How to Track a USPS Package and Set Up Delivery Alerts

You are waiting on a USPS package and you want to know exactly where it is right now, plus get a heads-up the moment it moves. Maybe a tracking number is sitting in a confirmation email and you are not sure what to do with it. Maybe you want a text or email to land in your phone the instant it goes out for delivery.

Good news: viewing tracking takes no account at all, and USPS offers several alert systems on top of that. This guide walks every verified method in order, from the fastest (paste a number into a website) to the most complete (the free Informed Delivery dashboard with automatic notifications), with the exact steps for web, text, and the iOS and Android app.

Start with whichever path matches how much you want: a one-time status check, alerts for a single package, or standing notifications for everything headed to your address.

Track a Package on USPS.com (No Account Needed)

This is the quickest route and requires no sign-in. You only need the tracking number.

Go to the USPS Tracking page at tools.usps.com/go/TrackAction, or use the Track search box on usps.com.

Enter your USPS Tracking number and submit to see the latest status.

To check several shipments at once, enter multiple tracking numbers separated by commas, each on its own line.

The results page shows the current status and history. Common statuses include In Transit or Arrived at USPS Facility (being processed or transported), Out for Delivery (should arrive today), and Delivered. If you see Delivery Status Not Updated, it means a delivered scan was not recorded by 9pm local time, and USPS then anticipates delivery the next business day.

Find Your Tracking Number First

If you do not have the number yet, here is where it lives and what it looks like. A USPS domestic tracking number is typically 20 to 22 digits, and the first four digits reveal the mail service.

Check the shipping confirmation email from the sender or retailer.

Look on your mailing or shipping receipt, or the e-Receipt if you bought postage online.

Use the Click-N-Ship label or the peel-off barcode label on the package.

Verified formats by service: USPS Tracking is 20 to 22 digits (for example 9400 1000 ...); Priority Mail is 22 digits (9205 5000 ...); Priority Mail Express is 22 digits, often with a 9270 prefix; Certified Mail starts 9589; Registered Mail starts 9208; Signature Confirmation starts 9202; Collect on Delivery starts 9303. International formats differ: Global Express Guaranteed is 13 digits, and Priority Mail International is a 13-character alphanumeric (CP 000 000 000 US).

Get Text Updates by Texting 28777

For alerts on one package without any app or account, use USPS Text Tracking. You need a U.S.-based mobile number (Canadian numbers are also supported), and standard message and data rates apply.

Text your tracking number to 28777 (shown as 2USPS) to receive the latest status.

Optionally add a keyword after the number, for example "9205512345678912345678 DND". Keywords are not case sensitive.

Verified keywords: AA returns all past and future activity; AF returns future activity only; DND, Delivery, FD, Future, AL, Alert, Alerts, UP, Pickup, or Pick-up returns delivery activity; Date, Update, or When returns delivery date updates. Text Stop with a tracking number to stop messages for that one label, or Help for more information.

To pause messages overnight, text Quiet to enable a quiet window (11PM to 7AM CST) and Awake to disable it. Note this window is fixed to CST, not your local time zone. To stop everything, text STOP (or ARRET, UNSUBSCRIBE, CANCEL, or QUIT) to 28777. For phone help on Text Tracking, call 1-800-222-1811.

Set Up Text and Email Alerts From the Tracking Page

You can also enroll a single package for alerts straight from the website after looking it up.

Enter a tracking number on the USPS Tracking results page.

Open the Text & Email Updates (also labeled Get Updates) section for that package.

Choose the update type. USPS offers all activity on the package (a response per scan), notification of delivery or delivery attempt (covers a carrier delivery attempt, when the item is out for delivery, or if it had to be returned to the sender), and delivery date updates.

For email, enter an email address and select which milestone notifications you want. For text, enter a U.S. mobile number; standard message and data rates apply.

Informed Delivery is the most complete option and it is free. It gives you a dashboard, grayscale previews of incoming letter mail, and automatic notifications for everything coming to your address.

1.Go to usps.com/manage/informed-delivery.htm (or informeddelivery.usps.com) and click Get Started Now with Informed Delivery.
2.Enter your address to check if it is eligible. Eligibility requires a uniquely coded mailbox, so some apartment buildings or condos may not qualify.
3.Use an existing USPS.com account or sign up for one. Business addresses or PO Boxes require a USPS.com business account.
4.Verify your identity and address to protect your privacy.

Once enrolled, you typically start getting notifications within 3 business days. Letter mail preview images are grayscale and show the address side only, for letter-sized mail processed through automated equipment, so some items will not have an image. You will then see updates by email, on the online dashboard, or in the mobile app.

Turn On Informed Delivery Notifications

After your account is set up and verified, open your Informed Delivery settings to choose how you are notified.

For package tracking alerts, turn on package tracking notifications to automatically get text and/or email alerts with package status and delivery details.

For mail delivery notifications, in your Informed Delivery settings, opt in to free Mail Delivery Notification emails.

With Daily Digest, you receive a morning email previewing your day's USPS mail and packages.

You can view these updates any time on the dashboard from a smartphone, computer, or the app.

Use the Informed Delivery Mobile App on iOS and Android

USPS launched a dedicated Informed Delivery Mobile app, which centralizes tracking and notifications on your phone.

Download the free app from the Apple App Store or Google Play; the landing page is usps.com/apps/informed-delivery.htm.

Enable push notifications to get notified when your Daily Digest is available and for package delivery updates.

The app adds enhanced package tracking, including scanning tracking numbers or barcodes and sharing package status with others, plus the ability to view, interact with, and manage incoming mail from your device.

Reroute or Hold a Package While You Track It

If tracking shows a package is on the way but you will not be home, USPS.com/manage offers several controls.

To schedule redelivery, click Schedule a Redelivery to request a more convenient day (in select areas, delivery to USPS Smart Lockers).

For USPS Delivery Instructions, click Get Started with Delivery Instructions to authorize the carrier to leave it in a specified location or hold it at a Post Office for pickup.

For USPS Hold Mail, click Hold Your Mail to keep mail at your local Post Office for 3 to 30 days while away.

When a Package Is Stuck, Delayed, or Shows Delivered but Not Received

First, give it a little time. If tracking has not updated and more than one business day has passed beyond the expected delivery with no delivery, submit a service request to your local Post Office through the email or package inquiry page.

For Delivered but not received, check around the property (garage, porch, weather-protected or out-of-sight spots, and with household members). In multi-unit buildings, check the parcel locker using the key left in your mail compartment, or contact apartment or condo management. If it is still missing after one business day, submit the service request.

If it still cannot be found, file a Missing Mail Search.

Search requests can be submitted starting 7 days from mailing.

Click Start Your Missing Mail Search (this links to missingmail.usps.com), then sign in to or create a free USPS.com account.

Provide the sender and recipient addresses; the size and type of container or envelope; identifying details such as your tracking number, the mailing date, or Click-N-Ship receipt; a description of the contents (item, brand, model, color, size); and any pictures that help recognize the item.

You will receive a confirmation email and periodic updates about the search. For phone help, call 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777).

Frequently Asked Questions

I got a USPS text saying my delivery needs a response, with a link. Is it real?
Almost certainly not. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service warns that USPS will not send texts or emails unless you first requested the service with a tracking number, and a genuine message will not contain a link. If you never signed up for tracking on that package, do not click. Report it by emailing [email protected] with a screenshot showing the sender's number and date, and/or forward the text to 7726.

Do I need an account just to see where my package is?
No. Viewing tracking status on USPS.com or by texting 28777 needs no account. You only need a verified Informed Delivery account to turn on automatic, proactive package notifications by email and text.

My tracking says "Delivery Status Not Updated." Is my package lost?
Not by itself. It means a delivered scan was not recorded by 9pm local time, and USPS then anticipates delivery the next business day, so check again before treating it as missing.

How soon do Informed Delivery notifications start after I enroll?
You will typically start getting notifications within about 3 business days of enrollment.

How long until I can file a Missing Mail Search?
Missing Mail search requests can be submitted starting 7 days from the mailing date. Before that, if more than one business day has passed beyond the expected delivery, you can submit a service request to your local Post Office.

Can I get alerts without a smartphone or app?
Yes. Text Tracking works on any mobile phone with a U.S.-based number; just text your tracking number to 28777. Standard message and data rates apply, and you can stop anytime by texting STOP.