How to Get a Tracking Number

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Last Updated: October 8, 2024 Fact Checked

Most of the time when you order something online, you’ll be given a unique tracking number that makes it easy to keep up with the shipping status and current location of your package. A package’s tracking number will usually be included in your shipping confirmation—all you have to do is click the link to see where it is. You can also plug the number directly into the website of the shipping service that’s handling the package. If you've lost your tracking number or never got one in the first place, contact customer service to have a number sent to you and get an on-the-spot update.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Locating Your Tracking Number in Your Email

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1
Check your email for your shipping confirmation. Whenever you make an online purchase, getting a tracking number is as easy as keeping an eye on your inbox. In most cases, you'll receive an email saying that your package has been shipped within 1-3 days. If you haven’t received a shipping confirmation within 3 days, message the seller and ask them to confirm that it's been scheduled for delivery.
- Be sure to dig through your spam and trash folders, as well. Shipping confirmations from unknown senders can sometimes end up in one of these mailboxes by mistake.^{[1]
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- Once you get your shipping confirmation, save it to your archives. It's useful to have your transaction history on file in case your package never arrives, or a dispute arises between you and the seller.
2
Look for your tracking number in the shipping confirmation. Scan the body of the email until you see a long string of numbers. Most tracking numbers are between 10 and 30 digits long, and each one is uniquely generated for a specific order. You’ll use your tracking number to keep up with the status of your shipment.^{[2]
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- Your tracking number may be listed under a heading that says something like “Track This Order” or “Track Your Package.”
- Be aware that you won’t receive a tracking number until the order has actually shipped. If your order is still being processed or there’s a separate handling period, you won’t be able to track it until it’s in the mail.^{[3]
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3
Click the link in the tracking number to pull up your tracking info. To make it easier on the customer, sellers will often insert tracking numbers in the form of hyperlinks. That means that when you click them, you’ll be directed straight to the shipping company’s website. There, you’ll find all the information you need on your package’s shipping status and current location.^{[4]
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- If you’re having trouble locating your tracking number, look for the tell-tale blue underlined text. One of these links is most likely your tracking info.^{[5]
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- Anytime you want to get an update on the status of your shipment, all you have to do is go back to your email and open the link again.
4
Copy and paste the tracking number if it’s not a link. Unfortunately, it's not always possible to access your shipping info at the press of a button. If your tracking number isn’t clickable, highlight the entire number and right-click to select the option to “Copy.” You can then go to the shipping company’s website and paste the number into their tracking form.
- Make sure you only copy the tracking number itself. If you highlight any of the surrounding text by mistake, you won’t be entering a valid number.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Finding Out Your Tracking Number over the Phone

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1
Look up the shipping company’s contact information. It’s also possible to find out a tracking number by phone with most delivery services. Click the “Contact Us” link near the bottom of the company’s website to pull up a phone number you can use to get in touch with a customer service representative. If there are multiple numbers, make sure you use the one specified for shipping inquiries.
- Before contacting the shipping company, read through the FAQ page on their website. You might be able to find the information you’re seeking there.
- Phoning customer service may seem like a chore, but it could be the only way to get hold of the tracking number for your shipment if you never received one from the seller.
2
Call the company’s customer service department. If prompted, press the button that corresponds to the nature of your call (in this case, tracking a package). You’ll be connected with a representative, from whom you can request information about your tracking number, the status of your package, or the shipping process in general.^{[6]
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- The number for UPS customer service is 1-800-742-5877. For international shipping, call 1-800-782-7892.^{[7]
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- You can reach FedEx’s customer service department by dialing 1-800-463-3339.^{[8]
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- To speak to someone from USPS, call 1-800-222-1811.^{[9]
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3
Ask for the unique tracking number for your shipment. In the event that you lost or failed to receive a number, the shipping company's customer service rep will be able to look it up or issue you a new one. Once you have your tracking number, you can use it to find out where your package is at any time.^{[10]
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- Be prepared to supply a few pieces of personal information to help the representative bring up your shipment. They may ask for your name, phone number, or email address, or the exact details of your order.
- Don't forget to write your tracking number down so you'll have it on hand for future reference.
4
Provide your tracking number for a quick update. If you already know your tracking number, read it off exactly as it appears on the shipping confirmation. The representative can then use it to check the status of your package while you have them on the phone. Oftentimes, they’ll even tell you the exact location and expected delivery date of your shipment.
- Calling customer service for your tracking info needs can be useful in situations where you don't have immediate access to a computer or mobile device.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Using Your Tracking Number to Track a Package Online

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1
Identify your tracking number in your email or product receipt. Check your shipping confirmation to find the unique tracking number assigned to your order. It should be clearly displayed somewhere in the body of the email. Once you know your tracking number, getting shipping updates is a breeze.
- It may be a good idea to jot down your tracking number on a separate piece of paper in case you lose the original email confirmation.
2
Visit the website of the shipping company handling your order. At the top of your shipping confirmation or receipt, you should see the name of the delivery service used by the seller. Enter the URL of the company’s website into your browser, or try clicking the link in the logo to be redirected immediately. All the shipping-related actions can be managed online.^{[11]
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- If you’re not sure how to get to the company’s website, run a quick search for them by name. They should be the first link that pops up.
- On certain search engines, like Google, it's even possible to enter your tracking number directly under the company's link in the search results!
- In the US, FedEx, UPS, and the United States Postal Service are the most common delivery services used to ship packages commercially.
3
Put in your location. If it's your first time on the shipping company’s website, you may be prompted to specify where you are. Select your continent, then scroll down the list until you find your home country. Clicking your country of origin will take you to the main page, where you can view your tracking history, change your delivery options, or ask a question about your order.^{[12]
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- You’ll also be able to choose your preferred language if more than one is spoken where you live.
- Most of the major delivery services handle shipments all over the world, so you should have no problem tracking a shipment no matter where you’re located.
4
Find the “Tracking” option. From the main page, look for a place where you can go to input your tracking information. In most cases, this will be a link or search bar near the top of the page. The FedEx website, for instance, has a dropdown tab labelled “Tracking” that allows customers to provide a tracking number without having to navigate elsewhere on the site.^{[13]
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- On the UPS website, a tracking form appears in the “Quick Start” menu as soon as you pull up the main page.^{[14]
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Plug your tracking number into the search bar. Enter your tracking number exactly as it appears in the shipping confirmation, with no dashes or spaces. You can also copy and paste it directly from the email to save time. You’ll then be shown your package’s shipping status, as well as its current location and expected delivery date. It's that simple!^{[15]
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- On most websites, it’s possible to look up 20-30 tracking numbers at once.^{[16]
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- If no results are produced or you get an error message, double check that the number you provided was correct.

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Question

Can I track certified mail?

Donagan

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No. USPS offers tracking service only for Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express.

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How do I find a tracking number if I deleted the email?

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Go to your trash folder in your email account and recover the email there.

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Tips

If you happen to lose a tracking number and aren’t hearing back from the seller, call your local post office. They’ll have a record of the package if it’s scheduled for delivery through USPS.

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Not all tracking numbers follow the same format. Some may contain letters as well as numbers; others may even include symbols. Always enter the tracking number exactly as it appears in your shipping confirmation or order receipt.

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In some cases, you might be able to get an update about the status of your package by contacting the original seller.

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