Powered by cutting-edge sequencing technology from Ultima Genomics and processed at the Gene by Gene laboratory in Houston Texas, this upgrade makes MyHeritage the first major consumer DNA testing company to adopt Whole Genome Sequencing at a large scale. The upgrade will deliver greater accuracy in DNA Matching and ethnicity results, and create opportunities for exciting new products in genetic genealogy. Best of all, this technological breakthrough comes at no additional cost to our customers, and with the same strong commitment to privacy that users expect from MyHeritage.
Whole Genome Sequencing is already being applied to most new MyHeritage DNA kits currently being processed at the lab, and will soon become the exclusive processing method for all new MyHeritage DNA kits moving forward. For more details, see the FAQ section below.
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Whole Genome Sequencing vs. Genotyping Arrays Whole Genome Sequencing reads almost the entire human genome — about 3 billion base pairs (nucleotides). This is superior to the older genotyping array technology used by most consumer DNA tests, including MyHeritage until recently, which read only about 700,000 base pairs. In other words, while the industry standard has been to look at select sentences of each person’s DNA “book,” Whole Genome Sequencing reads virtually the entire story.
MyHeritage’s implementation of Whole Genome Sequencing is low-pass sequencing with 2x coverage, meaning that each position in the genome is read twice on average — rather than thirty times, as is customary for medical applications. For genetic genealogy, which is MyHeritage’s focus, 2x coverage is the sweet spot that provides sufficient coverage of the entire genome while keeping the costs reasonable, making it very affordable for customers. The low-pass approach is combined with a statistical method called imputation, which allows all the data to be reconstructed with very high accuracy. Internal validation studies, as well as independent scientific research, show that this method produces results that are more precise and reliable for genealogical purposes than traditional genotyping arrays, and has considerable advantages thanks to the huge breadth of genomic data that is read.
With so much more information available, this upgrade lays the groundwork for future product enhancements, enabling MyHeritage to deliver more accurate ethnicity results, improved DNA matching, and new genetic genealogy products. However, this revolution will not happen overnight. First, the database of whole genome sequences needs to grow. Then, MyHeritage will be able to, and strongly intends to, re-phase, re-impute and re-match all the data for all existing MyHeritage DNA customers, leading to better results for everyone, even those whose samples were not processed with Whole Genome Sequencing.
Whole Genome Sequencing technology has advanced significantly in recent years, and MyHeritage is proud to be the first major consumer DNA company to make it available at scale.
Expert endorsements News about the upgrade to Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) has received an enthusiastic welcome by leading voices in the genetic genealogy community as an important and inevitable evolution in consumer DNA testing. Here are some of the noteworthy posts applauding MyHeritage’s news:
Roberta Estes, author of DNAeXplained, published a post about the news, stating: “Another first for MyHeritage! … MyHeritage found a way to reach the critical tipping point that makes Whole Genome Sequencing technology both affordable and available for all genealogists … Someone has to be the first pioneer, and MyHeritage, never afraid of a challenge, has stepped up and stepped out.”
Diahan Southard of Your DNA Guide posted a video on YouTube and added: “I love to see MyHeritage and their commitment to us as genealogists, and their willingness to invest in technologies that haven’t really been used before to a great extent in our industry. I’m excited to see where this will lead us.”
Dr. Blaine Bettinger, genealogy educator and founder of the Facebook group Genetic Genealogy Tips & Techniques, wrote in a Facebook post : “This is honestly extremely shocking … I’ve always told people that WGS for genetic genealogy is prohibitively expensive … But apparently MyHeritage has found a way around that! A huge kudos to MyHeritage!”
Discovery HPC wrote : “MyHeritage Transitions to Whole Genome Sequencing, Marking a Milestone in Consumer Genomics … The shift positions MyHeritage as the first major commercial DNA testing company to adopt WGS technology at a scale exceeding one million samples per year … MyHeritage’s move could accelerate the democratization of genomic data access and potentially set new standards for data depth, interoperability, and consumer empowerment in the genetic testing sector.”
Laura Olmstead of DNAngels.org posted a YouTube video where she declared: “MyHeritage has just made history! … This shift … is a gamechanger for genealogists and researchers … This marks a major leap forward in understanding our DNA.”
Diane Henriks, author of the family history and genealogy blog Know Who Wears the Genes in Your Family, wrote: “From a genealogical perspective, breaking the barrier of genotyping into full-genome territory is a major turning point … it marks a shift in expectations for how consumer DNA can support meticulous genealogy.”
Genetic genealogist Donna Rutherford shared in a post on X: “The future has arrived… and we are excited for it!”
Overview Due to its huge potential, MyHeritage has been keen on transitioning to Whole Genome Sequencing for years. A pioneering study by the MyHeritage Science Team published in 2020 validated Whole Genome Sequencing for reliable relative matching at scale, using low-pass sequencing at 1x coverage at the time. That study was an important first step in demonstrating the valuable potential of Whole Genome Sequencing for genetic genealogy. Since then, our scientific approach and analysis have matured significantly. Building on those early findings, MyHeritage has been collaborating closely with Ultima Genomics since its emergence from stealth mode in mid-2022, and later jointly with Gene by Gene, to prepare the scientific and logistical foundation for upgrading the MyHeritage DNA processing pipeline to Whole Genome Sequencing using Ultima’s technology. Those efforts have resulted in a major breakthrough, and MyHeritage customers will enjoy the fruits of this technological upgrade for years to come through increased accuracy, deeper insights, and exciting new products.
As always, MyHeritage DNA kits are processed at the Gene by Gene laboratory in Houston, Texas. Gene by Gene has been our trusted partner since the launch of MyHeritage DNA in 2016. Following extensive validation and collaboration, their lab is being upgraded to host a fleet of Ultima UG100™ sequencing instruments that use an advanced wafer-based architecture to read DNA with speed, accuracy, and efficiency.
The first Ultima UG100™ sequencing instruments serving MyHeritage at the Gene by Gene lab (click to zoom)
Ultima’s cutting-edge technology is based on proprietary wafers that they invented, which allow reading DNA in a similar way to which laser used to read the digital information that encodes music from CDs.
Each Ultima wafer is a large, circular silicon disk, adapted from the semiconductor industry, that acts as the reaction surface on which millions of DNA fragments are read simultaneously. This significantly increases the sequencing surface area and helps lower costs. Like a CD, the wafer spins. This is used for “spin-coating,” where sequencing reagents are dispensed at the center and spread uniformly across the wafer by centrifugal force. As the wafer spins, fixed, high-speed cameras continuously capture optical signals from DNA clusters on the surface. This continuous data acquisition is the aspect that is analogous to how a CD is read. Unlike a CD, which contains pre-encoded digital information, the Ultima system builds the DNA sequence from scratch using a “flow-based” sequencing-by-synthesis chemistry.
The wafer captures the genetic code as it’s sequenced, allowing the instrument to process enormous amounts of data much faster and more efficiently than traditional sequencing platforms.
Ultima wafer in action Once sequencing is complete, the resulting data is transferred securely to MyHeritage where it is analyzed using MyHeritage’s proprietary algorithms.
MyHeritage will soon allow all users whose DNA was processed using Whole Genome Sequencing to download their extended genomic data as a CRAM file at no cost. A CRAM file is a compressed file that contains your full genomic data that was sequenced by the Ultima instrument, covering approximately 3 billion base pairs of DNA. This is the same data standard used in academic and research contexts worldwide. While most people will never need to use it directly, advanced users can explore their data using open-source tools or upload it to other trusted platforms that support Whole Genome Sequencing to get access to additional insights.
MyHeritage is still transitioning to Whole Genome Sequencing. By the end of 2025, all MyHeritage DNA samples will be processed exclusively using this technology.
Privacy As with every innovation at MyHeritage, this upgrade comes with our unwavering commitment to privacy and data security. MyHeritage does not sell or license user data to third parties, and we strictly prohibit the use of our DNA services by law enforcement or government agencies. All genetic samples are destroyed by the lab after processing, except for those securely stored for customers who have enrolled in the MyHeritage DNA BioBank service.
Every stage of data handling is protected by multiple layers of encryption and security, both during processing and when stored. You are always in control of your information and can delete your DNA data at any time. The shift to Whole Genome Sequencing does not change any of our privacy practices or terms; it simply allows us to generate more accurate data for the same trusted purpose: helping you better explore your family history and make new discoveries.
Frequently Asked Questions What’s new?
MyHeritage is transitioning from genotyping array DNA testing (which samples about 700,000 base pairs on the genome) to Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) implemented as low-pass sequencing with 2x coverage, which samples about 3 billion base pairs. Over time, all new tests will be processed using WGS.
I previously tested with MyHeritage DNA. Will my results be reprocessed using Whole Genome Sequencing?
No. MyHeritage DNA kits that were already processed with the older genotyping array technology will not be reprocessed with Whole Genome Sequencing. Your existing results remain valid and will continue to work with all MyHeritage DNA features. If you are keen on having your DNA processed with Whole Genome Sequencing, please order a new MyHeritage DNA kit. Since users can manage multiple DNA kits on MyHeritage under the same account, you will be able to switch between the WGS results and your current results.
I previously took a DNA test with another provider and uploaded my DNA data to MyHeritage. Will I receive Whole Genome Sequencing for that test?
No. Whole Genome Sequencing can only be performed on a biological DNA sample in the lab. It cannot be done on uploaded digital data that has already been read by a genotyping array and consists of only 700,000 base pairs. If you are keen on having your DNA processed with Whole Genome Sequencing, please order a new MyHeritage DNA kit.
Can I upload raw DNA data from Ancestry 23andMe or FamilyTreeDNA to MyHeritage?
No, as of mid-May 2025, DNA uploads are no longer supported.
I’ve already taken a MyHeritage DNA test or uploaded my DNA data to MyHeritage. Does the move to Whole Genome Sequencing affect my existing DNA results?
It doesn’t. Your existing DNA results remain valid and compatible with all current MyHeritage DNA features. Your DNA will continue to be matched to the DNA of new users processed with Whole Genome Sequencing, and you will receive new matches on a regular basis as before.
Will there be a different DNA kit for Whole Genome Sequencing?
No. Whole Genome Sequencing refers to how DNA samples are analyzed in the lab, not to the type of kit used for sample collection. The same DNA kits currently available for purchase are the same cheek-swab kits MyHeritage has always offered.
I purchased the MyHeritage BioBank service to store the second vial from my DNA kit. Can that sample now be used for Whole Genome Sequencing, without me having to swab my cheek again?
Yes, subject to your consent and an additional processing fee. We will notify MyHeritage BioBank customers by email when this option becomes available.
Can I ensure that my DNA sample is processed with Whole Genome Sequencing?
You cannot choose how your sample will be processed. We are currently in a transition period where some DNA samples are being processed using array technology and others are being processed with Whole Genome Sequencing. By the end of 2025, all MyHeritage DNA samples will be processed with Whole Genome Sequencing.
How can I know whether my DNA sample was processed with Whole Genome Sequencing?
When you download your DNA file from MyHeritage, the header of the DNA file will state what type of processing was used.
If my DNA is processed by MyHeritage using Whole Genome Sequencing, will I notice big improvements in my results right away?
You may notice small improvements initially, but the most significant benefits will take more time to appear. That’s because MyHeritage first needs to grow a large database of DNA kits processed with Whole Genome Sequencing. Once that happens, all kits in the database will be re-phased, re-imputed and re-matched — and at that point, the difference will be noticeable. You’ll receive more accurate DNA Matches, a greater number of matches, especially more distant ones, and fewer false matches. Ethnicity Estimates will also improve over time. Please keep in mind that major changes won’t happen right away.
Can I delete my genetic data from MyHeritage?
Yes. You can delete your DNA data from MyHeritage at any time from the “Manage DNA kits” page in the DNA menu. Once deleted, your DNA data is permanently removed in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
When will I be able to download my genomic data as a CRAM file?
We are working on adding support for CRAM downloads and expect this functionality to be available in early 2026. We will share an update in another blog post once it’s ready.
Will the download in CRAM format be in addition to the download of the “regular” raw autosomal DNA file?
Yes. For DNA kits processed using Whole Genome Sequencing, both download options will be available.
Summary The upgrade to Whole Genome Sequencing marks a new era for MyHeritage DNA and for consumer genomics as a whole. By adopting the most advanced sequencing technology available while maintaining our unwavering commitment to privacy, MyHeritage continues to lead the field of genetic genealogy responsibly and transparently. This upgrade opens the door to new discoveries about your origins and connections, and the best is yet to come. Stay tuned for more updates!
Gene By Gene is a world leader in genetic testing services with over 20 years of experience. Our laboratory holds accreditation from multiple agencies, including CAP, CLIA, California Department of Public Health, and AABB. With a cutting-edge laboratory and highly trained team of experts, we are committed to excellence in the field of genetic analysis.
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