How to (Attempt to) Delete Person from FamilySearch Family Tree (2025 Update)

Deleting a person from the FamilySearch family tree can be a difficult process, unlike platforms like Ancestry or MyHeritage where your tree is independent. FamilySearch aims for a unified profile for every person, meaning deleting a profile could potentially erase the only record of that individual. However, there are a few scenarios where deletion is possible. Here are the latest tips and step-by-step guidance for 2025.

Key Points to Know Before Deleting Person from the Tree

You can only delete a person if you created their profile and no other contributor has made changes.
For living individuals you added, deletion is possible from your private space.
If others have edited the profile, deletion is restricted, and alternatives are recommended.
Deleting a person removes all their relationships and locks further edits to the profile. The record can only be found by its Person ID (PID) after deletion.
Deleted profiles can be restored using the "Latest Changes" feature if needed.
In most cases, FamilySearch prefers that you unlink rather than delete a profile.

Deleting a Person You Created

On the Website:

Sign in to FamilySearch and click on Family Tree, then Tree.
Find and click the name of the individual you wish to delete.
In the pop-up, click their name again to go to their Details page.
On the right under Tools, look for Delete Person and click if available.
1. A window will prompt you to review relationships and provide a reason for deletion.
2. Be specific and clear in your reason.
3. Check the boxes confirming your review, then click Delete.

On the Mobile App:

Go to the Person page.
Tap the three dots (upper right).
- On Android: Tap Delete Person.
- On iPhone: Tap More, then Delete Person.
Enter a reason and confirm the deletion.

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If "Delete Person" Is Unavailable

If you see "Delete Person Unavailable," it means someone else has contributed to the profile. In this case:

Initially, consider these alternatives:
- Edit incorrect data (dates, names, etc.).
- Merge duplicate profiles if the person appears more than once in the family tree.
- Unlink or replace relationships
  - if the person is attached to the wrong family
  - Unlinking removes the individual from your view without impacting the global tree
  - Remove all sources that might suggest a reestablishment of the link.
  - Remove all data that would suggest this person belongs in the wrong family you’re unlinking them from.
  - If a correct relationship is known, replace the incorrect relatives with the correct ones.
If you believe the profile is a mistake or never existed,:
- Do Not “Hide” A Profile
  - In the past, I’ve recommended removing all details from a profile to hide it in the family tree, which includes the name, birth, death, and all sources and notes.
  - Since then, FamilySearch has stated that this is a ‘no-no’ strategy and that you should contact support for their assistance.
  - However, if you unlink a person and remove the biographical details that would suggest they are part of the family that they are not, that’s not the same thing.
- Contact FamilySearch Support
  - Click Help (question mark icon), then Contact Us.
  - Provide the full name, PID, and a detailed reason for deletion.
  - Be aware that solid evidence is required for the Support Team to consider removal.

Quick Recap of Deleting Person from FamilySearch Family Tree

Scenario	Deletion Allowed?	Action Steps
You created, no other edits (deceased)	Yes	Use "Delete Person" in Tools
Living person you added	Yes	Use "Delete Person" in Tools
Others have edited the profile	No	Unlink / merge, or contact Support

Final Tips

Always provide a clear, specific reason for deletion.
Use unlinking or relationship editing as your first option.
Only contact support for deletion if you have strong evidence the profile is invalid.
Remember, FamilySearch aims to preserve unique, accurate records for every individual.

For the latest official instructions, consult FamilySearch’s Help Center or use the in-app help feature.