How do I recover my Family Search account?

A FamilySearch account enables you to search historical records and save them to your family tree. If you didn’t remember your password, or if you never had one in the first place, you’ll need to recover your account before being able to use it. Thankfully, this process is quite simple and only takes a few minutes. Follow these steps to recover your Family Search account today!

You can reset your password or recover your username for FamilySearch using the option that is most closely linked to your account:

  • Your mobile phone number
  • Your email address

Steps to recover your account through Website

  1. Click the Sign-in button displayed in the top right corner of FamilySearch’s Website.
  2. Depending on whether your username or password or are both forgotten, you can choose one of these options:
    1. Username On: Click username under the Password field.  
    2.   Password only: Under the Password field, click password.
    3. Both: Click Username under the Password field. Next, click on the checkbox for I don’t remember my password.
  3. Based on the information you have provided during registration, choose a recovery method.
    1. Mobile: Enter your mobile number. This number will receive a verification code. Click Continue to enter the verification code.
    2. Email: Enter your email address. You will get an email with all usernames associated with your email account. Click the Username you wish to use in the email.
    3. Church Record No: Type your birth date, a Church record number and click OK.
  4. The next step is based on what you have indicated but forgot to mention:
    1. Username only: Your Username is automatically entered on the sign-in page. Now you can enter your password and sign in. To reset your password, you can click the password.
    2. Password only: This is the option to reset your password.
    3. Both: You can reset your password. The screen displays your Username.
  5. Reset your password if necessary
    1. Change your password.
    2. Verify your new password.
    3. Click Reset.

Steps to recover your account through the Mobile app

  1. You can either start the Family Tree mobile app or Memories mobile application.
  2. Tap Sign in
  3. Tap Help if you forget your password or Username
  4. Depending on whether your username or password are both forgotten, you can choose one of these options:
    1. Only Username: Tap forgot your Username?
    2. Only Password: Tap Forgot password
    3. For Both: Tap Forgot Username Next, tap the checkbox to confirm that you have forgotten your password.
  5. Based on the information you have provided during registration, choose a recovery method.
    1. Mobile: Enter your mobile number. This number will receive a verification code. Tap Continue to enter the verification code.
    2. Email: Enter your email address. You will receive an email on your registered ID with all usernames associated with that email account. Tap the Username you wish to use in the email.
    3. Enter your Church Record Number, enter your birth date, and tap OK.
  6. The next step is based on what you have indicated but forgot to mention:
    1. Username only: Your Username is automatically entered on the sign-in page. Now you will be required to enter your password to sign in. You can also tap the password button to reset your password if you forget your password.
    2. Password only: This is the option to reset your password.
    3. Both: You can reset your password. The screen displays your Username.
  7. The next step will remain the same as the Website.

What Happens If You Can’t Get Back In

You may be able to create a new account within minutes or several days, depending on your circumstances. Most cases allow you to access your information at any time. If you cannot access your family tree immediately due to an emergency (e.g. losing access or email), contact support, and they will help you get access back. Although most requests can be resolved in a few days or less, we understand that some things may take longer.