FAQs

FamilySearch is a nonprofit organization and website dedicated to helping people discover their family history. It offers free access to genealogical records, family trees, and other resources. FamilySearch is unique because it is a free resource and one of the largest and most comprehensive genealogical organizations in the world, supported by a global network of volunteers who help index and preserve historical documents.

FamilySearch International, sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is the world's largest genealogy organization. For over 125 years, it has gathered, preserved, and shared genealogical records. Millions of people use its free resources online at FamilySearch.org and at over 6,500 FamilySearch centers in 129 countries, including the main library in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Yes, FamilySearch is completely free to use. The organization provides free access to its vast collection of genealogical records, family trees, and other resources. You can create an account, build your family tree, and access records without any cost.

Yes, FamilySearch seeks to help people everywhere connect with their family history. It is available in over 170 countries and supports many languages. The website and mobile apps are available in over 40 languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Chinese, Japanese, and many more.

To get the best experience, you should sign in. Many of the main features require you to sign in, but they are completely free. However, you don't need to sign in to access many features on the website, including these resources:

• FamilySearch Catalog: Search for historical records to aid your genealogy research.

• FamilySearch Research Wiki: Access help and learning resources about FamilySearch tools and terminology.

• All About Me: Discover facts about your name and events from the year you were born.

To access more features on the FamilySearch website, follow these steps to sign in:

1. Go to FamilySearch.org, and click on Sign In.

2. Choose to sign in using your existing Google, Facebook, Apple, or Church account (for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints).

3. If you prefer, you can also create a username and password.

4. Enter an email or mobile number for recovery options.

5. Agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Notice, and then click Done.

6. Activate your account by following the instructions sent to your email or mobile phone.

You can access FamilySearch on the go by downloading the Family Tree, Memories, or Get Involved apps from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Once the app is installed, open it, and sign in with your FamilySearch account.

Yes, FamilySearch prioritizes user privacy and data security, with robust measures in place to protect your information. You can trust that your data is handled with the utmost care.

Where you start largely depends on what you want to achieve. Here are some options to help you get started:

• Create a family tree: Start by entering the information you already know about your immediate family. You can then use FamilySearch's vast database to find additional records and expand your tree.

• Find ancestors in historical documents: Use the search feature on FamilySearch to explore billions of records, including birth, marriage, death, census, and military records.

• Preserve family photos and stories: Use the Memories feature to upload photos, stories, and documents.

• Get personalized help: Schedule a free consultation with a FamilySearch expert for tailored assistance.

If you encounter technical issues while using FamilySearch.org, the FamilySearch Help Center offers a wealth of resources, including articles, tutorials, and FAQs to help resolve common problems. If you need further assistance, you can also reach out to the FamilySearch support team for personalized help.

Several resources are available to help you with your genealogy research, including online videos, local FamilySearch centers, and online consultations. FamilySearch has informative blogs and events that teach a variety of genealogy skills. These free resources can help you identify the assistance you need to make the most out of your family history research.

By knowing more about your family tree, you know more about who you are and how to live a better life. Genealogy helps you understand your identity, connect with ancestors, and build resilience by learning about their challenges. It fosters compassion, strengthens family bonds, and enhances self-worth by helping you understand how you are part of a larger story.

FamilySearch hosts various events throughout the year, including the annual RootsTech event, the world's largest family history conference, held annually with both in-person and virtual options. FamilySearch also offers regular webinars and classes on various genealogy topics throughout the year.