How do I create a free FamilySearch account?

Article Id: 817
April 30, 2025
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A free FamilySearch account provides wider access to resources on the FamilySearch website.

Before you start

  • Anyone 13 years of age and over can create an account.
  • With parental permission, children ages 8–12 can create accounts.
  • We recommend that each person use a separate email address or mobile phone number. Doing so makes it easier to recover a username or reset a password.
    Note: The option to use a mobile phone number for account recovery may not be available in your area.
  • As you create an account, the username you choose could already be in use. If so, the system provides some variations you can choose from. Or you can enter a different username.
  • We recommend that you use something other than your email address as your username.
  • If you use your email address as your username, please also include a mobile number for ease of account recovery, if available in your area.
  • On the website, the first time you view your own pedigree you will see a Begin Your Family Tree screen that contains easy to follow steps to help you enter information about yourself in Family Tree.

Steps (website)

  1. Go to FamilySearch.org, and click Create Account.
  2. You may choose to create an account using your Google, Facebook, Apple​​, or Church account (for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints). Just click the continue button for the account you want to use and sign in to that account.
  3. Or choose Create a username and password, and enter the required information.
    1. Enter an email or mobile number for recovery options. (If your country is not in the location list for the text recovery option, you must use an email address for recovery.)
    2. If you are a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, you may check the optional box I want to add my Church of Jesus Christ membership information to enable Church features. Then enter the requested member information to connect your new FamilySearch account to your Church account.
    3. If you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Notice, check the applicable box. Click Done.
    4. Activate your account. Look for a message to complete your registration in your email or in a text message on your mobile phone.

Steps (mobile app)

  1. Open the FamilySearch Family Tree or Memories app on your mobile device.
  2. You may choose to create an account using your Google, Facebook, Apple​​, or Church account (for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints). Just tap the continue button for the account you want to use and sign in to that account.
  3. Or tap Create Free Account, and then tap Sign Up with Username.
    1. Enter the required information. Enter an email or mobile number for recovery options. (If your country is not in the location list for the text recovery option, you must use an email address for recovery.)
    2. If you are a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, you may check the optional box I want to add my Church of Jesus Christ membership information to enable Church features. Then enter the requested member information to connect your new FamilySearch account to your Church account.
    3. If you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Notice, check the applicable box. Click Done.
    4. Activate your account. Look for a message to complete your registration in your email or in a text message on your mobile phone.

Steps (Family Tree Lite)

The Family Tree Lite site does not have an option to create an account. You must create an account from the main site here: https://www.familysearch.org
Use the website instructions above to create your account.
After the account is created, sign into Family Tree Lite here.

    Review your contact information and notification preferences in your FamilySearch settings.

    Getting help

    If you encounter problems, contact FamilySearch Support.

    Solutions to common problems

    Here are messages that indicate you likely already have an account:

    • "We believe this account already exists."
    • "The mobile phone number that you entered is already in use in an account."
    • "This Church record number is already used in an account."

    Notes for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

    • To add your Church record number to an existing account, go to your Account Settings. At the "Identity Providers" section, click Connect Church Account.

    How do I create a free FamilySearch account using Google?
    How do I create a free FamilySearch account using Facebook?
    How do I create a free FamilySearch account using Apple sign-in or link existing accounts?
    How do I sign in to FamilySearch?
    How do I request that FamilySearch resend a verification email for my Account?
    How do I request resend a verification code to activate my FamilySearch account?
    How do I create a free account for a child?
    What are the rules for my username and password?
    Can I create accounts with a shared email address?
    How do I help another person create an account?

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