FamilySearch Tree icon
FamilySearch Tree iOS App: Comprehensive Review of Free Genealogy Platform

by FamilySearch International

4.8
IOSReference
Free genealogy app enabling users to build family trees, access historical records, and preserve family memories. Ideal for amateur genealogists and those exploring ancestral connections through crowd-sourced data.

Detailed Review

FamilySearch Tree represents one of the most comprehensive free genealogy platforms available, offering iOS users access to the world's largest collaborative family tree database. Developed by FamilySearch International, the application serves as a mobile gateway to centuries of historical records and family connections, positioning itself as an accessible entry point into genealogical research without subscription barriers. The application's core functionality centers around building and expanding family trees through an intuitive interface that supports adding relatives, documenting relationships, and attaching supporting evidence. Key features include automated record matching that suggests potential ancestors based on entered information, photo and document upload capabilities for preserving family memories, and temple ordinance tracking specifically catering to LDS church members. The platform's collaborative nature allows multiple users to contribute to the same family tree while maintaining change history and source citations, creating a living document that evolves as new information emerges. User experience demonstrates particular strength in onboarding, with guided tutorials helping new genealogists navigate complex family structures. The interface employs a clean, hierarchical design that visualizes family connections through expandable tree diagrams, while search functionality delivers rapid access to over 10 billion historical records from archives worldwide. Real-world usage patterns show researchers typically begin with known relatives before branching into historical discovery, often using the app during family gatherings to verify stories or capture oral histories through integrated recording features. User feedback consistently highlights the emotional impact of discovering familial connections, with reviewer KDK12toKDK1 (July 31, 2025) noting how the app helps users 'learn how your family was part of history.' Multiple reviews reference surprise familial connections, including Quepiensas (July 29, 2025) discovering a spousal cousin relationship. Long-term genealogists like 1943MAM (July 27, 2025) appreciate the technological evolution from 'floppy discs' to mobile access, though some users note occasional synchronization delays between mobile and web platforms. The application's primary strength lies in its completely free access to extensive historical records, though this comes with limitations regarding record completeness in certain geographical regions. While the crowd-sourced model creates rich collaborative trees, it occasionally introduces inaccuracies that require careful verification. The platform serves most effectively as a starting point for family history exploration rather than professional genealogical research, with particular value for those interested in connecting familial dots across generations and geographical boundaries.

Key Features

  • Collaborative family tree building enables multiple users to contribute to and verify ancestral information simultaneously, creating comprehensive family networks
  • Automated record matching scans billions of historical documents to suggest potential ancestors, significantly reducing manual research time
  • Multimedia preservation supports uploading photos, documents, and audio recordings to create rich family histories beyond basic genealogical data
  • Temple ordinance tracking provides LDS church members with specialized features for managing religious ceremonies related to ancestral work
  • Global family tree access connects users to the world's largest collaborative genealogy database without subscription requirements or access fees
  • Relative location mapping shows geographical proximity to living relatives based on optional location sharing, facilitating family connections

Why Users Love It

Completely free access
Massive historical database

Perfect for: Amateur genealogists and family history enthusiasts seeking free ancestral research tools

Screenshots

FamilySearch Tree screenshot 1FamilySearch Tree screenshot 2FamilySearch Tree screenshot 3FamilySearch Tree screenshot 4

Ranking History

Track FamilySearch Tree's performance in Reference over the last 30 days

Top 5
Top 10
Top 15
Below 15

Current Rank

#34

Best Rank

#26

All-time high

Average Rank

#33

30-day average

User Reviews

Logangster08
Jul 13, 2025

This is the most incredible app that I have ever used. I’ve been able to connect with my ancestors and learn more about their lives through this app. I love this app!!! Love this application This is the most incredible app that I have ever used. I’ve been able to connect with my ancestors and learn more about their lives through this app. I love this app!!!

FLPNC
Jul 13, 2025

Family Tree is a wonderful app, with a great team behind it. I feel comfortable navigating its site. I have enjoyed utilizing its tools to build my family tree…and highly recommend it. The app is free and just plain user friendly. Thank you…all of you…that have made my experience a pleasant and comfortable one. In these current times many companies and apps are far from friendly and very costly. Family Tree is free, fun and helpful. Family Tree Family Tree is a wonderful app, with a great team behind it. I feel comfortable navigating its site.I have enjoyed utilizing its tools to build my family tree…and highly recommend it. The app is free and just plain user friendly.Thank you…all of you…that have made my experience a pleasant and comfortable one. In these current times many companies and apps are far from friendly and very costly. Family Tree is free, fun and helpful.

Beehive State Guy
Jul 14, 2025

Family search is so helpful in helping me with my Family History and my Temple work research. A great app Family search is so helpful in helping me with my Family History and my Temple work research.

AvonleaUSA
Jul 16, 2025

I find it quite amazing how far back they know a person’s lineage. Amazing I find it quite amazing how far back they know a person’s lineage.

Music Gives Me Goosebumps
Aug 3, 2025

I love this site, I love my family history, and doing ordinance work in the temple. :) I love this site, I love my family history, and doing ordinance work in the temple.

App Details

Developer

FamilySearch International

Platform

ios

Rating

4.8

Last Updated

10/7/2025