How do I merge duplicate records in Family Tree when they have duplicate sources?

Article Id: 1003
January 30, 2025
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If a merge fails, try the merge in the opposite order (switch places with the 2 records). If the merge still fails, check to see if either record contains a duplicate source.

Steps (website)

  1. In the top menu, click Family Tree, and then click Tree.
  2. If needed, switch to your private tree or the family group tree where both duplicates are located.
  3. Navigate to the person page for either duplicate.
  4. Click Sources.
  5. Scroll down the list and find the source that you want to view. To see additional details, click the source.
  6. Review each website address for possible duplicates.
    1. The URL of sources on the record could be different for duplicate sources.
      • For example, "https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JS4X-H4L" and "https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/JS4X-H4L" are actually the same source even though one has "ark:" and the other "pal:" in the website address.
      • The last several characters of both website addresses are the same.
  7. On one of the duplicate sources, click Detach.
  8. Enter a reason statement for detaching the source.
  9. Click Detach.
  10. Try to merge the records again.

Steps (mobile app)

  1. Open the Family Tree mobile app.
  2. If needed, switch to your private tree or the family group tree where both duplicates are loaded.
  3. Navigate to the person page for either duplicate. You can only view one record at a time on the mobile app. Record information as you switch between the records to check for duplicate sources.
  4. Tap Sources.
  5. To see details, tap an individual source.
  6. Review each website address for possible duplicates.
    • The sources on the record can have slightly different website addresses.
      For example, "https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JS4X-H4L" and "https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/JS4X-H4L" are actually the same source even though one says "ark:" and the other has "pal:" in the website address.
      Look for almost the same thing within the last 10 characters of both website addresses.
  7. In the top-right portion of the screen, tap the 3 dots as you view one of the duplicate sources.
  8. Tap Detach.
  9. Try the merge again.

Steps (Family Tree Lite)

Family Tree Lite does not include the Sources feature.

If you do not find duplicate sources, or you still cannot merge, contact FamilySearch Support.

How do I remove sources from people in Family Tree?
How do I decide if 2 records in Family Tree are about the same person?
How do I undo a merge in Family Tree?

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