You can track a USPS package using the tracking number on your receipt or shipping label

USPS (United States Postal Service) sends you a tracking number when you ship a package or when someone ships one to you. That number is the key to watching your package move through the mail system. You enter it on the USPS website or in the USPS mobile app, and the system shows you where your package is right now and when it should arrive.

The tracking number looks like a string of numbers and letters — for example, 9400111899223456789012. You'll find it on your shipping receipt, on the label stuck to the package itself, or in a confirmation email if you shipped online. Once you have that number, tracking takes less than a minute.

Key Takeaways

  • Enter your USPS tracking number at usps.com or in the USPS mobile app to see your package's current location and expected delivery date.
  • USPS updates tracking information at major sorting facilities and delivery hubs, so you may see gaps of several hours or a full day between updates.
  • If your package shows no movement for more than two business days after the last update, contact USPS or the sender to report a delay.
  • Tracking works for Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express, and packages sent with tracking; it does not work for First-Class Mail letters or packages sent without tracking.

Where to enter your tracking number

Go to usps.com and look for the "Track & Manage" button near the top of the page. Click it, paste your tracking number into the search box, and hit enter. The page will load your package's status within seconds.

If you prefer your phone, read the USPS mobile app (available on iOS and Android). Open it, tap the tracking icon, and enter your number the same way. The app sends you push notifications when your package moves, so you don't have to check manually.

You can also text your tracking number to USPS. The exact process changes, so check usps.com for the current text-tracking option if you prefer that route.

What the tracking status actually tells you

USPS updates your tracking information when your package passes through a major sorting facility or arrives at a delivery hub. You might see a status like "In Transit" for a full day or more, then suddenly "Out for Delivery" the next morning. This is normal — USPS does not update tracking at every single stop, only at key points in the network.

Common statuses you'll see include:

  • Accepted — USPS has received your package and it's entered the system.
  • In Transit — Your package is moving between facilities.
  • Out for Delivery — Your package is on the mail carrier's truck and should arrive today.
  • Delivered — Your package has been left at your address or picked up.
  • Delivery Attempted — The carrier tried to deliver but no one was home; check the notice left at your door.

The tracking page also shows an estimated delivery date. This date is based on the service you paid for (Priority Mail typically arrives in one to three business days, for example), not a may provide. Weather, volume, and mechanical delays can push delivery back by a day or two.

Why tracking sometimes stops updating

If your tracking shows no new updates for 24 or 48 hours, it does not always mean something is wrong. USPS facilities in rural areas or during high-volume periods (holidays, for example) may batch updates less frequently. Your package could be sitting in a facility waiting to be sorted, with no update posted until it moves to the next location.

However, if more than two business days pass with no movement and no delivery, that is a sign to reach out. Contact the sender first — they may have additional information or be able to file a claim with USPS. If you shipped the package yourself, call USPS at 1-800-275-8777 or file a report through your tracking page.

What types of mail can be tracked

Not every USPS service includes tracking. Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express, and packages sent with Signature Confirmation all come with tracking numbers automatically. If you paid for tracking as an add-on, your package has a number.

First-Class Mail letters and standard packages without tracking do not have tracking numbers. If someone sent you something and you have no number, ask them what service they used. If they used First-Class Mail without tracking, USPS has no way to locate it in the system.

International packages sent via USPS also have tracking, though the information may be limited once the package leaves the United States and enters another country's postal system.

How to find a tracking number if you lost it

If you shipped a package and saved your receipt, the tracking number is printed on it. If you shipped online through usps.com or a third-party site like eBay or Etsy, log into your account and look for your order history — the tracking number is usually listed there.

If someone shipped a package to you and you never received a number, ask them for it. They should have received a receipt or confirmation email with the number. If the package arrived without a label or the label is damaged, you may not be able to track it retroactively.

What to do if your package is lost or very late

If tracking shows "Delivered" but you never received the package, check with neighbors, household members, and your building's front desk or mailroom. Carriers sometimes leave packages in safe places or with other residents. If you genuinely did not receive it, file a claim through your tracking page or contact USPS directly.

If tracking shows no movement for more than two business days, or if the estimated delivery date has passed with no update, contact USPS at 1-800-275-8777. Have your tracking number ready. USPS can investigate and may file a claim if the package is confirmed lost. For packages you shipped, you may be able to request a refund or file an insurance claim if you paid for it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I track a package if I only know the sender's name or address?

No. USPS tracking requires the actual tracking number. If you know who sent it but don't have the number, contact the sender and ask them for it. They should have it on their receipt or in their account history.

Does USPS tracking work internationally?

Yes, but only up to a point. USPS tracks packages leaving the United States and shows when they enter the destination country. Once another country's postal service takes over, tracking may stop or become limited. Check with the destination country's postal service for updates after that point.

Why does my tracking show "In Transit" for two days with no change?

USPS updates tracking at major sorting hubs, not at every location. Your package may be moving but not triggering an update until it reaches the next facility. This is especially common for packages traveling long distances or during busy periods.

Can I change my delivery address using the tracking page?

USPS allows you to request delivery changes through the tracking page for some packages, but only if the package has not yet been delivered. Look for the "Manage" or "Change Delivery" option on your tracking details. Not all packages or delivery addresses may have access to for changes.

What if my tracking number doesn't work when I enter it?

Double-check that you entered the number correctly — tracking numbers are case-sensitive and must be exact. If the number is correct and still does not work, the package may not have entered the USPS system yet. Wait a few hours and try again. If it still does not work after 24 hours, contact the sender or USPS.