Syncing your Family Tree Maker (FTM) tree with Ancestry helps keep your family history updated across devices. However, sometimes syncing can stop working properly, which may cause incomplete updates or connection errors. This blog provides simple step-by-step solutions to fix the most common sync problems in FTM 2019 and 2024. Whether your changes are not updating, the sync is taking too long, or you are seeing error messages, these solutions can help you fix the issue easily.
General Sync Advice
Before moving to specific issues, try these basic steps:
- Retry Syncing: The simplest solution is to try syncing again.
- Avoid Editing During Sync: Do not make changes on the Ancestry website while syncing through FTM. Also, prevent invited users from making edits during this time.
- Try Off-Peak Hours: Syncing during early mornings or low-traffic times can improve your chances.
- Seek Support: If issues continue, reach out to FTM Support Live Chat.
Common Sync Problems and Solutions
1. Changes in FTM Aren’t Syncing to Ancestry
Solution:
- Go to Tools > Compact File to optimize your file.
- Create a backup.
- Use Turn Back Time to roll back half of the unsynced changes.
- Attempt to sync again.
- If successful, restore the backup and sync again to add the remaining changes.
2. Changes on Ancestry Aren’t Syncing to FTM
Solution:
- Compact your file.
- Try syncing again.
- If sync fails:
- Download the tree from Ancestry as a new linked FTM file.
- Merge the original FTM file with the new download to keep all changes.
- Sync the merged tree back to Ancestry.
3. Changes in Both Trees Aren’t Syncing
Solution:
- Compact the file and attempt to sync again.
- If syncing fails:
- Backup your file.
- Use Turn Back Time to roll back half of the recent changes.
- Try syncing again.
- Once successful, restore the backup and sync again.
4. Tree Upload to Ancestry Fails
Solution:
- Log out from Ancestry in FTM.
- Restart FTM and log in again.
- Compact your file and try syncing.
- If the issue continues:
- Restore a previous backup and try uploading it.
5. Tree Download from Ancestry Fails
Solution:
- Log out from Ancestry in FTM.
- Restart FTM and log in again.
- Try downloading the tree once more.
6. Large Tree Sync Timing Out
Solution:
- Compact your file.
- Log out and restart FTM.
- Try syncing again.
- If syncing fails:
- Backup your file.
- Use Turn Back Time to roll back half of the recent changes.
- Try syncing again.
- If successful, restore the backup and sync again.
7. Lost FTM Tree and Outdated Ancestry Tree
Solution:
- Use the Emergency Restore from TreeVault to recover your tree.
- Sync the restored tree to Ancestry.
8. Sync Failed Due to Changes Made During Sync
Solution:
- Close Ancestry in your browser.
- Attempt syncing again without making changes.
9. Sync Interrupted or Incomplete Error
Solution:
- Log out from Ancestry in FTM.
- Restart FTM and log in again.
- Compact your file.
- Try uploading, downloading, or syncing again.
10. FTM Shows “Appears to Be Offline” Error
Solution:
- Check your internet connection.
- Make sure FTM is set to Go Online (File > Go Online).
- Restart FTM and your computer.
- Try using a different internet connection.
- Temporarily disable antivirus or firewall if needed.
Final Thoughts
Sync problems in Family Tree Maker 2019 and 2024 can be annoying, but they are usually easy to fix. Start with simple steps like compacting your file, restarting the software, and trying again. If the problem doesn’t go away, you can use features like Turn Back Time or merge your trees to solve it. If the problem isn’t solved, don’t worry. You can always contact FTM Support Live Chat for assistance.
Related Articles:-