The United States Postal Service (USPS) Informed Delivery app is a powerful digital tool designed to give residential and eligible business customers greater visibility and control over their incoming mail and packages. By combining daily mail previews with package tracking and account management, the app makes it easier to stay organized and avoid missed deliveries. Understanding how to properly set up and use this service ensures you get the most value from what USPS offers.
TL;DR: The USPS Informed Delivery app allows you to preview incoming mail, track packages, and manage deliveries from your smartphone or computer. After creating and verifying your USPS account, you can activate Informed Delivery to receive daily digital previews of letter-sized mail and real-time package updates. The app also offers tracking notifications, delivery instructions, and integration with USPS services. Setup takes only a few minutes, but identity verification is required for security.
What Is USPS Informed Delivery?
USPS Informed Delivery is a free service that provides digital previews of incoming letter-sized mail and tracking information for packages. Each morning, users receive an email or app notification containing grayscale images of the exterior of letter-sized mailpieces scheduled for delivery that day. Packages appear with tracking details and estimated delivery windows when available.
The service is available to most residential addresses and select P.O. Boxes across the United States. It is particularly useful for individuals who:
- Travel frequently and want to monitor incoming mail
- Manage household bills and important correspondence
- Operate small home-based businesses
- Need advanced notice of deliveries
Step 1: Create or Sign In to a USPS Account
To begin using the Informed Delivery app, you must first have a USPS online account.
How to Create an Account
- Visit the official USPS website or download the USPS Mobile app.
- Select Sign Up.
- Enter your name, residential address, email, and phone number.
- Create a secure username and password.
- Set security questions for account recovery.
If you already have a USPS.com account, you can simply log in and enable Informed Delivery from your dashboard.
Important: The address entered must match your residential address exactly as it appears in USPS records.
Step 2: Verify Your Identity
Because Informed Delivery provides access to sensitive mail information, USPS requires identity verification. This process protects customers from fraud and unauthorized access.
You may be asked to complete one of the following verification methods:
- Online Identity Verification: Answer multiple-choice questions related to your credit history and public records.
- In-Person Verification: Visit a local post office with a valid photo ID.
- Activation Code by Mail: Receive a letter with a code to confirm your identity.
Most users can complete verification online within minutes. However, if your identity cannot be instantly confirmed, you may need to verify in person.
Step 3: Activate Informed Delivery
Once your identity is verified, you can activate the service directly from your account dashboard:
- Navigate to the Informed Delivery section.
- Confirm your address.
- Agree to the terms and conditions.
- Choose email notification preferences.
You will start receiving digital mail previews within a few days.
Using the USPS Informed Delivery App
The USPS Mobile app integrates Informed Delivery features into a streamlined mobile interface. After logging in, you gain access to:
- Daily mail previews
- Package tracking updates
- Delivery instructions
- Hold mail requests
- Change-of-address management
Viewing Mail Previews
Each morning, you’ll receive a notification indicating that your daily mail digest is available. Inside, you will see:
- Grayscale images of letter-sized mail
- A list of packages arriving soon
- Tracking numbers and status updates
It is important to note that only the exterior of mailpieces is shown. USPS does not scan the inside content of letters.
Tracking Packages
The app allows you to track packages shipped through USPS, including Priority Mail, First-Class Package Service, and USPS Ground Advantage.
To track a package:
- Tap the Tracking section.
- Select the package from your dashboard or manually enter a tracking number.
- Enable push notifications for real-time updates.
Tracking updates typically include:
- Acceptance confirmation
- Transit updates
- Out-for-delivery alerts
- Delivery confirmation with timestamp
Managing Delivery Preferences
The USPS Informed Delivery app also allows limited delivery management options.
Hold Mail Service
If you’re traveling or temporarily unavailable, you can schedule a mail hold:
- Select start and end dates.
- Choose pickup or redelivery options.
Delivery Instructions
For eligible packages, you can leave delivery instructions such as:
- Leave at front door
- Leave with neighbor
- Hold at post office for pickup
Note that not all shipments qualify for modifications due to sender restrictions or package type.
Email vs. App Notifications
You can choose how you want to receive updates:
- Email Digests: Daily summaries sent to your inbox.
- Push Notifications: Real-time alerts through the mobile app.
- Dashboard Access: Log in anytime to view history.
For active package monitoring, push notifications are usually the most efficient option.
Security and Privacy Considerations
USPS takes several security measures to protect user data:
- Encrypted account login
- Multi-factor authentication options
- Identity verification requirements
However, users should also practice sound security habits:
- Use a strong, unique password
- Enable two-step verification
- Log out of shared devices
- Monitor mail previews for unfamiliar items
If mail shown in your preview does not arrive within a few days, you can report missing mail directly through the app.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Not Receiving Mail Previews
- Confirm that Informed Delivery is activated.
- Check spam or junk folders.
- Verify that your address is eligible.
Identity Verification Failed
- Ensure your personal information matches official records.
- Attempt in-person verification at a post office.
Mail Preview Does Not Match Delivery
Mail may be delayed due to weather, routing, or logistical factors. Typically, dashboard images appear the same day, but actual delivery can occur within several business days.
Benefits of Using USPS Informed Delivery
The service offers several practical advantages:
- Advance Planning: Know when important documents are arriving.
- Theft Awareness: Monitor mail delivery when away from home.
- Package Consolidation: Prepare for multiple deliveries.
- Paperless Monitoring: Manage deliveries digitally.
For households with frequent online purchases, the tracking integration alone can significantly simplify package management.
Limitations to Understand
While Informed Delivery is useful, it does have limitations:
- Only letter-sized mail is previewed with images.
- Flat mail (magazines, large envelopes) may be listed without images.
- Not all addresses are eligible.
- Delivery times shown are estimates, not guarantees.
Users should still monitor their mailbox and not rely solely on digital notifications.
Best Practices for Effective Use
To maximize the benefits of USPS Informed Delivery:
- Enable both email and push notifications.
- Regularly review your dashboard history.
- Activate two-factor authentication.
- Report suspicious activity immediately.
- Keep your contact information up to date.
Consistent monitoring ensures you receive the full protective and organizational advantage of the platform.
Final Thoughts
The USPS Informed Delivery app represents a practical modernization of traditional mail services. By offering secure digital previews and real-time package tracking, it provides transparency that was once unavailable to mail recipients. The setup process, while requiring identity verification, is designed to protect users and maintain trust in the system.
For individuals seeking greater control over their household deliveries, this free service is both reliable and efficient. With proper setup and responsible usage, USPS Informed Delivery can become an essential part of managing daily mail securely and effectively.
