How are DNA connections made?

Question

I am trying to understand the DNA connections. Are they based on what I have entered in my tree or are they DNA confirmed?

Under my AncestryDNA test details and Connections, does the following statement mean that the individuals listed are DNA confirmed relatives or are they listed because of family members that I have included in my tree specifically:

"Here are family members that have been connected for "my name's" autosomal DNA test. This includes all blood relatives within eight degrees of separation — up to sixth great-grandparents and out to third cousins"

Answer 1

Wikitree doesn't store any actual DNA data, just who has taken what tests.  That test information propagates automatically back through your tree and shows in the DNA connections panel.  You are seeing other people who have taken DNA tests who connect to that individual through their tree. That information is only as good as the tree; if there's an incorrect line then the DNA suggestions will also be incorrect.  If you see folks showing as connected you can contact them or use Gedmatch (if they are there) to see if you actually have any matching DNA.

Answer 2

Monica,

They are not "confirmed with DNA."

Connections are only candidates for confirming family relationships via DNA tests. When you look at a profile with DNA Connections, it means that they or a relative has taken a DNA test which may help with DNA confirmation, depending on how much DNA is shared between two or more candidates.

Check out the DNA Help page for an overview of the help available for using DNA on WikiTree.