A free FamilySearch account provides wider access to resources on the FamilySearch website.
Before you start
- Anyone over 13 years of age 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.
- 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)
- Go to FamilySearch.org, and click Create an account.
- Enter the required information, including a username and password.
- Select a recovery option. If your country is not in the location list for the text recovery option, you must use an email address for recovery.
- To agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Notice, check the box. Click Done.
- Activate your account. Look for a message in your email or a text message on your mobile phone.
Steps (mobile app)
- Open the FamilySearch Family Tree or Memories app on your mobile device.
- Tap Sign Up.
- Use the website instructions as you create your account.
Steps (Family Tree Lite)
- Go to Family Tree Lite.
- Click Create a Free Account.
- Use the website instructions as you create your account.
Recommended next steps
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 mean you probably 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
- You probably have a Church account for the Church website or Church apps, such as Tools. You do not need a separate account for FamilySearch.org. On the sign-in page, click Sign In with Church Account.
- To use the Family Tree or Memories mobile apps, you must create a FamilySearch account.
- If you choose to create a FamilySearch account, use the website steps.
- On the first screen, click the box to indicate that you are a Church member.
- Enter your Church record number. If you cannot find it, click in the box, and then click Continue.
- To add your Church record number to an existing account, go to your Account Settings. At the bottom of the page, click Add Church Record Number.
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