Easily Merge Duplicate Profiles on the FamilySearch Family Tree

Are you using FamilySearch, which is a global family tree? And you've found two or more profiles of the same person? What do you do with them? Well, you merge.

Why Do I Need to Merge Duplicate People on FamilySearch?

FamilySearch is a one-tree platform. The goal is to have one profile for every person who has ever lived.

However, the FamilySearch family tree was created from multiple databases in 2012, resulting in many duplicate entries for the same individual.

Additionally, researchers working from different directions in the family tree can unintentionally or temporarily create duplicate FamilySearch ancestor profiles.

How Do I Know I Need to Merge Two Profiles

FamilySearch's computer program tries to find duplicate profiles and notify you on a Person Profile Page.

However, FamilySearch can't catch every duplicate entry. Sometimes, you find two entries while researching various records such as tax, census, land, and more.

Before accepting a Possible Duplicate hint from FamilySearch or merging two people from your own research, ensure you're familiar with the individual. Then, make sure you've completed a consolidation of the two profiles based on documentation.

If you're not confident enough to merge, watch this video to see how I evaluate a merge. It's okay not to join two profiles until you have further research.

It's also okay to combine two profiles based on your research and later discover you made a mistake. You can unmerge the profiles later.

The above video discusses merging duplicates on FamilySearch.

How to Merge People In the FamilySearch Family Tree From a Hint

Do the following when you're on an ancestor's profile, called a Person Page or a Person Profile.

Click the Possible Duplicate prompt in the Research Help box in the right-hand column.
On the pop-up screen, click "Review Merge."

How to Merge Two People Without a Possible Duplicate Prompt

FamilySearch doesn't find every duplicate. While researching, you may discover two Person Pages that should combine. One profile will be the surviving page, while the other will merge into the survivor.

On that, it will merge into the survivor. Copy the ID number beside the individual's name by clicking the code.
On the surviving page, scroll down and click on "Merge By ID."
In the pop-up form, past the ID from the merging profile.
Click "Review Merge."

Some FamilySearch profiles cannot be merged, and they explained why in a this blog post.

Confirm the Two Profiles are Possible Matches

FamilySearch's improved merging system walks you through three steps. The first asks you to confirm that you wish to merge the two profiles.

Ensure the person you want to be in the surviving profile appears under "Surviving Person." There is a button to switch profiles.

Validate your choice by clicking the "Yes, Continue" button.

Choose the Information You Wish to Keep

Each merging situation varies. FamilySearch now prompts you to choose which information should appear when the combing process ends. You can choose which information to save for each fact, piece of information, or family member.

If the merging profile has the information you want to keep, click on "Replace."
If the surviving profile already has the information you wish to keep, skip the choice.
If you make a mistake, click UNDO. The information will be returned to the duplicate profile and disappear after the merge.

Once you've finished making your selections, click "Continue."

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Confirm and Explain Your Merge

The final step in merging people on FamilySearch requires you to review the surviving profile and invites you to leave a reason for combining the two pages.

While skipping the "Reason for Merge" box might be tempting, please don't. You want to remind yourself and others why you took this action.

FamilySearch now provides prompts for explaining why you're merging the profiles. Choose one that fits.

Then, continue your explanation, detailing the records or resources you're using as the basis for your decision. If you need help, check out these blog posts.

Merging on FamilySearch Doesn't Have to Be Difficult

Merging people on FamilySearch may seem scary, but you can do this. Help clean up the family tree and leave one profile for your ancestor rather than multiple copies. Take your time and leave a reason why you made a merge.

Remember, you can always undo it if you make a mistake.

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