How does Private Messaging work?

Private Messaging works via tree-to-tree hints, Tree Search and public trees.

If you receive a hint from someone with mutual ancestors, you can send them a message request. If they accept, you can start chatting. The same can happen if your tree generates a tree-to-tree hint for someone else.

You can also send a message request through Tree Search or when viewing a public tree. Once you’ve found another member’s tree you wish to explore, choose Message Tree Owner to start chatting.

If you’ve already contacted another member and they haven’t accepted the request, you won't be able to send them another message.

If you’ve already been in conversation with another member through Private Messaging, when you send them another message via tree-to-tree hints, Tree Search or public trees, we'll take you to your inbox so you can see your chat history and pick up where you left off.