Updated: 13 May 2026
The following SMS terms and conditions (“SMS Terms”) apply to SMS message programs offered by Ancestry.com Operations Inc. (“Ancestry”). By providing your phone number, enrolling in our SMS message program(s), or otherwise agreeing to receive text messages from or on behalf of Ancestry, you accept and agree to these SMS Terms. Your use of our services and receipt of SMS messages remain subject to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Statement, which govern the overall relationship between you and Ancestry. In the event of any conflict between these SMS Terms and our Terms and Conditions, our Terms and Conditions shall control except as specifically provided otherwise in these SMS Terms.
To receive SMS messages, you must have a text messaging-enabled mobile device with a text messaging plan. Not all mobile devices may be supported and text messaging may not be available in all areas.
1. Opting In
You can opt into receiving SMS messages by entering your phone number through our online or application-based enrollment forms. By opting in, you consent to receive and authorize Ancestry and its service providers to send you text messages at the phone number you used when signing up. If you opt into recurring automated promotional and personalized marketing text messages, you acknowledge that these may be sent using an autodialer. Consent is not a condition of purchase. For all programs, you confirm that you are the subscriber or customary user of the phone number provided and are authorized to opt-in.
2. SMS Program Description
Ancestry operates distinct SMS programs depending on the services you use and the consent you provide. Depending on which program(s) you opt into, you can expect to receive the following types of messages:
Product Updates and Marketing Messages: If you opt into receiving product updates and marketing SMS messages you will receive messages including new product launch announcements, promotional offers, sales alerts, updates about your Ancestry trees and/or DNA, educational messages, Ancestry events, checkout reminders, abandoned cart notifications, and similar messages, subject to your preferences. If text messages include promotions, we will disclose all relevant terms and conditions, including eligibility requirements, start and end dates, and how to participate for free if applicable.
Transactional Messages: If you purchase an AncestryDNA kit or an AncestryPreserve kit and opt into status updates, you will receive strictly non-promotional alerts and processing updates regarding your AncestryDNA kit or AncestryPreserve kit.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): If you enable MFA for your Ancestry account security, you will receive text messages containing one-time security passcodes to verify your identity when logging in or making changes to your account. You will receive one message per login or verification request.
3. Cost and Frequency
Message and data rates may apply. For account security and MFA, message frequency is (1) message per verification request. For marketing and transactional messages, message frequency varies by user based on account activity and preferences. We reserve the right to alter the frequency of messages at any time.
4. Support Instructions
If you need assistance, text “HELP” or “INFO” to the number you receive messages from at any time to receive Member Services contact information. You may also receive support by calling our toll-free line at 1-800-401-3193 or emailing [email protected].
5. Opt-Out Instructions
To opt out of receiving marketing messages, reply to a message or text the number you received messages from with the keyword “STOP”, “END”, “CANCEL”, “STOP ALL”, “UNSUBSCRIBE”, or “QUIT”. You will receive one additional message confirming that your request has been processed. You may also continue to receive transactional messages via text message related to AncestryDNA kit updates, AncestryPreserve kit updates, or multi-factor authentication if you have previously opted into receiving such messages.
You acknowledge that our text message platform may not recognize and respond to unsubscribe requests that do not include one of the keyword commands listed above and agree that Ancestry and its service providers will have no liability for failing to honor such requests.
6. Disclaimer of Warranty
We will not be liable for any delays or failures in the receipt of any mobile messages. Delivery of SMS messages is subject to effective transmission from your wireless service provider/network operator and is outside of our control. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered mobile messages.
7. Privacy
We respect your right to privacy. To see how we collect and use your personal information, please see our Privacy Statement.
8. Changes to these SMS Terms
We reserve the right to modify these SMS Terms at any time. Changes will be communicated via text message or posted on our website.
9. Contact Us
If you have any questions about the SMS message program, contact us. If you have any questions about your text or data plan, contact your wireless provider.