How to Cancel Ancestry in 2026 (Download Your Tree Before You Lose Access)
Updated 2026-02-18 · 6 min read
💡 Most People Only Need 1-2 Months of Ancestry
Ancestry is a research tool, not a streaming service. Most people build their family tree in a concentrated burst, then don't touch it for months. Subscribe when you're actively researching, cancel when you're not. There's no reason to pay year-round.
Ancestry Pricing (2026)
U.S. Discovery: $24.99/month or $99/6 months — US records only
World Explorer: $39.99/month or $149/6 months — international records
All Access: $49.99/month or $199/6 months — everything including Fold3 (military) and Newspapers.com
AncestryDNA: $99-199 one-time — ethnicity estimate and DNA matches (no subscription needed)
Ancestry will offer discounts — common: 50% off for 3 months
Confirm cancellation
What You Keep vs. Lose
🟢 Keep: Your family tree (viewable, editable) — stays on your free account
🟢 Keep: DNA ethnicity results and DNA match list (if you took the test)
🟢 Keep: Photos and documents you uploaded
🟢 Keep: Hints (you can see them, just can't view the source records)
🔴 Lose: Access to historical records (census, immigration, military, etc.)
🔴 Lose: Record viewer and document images
🔴 Lose: Newspapers.com and Fold3 access (All Access plan)
Free Alternatives
FamilySearch.org (completely free): Run by LDS Church — massive record collection, collaborative tree, free forever. Best Ancestry alternative.
FindAGrave.com (free): Cemetery records with photos — owned by Ancestry but free to use
Library edition (free): Many public libraries offer free Ancestry Library Edition access — check your library's website
MyHeritage (free tier): 250 people tree, record search, Smart Matches
WikiTree (free): Collaborative, single worldwide family tree
⚠️ DNA Data Privacy
If you're concerned about DNA privacy: canceling your subscription does NOT delete your DNA data. To delete your DNA results, go to Account Settings → Delete test results. You can also request full account deletion. Once deleted, DNA data cannot be recovered.
Find all your forgotten subscriptions
Ancestry, streaming, apps — upload your bank statement and JustCancel finds every recurring charge.