UPS Informed Delivery is a free digital service that helps U.S. residential customers preview their mail and packages before items arrive in their mailbox. By combining digital notifications with real shipment data, it gives more control over when and how you handle incoming mail.
The platform blends physical delivery reliability with modern digital tools, making it easier to track critical documents, plan for package arrivals, and reduce missed deliveries. Below is a quick reference for how Informed Delivery works, what it offers, and how it fits into daily routines.
How Informed Delivery Works
| Feature | Description | Benefit | Typical Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Preview | Scanned grayscale images of letter-size mail | See contents before reaching home or office | Residential U.S. delivery addresses |
| Package Tracking | Integrates with major shippers and USPS tracking | Monitor parcels from multiple carriers in one place | When sender scans and tracking is available |
| Delivery Notifications | Email and mobile app alerts for incoming mail | Plan for arrival times and prepare for receipt | Daily during local delivery windows |
| Action Options | Reschedule delivery, hold mail, or forward packages | Reduce missed deliveries and manage absences | Available via UPS account tools where supported |
Setting Up Your Informed Delivery Account
Creating an account is straightforward and typically requires your address, email, and a mobile number. Once verified, you can link multiple household members and adjust notification preferences. The interface shows upcoming deliveries in a dashboard format, with color-coded indicators for mail and packages.
Linking your USPS address or using your UPS.com credentials helps centralize communications. After setup, you can expect daily updates during normal U.S. mail processing hours, with images usually available before carrier arrival.
Managing Mail and Packages
Pre-arrival visibility
Informed Delivery shows grayscale scans of envelopes and letter-size contents, giving you a clear idea of what to expect. This is useful for sensitive documents, time-sensitive bills, or items that need immediate attention upon arrival.
Delivery changes and holds
You can request temporary holds, forward mail, or coordinate redelivery directly through linked carrier services. These tools reduce the need for repeated trips to the post office and help secure items when you are not home.
Using Informed Delivery on the Go
The mobile app extends core functionality to smartphones, letting you check notifications, approve delivery instructions, and manage preferences while away from home. Push notifications can be tailored to specific senders or delivery time windows to avoid unnecessary alerts.
For frequent travelers, combining Informed Delivery with USPS Hold Mail or package consolidation options can simplify returns and reduce clutter. You can also save frequently used addresses for easier reordering or gift sending.
Maximizing Informed Delivery in Daily Life
- Review digital previews to prioritize time-sensitive mail and avoid missed deadlines.
- Use delivery notifications to coordinate package arrivals when you are available to receive them.
- Leverage hold or redirect options when traveling to consolidate mail and reduce trips to the post office.
- Link multiple user accounts so household members can track shared mail and approve delivery changes.
- Combine Informed Delivery with carrier tools for real-time package tracking and faster issue resolution.
FAQ
Reader questions
Can I see the contents of every piece of mail through Informed Delivery?
No, only letter-size mail with scannable surfaces is typically shown, and some items may be excluded due to privacy or processing limits. Packages and large envelopes are tracked via carrier scans but are not displayed as images.
Do I need a UPS account to use Informed Delivery?
Not necessarily. Informed Delivery is a USPS service, but you can manage it using a USPS login. If you already use UPS.com for shipments, you may link the same account for a unified experience across both carriers.
Will I receive Informed Delivery notifications for every delivery at my address?
Notifications are generated for most domestic mail processed through automated centers, but exceptions exist for rural routes, special handling items, or periods of service disruption.
How do I stop or change Informed Delivery alerts?
You can adjust frequency, pause notifications, or temporarily disable the service through your Informed Delivery profile. Changes typically apply immediately and can be reversed from the same dashboard.