Troubleshooting Family Tree Maker Sync Issues with Ancestry

If you've been struggling to sync your Family Tree Maker (FTM) with Ancestry for the past couple of weeks, you're not alone. Sync issues can arise due to a variety of factors, but the good news is that most of these problems can be resolved. Here's a detailed guide to help you get back on track. 

Common Causes of FTM Sync Issues with Ancestry

Outdated Software

Ensure that you are using the latest version of Family Tree Maker. Sync issues often occur when users are on an older version.
  • For FTM 2019, the latest build is 560. You can check this by opening FTM and navigating to Help > About Family Tree Maker.
  • Visit the official website or your purchase portal to check for updates.

MacOS and Browser Compatibility

Since you’re using macOS Catalina, one common issue might be compatibility with Safari or system updates.
  • Try using an alternate browser like Chrome or Firefox to log in to Ancestry.
  • Ensure your Safari browser is updated if that’s your preferred option, or reset the browser cache.

Ancestry Account Issues

Sometimes, the problem may lie with your Ancestry account itself.
  • Log in directly through the Ancestry website to check if there are any prompts or alerts that require your attention.
  • If necessary, sign out and sign back in within Family Tree Maker under the Plan Workspace to refresh your connection.

Internet Connection

A slow or unstable internet connection can prevent FTM from syncing with Ancestry.
  • Run a speed test and, if possible, switch to a wired connection or reset your router.

FTM Preferences Reset

Sometimes, FTM settings get corrupted. Resetting your sync settings can help.
  • Go to Tools > Compact File to compact your database.
  • Then, attempt to resync by reinitiating the sync from the Plan Workspace.

Ancestry Maintenance Periods

On rare occasions, sync issues may be due to ongoing maintenance at Ancestry.
  • Check Ancestry’s status page or their social media for any updates on maintenance or server downtimes.

Final Steps

If none of the above steps work, you may need to contact Family Tree Maker Support for further assistance. They may be able to diagnose a more complex issue, such as server outages, or provide a patch if your specific build is experiencing a known bug.

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