If you sent your MyHeritage DNA sample back and want to know whether it reached the lab, you're in the right place. This article explains how long the trip to the lab usually takes, how to check that your DNA sample arrived, and when you can ask for a replacement DNA kit.
Here is the short answer, counted from the day you shipped your DNA sample:
From the USA: Most DNA samples reach the lab within 1 to 2 weeks. If your DNA sample still hasn't arrived after 5 weeks, you can ask for a replacement DNA kit.
From an EU country or any other country: Most DNA samples reach the lab within 1 month. If your DNA sample still hasn't arrived after 7 weeks, you can ask for a replacement DNA kit.
These times cover only the trip to the lab. After your DNA sample arrives, the lab needs more time to process it. See: How long will it take until I get DNA test results?
How do I know that my DNA sample arrived at the lab?
When the lab receives your MyHeritage DNA sample, two things happen:
MyHeritage sends you an email that your DNA sample has arrived at the lab. The subject includes your DNA kit number, for example "[Name]'s MyHeritage DNA sample has arrived at the lab (kit MH-XXXXXX)". This email comes from MyHeritage, not from the shipping company, and it says that your DNA results are usually ready in 3 to 4 weeks.
The status of your DNA kit in your MyHeritage account changes to "Received at the lab".
If the post office shows that your DNA sample was delivered, allow a few extra days. The lab first scans your DNA kit into its system, and only then does the status change to "Received at the lab".
How to check the status of your DNA kit
Log in to your MyHeritage account.
Hover over the "DNA" tab at the top of the page and click "Manage DNA kits".
Click the three dots next to your DNA kit and select "Track kit".
The tracker shows the status of your DNA kit from your purchase until your DNA results are ready.
How long does it take for my DNA sample to reach the lab?
How long your MyHeritage DNA sample takes to reach the lab depends on the country you ship it from and on the postal service:
From the USA: Usually 1 to 2 weeks.
From an EU country or any other country: Usually within 1 month.
Depending on your country, you send your DNA sample to a MyHeritage collection center or directly to the lab in Houston, Texas. There are collection centers in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, the European Union (in Germany), Mexico, Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. From the USA, Canada and all other countries, you send your DNA sample directly to the lab.
For the address for your country, see: How do I ship back my DNA sample and to which address?
For a MyHeritage DNA 360° kit, see: How do I ship back my MyHeritage DNA 360° sample and to which address?
Note: MyHeritage has limited control over postal delivery times. Postal strikes, extreme weather and other events outside MyHeritage's control can delay DNA samples on their way to the lab.
Don't use a shipping method that requires a signature on delivery. The lab's collection centers are P.O. boxes with no staff on site, so a signed delivery can't be accepted and your DNA sample might not be delivered.
I sent two DNA kits. Why is only one listed as received?
If you sent two MyHeritage DNA kits together, the lab scans each DNA kit separately, so one can show as received before the other. The second DNA kit can take 3 to 5 more days to show as "Received at the lab".
To make sure the lab can tell your DNA kits apart, put each vial in its own ziplock bag and its own small envelope, and then put both small envelopes in one large envelope. If both vials are in the same small envelope, the lab might process them as one DNA kit.
If the second DNA kit still isn't listed as received after 10 more days, or if you put both vials in the same small envelope, contact us. See: How can I contact Support and get help?
My DNA sample hasn't arrived at the lab. What should I do?
If your MyHeritage DNA kit doesn't show as "Received at the lab", check the following first:
Has the usual time passed? From the USA, most DNA samples need 1 to 2 weeks. From other countries, they need up to 1 month.
Did you use tracked shipping? If you did, check the shipping company's tracking for your DNA sample.
Did you use a shipping method that needs a signature? The lab's collection centers can't accept these deliveries, so your DNA sample might not be delivered.
Could your DNA sample be held at customs? For customs information for your country, see: How do I ship back my DNA sample and to which address?
When can I ask for a replacement DNA kit?
Ask for a replacement DNA kit only after these times, counted from the day you shipped your DNA sample:
From the USA: 5 weeks.
From an EU country or any other country: 7 weeks.
Why waiting matters: When MyHeritage sends you a replacement DNA kit, your original DNA kit is canceled immediately and can't be processed, even if your original DNA sample reaches the lab a few days later. The lab then has to discard your original DNA sample.
If that time has passed and your DNA kit still isn't listed as received, contact us. Include your DNA kit code and the date you shipped your DNA sample. See: How can I contact Support and get help?
DNA sample damaged on arrival
If your DNA sample is damaged when it arrives at the lab, MyHeritage contacts you to arrange a replacement DNA kit.