The 23andMe DNA Relatives feature is a popular, interactive feature that allows you to find and connect with genetic relatives and see specific DNA segments you share with them. The DNA Relatives feature can identify relatives on any branch of your recent family tree by taking advantage of the autosomal chromosomes — the 22 chromosomes that are passed down from your ancestors on both sides of your family — and the X chromosome.
The DNA Relatives feature includes a few ways to help you filter and sort your list of genetic matches. To get started, use the filter options on the left side of the page to find those relatives that are of interest to you. Once you find a relative you would like to connect with, you can send him or her a message, favorite the relative, or establish a sharing connection.
Some users are more interested in a certain degree of relatives — whether closer or more distant. Using the "Sort by" option on the top right, you can order your list based on strength of relationship, percent related, the number of segments shared, or by the newest relatives added to your list.
Sort by
There are several options for sorting your list of matches, but only one sort feature can be used at a time. You can combine sort and filter options to narrow your list down.
Under the "Sort by" dropdown you can sort your matches by strength of relationship, percent related, segments shared, or newest relatives.
- Strength of Relationship sorts by the predicted relationship from the closest relative down to the most distant.
- Percent Related sorts by the percent DNA you have in common with matches.
- Segments Shared sorts by the number of segments you share with matches.
- Newest Relatives sorts by your list to surface relatives who more recently opted to participate in the DNA Relatives feature.
Filters
Filter options can be used to quickly and easily view certain relatives in your list of matches. Filters can be used on their own or in combination with the sort options.
Search
Search can be used in conjunction with other filters and sorting. Search for surnames, locations, or other information about relatives to narrow your list by that criteria.
Notifications
Use this filter to select DNA Relatives who have been added to your list since the last time you logged in or who have a pending request to share segment information with you.
Profile Features and Activity
Use the "showing ancestry results" checkbox to see relatives who have added their Ancestry Report results to their profiles or have directly connected with you.
Use the "connections" checkbox to see relatives with whom you are connected or with whom you have a pending invitation to connect.
Use the "favorites" checkbox to see relatives you've starred.
Ancestor Birthplaces
Searching by country of origin can be a useful way to research your family roots. Click a country to filter your DNA Relatives list to people with at least one grandparent from that country. Click the secondary filter to refine your list to matches with two, three, or four grandparents from that country
Mom’s Side/ Dad’s Side
If you have one or both of your biological parents genotyped with 23andMe and are sharing with them, DNA Relatives can determine whether a match shares DNA with both you and one of your parents, and therefore is likely to be on either your mother's side or your father's side.
Family Names
Family Names can be important clues about branches of your family and connections to relatives. Select the box in front of a family name to see all of your matches who have that particular family name in their family tree.
