Getting Started
Welcome to MatchFetch! This powerful tool helps you download, analyze, and manage your DNA matches from Ancestry and 23andMe efficiently.
System Requirements
- Operating System: Windows 10 version 1903 or later (64-bit)
- Framework: .NET 9.0 Windows Desktop Runtime
- Memory: 4 GB RAM minimum, 8 GB recommended
- Storage: 500 MB free space for the application, plus space for match data
- Internet: Stable broadband connection for fetching matches
- Ancestry Account: Active AncestryDNA subscription (for Ancestry users)
- 23andMe Account: Active 23andMe account (for 23andMe users)
Installation
- Download: Visit GitHub Releases and download the latest MatchFetch installer or archive
- Extract/Install: Run the installer or extract the archive to a folder of your choice
- Launch: Start MatchFetch using the installed shortcut or executable
- Updates: The app will automatically check for updates on launch
First Time Use
When you launch MatchFetch for the first time:
- The main window appears with options for different DNA services
- Select your DNA testing service (Ancestry or 23andMe)
- A browser window will open for you to log into your account
- After successful login, you'll see your available DNA tests
Security Note: MatchFetch only accesses your DNA match data and does not store your login credentials.
Fetching Matches
Selecting a Test
After logging in, choose a DNA test from the dropdown menu. If you have multiple tests, select the one you want to fetch matches for.
Fetch Options
You can filter your matches or fetch everything:
- Minimum cM: Only fetch matches with at least 6 shared centimorgans
- Maximum cM: Only fetch matches with at most 3490 shared centimorgans
- Maximum Matches: Limit the total number of matches to fetch (optional)
- No Filters: Leave all options empty to fetch all available matches
Starting the Fetch
Click "Start Fetch" to begin. The process:
- Fetches matches from your selected DNA testing service
- Displays progress in real-time
- Can be paused/resumed at any time
- Saves data locally in a database file
Tip: Start with a small fetch (e.g., 100 matches) to test the process before fetching all matches.
Managing and Filtering Matches
The Match Grid
After fetching, matches appear in a sortable data grid with these columns:
| Column |
Description |
| Name |
Match's display name |
| cM |
Total shared centimorgans |
| Segments |
Number of shared DNA segments |
| Side |
Assigned parental side (P1, P2, Both, Unassigned) |
| Journeys |
Ancestry Journeys information |
Filtering Options
Use the filter panel to narrow down results:
- Name: Search by partial name match
- cM Range: Filter by minimum and maximum centimorgans
- Segments Range: Filter by number of shared segments
- Side: Show only matches assigned to specific parental side(s)
- Journeys: Filter by Ancestry Journeys (Ancestry users only - requires journey data to be fetched)
- Regions: Filter by ethnicity regions with min/max percentages
Pro Tip: Combine multiple filters for precise results. Filters are applied in real-time.
Viewing Match Details
Double-click any match in the grid to open the detailed view window, which includes:
- Basic Info: Name, relationship range, total shared cM and segments
- Longest Segment: Size of the largest shared DNA segment
- Unweighted Shared DNA: Total shared DNA without weighting
- Cluster Assignment: Which parental side the match is assigned to
- Ethnicity Breakdown: Percentage breakdown by geographic region
- Journeys: Ancestry Journeys connections and percentages (Ancestry users only)
The detail window provides a comprehensive view of each match's genetic relationship to you.
Advanced Features
Resume Fetch
Use the "Resume Fetch" button to continue a previously started fetch. MatchFetch tracks progress per test.
Multiple Test Management
You can fetch matches for different family members' DNA tests. Each test's data is stored separately and can be viewed independently.
Update Checking
MatchFetch automatically checks for updates on startup. You can also manually check via the menu. Updates are downloaded and installed automatically.
Data Export
Data export functionality is planned for a future release. Currently, your match data is stored in a local LiteDB database that can be accessed programmatically if needed.
Troubleshooting
Application Won't Start
- Windows Version: Ensure you're running Windows 10 build 1903 or later
- Antivirus Blocking: Add MatchFetch.exe to your antivirus exclusions
Login Issues
- Account Problems: Ensure your account is active and you have DNA matching enabled
- Two-Factor Auth: Complete 2FA in the browser window that opens
Fetch Errors
- Network Timeout: Check your internet connection stability
- Rate Limiting: The DNA service may temporarily block requests; wait a few minutes and resume
Performance Issues
- Memory Usage: Close other applications if experiencing slowdowns
- Database Size: Large match datasets can make the app file several GB
Update Problems
- Firewall Blocking: Ensure MatchFetch can access the internet
- Permission Issues: Run as administrator if updates fail
- Manual Update: Download latest version manually from the website
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is MatchFetch affiliated with Ancestry or 23andMe?
- No, MatchFetch is an independent tool created by Omar Nunez.
- Is my data secure?
- Yes, all data is stored locally on your computer. MatchFetch does not upload your data anywhere.
- Do I need an account with Ancestry or 23andMe?
- Yes, you need an active account with your chosen DNA testing service to fetch match data.
- How many matches can I fetch?
- You can fetch all your matches. Some people have 100,000+ matches.
- Does MatchFetch work on Mac/Linux?
- Currently only Windows is supported due to WPF dependencies.
- Can I share my match data with others?
- The data is yours to use as you wish, but be mindful of privacy considerations.
- What if the DNA testing websites change?
- MatchFetch may need updates to work with website changes. Updates are provided automatically.
Getting Help
If you can't find an answer here:
- Search existing issues or create a new one on GitHub