The FamilySearch Help and Learning page helps you use our website and mobile apps and teaches you how to do genealogical research.
For Church members, Temple and family history consultants can find information about Consultant Resources. FamilySearch center staff can find information about how to run a FamilySearch center and troubleshoot technology.
Search tips
- For the best results, click a topic icon before you enter search terms.
- Enter a few keywords rather than a sentence.
- Try Boolean search terms. Enter the Boolean terms in capital letters:
- Enter AND between 2 keywords. The system finds help articles that contain both keywords. For example, Family AND Search looks for both words, but not necessarily beside each other. You could find "your family can search for ancestors" or "FamilySearch works best."
- Enter OR between 2 keywords. The system finds help articles with either word or both of the words. For example, edit OR merge looks for the word edit or the word merge or both.
- Enter NOT between 2 keywords. The system finds the first word but rejects articles that also contain the second word. For example: Family NOT Search looks for articles with the word Family, but not the word Search.
- Enter a string of words within quotation marks. The system finds only articles that contain the exact phrase. For example: "transcription error" looks for that specific phrase.
Steps (website)
Search Box
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Sign in to FamilySearch.org.
Note: For Church members, you must be signed in as a Church member to see information about temple-related features, temple policy, and FamilySearch center operations.
- At the top of any page, click
. - If your question is listed under Suggested Topics, click the appropriate link.
- If your question is not listed, enter your question in the search field at the top of the Help screen.
- If you cannot find the answer to your question, use one of the options listed at the bottom of the Help screen:
- Help and Learning. Search our help resources, find in-person help, learn how to get started, or visit FamilySearch Community.
- Contact Us. Contact FamilySearch Support.
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Community. Collaborate with other FamilySearch users and researchers. You can browse, ask, or answer questions. You can also find and join groups on specific subjects.
Note: For Church Members, Helper Resources are also available.
- Helper Resources. Use the Planner and other resources as you help others with their family history.
Help Assistant
- Click on the Help Assistant button in the bottom right of the Help screen.
- Type your question into the text box and press Enter.
Steps (mobile app)
- In the Family Tree mobile app, tap the 3 lines, and then tap Help.
- Frequently Asked Questions. See common question and answers.
- Contact Us. Give app feedback or contact FamilySearch Support. Church members can also find a local temple and family history consultant.
- Find a FamilySearch Center. Find a center near you where you can get one-on-one help.
- What's New. See recent updates for the Family Tree mobile app.
Note: For Church members, helper options are also available.
- Helper Resources. View tree date for people you add to the Planner.
- Help Someone. Help another person with family history. If you have the other person's Helper Number, you can view ancestor information and offer assistance.
Additional resources
The Family History Guide is an additional resource for help with FamilySearch.org. The guide contains free lessons to help you use FamilySearch.org. The content is provided by a collaborating third-party genealogy company. The guide is written in English and made available in other languages through Google Translate.