How to Use DNA Upload Sites to Find More Matches

TL;DR

Already tested at AncestryDNA, 23andMe, MyHeritage, or FamilyTreeDNA? Upload your raw data to other sites that accept it (not all do) to multiply your cousin pool. Prioritize FamilyTreeDNA, GEDmatch, and Genomelink for the biggest return. After uploading, make yourself findable (tree + surnames + places), then work your Shared Matches, chromosome browser, and triangulation to confirm lines.

What is a “DNA upload” (in 20 seconds)

It’s reusing the raw DNA file (usually .zip or .txt) from your original test by uploading it to other services. You’ll get new match lists (and sometimes extra tools) without buying another kit.

Where to Upload for More Matches

Note: AncestryDNA, 23andMe, and MyHeritage do not accept uploads. The three best upload destinations for matching are below.

1) FamilyTreeDNA

• Why: Robust chromosome browser, triangulation, and segment tools—great for serious match work.
• What you get: Autosomal matches, chromosome browser, matrix/ICW tools; optional unlock fee for some extras (e.g., myOrigins detail).
• Bonus: Same company supports Y-DNA and mtDNA tests for paternal/maternal line confirmation.

2) GEDmatch

• Why: Cross-platform hub—people from many vendors upload here.
• What you get: One-to-many and one-to-one comparisons, segment downloads, clustering (Tier 1), triangulation.
• Notes: Powerful but technical UI. Law-enforcement matching is opt-in—choose your preference during upload.

3) Genomelink

• Why: Cross-platform hub—people from many vendors upload here.
• What you get: More privacy-focused DNA matches than GEDmatch. It also comes with a variety of DNA reports and trait analysis.
• Bonus: You can use DNA match and access many analyses for free. If you like them, you can unlock premium analysis. 

Step-by-Step: Download Once, Upload Everywhere

A) Download your raw data

1. Sign in to your original test provider.
2. Settings → Download Raw Data (confirm via email/2FA).
3. Save the file as-is (don’t unzip or rename).

Supported sources: AncestryDNA, 23andMe (V3–V5), MyHeritage, FamilyTreeDNA, Living DNA. (All above can upload to GEDmatch; MyHeritage/FTDNA accept most of these.)

B) Prepare to be findable

• Public display name (realistic, not anonymous, unless privacy requires it).
• Contact email that you actually check.
• Tree (upload a GEDCOM or build a small pedigree).
• Surnames + places: add a “research note” listing key surnames and locations with date ranges (e.g., Fernandes — Goa 1880–1940; O’Rourke — Mayo → Boston 1890s).
• Start a simple tree on a free genealogy site so matches can see names, dates, and places at a glance

C) Upload to each site

• FamilyTreeDNA → Upload autosomal → choose source → agree → submit.
• GEDmatch → Upload DNA file → pick opt-in/opt-out for LE matching → submit.
• Genomelink → Upload DNA file → create DNA Match profile → unlock reports

Tip: If an upload fails, re-download the file and try again; don’t convert formats unless the site asks.

Working Your New Matches (the fun part)

1) Triage the list

• Sort by cM (centimorgans). Focus on >90 cM first (likely 2C–3C range).
• Star or label promising matches; add notes immediately.

2) Build hypotheses with Shared Matches

• Open a target match → click Shared Matches (aka ICW/“In Common With”).
• When you see clusters of people all sharing each other, that’s a genetic network—often one grandparent line.

3) Confirm with segments

• Use a chromosome browser (FTDNA, MyHeritage, GEDmatch Tier 1):
• If three or more matches overlap on the same segment (and match each other), you have triangulation → stronger evidence for the same ancestor.

4) Tie DNA to paper

• Cross-check trees. Look for surname–place overlaps and timeline fits.
• If trees are private or sparse, message with specifics: “We share 98 cM across 3 segments at MyHeritage; my O’Rourke line is Mayo→Boston 1890s. Does that appear in your tree?”
• Then attach records and notes to a shared tree on a free genealogy site so cousins can collaborate.

5) Track your work

• Keep a simple sheet: Site | Match name | cM | Segments | Kit ID | Cluster/Line | Contacted? | Outcome.
• Record kit IDs (e.g., GEDmatch Axxxxxxx) for quick comparisons.

A Cross-Platform Strategy That Works

1. Upload to all three (FTDNA, GEDmatch, Genomelink).
2. Identify your top cluster on one site
3. Replicate: find the same people (or their cousins) on FTDNA/GEDmatch; confirm with segment overlap.
4. When a branch is confirmed, color-code/tag all matches tied to it.
5. Rinse and repeat for the next branch.

Privacy, Consent, and Good Etiquette

• Opt-in level: Choose whether your kit is visible, how much is shared, and LE preferences (GEDmatch/FTDNA).
• Ask to share: Be polite when requesting trees or emails; offer your info first.
• Family sensitivity: Unexpected parentage happens—message gently and privately.
• Delete anytime: All major sites provide data-deletion options.

Troubleshooting

• “File not recognized”: Re-download; ensure it’s the original .zip/.txt.
• Low match counts: Some ancestries are under-represented; broaden to all three sites, wait a few weeks, and keep your profile searchable.
• False leads: Use triangulation; avoid over-weighting tiny segments (<7–10 cM).
• Duplicate kits: If you tested more than once, label kits clearly and keep only one public per site.

FAQs

• Do I need to buy another test?

No. Uploading your existing raw file is the cheapest way to grow your match pool.

• Which site gives the most matches?

It varies by ancestry and who uploads where. That’s why multi-site is key.

• How long until I see matches?

Often within minutes to a few days; some tools (AutoClusters, theories) may take longer to populate.

• Can I use a nickname?

Yes, but you’ll get more replies with a real-looking profile and a clear contact route.

One-Page Action Plan

1. Download raw data from your original test.
2. Upload to FamilyTreeDNA, GEDmatch, and Genomelink
3. Make your profile searchable (tree + surnames + places).
4. Work Shared Matches → chromosome browser → triangulation.
5. Track contacts and outcomes.
6. Repeat on the next cluster.