The DNA Relatives feature is one of the most interactive features of 23andMe, allowing you to opt in, find and connect with genetic relatives and learn more about your family. We’re extremely confident in the percentages of shared DNA we return to customers in this feature. However, the predicted relationship provided in this feature is just that -- a prediction based on the information we have. The reason we aren’t always 100% confident in the relationship prediction is that some relationships involve similar percentages of shared DNA. For example, it’s sometimes difficult for us to distinguish between a grandparent/grandchild relationship and a half-sibling relationship based on your DNA composition alone.

We have a high confidence in the accuracy of your results and the science behind them. Our scientists test and validate each step of the process we use to estimate our customers' ancestry percentages. Importantly, we are transparent about the results of these tests, and you can read about it in our Ancestry Composition Guide.

Your 23andMe reports will tell you about your genetic ancestry, and you may learn that you share recent ancestors with a group of people who identify as belonging to a particular ethnic group. However, DNA cannot estimate your “ethnicity” or your “race,” because understandings of these concepts are socially constructed and depend on context, place, and time. We recommend that you use your genetic reports together with your family history to build a complete understanding of your ancestry.

Our ability to identify a parent-child or full sibling relationship is very good. That said, it is possible for a genetic testing company to be wrong about half-siblings. The amount of genetic material shared by half-siblings is 25%, on average. However, the same amount of genetic material can also be shared between a nephew and an uncle or between a grandchild and a grandparent. When interpreting, 23andMe may make a mistake.