Mother's Day and Genealogy ... Pretty Sales on DNA and Vivid-Pix!

Happy Early Mother's Day to All!

Regardless of whether you are a Mom or even female, there are genealogy-related sales this time of year that might be of interest to you. Rather than detail them all individually, consider this a scavenger hunt of sorts.

April had DNA Day and several sales that started then turn into Spring or Early Mother's Day sales so some deals have been going on for while. Without further ado, here is a list.

DNA

AncestryDNA is now on sale for $29 until May 11, at 10 a.m. ET with taxes and shipping extra. There are options: pay $30 for the DNA test and 3-months of Ancestry World Explorer (which will renew at $99.95 every 3-months unless cancelled before term renewal) or pay $39 for the DNA test and 3-months of Ancestry All-Access (which will renew at $149 every 3-months unless cancelled before term renewal.

MyHeritageDNA has returned with the lowest price ever of $19.90 on its regularly priced $89 MyHeritageDNA test. Taxes and shipping extra; free shipping for 2 or more test kits. This sale ends today, May 3, 2026. There is also an option to pay the same price and also get 1-month of Complete free trial of MyHeritage's data subscription* and get free shipping. (*After 30 days, you'll enjoy a 50% discount and be charged $299 $149 for the first year. The Complete subscription renews annually. You can cancel anytime.)

FamilyTree DNA extended its DNA Day sale until April 30 but now is running its Mother's Day sale which runs until May 11. Some of the pricing it still the same.

FTDNA's FamilyFinder (autosomal) test is on sale for $39, regulary $79. The mtDNA (mitochondrial/maternal for male and females) test is now $119, regularly $159, which is $10 better than the DNA Day sale. The FamilyFinder + mtFull Sequence bundle (for one person to test) is on sale for $149, regularly $229. This is $10 better than the DNA Day sale. 

The Y-DNA tests (for testing males only) are back to regular pricing but they will more than likely be on sale for Father's Day. The prices listed for this sale for Y-DNA tests were better during the DNA Day Sale.

23andMe's Mother Day sales goes until May 10. The Basic Ancestry test is 20% off so on sale for $79, regularly $99. Taxes and shipping extra; limit 4 tests. The Advanced Ancestry+Health test is on sale for $80, regularly $199. That is a savings of 55%. With this test the 23andMe+ Premium renews at $69 per year which can be cancelled at anytime. The Ultimate Health+ Advanced Ancestry is on sale for $399, regularly $499. With this test the 23andMe+ Total Health renews at $199 per year which can be cancelled at anytime. The last two test types are FSA & HSA Eligible.

LivingDNA is on sale for $69, regularly $124, plus taxes and shipping. This company is in England and for UK ancestry tries to go down to the county-level. 

With any of the DNA companies you can see prior posts that MCGG has written by using the labels in the left column. Just click on the label and see posts on prior sales and changes throughout the years with each company's testing.

Also running sales are: 

Vivid-Pix is using a coupon code Family2026 for its Mother's Day and Father's Day sale. Save $10 on its Vivid-Pix RESTORE software making it $39.99. Save $40 on the Memory Station Home Edition Software for Windows (includes Vivid-Pix Restore software) making it $159.99. See our past posts on Vivid-Pix using our labels in the left-hand column.

There are probably more out there. Good luck finding a sale on what you want.

See you at our favorite library!
LE

Clarification: NEWEST LOW Sale for MyHeritage DNA Ends in 3 Days

Just spotted this morning that the newest lowest sale price for MyHeritage DNA ends in 3 days. So, probably Sunday, April 19.

See yesterday's post regarding the sale.

See you at our favorite library!
LE 

AncestryDNA FLASH Sale $39 TODAY ONLY

Ancestry is having a FLASH sale on AncestryDNA TODAY ONLY until April 16, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Remember taxes and shipping are extra. The regular price of an AncestryDNA test is $99.

There are three options with this sale.

Just the AncestryDNA test is on sale for $39.

For new subscribers or those without a current active subscription:

The AncestryDNA test and a World Explorer Membership for $1 has a total sale price of $40.

The AncestryDNA test and an All-Access Membership for $10 has a total sale price of $49.

These subscription memberships will renew at regular prices every three months until you cancel.

*Offers end 16 Apr 2026 at 11:59pm ET. Excludes shipping. Package offers are for new and returning subscribers only and not for renewal of current subscriptions. Limit one $1 subscription per user. Your World Explorer subscription will automatically renew at $99.95 or your All Access subscription will automatically renew at $149 every 3 months until you cancel by visiting your Account Settings or by contacting us. See our Renewal and Cancellation Terms for further details.

See our prior posts on AncestryDNA for the changes in what you can access for your DNA test without an Ancestry member subscription and what you can not. You can see past sale trends by selecting the topic label in the left column of this blog (for example, AncestryDNA) to see all past posts regarding AncestryDNA.

Good luck finding the sales you need!

See you at our favorite library!
LE

NEWEST LOW for MyHeritage DNA

MyHeritage DNA hit a new low.

For its Spring DNA Sale, which has been extended, the NEW LOWEST PRICE EVER is $19.90 for MyHeritage DNA. The autosomal DNA test is regularly $89. The site says sale ends soon but we can't find an exact end date/time. So don't wait too long if you are going to buy.

There are two options:

MyHeritage DNA test for $19.90, plus taxes and shipping. Usually there is an offer to purchase two test kits and get free standard shipping.

MyHeritage DNA test plus 30-day Complete free trail* for $19.90, plus taxes and free shipping.

*After 30 days, you'll enjoy a 50% discount and be charged $299 $149 for the first year. The Complete subscription renews annually. You can cancel anytime.

Remember, MyHeritage ended its DNA uploads of DNA test data from other DNA genealogy testing sites back in August 2025. So now you do have to test directly with MyHeritage DNA. And at this new low sale price it should not be a hard decision to get yourself or your tester into another DNA match pool.

In October MyHeritage announced it is transitioning to Whole Genome Sequencing of its MyHeritage DNA tests. We mentioned it in this post. From comments at RootsTech 2026 and the Q&A at the bottom of the sale page we believe that all tests are being processed with Whole Genome Sequencing.

See you at our favorite library!
LE 

AncestryDNA Lowest Price Ever - $29 - Extended Until Dec. 31, 2025, 6 pm ET

Ancestry.com has extended its sale on AncestryDNA until December 31, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Remember taxes and shipping are extra. The regular price of an AncestryDNA test is $99.

There are three options with this sale.

Just the AncestryDNA test is on sale for $29.*

For new subscribers or those without a current active subscription:

The AncestryDNA test and a World Explorer Membership for $1 has a total sale price of $30.*

The AncestryDNA test and an All-Access Membership for $10 has a total sale price of $39.*

These subscription memberships will renew at regular prices every three months until you cancel.

*Offers end 31 Dec 2025 at 6pm ET. Excludes shipping. Package offers are for new and returning subscribers only and not for renewal of current subscriptions. Limit one $1 subscription per user. Your World Explorer subscription will automatically renew at $99.95 or your All Access subscription will automatically renew at $149 every 3 months until you cancel by visiting your Account Settings or by contacting us. See our Renewal and Cancellation Terms for further details.

See our prior posts on AncestryDNA for the changes in what you can access for your DNA test without an Ancestry member subscription and what you can not. You can also see past sale trends by selecting the topic label in the left column of this blog (for example, AncestryDNA) to see all past posts regarding AncestryDNA.

Good luck finding the sales you need!

See you at our favorite library!
LE

MyHeritage DNA Black Friday Sale Lowest Price EVER! $25 until Dec. 28 at 11:59 pm

This morning MyHeritage released its Black Friday Sale that ends November 28, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. The autosomal DNA test is regularly $89. It is now its LOWEST PRICE EVER at $25.

There are two options:

MyHeritage DNA test for $25, plus taxes and shipping. Usually there is an offer to purchase two test kits and get free standard shipping.

MyHeritage DNA test plus 30-day Complete free trail* for $25, plus taxes and free shipping.

*After 30 days, you'll enjoy a 50% discount and be charged $299 $149 for the first year. The Complete subscription renews annually. You can cancel anytime.

Remember, MyHeritage ended its DNA uploads of DNA test data from other DNA genealogy testing sites back in August 2025. So now you do have to test directly with MyHeritage DNA.

In October MyHeritage announced it is transitioning to Whole Genome Sequencing of its MyHeritage DNA tests. We mentioned it in this post. Though this morning's email announcing this sale mentions the whole genome sequencing BUT we have found no official confirmations that all tests received are now being processed as whole genome sequencing. It is supposed to happen before the end of the year. We suggest taking advantage of the lowest price ever sale and if possible holding off taking the test and sending it in until we can confirm all DNA samples will be processed with Whole Genome Sequencing.

Of course, if that elder family member or a specific family member and time or availability is the issue, do the test before you can't do it. 

As soon as we hear that all DNA samples are processed with Whole Genome Sequencing we will let you know.

So get your MyHeritage DNA kit on sale and hold off taking it (if possible) until MyHeritage announces that all tests will be processed with Whole Genome Sequencing. 

See you at our favorite library!
LE 

 

AncestryDNA Lowest Price Ever - $29 - Until Tues., Dec. 2, 2025, 10 am ET

Ancestry's Black Friday and Cyber Monday Sale on AncestryDNA has started and runs until Tues., December 2, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time. Remember taxes and shipping are extra. The regular price of an AncestryDNA test is $99.

There are three options with this sale.

Just the AncestryDNA test is on sale for $29.

For new subscribers or those without a current active subscription:

The AncestryDNA test and a World Explorer Membership for $1 has a total sale price of $30.

The AncestryDNA test and an All-Access Membership for $10 has a total sale price of $39.

These subscription memberships will renew at regular prices every three months until you cancel.

*Offers end 2 Dec 2025 at 10am ET. Excludes shipping. Package offers are for new and returning subscribers only and not for renewal of current subscriptions. Limit one $1 subscription per user. Your World Explorer subscription will automatically renew at $99.95 or your All Access subscription will automatically renew at $149 every 3 months until you cancel by visiting your Account Settings or by contacting us. See our Renewal and Cancellation Terms for further details.

See our prior posts on AncestryDNA for the changes in what you can access for your DNA test without an Ancestry member subscription and what you can not. You can also see past sale trends by selecting the topic label in the left column of this blog (for example, AncestryDNA) to see all past posts regarding AncestryDNA.

Good luck finding the sales you need!

See you at our favorite library!
LE

Family Tree DNA Black Friday & Cyber Monday Sale Ends Dec. 3, 2025

The Holiday Season is here! 

We will try to highlight what we have found but may not write a post about all we have seen. Our best advice is if you are interested in a website or product, check on that website/product frequently just in case they hold a flash sale.

Please take note, wondering minds can always click the labels/tags in our blog's left-hand column to see the sales in past years to get an idea of the sales trends for prior years. Click on the desired topic or the Savings tag/label.

Family Tree DNA
The Family Tree DNA's Black Friday Sale is underway and goes until December 3, 2025, 11:59 p.m Pacific Time. Shipping and taxes are extra which vary depending on where the test is shipped. There is a lot on sale for this sale. See the chart below for pricing of individual tests, bundles and upgrades.

 

Recently FTDNA added additional savings coupon codes on top of Black Friday pricing. Customers can save additional amounts on qualifying orders by applying one of the following coupon codes at checkout:

BLACKFRIDAY20 for $20 off orders of $120+
BLACKFRIDAY30 for $30 off orders of $300+
BLACKFRIDAY50 for $50 off orders of $500+

Only one coupon code may be used per order. Discounts apply to qualifying merchandise before taxes, shipping, and handling fees.

What do you think the odds are of a flash sale on Black Friday or Cyber Monday this year? I guess we will find out.

 

 

Things to Remember: 

• Family Tree DNA is an autosomal DNA test that either females or males can take.
• Y-DNA tests are for males-only; it looks at father's direct male line. 
• mtDNA (Mitochondrial) tests can be taken by either females or males; it looks at mother's direct female line. Males do not pass on their mother's mtDNA so they have to be at the end of the mtDNA relationship chain. 
• The upgrades available to your DNA test depends on what you have already tested. To order an upgrade you need to sign into that test kit to place an upgrade order for that kit.

 

Family Tree DNA provides an ethnicity (admixture) report, list of DNA matches, chromosome browser and allows DNA matches to contact a match directly if that match allows it. Once tested, DNA samples are stored so that additional test types (upgrades) can be added if desired. So if you have already have a tested person that you want to add another test type that is on sale, sign into that test's account before adding the sale test to the cart. Family Tree DNA is the only genealogy DNA testing company that offers all three DNA test types: autosomal, Y-DNA and mtDNA. No subscription is needed to see/use all the DNA matching features. See our previous post containing some Reminders and Cautions regarding changes with Family Tree DNA.

See you at our favorite library!
LE 

MyHeritageDNA Early Holiday Sale for $29; Lasts 3 More Days Ends about Nov. 9

MyHeritage has an Early Holiday DNA Sale that ends in three days, so about November 9, 2025. The autosomal DNA test is regularly $89.

 

There are two options:

MyHeritage DNA test for $29, plus taxes and shipping. Purchase two test kits and get free standard shipping.

MyHeritage DNA test plus 30-day Complete free trail* for $29, plus taxes and free shipping

*After 30 days, you'll enjoy a 50% discount and be charged $299 $149 for the first year. The Complete subscription renews annually. You can cancel anytime.

Remember, MyHeritage ended its DNA uploads of DNA test data from other DNA genealogy testing sites back in August 2025. So now you do have to test directly with MyHeritage DNA.

And in the meantime, MyHeritage has announced that "The MyHeritage DNA test has been upgraded to use Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS), the most comprehensive method for reading DNA available today. Powered by cutting-edge sequencing technology from Ultima Genomics and processed at the Gene by Gene laboratory in Houston Texas, this upgrade makes MyHeritage the first major consumer DNA testing company to adopt Whole Genome Sequencing at a large scale. The upgrade will deliver greater accuracy in DNA Matching and ethnicity results, and create opportunities for exciting new products in genetic genealogy. Best of all, this technological breakthrough comes at no additional cost to our customers, and with the same strong commitment to privacy that users expect from MyHeritage."

Whole Genome Sequencing is already being applied to most new MyHeritage DNA kits currently being processed at the lab, and will soon become the exclusive processing method for all new MyHeritage DNA kits moving forward.

What this means is: MyHeritage DNA processing is in a transition period at this time where some DNA samples are being processed using array technology and others are being processed with Whole Genome Sequencing. You cannot choose how your sample will be processed. By the end of 2025, all MyHeritage DNA samples will be processed with Whole Genome Sequencing.

So get your MyHeritage DNA kit on sale and hold off taking it (if possible) until MyHeritage announces that all tests will be processed with Whole Genome Sequencing. 

See you at our favorite library!
LE 

 

MyHeritage DNA Autumn Sale Extended; MyHeritage Announces Whole Genome Sequencing Transition By End of 2025

MyHeritage's Autumn Sale on its MyHeritage DNA test has been extended. It appears the sale now ends October 21, 2025. The autosomal DNA test is regularly $89.

In the meantime, MyHeritage has announced that "The MyHeritage DNA test has been upgraded to use Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS), the most comprehensive method for reading DNA available today. Powered by cutting-edge sequencing technology from Ultima Genomics and processed at the Gene by Gene laboratory in Houston Texas, this upgrade makes MyHeritage the first major consumer DNA testing company to adopt Whole Genome Sequencing at a large scale. The upgrade will deliver greater accuracy in DNA Matching and ethnicity results, and create opportunities for exciting new products in genetic genealogy. Best of all, this technological breakthrough comes at no additional cost to our customers, and with the same strong commitment to privacy that users expect from MyHeritage."

Whole Genome Sequencing is already being applied to most new MyHeritage DNA kits currently being processed at the lab, and will soon become the exclusive processing method for all new MyHeritage DNA kits moving forward.

What this means is: MyHeritage DNA processing is in a transition period at this time where some DNA samples are being processed using array technology and others are being processed with Whole Genome Sequencing. You cannot choose how your sample will be processed. By the end of 2025, all MyHeritage DNA samples will be processed with Whole Genome Sequencing.

The blog post continued, "With so much more information available, this upgrade lays the groundwork for future product enhancements, enabling MyHeritage to deliver more accurate ethnicity results, improved DNA matching, and new genetic genealogy products. However, this revolution will not happen overnight. First, the database of whole genome sequences needs to grow. Then, MyHeritage will be able to, and strongly intends to, re-phase, re-impute and re-match all the data for all existing MyHeritage DNA customers, leading to better results for everyone, even those whose samples were not processed with Whole Genome Sequencing."

MyHeritage will soon allow all users whose DNA was processed using Whole Genome Sequencing to download their extended genomic data as a CRAM file at no cost. MyHeritage is still transitioning to Whole Genome Sequencing. By the end of 2025, all MyHeritage DNA samples will be processed exclusively using this technology.

So, you can order a MyHeritageDNA test kit at sale price but hold off taking/using the test until later this year or when we hear that all test kits are processed using the Whole Genome Sequencing to make sure your test is processed using the new and larger testing process.

Unfortunately, if you took a MyHeritageDNA test before this your test will not be updated to Whole Genome Sequencing. Also, those tests that were uploaded/transferred DNA Data from another testing site cannot be updated because biological material is needed to do the Whole Genome Sequencing.

But at MyHeritage Sale prices retesting if possible could be worthwhile for future DNA developments. 

MyHeritage DNA test kits use the cheek swab method of collection. The swab is easier to collect DNA from elders and those whose spit production is more limited. 

There are two options:

MyHeritage DNA test for $36, plus taxes and shipping. Purchase two test kits and get free standard shipping.

MyHeritage DNA test plus 30-day Complete free trail* for $36, plus taxes and free shipping

*After 30 days, you'll enjoy a 50% discount and be charged $299 $149 for the first year. The Complete subscription renews annually. You can cancel anytime.

Remember, MyHeritage ended its DNA uploads of DNA test data from other DNA genealogy testing sites back in August 2025. So now you do have to test directly with MyHeritage DNA.

See you at our favorite library!
LE 

 

MyHeritageDNA Stopped Accepting DNA Data Uploads/Transfers for Security

We've just recently heard some unfortunate news. MyHeritageDNA is no longer accepted DNA Data Uploads. This means you can no longer test at another genealogy DNA testing company (like Ancestry, FamilyTreeDNA or 23andMe) and transfer/upload that data to MyHeritageDNA database. Any previously made DNA data transfers/uploads are not negatively effected -- meaning all if fine for those previous uploads.

Though a specific date has not been found for this policy change, it appears to have occurred sometime in the May/June time frame. The most complete and most timely reporting was at and by The DNA Geek.

So in order to get into the MyHeritageDNA database you now must test directly with MyHeritageDNA. Fortunately, MyHeritageDNA has many sales throughout the year and some of the best prices. While AncestryDNA's DNA database is primarily US based, MyHeritageDNA's database has a large European base which helps when looking for European ancestors.

Rather than for monetary reasons, it appears this change was made as a security measure to prevent unauthorized uploads from law enforcement agencies and other non-consumer sources.

MyHeritage has a robust privacy policy. It has stated and states: 

"MYHERITAGE HAS NEVER SOLD OR LICENSED GENETIC DATA OR HEALTH DATA, AND WILL NEVER DO SO IN THE FUTURE.

MyHeritage will never provide data to insurance companies under any circumstances. MyHeritage prohibits law enforcement use of its DNA Services."

In the last several years it appears some of these parties have on occasion slipped into the DNA database against the MyHeritage Privacy Policy. So because they couldn't follow the RULES the service is being discontinued.

See you at our favorite library!
LE 

MyHeritage August Cyber Sale: $29 DNA Tests -- The Lowest Price Returns

MyHeritage is running an August Cyber DNA Sale. MyHeritageDNA (autosomal) tests now regularly $89 each are on sale for the returning lowest price ever just $29 each (plus taxes and shipping.) Orders of two or more DNA kits receive free shipping. This sale ends in two days per the ad on the website which means about August 10th. We don't see a specific time listed, we are guessing the usual 11:59 p.m.

There are two options for this sale. Just the MyHeritage DNA kit where you pay shipping unless you buy two or more kits. Or the MyHeritage DNA kit and a 30-day Complete free trial* of the MyHeritage website subscription and free shipping even if you order only one test kit.

The trial subscription will auto-renew unless you cancel it before the renewal date. Here are the * details: *After 30 days, you'll enjoy a 50% discount and be charged $299 $149 for the first year. The Complete subscription renews annually. You can cancel anytime. So, you get a 50 percent discount the first year of renewal but additional renewals will be charged at the current regular price.

 

MyHeritageDNA is becoming a "must be at" for its DNA tools. Its customer base is more international. MyHeritage has chromosome browser feature and made its internal member messaging feature free. It also offers an ethnicity/admixture report and a list of DNA matches. No data subscription is needed to see/use all the DNA matching features including its AutoCluster feature. A few additional features were added last year -- like an update to its ethnicity estimates and genetic groups including viewing the genetic groups of your match and seeing what you have in common.

 

As a reminder, MyHeritageDNA also sells its test kits on Amazon.com and often at sale prices when it is having a sale. However, for this sale the MyHeritageDNA test on Amazon it is NOT at the same sale price rather it is $49. If you do find a sale as good as from the website at some point in the future, make sure the seller shown is MyHeritage fulfilled by Amazon and not sold by a third-party unauthorized seller. Non-Amazon Prime members usually get free shipping due to the total cost and because it is fulfilled by Amazon; prime members just get quicker 2-day shipping for free. But it looks like this sale on the MyHeritage website is not to be beat.

 

Look for this before adding your item to your cart.

See you at our favorite library!
LE

DNA Clustering is Coming to AncestryDNA

We just heard that DNA Clustering is rolling out for AncestryDNA users who have the extra DNA ProTools subscription. If you already have ProTools you may or may not have clustering added at this time. As we said, it is being rolled out so it may take a little time to get it. [Note: LE who has ProTools at this time does not yet have the clustering feature.]

 

Since it is Ancestry, there are some limitations compared to the clustering available at MyHeritageDNA.

Want to learn more? Watch the new (released today) YouTube video on the Ancestry DNA Clustering presented by Dana Leeds.

Have a great Holiday Weekend!

See you at our favorite library!
LE 

DNA Sales for April 2025

Though the main DNA sales take place from Black Friday through the New Year holiday season, there are DNA sales at other times of the year. Usually holidays (from the U.S. perspective) and, of course, DNA Day on April 25 of each year. Sometimes they start early and sometimes they pop-up when you are not expecting them. The tip is to check websites often.

 

MyHeritage DNA

MyHeritage DNA is having a flash sale that ends today, Sunday April 13, 2025. For this Flash DNA Sale the price is $33 (regularly $89) plus shipping. If you order two kits, there is free shipping. You have the choice of just the DNA kit or the DNA kit with a 30-day Complete free trial*. 

*After 30 days, you'll enjoy a 50% discount and be charged $299 $149 for the first year. The Complete subscription renews annually. You can cancel anytime.

 

AncestryDNA

AncestryDNA has no sale at this time but keep an eye out for either an Easter Sale or DNA Day Sale in the near future.

 

LivingDNA

LivingDNA has started its DNA Day Sale. Its DNA Ancestry Kit is regularly $124 and is on sale for $69 plus shipping.

LivingDNA is based in the United Kingdom so if you have a lot of English and Irish ancestry the more detailed regions for Britain and Ireland in the ethnicity may be of interest to you. The company is still building itself so at a sale price it may be worth a try. Perhaps you will find a clue to direct your search.

BUT remember that LivingDNA is now requiring that your LivingDNA test be taken/used and sent in within one year of the date of purchase. They will not process tests older than that despite the swab test tube saying its expiration date is well after that. Based on a LivingDNA Support article this change may have been implemented in early 2019. However, we are not sure when its Terms of Services was changed to reflect this. So if you have a LivingDNA test sitting around you might want to check its purchase date. Hopefully you still have time, or you may need to pay for shipping on a replacement test kit.

Family Tree DNA

Family Tree DNA began its DNA Day Sale early as it celebrates its 25th birthday. This sale goes through April 30, 2025.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Many of the DNA testing companies also sell their basic tests on Amazon but when they hold a sale on their own website, it may or may not be on sale on Amazon. So check there (usually shipping is free on Amazon but make sure the seller is indeed the testing company and not a third-party entity.

Remember you can look at past DNA sales by selecting the post label in the left-hand column to compare sale prices. Useful ones are DNA, AncestryDNA, MyHeritageDNA, FamilyTreeDNA, LivingDNA and 23andMe. 

A note about 23andMe, the company is in bankruptcy and at this time it is not known who/what the potential buyers are and their plans. If you have DNA there, keep a close eye on the situation so you can decide if you want to delete your DNA test at 23andMe. You should download you DNA data and screen capture any ethnicity and match information so you have it for the future.

 

See you at our favorite library!
LE

MyHeritageDNA "Grandfathered-In Sale" Now thru Mar. 9; Upload for Free Get Advanced DNA Tools Free Forever

It is RootsTech time again and that means there is a higher chance for the return of one particular rare sale. The elusive "Grandfathered In DNA Transfer" at MyHeritage where DNA uploads are free and the standard $29 unlock fee for advanced DNA features is waived making these advanced features free forever.

This rare Special Promotion is indeed taking place right now, March 2 through March 9, 2025. Note: this "sale" does not apply to previously uploaded DNA tests. It is only for new uploads made this week.

Have you taken a DNA test at another testing site (i.e. AncestryDNA, FamilyTreeDNA, 23andMe, etc.)? If so, you can download your DNA data from that site and transfer/upload it to MyHeritageDNA.

Why? It gets your test(s) into another DNA pool to fish for matches -- you never know where someone has tested. See some other reasons listed further down below.

And Why Now? From now until March 9, 11:59 p.m., when you upload your DNA test data to MyHeritageDNA you get the advanced features (normally $29 to unlock) for FREE FOREVER! Thus what many genealogists like to call the Grandfathered In Sale.

Haven't tested yet but would like to? MyHeritage is currently having a Global DNA Sale for autosomal DNA test kits which ends today. The DNA test itself is regularly $89 and is on sale for $39 plus taxes and shipping. 

This particular sale is offering a 30-Day Complete Free Trial to its website option also for the sale price of $39 plus taxes and shipping. But note that after the 30 days, the complete subscription will auto-renew unless you cancel the auto-renewal a couple days before the renewal date. For this initial renewal you will get 50% off ($149 instead of $299) the first year and additional years will be at the current regular price. You can cancel at any time.

The "Grandfathered In" Transfer Sale does not happen every year so when it happens catch it while you can. MyHeritage has guides to help you download your DNA data from whichever website you tested at originally. And, don't worry your original test stays on that original site.

MyHeritageDNA is becoming a "must be at" for its DNA tools. Its customer base is more international. MyHeritage has chromosome browser feature and made its internal member messaging feature free. It also offers an ethnicity/admixture report and a list of DNA matches. Being grandfathered-in, means no data subscription is needed to see/use all the DNA matching features including its AutoCluster feature. Additional features include a very recent update to its ethnicity estimates and genetic groups including viewing the genetic groups of your match and seeing what you have in common.

See you at our favorite library!
LE

MyHeritageDNA Hot Sale Ends in 3 Days

MyHeritage is running a Hot Sale. MyHeritageDNA (autosomal) tests regularly $89 each are on sale for $36 each (plus taxes and shipping.) Orders of two or more DNA kits receive free shipping. This sale ends in three days. We don't see a specific time listed, we are guessing the usual 11:59 p.m.

There are two options for this sale for the same price. Just the MyHeritage DNA kit or the MyHeritage DNA kit and a 30-day Complete free trial* of the MyHeritage website subscription.

The trial subscription will auto-renew unless you cancel it before the renewal date. Here are the * details: *After 30 days, you'll enjoy a 50% discount and be charged $299 $149 for the first year. The Complete subscription renews annually. You can cancel anytime. You can cancel anytime. So, you get a 50 percent discount the first year of renewal but additional renewals will be charged at the current regular price.

MyHeritageDNA is becoming a "must be at" for its DNA tools. Its customer base is more international. MyHeritage has chromosome browser feature and made its internal member messaging feature free. It also offers an ethnicity/admixture report and a list of DNA matches. No data subscription is needed to see/use all the DNA matching features including its AutoCluster feature.

 

As a reminder, MyHeritageDNA also sells its test kits on Amazon.com and often at sale prices when it is having a sale. However, for this sale the MyHeritageDNA test does not appear to be available at this time on Amazon. If you do find a sale as good as from the website at some point in the future, make sure the seller shown is MyHeritage fulfilled by Amazon and not sold by a third-party unauthorized seller. Non-Amazon Prime members usually get free shipping due to the total cost and because it is fulfilled by Amazon; prime members just get quicker 2-day shipping for free.

 

Look for this before adding your item to your cart.

See you at our favorite library!
LE

AncestryDNA Sale Price $49 until Mon., February 17, 2025, at 11:59 pm

Ancestry is having a Flash Sale this weekend on AncestryDNA until Tuesday, February 17, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Remember taxes and shipping are extra. The regular price of an AncestryDNA test is $99.

There are three options with this sale.

Just the AncestryDNA test is on sale for $49.

For new subscribers or those without a current active subscription:

The AncestryDNA test and a World Explorer Membership for $1 has a total sale price of $50.

The AncestryDNA test and an All-Access Membership for $10 has a total sale price of $59.

These subscription memberships will renew at regular prices every three months until you cancel.

*Offers end 17 Feb 2025 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Excludes shipping. Package offers are for new and returning subscribers only and not for renewal of current subscriptions. Limit one $1 subscription per user. Your World Explorer subscription will automatically renew at $99.95 every 3 months or your All Access subscription will automatically renew at $149 every 3 months until you cancel by visiting your Account Settings or by contacting us. See our Renewal and Cancellation Terms for further details.

See our prior posts on AncestryDNA for the changes in what you can access for your DNA test without an Ancestry member subscription and what you can not. You can see past sale trends by selecting the topic label in the left column of this blog (for example, AncestryDNA) to see all past posts regarding AncestryDNA.

Good luck finding the sales you need!

See you at our favorite library!
LE

Extended! MyHeritageDNA "Grandfathered In Sale" Now thru Oct. 13; Upload for Free Get Advanced DNA Tools Free Forever

Great News! The current MyHeritageDNA "sale" of free uploads of DNA Data and getting the DNA tools free forever has been extended until October 13!

Have you taken a DNA test at another testing site (i.e. AncestryDNA, FamilyTreeDNA, 23andMe, etc.)? If so, you can download your DNA data from that site and transfer/upload it to MyHeritageDNA.

Why? It gets your test(s) into another DNA pool to fish for matches -- you never know where someone has tested. See some other reasons listed further down below.

And Why Now? From now until October 6 October 13, 11:59 p.m., when you upload your DNA test data to MyHeritageDNA you get the advanced features (normally $29 to unlock) for FREE FOREVER! Thus what many genealogists like to call the Grandfathered In Sale.

Haven't tested yet but would like to? MyHeritage is currently having a Special DNA Sale for autosomal DNA test kits which ends soon. The DNA test itself is regularly $89. This particular sale is offering a 30-Day Complete Free Trial to its website option also for the sale price of $39 plus taxes and shipping. If you already have a data subscription or just don't want the free trail, there is an option for just the test at the sale price.

But note that after the 30 days, the complete subscription will auto-renew unless you cancel the auto-renewal a couple days before the renewal date. For this initial renewal you will get 50% off ($149 instead of $299) the first year and additional years will be at the current regular price. You can cancel at any time.

The "Grandfathered In" Transfer Sale does not happen every year so when it happens catch it while you can. MyHeritage has guides to help you download your DNA data from whichever website you tested at originally. And, don't worry your original test stays on that original site.

MyHeritageDNA is becoming a "must be at" for its DNA tools. Its customer base is more international. MyHeritage has chromosome browser feature and made its internal member messaging feature free. It also offers an ethnicity/admixture report and a list of DNA matches. No data subscription is needed to see/use all the DNA matching features including its AutoCluster feature. A few additional features were added earlier last year and the year prior -- like an update to its ethnicity estimates and genetic groups including viewing the genetic groups of your match and seeing what you have in common.

See you at our favorite library!
LE

23andMe is Struggling -- Don't Panic, Preserve What You Can

So 23andMe the DNA testing site currently is having some struggles. If you have tested there, rather than panicking take some steps to preserve what you have access to today. Just in case.

When you initially got your 23andMe results, we hope you downloaded your raw DNA data. Doing so gives you a copy of the raw data for posterity and gives you the ability to transfer that data to another DNA testing site that accepts uploads. 

Like at MyHeritage which is currently running its rare "Grandfathered In" sales where you can upload your DNA raw data to its MyHeritageDNA site for free and get all the DNA tools for free, forever. The "sale" ends October 8 at 11:59 p.m. See our prior post on this "sale" -- DNA data from AncestryDNA, FamilyTree DNA and 23andMe can be uploaded. The site has instructions to help you. Doing this gets your DNA in another DNA match pool.

How to Download RAW DNA Data at 23andMe.

Didn't download your data at the start? Don't worry there is still a way to do so. Click on your profile name on the top right-hand corner of your homepage, and select Resources from the drop down menu. Then select “Browse Raw Genotyping Data” and then “Download” at the top of the page.

To request your raw data download, you first need to confirm the date of birth associated with the profile you are downloading data for. Once you’ve entered the correct date of birth, and read through the important things to consider, check the box at the bottom and select the ‘Submit request’ button. After you have requested the download of your data, you will receive a notification email within 2-4 days once it's ready to download and view. In order to download your raw data, you will need to verify the profile birth date again.

What else can you do? Download any reports you have if you have not done so already. Take screen captures of any other reports such as ethnicity so you can preserve those for the future. Some topics like ethnicity are presented in several ways. Make sure to preserve each view of it you may want in the future. For your match list and individual matches -- usually the closer ones or the ones of interest to you, screen capture or print to PDF each match when you view them individually. Unfortunately, views of the chromosome browser -- what you share with a match or matches -- is still disabled.

If you were an early purchaser of 23andMe testing kits, you may have archived reports. Instructions for downloading these archived reports is here. Not everyone has these reports. If you do, this help explains the difference between a summary and archived report.

So preserve what you can just in case. And, hope for the best outcome possible for 23andMe.

See you at our favorite library!
LE

Labor Day Weekend = Sales, Free Access and A New Genealogy Season

Hi Everyone!

Summer has almost faded and a new genealogy season is about to begin. (Our 51st Year.) We will be releasing our September meeting topics soon, however we are awaiting some news which now also involves when the library regains its power after Tuesday night's storm.

In the meantime with the Labor Day holiday weekend upon us, we want to remind the genealogists inside us that there are various sales taking place and often you will find free access to certain collections as well. Some sales end August 31 while some end Sept. 3 and some do not specify a end date.

With regards to sales, there are DNA sales at the major DNA/Genealogy websites: AncestryDNA and MyHeritageDNA are both at just about their lowest prices. 

 

There is a sale on at 23andMe and a bunch of DNA tests and bundles at Family Tree DNA which is the only DNA/Genealogy testing site that tests not only Autosomal DNA (atDNA) but Y-DNA and mtDNA (mitochondrial) as well. Remember, taxes and shipping/handling are extra.

 

At least one national genealogy organization is having a sale on membership too. So check you favorite genealogy websites out and see what they are offering this weekend.

See you soon at our favorite library!
LE