MyHeritage is one of the companies I use for my own DNA research. It is the only site where I find information on my Spanish relatives. I encourage anyone with European ancestors to the USA within the past 150 years to test there as well as with the other companies.
Since 2016, MyHeritage has allowed users who have already tested their DNA to upload their DNA data from Ancestry, 23andMe and Family Tree DNA. They receive DNA Matches and ethnicity estimates on MyHeritage for free.
However, previously MyHeritage did not support the upload of tests based on the chip called GSA (Global Screening Array), now being used by 23andMe (v5), and by Living DNA. Recent improvements to their DNA algorithms now allows them to support DNA data processed on GSA chips, and so they now support uploads of 23andMe v5 and Living DNA data files.
Uploading DNA data to MyHeritage is fast and simple -- perhaps one of the easiest. For users that upload now, they offer full access to DNA Matching, Ethnicity Estimates, and their chromosome browser for free.
Upload your Ancestry, FamilyTreeDNA, 23andMe, and LivingDNA to MyHeritage here.
Incentive to upload before December 1
If you have not uploaded your DNA raw data to MyHeritage, you should think about doing so now.
As of December 1, 2018, MyHeritage's policy regarding DNA uploads will change: DNA Matching will remain free for uploaded DNA data, but unlocking additional DNA features (for example, ethnicity estimate, chromosome browser, and some others) will require an extra payment for DNA files uploaded after this date.
MyHeritage will announce the full details of the new policy once it is finalized, closer to December 1.
All DNA data that was uploaded to MyHeritage in the past, and all DNA data that is uploaded now and prior to December 1, 2018, will continue to enjoy full access to all DNA features for free. These uploads will be grandfathered in and will remain free.
While there are different reasons to take a DNA test, one reason is to find unknown relatives. If you have taken a genetic genealogy oriented DNA test you are probably interested in determining your genealogical link to people you match. When you add a family tree at either the DNA testing company, FamilyTree DNA, MyHeritage, LivingDNA, or AncestryDNA, etc., or at a genealogical website which you link your DNA results to, GENI, WIKITREE, TribalPages, etc., please be as complete with the data for deceased individuals as you can. This means that you include locations, at least county and state in the USA, and full dates of birth, marriage, and death, as far as you know them.
Please don't list deceased persons as Private unless you don't want genealogical relations to find you. In the USA the most recent public population census is that for 1940. The 1950 census will be available in 2022. Having locations and dates allows the person looking at your family tree to make connections with people in their tree to allow identification of the most recent common ancestor/s, (MRCA). This will greatly enhance the possibility of extending your genealogy research.
My suggested minimum family tree would go back to your Great Grandparents with their spouses and children, and work forward and stop at living people on each line. Ideally going back to before the 1850 census would probably work for most people in the USA.
If your ancestry in the 1800s or 1900s was mostly in Europe or otherwise outside of the USA, testing at MyHeritage and/or AncestryDNA will probably be of most use to you. For genealogical records I also suggest using FamilySearch.org due to its worldwide coverage.
I hope this will help you find your relatives.
