Are you one of those users using FamilySearch, and they are one world family tree? Hence, have you also found two or more profiles with the same person? Well, you must be wondering what you do with them, right; you need to merge them. In this blog, you will learn how to Merge Duplicate Family Trees on FamilySearch. So, let’s read along and get started.
Merge Duplicate Family Trees on FamilySearch
You already know that FamilySearch is a one-tree platform. This means the aim is to have one profile for every person who has lived. Nevertheless, the FamilySearch tree was created from multiple databases in 2012, which resulted in many duplicate entries for the same individual.
Furthermore, researchers working from different directions in the family tree get to create duplicate FamilySearch ancestor profiles either unintentionally or temporarily.
How do I get to know when to merge two profiles?
FamilySearch’s computer program already tries to find duplicate profiles and notify you on a Person Profile Page. But the minus point is that FamilySearch cannot catch every duplicate entry. Hence, at times, you may find two entries while researching various records such as tax, census, land, etc.
If you even accept a Possible Duplicate hint from FamilySearch or merge two people from your research, you will need to make sure that you are familiar with the individual. You also need to ensure that you have completed a consolidation of the two profiles, which should be based on documentation.
However, if you are not confident enough to merge, you can watch this video. And see how to evaluate a merge, as joining two profiles is not OK until you have further research.
Moreover, it is also not at all OK to combine two profiles based on your research and later discover that you have made a mistake. In this case, you unmerge the profiles later on.
How do I merge people in the FamilySearch Tree from a Hint?
First of all, when you are on an ancestor’s profile, which is called a Person Page or a Person Profile, you will need to follow the steps below;
- You must first click on the ‘Possible Duplicate’ prompt in the ‘Research Help’ box on the right side of the column.
- Next, right on the pop-up screen, you must click the ‘Review Merge’ option.
How can you merge two people without a Possible Duplicate Prompt?
You should know that FamilySearch does not find every duplicate. Hence, as you research, you might discover two Person Pages that should be combined. One of the profiles will be the surviving page, and the other will merge into the survivor.
- Now, that will merge into the survivor; you just need to copy the ID number beside the individual’s name by clicking on the code itself.
- Then, on the surviving page, you must scroll down and click on the ‘Merge by ID’ option.
- And now, in the pop-up form, you must paste the ID from the merging profile.
- Next, you need to click on the ‘Review Merge’ option that is it.
NOTE: You must know that some profiles on FamilySearch cannot be merged. You can look up another blog regarding the reasons why.
How do you confirm the two profiles are Possible Matches?
The improved merging system of FamilySearch walks you through three different steps. Therefore, the first asks you to confirm whether you want to merge the two profiles.
So you must ensure you want to be in the surviving profile under ‘Surviving Person’. Moreover, if you want to make a switch, there is a button to switch the profiles.
You must validate your choice by clicking the ‘Yes, Continue’ button.
Make sure you choose the information that you wish to keep
You should know that each merging situation varies. Therefore, now FamilySearch prompts you to choose which data should appear when the combing process ends. Besides, you can always choose which information you want to save for each fact, piece of information, or family member.
- If you find that the merging profile has the information you want to keep, you should click on the ‘Replace’ option.
- But if the surviving profile already has the information you wish to keep, you can skip the choice option.
- And if you make a mistake, you can click ‘UNDO’. After this, the information will be returned to the duplicate profile and disappear after merging is done.
When you have finished making the selections, you just need to click the ‘Continue’ button.
Confirming and Explaining the Merge
Well, the ultimate step in merging people on FamilySearch requires that you review the surviving profile and also invites you to leave a reason why you have combined the two pages.
Even though it might be tempting to skip the ‘Reason for Merge’ box, please do not. This is because you would want to remind yourself and others why you took this action.
In addition, FamilySearch also provides you with prompts where you get to choose a starting point for explaining why you are merging the profiles. So you can go ahead and choose which even one suits your situation.
After doing so, you should continue with your explanation, detailing the records or resources you use as the basis for your decision. If you require any help, you can always look up these blog posts.
Now merging on FamilySearch is not tricky at all!
You may find merging people on FamilySearch scary or complicated, but now you can do it all by yourself easily. In short, you must help clean up the family tree and leave one profile for your ancestors instead of multiple copies. Furthermore, take your time and leave a reason why you made a merge.
Remember that if you make a mistake, you can always ‘UNDO IT’.
The above information and tips are relevant and helpful. Therefore, we trust that you enjoy reading this blog and have all your queries resolved regarding how to Merge Duplicate Family Trees on FamilySearch. However, if you still require further help, please contact the FamilySearch Support Number at +1-888-257-3335, or you can Live Chat with our Experts.