You can activate your MyHeritage DNA kit from the app either by scanning the activation code with your device's camera, or by entering the code manually.
To activate your DNA kit, please follow these steps:
Open the MyHeritage app on your mobile device and log in.
Tap the icon on the upper left corner of the screen to open the menu.
Scroll down to the DNA section, then tap the small arrow on the right side of "DNA" to open the DNA menu, then tap "Activate DNA kit".
You have two options to proceed now:
Option A: Scan code — uses your device's camera to scan the barcode on the kit.
Option B: Enter code manually — lets you type in the activation code directly.
Click on the relevant option below to open the collapsible instructions:
Option A: Scan the code
Option A: Scan the code
1. Tap "Scan code" to start scanning.
Important: To be able to scan the code, you need to allow the application to access your camera. To do so, tap "Go to settings" and activate access to your device's camera.
Display and functions may look different depending on your device.
2. To scan the activation code, place your device's camera just above the code. Make sure the camera is close enough to read the code.
As soon as the scan detects the code, you will get a confirmation on your screen:
3. The next screen will show the activation code that you have scanned. Click continue to proceed with the activation.
Note: If you activate a DNA kit for someone else, make sure you select "Someone else’s" below the question "Whose DNA will this kit be testing?".
Option B: Enter the code manually
Option B: Enter the code manually
If you prefer not to use the scanner, follow these steps:
1. Tap "Scan code" (the option to manually enter the code will appear after this step).
2. Tap "Enter code manually".
3. Type in the activation code found on your kit (MH-XXXXXX). Then tap "Continue".
4. The next screen will show the activation code that you have scanned. Click "Continue" to proceed with the activation.
Note: If you activate a DNA kit for someone else, make sure you select "Someone else’s" below the question "Whose DNA will this kit be testing?".
🔧 Troubleshooting
The scanner isn't working / the code isn't being detected
Make sure your camera lens is clean and the barcode is well-lit.
Hold the camera steady and move it slowly closer to the code until it focuses.
If the scanner still doesn't work, tap "Enter code manually" (see Option B above) instead and type the code directly.
The manual entry isn't working in the app
If you're having trouble entering the code through the app, try the following:
Use your mobile browser instead of the app — Open Chrome (or Safari on iPhone) on your phone and go to www.myheritage.com. Log in and activate your kit from there.
Use a computer — Open a browser on your laptop or desktop (Chrome is recommended) and visit www.myheritage.com to complete the activation.
The app is not letting me proceed
Make sure you are logged into the correct MyHeritage account.
Check that you have a stable internet connection.
Try closing and reopening the app, then start the activation process again.
If the issue persists, try activating via the MyHeritage website on a browser (Chrome recommended) instead of the app.