Troubleshoot Ancestry Login Issues On Safari

You're not the only one who finds it difficult to log into Ancestry using the Safari browser. Safari’s privacy settings, obsolete data, or browser-specific incompatibilities can sometimes interfere with website logins. Fortunately, most concerns can be remedied with a few easy tweaks. 

A thorough, step-by-step instruction to troubleshooting and regaining access to your Ancestry account can be found below.

1. Check Your Internet Connection

Make sure your internet connection is reliable before attempting browser fixes. Try loading another website or switching between Wi-Fi and mobile hotspot. 
A weak or intermittent connection may prevent Safari from completing the login request.

2. Ensure You’re Using the Correct Login Page

Always access Ancestry through the official website. Type the complete URL directly instead of using a saved bookmark, which can be old or broken. Links that are outdated or mistyped may result in security alerts or login issues.

3. Update Safari to the Latest Version

Ancestry and other contemporary websites may not work with an outdated version of Safari. 
On macOS:
⦁  Navigate to System Settings → General → Software Update under the Apple Menu.
⦁  Install any available browser or system updates.
Updated browsers contain security patches and better support for sophisticated login scripts.

4. Clear Safari’s Cache and Website Data

Corrupted or outdated cached files can block login attempts.
To clear data:
1. Open Safari.
2. Go to Safari → Settings (or Preferences) → Privacy.
3. Select "Manage Website Data.
4. Type “ancestry” in the search box and remove its stored data.
5. If necessary, select Remove All to erase all website data.
After clearing the cache, restart Safari and try logging in again.

5. Disable Extensions Temporarily

Safari extensions—especially ad blockers, privacy tools, or VPN-related add-ons—may conflict with Ancestry’s login scripts.
To disable them:
⦁ Go to Safari → Settings → Extensions.
⦁  Uncheck all extensions to disable them.
⦁  Try logging in once more.
Re-enable each extension one at a time to find the issue if the login is successful.

6. Turn Off Cross-Site Tracking Prevention

Safari’s privacy features sometimes block essential cookies needed for login.
Disable tracking prevention temporarily:
⦁  Go to Safari → Settings → Privacy.
⦁  Toggle off “Prevent cross-site tracking.”
Once you've successfully logged in, you can turn it back on.

7. Allow Cookies for Ancestry

Cookies are necessary for Ancestry to retain session and login information.
To modify cookie settings:
⦁    Make sure "Block all cookies" is unchecked in Safari → Settings → Privacy.

8. Try a Private Window

Private browsing disables cached data and extensions by default.
Go to File → New Private Window, then visit Ancestry and attempt login.
If the login is successful, an extension or cached data is probably the problem.

9. Restart Your Mac or iPhone

A simple restart can clear temporary glitches affecting Safari’s ability to load secure login pages properly.

10. Contact Ancestry Support

If everything else fails, you may need aid from Ancestry. There may be account-specific issues such as password problems, security locks, or regional site outages.