UPS Tracking Number Not Working? Reasons & Troubleshooting (2024)

  • Categories
  • Education and Communications
  • Postal System

Download Article

Why your tracking number isn’t loading, and what to do about it

Co-authored byAly Rusciano

Last Updated: April 13, 2024Fact Checked

Download Article

  • Tracking Number Not Working
    • |
  • Tracking Number Not Updating
    • |
  • Inaccurate Tracking Information
    • |
  • What does a UPS tracking number look like?
    • |
  • Can I track a package without a tracking number?
    • |
  • Alternative Tracking Numbers

So, you’ve mailed a package with UPS and are trying to track its location, but when you enter the tracking number into UPS’s Tracker, you get an “invalid” message—what does this mean? In this article, we’ll break down the reasons why this could happen and how you can fix it. Our best advice is to contact UPS’s Customer Service, but there are some ways you can troubleshoot before reaching out.

Why a UPS Tracking Number Isn’t Working

If your UPS tracking number isn’t working, it’s likely because the package hasn’t been scanned yet, the number has been entered incorrectly, or there’s a technical issue with UPS’s Tracking Portal. Contact Customer Service at 1-888-742-5877 for further, personalized assistance.

Section 1 of 6:

Why is my UPS tracking number not working?

Download Article

  1. 1

    Your package hasn’t been scanned yet. More often than not, a UPS tracking number is “invalid” because the package is still waiting to be processed. While UPS has your package, they haven’t loaded it onto the truck yet, and this can cause a delay in shipment information. Our best advice? Wait 24 hours, and then try tracking the package again.

    • This reason is often the case during holiday seasons. For instance, if you drop a package off the day before a government holiday (like Labor Day), the tracking number may not be available until the following day.
    • If your tracking number is still “invalid” after 24 hours, contact Customer Service at 1-888-742-5877 or message Customer Support through live chat.[1]

  2. 2

    The tracking number was entered incorrectly. Double-check the number you put into the Tracking Portal. Does it match up with the tracking number on your receipt? If not, re-enter the number and try again. A misplaced, skipped, or additional number is likely the cause of an invalid tracking number.

    • If you have entered your tracking number correctly and are still unable to track your package, contact UPS Customer Service at 1-888-742-5877 or message Customer Support through live chat.[2]
    • If a tracking number is invalid, this pop-up will appear in bold red letters: “Please correct the following errors. The tracking number you entered is not valid. Please review or contact the sender to check the number.”[3]

    3. Advertisem*nt

    See Also
    UPS Not Scanning Packages in 2022: What You Need to KnowWhy is My UPS Package Dropped Off but Not Tracking?UPS Hasn't Been Updated in 3 Days - Tracking Guide - PostageGuru - Parcel And Mail HelpUPS Not Scanning Packages in 2022: What You Need to Know

Section 2 of 6:

Why is my tracking number not showing any updates?

Download Article

  1. There could be technical issues. More often than not, a UPS tracking number might not show updates if there’s a technical issue with the tracking software or website. Wait a few hours, refresh the website, and try again. If you need to know where a package is ASAP, contact Customer Service at 1-888-742-5877 or message Customer Support using live chat.[4]

Section 3 of 6:

What do I do if my tracking information isn’t accurate?

Download Article

  1. If your tracking information isn’t accurate, notify UPS. Always check the tracking number after you ship a package. If you notice that the delivery date or address is different from what you assigned or were told, contact UPS Customer Service at 1-888-742-5877 or message Customer Support through live chat.

    • Always keep your shipping receipt or invoice in case this happens to you. UPS will likely be able to help locate your package based on other shipping information, like your name, address, and shipping destination.

    2. Advertisem*nt

Section 4 of 6:

What does a UPS tracking number look like?

Download Article

  1. A UPS tracking number is an 18-digit alphanumeric code. This number is typically at the bottom of your shipping receipt or email.[5] Standard tracking numbers usually start with 1Z, a 6-digit shipping number, a 2-digit service indicator, and an 8-digit identification number.[6]

    • Some packages may have 7-digit or 20-digit tracking numbers, depending on the type of package or delivery.[7]

Section 5 of 6:

Can I track a package without a tracking number?

Download Article

  1. No, you can’t track a package without a tracking number. A tracking number is personal for you and your package—it’s unique. The number identifies how your package is being shipped and helps locate it. Without it, you won’t be able to access tracking information.

    • If you didn’t receive a tracking number or can’t find it, don’t panic. Contact Customer Service at 1-888-742-5877 or message Customer Support on live chat.

    2. Advertisem*nt

Section 6 of 6:

What's a UPS alternative tracking number?

Download Article

  1. An alternative tracking number is a second tracking number for international shipments. If you’re sending something overseas, UPS will give you 2 tracking numbers: the main tracking number and an alternative tracking number. The alternative tracking number is a Customs identification number that, if needed, can be used with the destination postal authority.[8]

See Also
Not scanning packages | UPS Discussions

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

      Advertisem*nt

      Tips

      Submit a Tip

      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

      Submit

      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How toAddress a LetterHow toKnow How Many Stamps to Use
      How toSend Certified Mail (USA)How toAddress to a PO BoxCan I Pick Up My USPS Package Before Delivery? Your Questions Answered!How toContact FedExHow toStop Mail for Previous ResidentsHow to Pack and Ship a Package via USPSHow toGet a Tracking NumberHow toContact the PostmasterHow toMail a PostcardHow toShip Media MailHow toGet a Refund for Late Packages

      Advertisem*nt

      About This Article

      UPS Tracking Number Not Working? Reasons & Troubleshooting (30)

      Co-authored by:

      Aly Rusciano

      wikiHow Staff Writer

      This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Aly Rusciano. Aly Rusciano is a Creative Writer based outside of Nashville, Tennessee. She has over ten years of experience in creative, academic, and professional writing. Aly’s writing has been nationally recognized in the Sigma Tau Delta Rectangle and featured in Blue Marble Review, The Sunshine Review, PopMatters, and Cathartic Literary Magazine. She graduated from The University of Tennessee at Martin with a BA in English, focusing in Creative Writing and minoring in Theatre.

      How helpful is this?

      Co-authors: 6

      Updated: April 13, 2024

      Views:389

      Categories: Postal System

      • Print
      • Send fan mail to authors

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 389 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisem*nt

      UPS Tracking Number Not Working? Reasons & Troubleshooting (2024)
      Top Articles
      Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms (Hershey Kiss Cookies) Recipe
      Chex Mix Recipe - The Cookie Rookie®
      Case Summary - Online Services
      Access to Electronic Court Case Records
      Latest Posts
      Mini Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball Recipe
      Prue Leith's fabulous festive recipes: Divine desserts
      Article information

      Author: Moshe Kshlerin

      Last Updated:

      Views: 6038

      Rating: 4.7 / 5 (77 voted)

      Reviews: 92% of readers found this page helpful

      Author information

      Name: Moshe Kshlerin

      Birthday: 1994-01-25

      Address: Suite 609 315 Lupita Unions, Ronnieburgh, MI 62697

      Phone: +2424755286529

      Job: District Education Designer

      Hobby: Yoga, Gunsmithing, Singing, 3D printing, Nordic skating, Soapmaking, Juggling

      Introduction: My name is Moshe Kshlerin, I am a gleaming, attractive, outstanding, pleasant, delightful, outstanding, famous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.