If you are having trouble locating your MyHeritage account, it is often because it was created using an email address you don't frequently use or by creating a duplicate registration using social signup and for example then choosing the private Apple ID process (@privaterelay.appleid.com). You can read more here: I can't find my account.
So if you tried to sign in with Apple and ended up with a blank new account instead of your existing one, it is likely because you chose "Hide My Email" during the setup.
When you hide your email, Apple generates a unique, private relay address (@privaterelay.appleid.com). Because this address doesn't match the email on your original profile, our system treats you as a brand-new user, resulting in a duplicate account.
Note:
Don't worry - your data is secure! The private Apple ID is just a "digital mask" Apple provides to keep your real email hidden. It still points to your real inbox, but because the "mask" doesn't match your original email, it created a second profile.
🔒 Do you want to understand the "Sign in with Apple" process and your Privacy even better? Click here.
🔒 Do you want to understand the "Sign in with Apple" process and your Privacy even better? Click here.
When you use Sign in with Apple, you are using a secure, one-step login process. This allows you to access MyHeritage without having to remember a new password, as Apple verifies your identity for us.
What is a "Private Relay" email?
If you chose the "Hide My Email" option during setup, Apple creates a unique, private relay address (e.g., 589sh299@privaterelay.appleid.com) specifically for your MyHeritage account.
Your Privacy: MyHeritage never sees your real personal email address. Apple masks it to give you more control over your digital footprint.
How we reach you: Even though we don't see your real address, any emails we send (like DNA updates or family tree discoveries) are automatically forwarded by Apple to your real inbox.
Your Data is Safe: Using a private relay address does not affect the security of your family tree or DNA data. It simply changes the "label" on your account to keep your personal email private.
Why did I end up with a duplicate account?
Our system identifies users by their email addresses. If you previously had a MyHeritage account under name@email.com, but then chose "Hide My Email" when signing in with Apple, our system sees the new @privaterelay.appleid.com address and thinks you are a brand-new member. This is why you might see a blank tree or a new profile.
To resolve the duplicate account issue and adequately link your existing account, please follow these steps:
1. Delete the newly created account
Sign in to the newly unintentionally created account using “Sign in with Apple” and delete it under the account settings.
2. Remove the connection from your Apple ID
Log In to your Apple account, and navigate to Settings > Sign-In & Security > Sign in with Apple. Find our app in the list and remove the connection.
3. Sign in again with Apple
Return to our platform and choose “Sign in with Apple“ - this time, select the “Share My Email” instead of "Hide My Email" option so we can properly link it to your existing account.