GEDmatch is a popular genetic genealogy platform that allows users to upload DNA data from various testing companies and explore ancestral connections, shared DNA segments, and potential relatives. While the platform is a valuable tool for genealogists, users occasionally encounter technical issues, one of the most frustrating being the “internal error” message on their accounts. This error can prevent access to tools, block analysis, or stop certain functions from working properly, making it difficult for users to continue their research.
Understanding why internal errors occur and how to address them is essential for maintaining uninterrupted access to GEDmatch. This article provides a detailed guide on troubleshooting and resolving internal error messages, helping users restore full account functionality.
Understanding the GEDmatch Internal Error Message
The internal error message typically appears when GEDmatch encounters an unexpected issue while processing a request from your account. Unlike specific error messages related to kit numbers or subscription status, internal errors indicate that the platform could not complete the requested action due to a system-related problem.
These errors may appear when accessing DNA kits, running tools such as One-to-Many or One-to-One comparisons, using Tier 1 tools, or performing administrative actions within the account dashboard. While frustrating, internal errors are usually resolvable through systematic troubleshooting and corrective actions.
Common Causes of Internal Error Messages
Internal errors on GEDmatch can arise from a variety of sources. Some of the most common causes include:
Server or Database Issues: Temporary problems with GEDmatch servers or database queries can trigger internal errors.
Incomplete or Corrupted DNA Kits: If a DNA kit has not been fully processed or has corrupted data, it may generate errors when accessed.
Account Configuration Problems: Issues with account settings, such as incomplete registration, expired subscriptions, or mismatched permissions, can lead to internal errors.
Browser or Cache Conflicts: Cached files, cookies, or outdated browsers can prevent scripts from running properly.
Network or Device Problems: Unstable internet connections, firewall restrictions, or unsupported devices can interfere with GEDmatch’s system communication.
Temporary Maintenance or Updates: Scheduled updates or system maintenance may temporarily generate internal error messages.
File Upload Errors: Problems with previously uploaded DNA files can sometimes propagate errors to account-level tools.
Identifying the likely cause can guide effective troubleshooting and prevent repeated error messages.
Check GEDmatch System Announcements
Before attempting to fix account-level errors, it is important to determine whether GEDmatch is undergoing maintenance or updates. Server updates or database maintenance can temporarily trigger internal errors for multiple users.
Check the GEDmatch homepage or your account dashboard for announcements. If maintenance is in progress, waiting until completion is often the best course of action. Most maintenance windows are short, and service is restored once updates are applied.
Verify Account and Subscription Status
Internal errors can occur if there are problems with your account configuration or subscription status. Tier 1 tools and some advanced features require an active subscription, and expired or inactive memberships may trigger errors.
Log into your GEDmatch account and review the account dashboard to confirm your subscription status. Ensure that your account information, payment methods, and settings are up to date. Correcting any discrepancies can resolve internal errors related to account configuration.
Check DNA Kit Processing Status
Internal errors often occur when attempting to access kits that are not fully processed. DNA kits uploaded from testing companies must go through a processing phase before they can be analyzed or compared.
Verify the status of all relevant kits in your account. If any kit is still processing or has failed, wait until processing is complete or consider re-uploading the raw DNA file to correct errors. Properly processed kits reduce the likelihood of triggering internal errors when using tools.
Clear Browser Cache and Cookies
Browser-related issues are a common cause of internal errors on GEDmatch. Cached files or cookies may interfere with script execution, preventing the platform from properly accessing your account.
Clear your browser cache and cookies, close and reopen the browser, and then log back into GEDmatch. This simple step often resolves errors related to page loading, account access, and tool execution.
Update Your Web Browser
Outdated browsers can cause compatibility issues with GEDmatch. Since internal errors may result from scripts failing to run correctly, using a modern, updated browser can resolve many issues.
Ensure that your browser is the latest version. Browsers such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Safari are recommended for optimal performance and security. Updating the browser reduces the chance of encountering errors caused by unsupported web features.
Disable Browser Extensions
Certain browser extensions, including ad blockers, script blockers, or privacy-focused add-ons, may interfere with GEDmatch scripts and lead to internal errors.
Temporarily disable all extensions and refresh the page. If the error disappears, enable extensions one by one to identify the cause. Configure the problematic extension to allow GEDmatch scripts to prevent future disruptions.
Test on a Different Device or Network
Device-specific or network-related problems can also trigger internal error messages.
Try accessing GEDmatch from a different device, such as a laptop, tablet, or smartphone. Switching to a different network can also help, especially if your primary connection is slow, restricted, or experiencing packet loss. If the error does not appear on another device or network, the original setup may require adjustment.
Re-upload DNA Files if Necessary
Internal errors may sometimes originate from corrupted or incomplete DNA files. Kits with missing or damaged data can cause issues across multiple tools and account functions.
If you suspect a problem with a DNA file, re-upload the raw data from your testing company and allow GEDmatch to fully process the kit. Re-uploading ensures that data integrity is restored and reduces the likelihood of recurring internal errors.
Contact GEDmatch Support
If internal errors persist despite following all troubleshooting steps, contacting GEDmatch support is essential. Provide detailed information, including:
- Account and subscription status
- Affected kit numbers
- Browser and device information
- Error messages received
- Steps already attempted to resolve the issue
Support staff can investigate both account-specific and system-wide problems and provide solutions that are not accessible through standard troubleshooting.
Maintain Regular Backups
To safeguard ongoing research, it is important to regularly back up GEDmatch data. Export results, screenshots, and CSV files for important analyses and save them to external storage or cloud services.
Having reliable backups ensures that your work is preserved even if internal errors temporarily block access to your account or tools.
Final Thoughts
GEDmatch internal error messages can be frustrating, but they are often resolvable with systematic troubleshooting. Common causes include server maintenance, incomplete kit processing, account configuration issues, browser conflicts, and network problems. By verifying subscription and kit status, clearing cache, updating browsers, managing extensions, testing devices and networks, and contacting support when necessary, users can restore full functionality to their accounts. Maintaining organized backups and monitoring account activity helps prevent disruptions, ensuring that genealogical research continues smoothly and reliably.
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