Logging In to FamilySearch: A Step-by-Step Guide

Logging In to FamilySearch: A Step-by-Step Guide

This guide will walk you through the process of logging in to your FamilySearch account, ensuring you can access your family history work quickly and easily.

Getting Started with Your FamilySearch Login

Logging in to FamilySearch.org is the first step to exploring your family tree, discovering records, and connecting with your ancestors. Follow these numbered steps carefully to access your account.

• Step 1: Open Your Web Browser

  Start by opening your preferred web browser on your computer or mobile device. Common browsers include Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, or Microsoft Edge.

• Step 2: Navigate to FamilySearch.org

  In the address bar at the very top of your browser window (where website addresses are displayed), type familysearch.org. After typing, press the Enter or Return key on your keyboard. This action will direct you to the official FamilySearch homepage.

• Step 3: Locate and Click the "Sign In" Button

  Once you are on the FamilySearch homepage, look for the "Sign In" button. This button is almost always located in the upper right-hand corner of the screen. Click on it to proceed to the login form.

• Step 4: Enter Your Username

  A new window or a dedicated section of the page will appear, presenting the sign-in form. Locate the field labeled "Username". Click inside this field and carefully type your FamilySearch username. Remember that usernames are case-sensitive, so ensure correct capitalization if applicable.

• Step 5: Enter Your Password

  Directly below the username field, you will find the field labeled "Password". Click inside this field and type your password. Passwords are also case-sensitive. For your security, the characters you type will typically appear as dots (•) or asterisks (*) instead of the actual letters and numbers.

• Step 6 (Optional): Select "Remember Me"

  Beneath the password field, you might see a checkbox labeled "Remember me". If you are using a personal, secure device and wish FamilySearch to remember your username for quicker logins in the future, you can click this checkbox to select it. It is strongly advised not to select this option on public or shared computers.

• Step 7: Finalize Your Sign In

  After ensuring both your username and password have been entered correctly, locate and click the prominent blue "Sign In" button at the bottom of the login form.

• Step 8: Access Your Account

  If your login credentials are correct, you will be successfully logged in and redirected to your personalized FamilySearch account, often to your "Family Tree" page or a similar dashboard. You are now ready to continue your family history research!

Troubleshooting Tip: If You Can't Sign In

If you encounter an error message or have trouble logging in, look for links on the sign-in form such as "Forgot Username?" or "Forgot Password?". Clicking these links will guide you through a step-by-step process to recover your account information or reset your password.