Article:
You can update your FamilySearch account settings to enhance your experience, manage privacy, and secure your account.
Steps (website)
- Sign in to FamilySearch.
- In the upper right corner, click your name, then click Settings.
- Click the Account tab.
- From here, you can manage the following options:
Password and Recovery
Password
- Click Change My Password to update your FamilySearch password.
- This password is only used if you choose to sign in without a connected identity provider (such as Apple, Google, or Facebook).
- Changing your password here will not change the password used to sign in using a connected identity provider.
Username
- To update your FamilySearch username, click Edit next to your username.
- The FamilySearch username is only used if you choose to sign in without a connected identity provider (such as Apple, Google, or Facebook).
- Your FamilySearch username is always private and will not appear on your profile.
Recovery Information
- To update your recovery information, click Edit next to your Recovery Mobile Number or Recovery Email.
- Recovery information is used for account recovery and receiving FamilySearch notifications.
- After updating your recovery details, you must verify them before they can be used for account recovery. A status of "Verified" or "Not Verified" appears below your recovery email or mobile number. If not verified, click Verify to resend the verification email or text.
- Note: Updating your recovery contact information, including its visibility settings (public or private), does not affect the contact information on your Profile. These must be updated separately.
- Account holders with a verified recovery email, multi-factor authenticator (MFA), also known as two-step authentication, can be set up. If the recovery email is edited, MFA is automatically turned off and needs to be reconfigured after the new email address has been verified.
Identity Providers
- Manage third-party identity providers used to sign in to FamilySearch. Identity providers include Google, Apple, Facebook, and a Church Account.
- Click an identity provider to connect or disconnect your account with that provider.
Family Tree Preferences
- Adjust options such as:
- Family Tree Starting Person: Choose which person appears in the bottom ("root") position when you open Family Tree.
- Show Romanized Script: Display all names in Romanized form.
- Expand Record Hints: Choose to show additional record hints that may or may not match your ancestor.
General
- Edit your Full Name as needed. Note that Sex and Birthdate are not editable.
Show Temple Options
- Update visibility settings for temple-related features.
Delete Account
- Permanently delete your account.
- Scroll to the bottom of the Account settings page, click Delete Account, and follow the prompts. Note: This action cannot be undone.
- Learn more about deleting your account here.
Steps (mobile app)
The mobile app offers fewer customization options compared to the website, and some settings are located in different sections for easier navigation on mobile devices.
- While signed in to the Family Tree mobile app:
- Apple iOS: In the bottom-right corner, tap the three lines (More).
- Android: In the top-left corner, tap the three lines.
- Tap Settings, then select a section:
- App
- Account
- Profile
- Subscriptions
- Permissions
Note: For more detailed information on the mobile app settings, view the related articles below.
Related articles
How do I update my FamilySearch profile?
How do I change my privacy settings on FamilySearch?
How do I change the settings in the Family Tree mobile app?
How do I change my username or password?
How do I unsubscribe or subscribe to email notifications and newsletters?
Relationship viewing: How do I turn on or off the option to view my relationship to others?
Who can see the portrait photos that I use in FamilySearch?
About the FamilySearch Profile
Why we do what we do.
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