How to Access GEDmatch Chromosome Browser When It's Not Working

The GEDmatch Chromosome Browser is one of the most powerful tools for genetic genealogy. It allows users to visualize shared DNA segments between two kits, helping to confirm relationships, identify common ancestors, and perform detailed genealogical research. By showing where chromosomes match, users can better understand inheritance patterns and detect potential familial connections that are not obvious from summary match lists alone.

Despite its usefulness, users sometimes experience issues accessing the Chromosome Browser. These problems can range from page loading errors and missing results to tools not functioning after recent updates. Understanding why the Chromosome Browser may not work and how to fix it is essential for anyone who relies on GEDmatch for DNA analysis.

This guide explores the possible causes of Chromosome Browser problems and provides practical solutions for regaining access.

Understanding the GEDmatch Chromosome Browser

The Chromosome Browser works by comparing two DNA kits directly, typically using the One-to-One Comparison tool as a prerequisite. It displays shared segments across all chromosomes in graphical and numerical form, highlighting regions of overlap. The visual output allows genealogists to assess segment size, location, and total shared DNA, which can provide clues about the type and closeness of relationships.

The tool also enables comparisons across multiple kits, which is essential for triangulation studies that help identify unknown relatives and reconstruct ancestral lines. Because of its critical role in advanced DNA analysis, any disruption in accessing the Chromosome Browser can significantly hinder research.

Common Reasons the Chromosome Browser Is Not Working

Several factors may prevent the Chromosome Browser from functioning correctly:

Server Maintenance or Updates: GEDmatch periodically updates its system, during which some tools may be temporarily unavailable.

Incomplete Kit Processing: If either DNA kit has not finished processing, the Chromosome Browser may fail to display matches.

Browser or Cache Issues: Outdated browsers, corrupted cache, or cookies may interfere with proper loading of the tool.

Privacy Settings: Restricted DNA kits may not allow full access to the Chromosome Browser.

Subscription Requirements: Advanced features of the Chromosome Browser may require a Tier 1 subscription.

Network or Device Issues: Slow or unstable internet connections or device incompatibilities can prevent the tool from loading properly.

Understanding these factors helps determine the most effective troubleshooting steps.

Check GEDmatch System Announcements

Before attempting any troubleshooting on your device, it is important to determine whether the problem originates from GEDmatch itself.

The platform periodically performs maintenance or updates its software to improve performance and accuracy. These updates can temporarily disable certain tools, including the Chromosome Browser.

Check the GEDmatch homepage for announcements or notifications regarding maintenance or system updates. If maintenance is in progress, waiting until it is completed is often the simplest solution. Most interruptions are brief, and services are usually restored quickly.

Verify DNA Kit Processing Status

One of the most common reasons the Chromosome Browser fails to load is incomplete kit processing. Newly uploaded DNA files require time to be fully analyzed before they can be compared in the browser.

Log into your GEDmatch account and check the status of both DNA kits you intend to compare. If either kit shows as processing or incomplete, wait until processing is finished. Attempting to use the Chromosome Browser with an unfinished kit can result in errors or missing data.

Check Privacy and Permission Settings

GEDmatch allows users to set privacy levels for each DNA kit. Kits restricted for research-only use or set to limited visibility may prevent access to the Chromosome Browser.

Verify that both kits have matching permissions and are allowed for comparisons. Adjusting privacy settings can often resolve issues where the Chromosome Browser does not display segments or fails to function entirely.

Clear Browser Cache and Cookies

Web browsers store temporary data that can sometimes interfere with web applications like GEDmatch. Cached files or cookies may prevent the Chromosome Browser from loading the latest data or executing scripts correctly.

Clear your browser’s cache and cookies, then close and reopen the browser. Log back into GEDmatch and attempt to access the Chromosome Browser again. This step frequently resolves display issues, loading errors, and incomplete segment visualization.

Update Your Web Browser

Outdated browsers may lack the necessary support for the latest web technologies used by GEDmatch.

Ensure your browser is updated to the latest version. Popular browsers such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Safari provide the best compatibility with GEDmatch tools. Updated browsers improve performance, security, and reduce errors when using the Chromosome Browser.

Disable Interfering Browser Extensions

Browser extensions like ad blockers, script blockers, and privacy-focused add-ons may prevent the Chromosome Browser from functioning correctly.

Temporarily disable all extensions and refresh the GEDmatch page. If the tool works after disabling extensions, enable them one by one to identify the cause. Once identified, configure the extension to allow scripts from GEDmatch to prevent future interference.

Verify Tier 1 Subscription Requirements

Some advanced features of the Chromosome Browser, including enhanced segment analysis and additional visualization options, may require an active Tier 1 subscription.

If the tool is not functioning as expected, check your subscription status in the GEDmatch dashboard. Renewing or upgrading your Tier 1 membership may restore full access and resolve any limitations related to feature restrictions.

Test on a Different Device or Network

Device-specific issues or network instability can prevent the Chromosome Browser from loading.

Try accessing the tool on another computer, tablet, or smartphone. Switching to a different internet connection can also help, as slow or unstable networks may fail to load large datasets. If the browser functions correctly on another device or network, the original setup may need adjustment.

Re-upload DNA Files if Necessary

In rare cases, DNA files may be incomplete or corrupted, causing the Chromosome Browser to fail. If you suspect that a file may be problematic, consider re-uploading the original raw DNA file from the testing company.

Allow GEDmatch to fully process the new upload before attempting to use the Chromosome Browser. This ensures that any data integrity issues are resolved.

Understand Tool Updates and Changes

GEDmatch occasionally updates the Chromosome Browser interface and functionality. Users may perceive changes as errors if they are unfamiliar with the new layout or options.

Review any instructions, help guides, or notifications provided by GEDmatch. Familiarizing yourself with interface updates can prevent confusion and ensure proper usage of the tool.

Contact GEDmatch Support

If all troubleshooting steps fail, contacting GEDmatch support is recommended. Provide detailed information about the problem, including kit numbers, browser and device information, error messages received, and steps already taken.

Clear and detailed communication helps support staff diagnose issues more efficiently and may reveal underlying system problems that require administrative attention.

Maintain Regular Backups

To protect your research, regularly save and backup Chromosome Browser results. Export the data or screenshots to external storage or cloud services.

Having backups ensures that your work is preserved even if the online tool is temporarily unavailable or files become inaccessible due to technical problems.

Final Thoughts

The GEDmatch Chromosome Browser Not Working is an essential tool for visualizing shared DNA segments and performing in-depth genetic genealogy analysis. While technical issues can prevent access, most problems are caused by simple factors such as incomplete kit processing, privacy settings, browser conflicts, or subscription limitations. By checking kit status, adjusting permissions, updating browsers, disabling interfering extensions, and contacting support when necessary, users can typically restore full functionality. Maintaining backups and staying informed about platform updates ensures uninterrupted research, allowing genealogists to explore DNA matches with confidence and precision.