USPS Informed Delivery App: Track Mail & Packages

The United States Postal Service (USPS) offers a free service called Informed Delivery, which allows eligible users to digitally preview their incoming mail and manage packages scheduled to arrive soon. Through the Informed Delivery app or email notifications, you can see grayscale images of letter-sized mailpieces and track the status of your packages before they even reach your mailbox. This guide will explain everything you need to know about the Informed Delivery app, from its features to how to sign up and use it effectively.

What is USPS Informed Delivery?

Informed Delivery is a complimentary service from the United States Postal Service. It provides residential consumers with a daily email or app notification containing grayscale images of their letter-sized mailpieces. These are pieces of mail that are processed through automated mail sorting equipment.

Beyond mail previews, the service also includes package tracking for most domestic packages. This means you can keep an eye on your deliveries and anticipate their arrival, enhancing both convenience and security for your incoming items.

How Does Informed Delivery Work?

The system behind Informed Delivery leverages existing USPS mail processing technology. As mail passes through automated sorting machines, a digital image is captured.

These images are then compiled and sent to you. For packages, tracking information is integrated directly into the service. This allows for a comprehensive overview of your expected deliveries each day.

Mail Previews

Each weekday morning, subscribers receive an email or can view within the app a digest of their incoming mail. This digest includes exterior images of letter-sized mailpieces that are expected to be delivered to their address that day.

The images are of the front of the envelope, providing a sneak peek. It’s important to note that not all mail qualifies for imaging, such as magazines, catalogs, or certain oversized items, but a significant portion of standard mail is included.

Package Tracking

In addition to mail images, Informed Delivery links directly to your USPS package tracking. Any packages sent to your address that have tracking numbers will automatically appear in your daily digest.

You can view the current status of these packages, including their estimated delivery dates. This feature helps you stay organized and informed about all your incoming postal items.

Key Features of the Informed Delivery App

The Informed Delivery app offers several valuable features designed to make managing your mail and packages easier. It centralizes all your delivery information in one convenient place.

The app provides real-time updates and allows for various actions directly from your smartphone or tablet. This enhances the overall user experience and keeps you connected to your mail.

Mailpiece Images: View grayscale images of letter-sized mailpieces scheduled for delivery.
Package Tracking: Monitor the status and estimated delivery of your incoming packages with USPS tracking numbers.
Notifications: Receive daily email digests or push notifications directly to your device when new mail and packages are identified.
Leave Delivery Instructions: For eligible packages, you may be able to provide specific delivery instructions or schedule redelivery if you miss a delivery.
Manage Preferences: Customize your notification settings and manage your account details within the app.
Report Missing Mail: If you see an image of a mailpiece but do not receive it, you can report it directly through the app.

Benefits of Using the App

Using the Informed Delivery app offers several distinct advantages for everyday mail and package management. It brings a new level of transparency and control to your postal experience.

These benefits contribute to a more secure and efficient way of receiving your important documents and purchases. The app truly modernizes how you interact with the postal service.

Enhanced Security: Knowing what mail and packages are coming helps you identify potential fraud or missing items. It allows you to anticipate important documents.
Convenience: Preview your mail and track packages from anywhere, at any time, directly from your mobile device. This saves time and reduces uncertainty.
Better Planning: With advance notice of deliveries, you can plan to be home for important packages or make arrangements for them to be held or redelivered.
Reduced ‘Porch Piracy’: By knowing exactly when a package is due, you can take steps to secure it promptly upon arrival. This helps prevent theft.
Digital Record: The app provides a digital record of your incoming mail, which can be useful for reference or record-keeping.

How to Sign Up for Informed Delivery

Signing up for Informed Delivery is a straightforward process that can be completed online. You will need to meet certain eligibility criteria and go through a verification process to ensure your identity and address are secure.

The process is designed to protect your privacy and ensure that only you can access your mail previews. Follow these steps to get started.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for Informed Delivery, you must:

Live at a residential address or be a PO Box customer in an eligible ZIP Code.
Be able to verify your identity online.
Have a USPS.com account. If you don’t have one, you’ll create it during the signup process.

Online Registration Steps

Visit the USPS Informed Delivery Website: Go to the official USPS website (usps.com/informeddelivery) or search for ‘Informed Delivery USPS’.
Create a USPS.com Account (if needed): If you don’t have an account, click ‘Sign Up for Free’ and follow the prompts to create one. Provide your name, address, email, and choose a username and password.
Enroll in Informed Delivery: Once your USPS.com account is set up, or if you already have one, log in. Navigate to the Informed Delivery section and click ‘Enroll’.
Verify Your Address: The system will confirm your address is eligible for the service.
Identity Verification: This is a critical step for security. USPS uses several methods for identity verification. You might be asked a series of personal questions based on public records (e.g., past addresses, loan information). Alternatively, you may need to request an invitation code be mailed to your address, which you will then use to complete enrollment online.
Confirmation: Once your identity is successfully verified, you will receive a confirmation email. Your Informed Delivery service will typically begin within a few days.

Using the Informed Delivery App

Once you’ve successfully enrolled in Informed Delivery, you can download and begin using the mobile app. The app provides a convenient way to access your mail previews and package tracking on the go.

It’s designed to be user-friendly, putting all the important information at your fingertips. Here’s how to get started with the app.

Downloading and Logging In

Download the App: Search for ‘USPS Informed Delivery’ in your device’s app store (Apple App Store for iOS or Google Play Store for Android). Download and install the official app.
Log In: Open the app and log in using the same USPS.com username and password you created during the online enrollment process.
Enable Notifications: The app may ask if you want to enable push notifications. It is recommended to allow them to receive timely updates on your mail and packages.

Navigating the App

The app’s interface is designed for ease of use. You will typically see a dashboard or home screen that displays your daily mail digest and any incoming packages.

You can tap on individual mailpieces to see more details or report issues. Package tracking information is usually accessible with a simple tap on the package listing, showing its journey and estimated delivery.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While the Informed Delivery service is generally reliable, you might occasionally encounter some issues. Knowing how to address these can help you maintain an uninterrupted service.

Most common problems have simple solutions or can be resolved by contacting USPS customer support. Here are a few examples.

No Mail Images Received: Ensure your enrollment is complete and active. Remember that images are only sent for letter-sized mail processed by automated equipment. Some days, you might genuinely not have any mail that qualifies.
Missing Mailpiece: If an image appears but the physical mailpiece doesn’t arrive, wait a day or two as delivery can sometimes be delayed. If it still doesn’t arrive, you can report a missing mailpiece directly through the Informed Delivery dashboard or app.
Technical Issues: For login problems, app crashes, or other technical glitches, try restarting the app or your device. Ensure the app is updated to the latest version. If problems persist, contact USPS customer service.
Identity Verification Problems: If you are unable to verify your identity online, you may need to visit a local Post Office with valid identification or opt for the mailed invitation code verification method.

Is Informed Delivery Free?

Yes, Informed Delivery is a completely free service offered by the United States Postal Service. There are no subscription fees, hidden costs, or charges for using the app or receiving the email digests.

This makes it an accessible and valuable tool for anyone looking to better manage their incoming mail and packages without any financial commitment.

Privacy and Security Considerations

USPS takes privacy and security seriously. The identity verification process during enrollment is designed to prevent unauthorized access to your mail information.

Only images of the exterior of letter-sized mailpieces are provided, not the contents. Your information is protected in accordance with USPS privacy policies. They use secure protocols to transmit your data and images, ensuring your personal information remains confidential.

Conclusion

The USPS Informed Delivery app is a powerful, free tool that brings convenience and peace of mind to managing your mail and packages. By providing digital previews of incoming mail and comprehensive package tracking, it helps you stay informed, enhance security, and plan effectively for your deliveries.

Signing up is simple, and the benefits are immediate. Take advantage of this valuable service to gain better control over your postal experience. For more tips on managing your deliveries or other digital services, explore our other helpful articles on AnswerHarbor.com.