tested at Ancestry.

The followings sites allow a free upload of raw DNA files (from both Ancestry and 23andMe). While there are plenty of other sites allowing upload of raw DNA, these are all well known, reputable sites. If you choose to use another site, be sure to check their privacy policies as well as who they allow to access your DNA. Each site offers slightly different features and/or DNA tools with your free upload, but as of now, they all include matching for free. 

• MyHeritage.com
• LivingDNA.com
• FamilyTreeDNA.com**
• GEDmatch.com**

**Both FamilyTreeDNA (FTDNA) and GEDmatch work with law enforcement. When uploading to either of these sites, be sure to review your opt-in or opt-out settings to ensure they're set the way you prefer. Also be aware, while sites do their best to protect your DNA results to the extent they are legally allowed to do so, they may still be compelled to provide access by court order. And no site is immune to hackers, as we saw with the 23andMe breach. Sites are doing their best to beef up security in the wake of the breach, including limiting viewable information and downloads (including match lists) until sufficient security is in place. Over time, I fully expect we'll see the ability to download more data and match lists come back, but for now, using your matches may take some patience. 

After uploading to any, or all, of the sites above, sit back, relax and allow a few days for matching to occur. It's not instantaneous. After a few days (or when you receive an email your matches are ready) go ahead and login and start exploring all your new found relatives! If you choose to communicate with your matches, you may make new lifelong bonds. With others, you may communicate just long enough to figure out how you're related. And some may never respond to your requests. I've uploaded my Ancestry DNA results to all 4 of the additional sites for free. I've communicated with several matches using Ancestry, MyHeritage, GEDmatch and LivingDNA. I'm thankful for every single match I'm able to place in my tree. They help me confirm my research and in some cases, open the door to generations I have yet to explore.