Documentation

Step-by-step guides, troubleshooting help, and all the information you need to use MatchFetch effectively for your genealogy research.

Welcome to MatchFetch

Your privacy-first DNA match analysis tool for Ancestry and 23andMe. Download, analyze, and manage your matches with easeβ€”all on your own device.

  • βœ” Windows 10 (1903+) 64-bit
  • βœ” .NET 9.0 Windows Desktop Runtime
  • βœ” 4 GB RAM (8 GB recommended)
  • βœ” 500 MB+ free storage
  • βœ” Internet connection (for fetching matches)
  • βœ” AncestryDNA or 23andMe account

Installation

Set up MatchFetch in just a few steps. No technical expertise required!

  1. 1
    Download: Get the latest MatchFetch for Windows from GitHub Releases.
  2. 2
    Install: Run the installer or extract the archive to your preferred folder.
  3. 3
    Launch: Open MatchFetch from the shortcut or executable.
  4. 4
    Stay Updated: MatchFetch checks for updates automatically and notifies you when a new version is available.

First Time Use

Get started with MatchFetch in four simple steps. Your privacy and security are always protected.

  1. πŸ–₯️
    Open MatchFetch: The main window appears with options for Ancestry and 23andMe.
  2. πŸ”—
    Select Service: Choose your DNA testing service from the available options.
  3. πŸ”’
    Secure Login: A browser window opens for you to log in securely. MatchFetch never stores your credentials.
  4. 🧬
    Choose Test: After login, select the DNA test you want to analyze.
πŸ”’ Privacy First: MatchFetch only accesses your DNA match data. All authentication is handled securely in your browser.

Fetching Matches

Download your DNA match data with flexible options and real-time progress.

🧬
Select a Test: After login, choose a DNA test from the dropdown. If you have multiple, pick the one you want to fetch.
βš™οΈ
Set Fetch Options (Ancestry only):
  • Fetch by Newest: If enabled, fetch matches starting from the most recent (default); if disabled, fetch by highest shared DNA amount
  • Minimum cM: Only fetch matches with at least 6 shared centimorgans
  • Maximum cM: Only fetch matches with at most 3490 shared centimorgans
  • Maximum Matches: Limit the total number of matches to fetch
⏳
Fetch Matches: Click Fetch Matches to begin. Progress is shown in real time, and your data is saved locally.
πŸ’‘ Tip: Start with a small fetch (e.g., 100 matches) to test the process before fetching all matches.

Managing & Filtering Matches

Find, filter, and analyze your DNA matches with powerful tools tailored for each service.

🧬

Ancestry Matches

Displayed info:

Name: Match's display name
Shared DNA: Total centimorgans across all segments
Journeys: Ancestry Journeys information

πŸ” Filters

Name: Search by partial name match
Min-Max cM: Filter by minimum and maximum centimorgans
Journeys: Filter by Ancestry Journeys
Regions Min-Max: Filter by ethnicity regions with min/max percentages
🧬

23andMe Matches

Displayed info:

Name: Match's display name
Shared DNA: Total centimorgans across all segments
Haplogroups: Y-DNA and mtDNA haplogroup data

πŸ” Filters

Name: Search by partial name match
Min-Max cM: Filter by minimum and maximum centimorgans
Haplogroups: Filter by Y-DNA and mtDNA haplogroups
Regions Min-Max: Filter by ancestry regions with min/max percentages
Grandparents: Filter by grandparents' birth locations
πŸš€ Pro Tip: Combine multiple filters for precise results. Filters are applied in real-time as you type or adjust settings.

Viewing Match Details

Double-click any match to open a detailed view. See all available genetic and ancestry information, tailored for each service.

πŸ‘€

Ancestry Match Details

  • Relationship: Prediction, shared DNA, longest segment
  • Ancestral Regions: Regions with confidence range levels
  • Ancestral Journeys: Journeys with connection percentages
πŸ‘€

23andMe Match Details

  • Relationship: Prediction, shared DNA, longest segment
  • Ancestry Composition: Regions and percentages
  • Haplogroups & More: Haplogroups, surnames, grandparent birth locations (if available)
πŸ”’ Privacy Note: All match details are stored and viewed locally. No data is uploaded or shared.

Advanced Features

⏩

Resume Fetch (Ancestry)

Continue a previously started Ancestry fetch. MatchFetch tracks your progress per test, so you can pick up right where you left off.

πŸ”„

Multiple Test Management

Fetch matches for any DNA test linked to your account. View results for each test independently within the app.

πŸ“€

Data Export

Export your match data in structured JSON format for use with other analysis tools. Includes all match details.

  • πŸ“ Click Export Matches in the main interface
  • πŸ“ Choose your export location and filename
  • πŸ’Ύ Data is exported in JSON format

Troubleshooting

Having trouble? Find solutions to common issues below. Click a card to expand details.

πŸ” Login Issues
Problem: Can't log in to Ancestry or 23andMe
Solutions:
  • Verify your username and password are correct
  • Check if your account is locked or requires additional verification
  • Ensure you have an active subscription (Ancestry) or account (23andMe)
  • Try logging in through your web browser first to confirm account status
πŸ”„ Update Problems
Problem: Updates won't download or install
Solutions:
  • Check your internet connection
  • Ensure MatchFetch has permission to modify its own files
  • Try downloading the update manually from the website
  • Restart MatchFetch after a failed update attempt
πŸ“ž Getting Help
Still having issues?
Get help or report bugs via our community channels: Please include:
  • Your MatchFetch version
  • Detailed description of the problem
  • Any error messages you received
  • Steps you've already tried

Frequently Asked Questions

⚠️ Not affiliated with Ancestry or 23andMe. MatchFetch is an independent tool by Omar Nunez.
❓ Is my data secure?
Yes, all data is stored locally on your computer. MatchFetch does not upload your DNA match data anywhere. Your privacy is protected.
❓ Do I need an account with Ancestry or 23andMe?
Yes, you need an active account with your chosen DNA testing service to fetch match data. MatchFetch connects to your existing account.
πŸšͺ How do I sign out?
To sign out from your Ancestry or 23andMe account within MatchFetch, go to the File menu and click Sign Out. This will clear your login session for the current window.
❓ How many matches can I fetch?
You can fetch all your matches. Some users have over 100,000 matches, and MatchFetch can handle large datasets efficiently.
πŸ’» Does MatchFetch work on Mac or Linux?
Currently only Windows is supported due to WPF framework dependencies. Support for other platforms may be added in future versions.
πŸ”— Can I share my match data with others?
The data is yours to use as you wish, but be mindful of privacy considerations when sharing genetic information with others.
🌐 What if the DNA testing websites change?
MatchFetch may need updates to work with website changes. Updates are provided automatically, and the community is notified of any issues.
πŸ› How do I report bugs or request features?
Report bugs or request features using our GitHub Issues page or join our Discord community. Please include detailed information about your issue or feature request.