AncestryDNA New DNA Matches Split by Parent Feature!

AncestryDNA New DNA Matches Split by Parent Feature!

A few days ago, AncestryDNA came out with their much-anticipated DNA feature that splits your DNA matches up by each parent. This feature is an extension of their SideView feature that I wrote about in Ancestry’s New SideView Ethnicity Inheritance DNA Feature!, which groups your ethnicity by each parent and is another useful genealogy resource and DNA tool by Ancestry.  

If you have just recently taken a DNA test for the first time, are new to AncestryDNA, or just haven’t quite got the grouping your DNA matches technique down yet, this feature is a tremendous help! It can help sort out your matches, which in turn can help you break down brick walls, including for unknown parentage!
 
“Maternal” and “Paternal” Matches vs. “Parent 1” and “Parent 2” Matches:
If you’ve had a parent test, it will tell you which matches belong to which parent, labeled as “Maternal” and “Paternal”. If you have not had a parent test, then it will split up your DNA matches as “Parent 1” and “Parent 2”.

AncestryDNA New DNA Matches Split by Parent Feature: "Maternal" and "Paternal" Matches

AncestryDNA New DNA Matches Split by Parent Feature: "Parent 1" and "Parent 2" Matches

Editing Parent Label:
If you know which side of your family even one of your matches is on, then you can easily tell which side is “Parent 1” vs. “Parent 2”.

You can then go in and edit the “Parent 1” and “Parent 2” fields to “Maternal” and “Paternal”. The editor is right next to the label.

AncestryDNA New DNA Matches Split by Parent Feature: Editing Parent Label

“Both sides” Matches:
Any descendants from kids that both of your parents had together will show up under this label, as well as any relatives (usually distant, but sometimes closer than you may expect 😉) that come from both sides.
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“Unassigned” Matches:
Some matches may be labeled “Unassigned” because your test is fairly new and was processed after their last update in April of 2022, or it may be because they don't have enough information to assign them either parent yet.

AncestryDNA New DNA Matches Split by Parent Feature: "Both Sides" and "Unassigned" Matches

Editing Individual Match Label:
If you have a DNA match that is listed under “Unassigned” or is incorrectly labeled, you can also go in and change that as well, by assigning that DNA match to the proper label. There are 2 ways to do that, shown below.

AncestryDNA New DNA Matches Split by Parent Feature: Editing Individual Match Label 1

AncestryDNA New DNA Matches Split by Parent Feature: Editing Individual Match Label 2

I prefer viewing my matches in the “All Matches” view, so I can view the way I’ve grouped them by color. If you know how to group them by color coding, then you most likely already have your lines split by each parent, and you may find no use for this. Keep in mind that it may still be helpful for those distant matches below 20 cMs, as shared matches are only seen by up to 20 cMs shared or higher.
 
Keep in mind that this feature is still in Beta mode and may have some kinks in it still, so don’t take is as absolute. 😉
 
If you’ve done your DNA with Ancestry, then go on Ancestry and check it out!
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What do you think of this of this awesome new DNA feature from Ancestry? Does yours seem pretty accurate? Let me know what you think about it after you’ve checked it out, in the comments below!

 
More Genealogy Resources:
​Learn about more resources you can use in your genealogy research and to preserve your family history under the Genealogy Resources category and on my dedicated Genealogy Resources page!
 
More DNA Posts: 
Interested in genetic genealogy? Find more DNA posts under my DNA Simplified category!

 
Other Ancestry DNA Features and Tools that May Be of Interest:
AncestryDNA’s Chromosome Painter Feature: A Closer Look into Your Ethnicity Inheritance!
Ancestry’s New SideView Ethnicity Inheritance DNA Feature!
 
Other Ancestry resources, features and tools that may be of interest:
Ancestry’s New Deep Dive Census Record Feature!
Genealogy Resources: Ancestry’s New Photo Editor and New Look Updates
Get Ready for the 1950 Census with New Updates and FREE Cool Helps from Ancestry!