If you’ve taken a DNA test and want to contribute to the genetic genealogy research on your ancestors, adding your DNA information to the collaborative WikiTree is an excellent place to start. Rest assured, you won’t be uploading any raw DNA. You’ll simply add your haplogroup if you took the Y-DNA or mitochondrial DNA tests. For autosomal DNA, you’ll note where you have tested – Ancestry, FamilyTree DNA, 23andMe, MyHeritage, or Living DNA. This will help your genetic cousins find you so you can collaborate.

You can join WikiTree as a guest, a family member, or a Wiki Genealogist. The membership page explains the three levels fully. All are free options, but you can only add DNA if you are a Wiki Genealogist. That involves signing the Honor Code that helps to insure accuracy in this collaborative family tree.

Once you’ve joined WikiTree, you’ll add your parents, grandparents, etc. You’ll always be prompted to look for an ancestor that might already be in WikiTree, and then you can connect to that ancestor. Some of your lines might be filled out, and others may need you to fill them out!

The Help page has some videos to introduce you to WikiTree and answer questions.

Step 1. Creating a Login at WikiTree

1. Visit the WikiTree Website:
– Open your web browser and go to WikiTree (https://www.wikitree.com/).

2. Get Started
– Click on the “Get Started” button located on the homepage.

3. Read the Honor Code:
– At some point in the process, you’ll be asked to read the Wiki Genealogist Honor Code, which outlines the community’s values and expectations.
– Click on the “Yes, I want to join” button if you agree to the terms.

4. Create an Account
– Enter your first and last name.
– Provide a valid email address.
– Choose a username (you can use your real name or a pseudonym).
– Create a strong password and confirm it.

5. Complete the CAPTCHA:
– Complete the CAPTCHA challenge to prove you are not a robot.

6. Submit the Form:
– Click on the “Create Account” button to submit your registration form.

7. Verify Your Email Address:
– Check your email for a verification message from WikiTree.
– Click on the verification link in the email to activate your account.

Step 2 Adding DNA Information to Your WikiTree Profile

1. Log In to WikiTree:
– Go to the WikiTree website and click on the “Log In” button.
– Enter your username and password, then click “Log In.”

2. Access Your Profile:
– Once logged in, click on your name at the top right corner to go to your profile page.

3. Edit Your Profile:
– On your profile page, click on the “Edit” tab to make changes to your profile.

4. Navigate to the DNA Section:
– Scroll down to the bottom of the editing page and click on “DNA.” You can also access the DNA page from the drop-down menu under your username. From there you’ll click on “DNA Tests.”

5. Add a DNA Test:
– Scroll to “Add New Test Information”
– Select the type of DNA test you have taken from the drop-down menu (e.g., Y-DNA, mtDNA, Autosomal).

6. Enter DNA Test Information:
– Fill out the form with details about your DNA test, such as your username.
– Enter your kit number or any other relevant identifiers provided by the testing company, such as your haplogroup, if applicable.

The screenshot below shows that I’ve selected MyHeritage from the dropdown menu. Since my name on WikiTree is my maiden name, I added my username for MyHeritage so my cousins could find me there.

7. Add the Test
– Click on the “Add Test” button to update your profile with your DNA information.

8. Verify and Confirm:
– Verify that your DNA information appears correctly on your profile.
– Confirm that your profile now shows the added DNA test information.

You repeat this process for each DNA test you have taken. My profile shows that I have my DNA from all the major companies, plus I uploaded my DNA to GEDmatch.

You can edit your profile and your DNA information at any time.

By following these steps, you will be able to create a login at WikiTree and add your DNA information to your profile, making it easier for you to connect with relatives and explore your genealogical roots.

Best of luck in all your genealogical research!¹