MyHeritage Moves to Whole Genome Sequencing – What It Means for Genealogists

A new era in genetic genealogy: MyHeritage introduces Whole Genome Sequencing for its DNA test kits

I’m thrilled to share some major news from MyHeritage: as of today, MyHeritage is the first major consumer DNA company to adopt whole genome sequencing (WGS) for its DNA test kits. In partnership with Ultima Genomics and processed at the Gene by Gene lab, this transition marks a turning point in how consumer DNA testing is done — with far richer data and greater potential for discovery.

​What Is Whole Genome Sequencing, and Why It Matters

Traditional consumer DNA tests (including MyHeritage until now) use genotyping arrays that read about 700,000 selected positions (single-nucleotide polymorphisms, SNPs) in your genome. In contrast, WGS reads almost the entire human genetic code — roughly 3 billion base pairs (nucleotides). In short: much more data.

​Here’s why that matters:

• Greater accuracy in ethnicity estimates. More data means more ability to differentiate subtle ancestral signals, reduce noise, and refine the picture of your roots.
• Improved DNA matching. With more genetic overlap detected, more matches may emerge, and existing matches may be more precisely defined (especially distant ones).
• Downloadable full genome. Customers whose kits are sequenced via WGS can download their entire genome (in CRAM format) at no extra cost — opening new possibilities for further analysis or uploading into other tools or platforms.
• Future innovation. Having full-genome data allows MyHeritage to develop new features in the years ahead — for genealogical research, trait research, medical/health approaches (as allowed), and new analyses we have'nt even pictured yet.

MyHeritage confirms that kits already processed via the older genotyping method will not be reprocessed by WGS. Only new kits (or ones currently in the lab pipeline) will use the new approach. Customers whose kits are WGS-based will receive the full genome download automatically.

Importantly, MyHeritage emphasizes that it will not license or sell customer data to third parties — privacy and data protection remain core commitments.

​What to Expect — Practical Tips & Perspective

As genealogists, this development is exciting but also calls for careful expectations and informed use. Here are a few thoughts and tips:

1. Don’t expect instant miracles. The shift to WGS doesn’t guarantee every ethnicity result or match will change dramatically, overnight. But over time, algorithms and reference sets will improve, and incremental gains will accumulate.
   
2. Explore your full genome file. Once you receive your CRAM file, you (or a genetic genealogy-savvy colleague) can investigate even deeper — variants, genealogical tools, third-party tools — as long as you know how to work with the data (or get help).
   
3. Comparison with older kits. If you or others in your network have older MyHeritage kits (using genotyping), comparisons must account for differences in coverage. WGS-powered matches might detect segments that weren’t visible before.
   
4. Be patient with interpretation. The science and tools for whole-genome consumer use are still maturing. Some signals may initially be unclear or new. Approach new findings with curiosity but also caution, especially in genealogical inferences.
   
5. Advocate for transparency. As this field evolves, advocate for clear disclosures (e.g. about read coverage, variant confidence thresholds, pipeline methods) so genealogists and users can understand the strengths and limitations of the data.
   
6. Spread the word (responsibly). Because this is a big leap for consumer DNA, many genealogists, clients, and enthusiasts will have questions. Use your role to help clarify, educate, and help people use this responsibly.
   

​Why This Is a Milestone for Genetic Genealogy

From a genealogical perspective, breaking the barrier of genotyping into full-genome territory is a major turning point. Over the years, we’ve been limited by how many SNPs a chip can assay; we’ve faced missing segments, “no-call” zones, unclear matches. WGS offers the possibility to detect smaller shared segments, rare variants, and genealogical clues previously inaccessible.

Also, having access to full-genome downloads totally empowers serious users and researchers to layer in their own analyses, cross-compare results, or use emerging tools as they come online. It also encourages the DNA testing industry to raise the bar for accuracy, transparency, and data quality.

​This is why I believe today’s announcement is more than a marketing move — it marks a shift in expectations for how consumer DNA can support meticulous genealogy.

​What You Can Do Right Now

• If you haven’t already taken a MyHeritage DNA test, now may be one of the best times.
• If you plan to order one, keep an eye on timing and confirm that your kit will be WGS-processed (which MyHeritage says will be the case for kits sold and processed going forward).
• Once your results arrive, download your full-genome CRAM and keep a safe, backed-up copy.
• Explore tools and communities that support full-genome analyses (or consider collaborating with someone experienced).
• Share this news with colleagues, clients, and fellow genealogists — this is a huge turning point!

I’ll be watching closely as users unpack how WGS changes what we can do in genetic genealogy. 
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Stay tuned — more insights will emerge as this unfolds!

MyHeritage DNA

​​More Genetic Genealogy/DNA Resources

Find more DNA genealogy resources, tips, news, and updates under the Genetic Genealogy and DNA Category.

​More MyHeritage and Other Genealogy Resources

Learn about more MyHeritage Features and tools, along with other family history and genealogy resources under the MyHeritage and Genealogy Resources categories of the blog and on my dedicated Genealogy Resources page.