Ancestry · quick QR login

How to Login Ancestry with QR Code?

Ancestry offers a convenient QR code login feature that lets you sign in to your account on a computer by simply scanning a code with your phone. This method is fast, secure, and eliminates the need to type your password on a shared or public computer. A successful ancestry login with qr code connects you instantly to your family tree and records. This guide walks you through the entire process, step by step.

What is QR code login?

QR code login is an alternative sign‑in method available on the Ancestry website. Instead of entering your email and password manually, you scan a unique QR code using the camera on your phone. Your phone must have the Ancestry app installed and be logged into your account. This method is particularly useful when using a device that isn't yours, like a library computer or a friend's laptop.

No typing passwords Avoid keyloggers and prying eyes – just scan and go.

Fast & simple Takes just a few seconds once your phone is ready.

Secure The QR code is temporary and linked to a one‑time session.

Perfect for shared computers No need to trust the device with your password.

Before you begin: what you need

A computer with a web browser and access to the Ancestry sign‑in page.
A smartphone with a camera and the Ancestry app installed (iOS or Android).
You must be already logged into your Ancestry account on the app on your phone. The QR code login uses your phone's authenticated session.

Step-by-step: Login to Ancestry with QR code

🔳 On your computer (web)

Open your browser and go to the Ancestry sign‑in page (www.ancestry.com).
Look below the email and password fields. You should see a button or link that says “Login with QR code” or “Scan QR code”. Click it.
A QR code will appear on your screen. It might be surrounded by instructions. Do not refresh the page – the code is temporary and will expire after a few minutes.

[ 📷 Unique QR code appears here ]

📱 On your phone (Ancestry app)

Unlock your phone and open the Ancestry app. Ensure you are logged into the account you want to use on the computer.
Look for a QR code scanner or scan icon within the app. This is often found in the account menu or on the sign‑in screen. Common locations:
- Tap your profile icon, then look for “Scan QR code” or “Login with QR”.
- On the app's sign‑in screen, there may be a small QR code icon next to the email field.
Tap the QR scanner. The app will activate your phone's camera.
Point your phone's camera at the QR code displayed on your computer screen. Hold steady until the code is recognized.
Your phone will confirm the login attempt. You may need to tap Confirm or Allow on your phone to authorize the computer session.
After a moment, your computer browser will automatically log you in and redirect you to your Ancestry homepage. Your phone may show a success message.

    Important: The QR code is valid for only a few minutes and for a single use. If it expires, simply refresh the code on the computer and try again.
  

What if I can't find the QR scanner in the app?

The location of the QR scanner can vary slightly depending on your app version. Here are some tips:

On the app's main sign‑in screen (before you log in), look for a small square QR icon in the corner of the email field or near the bottom.
If you're already logged into the app, tap your profile picture or the menu icon, then scroll down – you might see a “Scan QR code” option under settings or help.
If you cannot find it, you can always use the standard email/password login. QR login is a convenience feature, not the only method.

Troubleshooting: common QR code login issues

📷 QR code won't scan

If your phone doesn't recognize the code, try these fixes:

Ensure your screen brightness on the computer is high enough.
Clean your phone's camera lens.
Hold the phone steady about 6–8 inches from the screen.
Make sure you're using the correct scanner within the Ancestry app, not your general camera app (though some camera apps can also handle it).
If the code is blurry, try adjusting the computer screen or increasing the browser zoom.

⏱️ QR code expired

QR codes are temporary for security. If you see an “expired” message on the computer, simply click the button to generate a new QR code and scan it promptly with your phone.

📵 “Not logged in on app” error

QR code login requires that you are already signed into the Ancestry app on your phone. If you're not logged in, the scanner will likely prompt you to sign in first. Open the app and log in with your email/password, then try scanning again.

🔄 Wrong account logs in

If scanning the code logs you into a different account than expected, it means your phone's app is logged into that different account. On your phone, sign out of the app and sign in with the correct account, then scan the QR code again.

🌐 No QR option on the website

If you don't see the QR code login option on the Ancestry sign‑in page, it might be because:

The feature is being rolled out gradually and may not be available in all regions or browsers yet.
You might be on an older version of the website – try clearing your cache or using a different browser.
In such cases, simply use the standard email and password login.

Security best practices for QR code login

Only scan QR codes on the official Ancestry website (make sure the URL is ancestry.com or a trusted regional domain). Never scan a code from an email or unknown source.
The QR code login is ideal for shared or public computers because your password is never typed on that machine.
Keep your phone locked with a PIN or biometrics – anyone with access to your unlocked phone and the Ancestry app could scan a code and log in as you.
If you use QR login on a public computer, remember to sign out of Ancestry on that computer when you're done (even though you used the code).
Ensure your Ancestry app is updated to the latest version for the best security and feature access.

Frequently asked questions

Is QR code login more secure than typing my password?

Yes, in many ways. Your password is never transmitted through the computer you're using, which protects against keyloggers and shoulder surfers. The QR code itself is a one‑time token. However, it does rely on the security of your phone – keep your phone protected.

Can I use QR code login on my phone to log into another phone?

The QR code login feature is designed primarily for logging into Ancestry on a computer via the phone app. It is not typically used to log into one phone from another. To use a different account on your phone, simply sign out and sign in with the other account.

Does the QR code login work for the AncestryDNA app?

The QR code login is a feature of the main Ancestry website and the main Ancestry app. The AncestryDNA app may not have this feature – use standard login there.

What if I don't have the Ancestry app on my phone?

QR code login requires the Ancestry app to verify your identity. If you don't have the app, you can download it for free from the App Store or Google Play. Alternatively, just use the regular email/password login on the computer.

Can I stay logged in on the computer after using QR code?

Yes, once you log in via QR code, you can check “Remember me” on the computer if it's your personal device. This will keep you logged in for future visits. On a public computer, do not check this.

Conclusion

Logging into Ancestry with a QR code is a modern, secure, and fast method, especially useful when using a computer that isn't your own. By following the simple steps – generate the code on your computer, scan it with the Ancestry app on your phone – you can access your family tree without ever typing your password. Keep your phone secure and the app updated, and you'll enjoy a seamless sign‑in experience. For those times when QR isn't available, the traditional email login is always there as a backup.