UPS Tracking Number Not Working? Here Are the Most Common Reasons

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

Co-authored by Aly Rusciano

Last Updated: November 8, 2024 Fact Checked

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

|Show more |Show less

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.

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Section 1 of 6:

Why is my UPS tracking number not working?

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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.
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.
   • 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.”
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Section 2 of 6:

Why is my tracking number not showing any updates?

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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.

Section 3 of 6:

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

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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.
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Section 4 of 6:

What does a UPS tracking number look like?

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

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

Section 5 of 6:

Can I track a package without a tracking number?

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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.
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Section 6 of 6:

What's a UPS alternative tracking number?

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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.

   • Find your alternative tracking number using UPS’s Tracking Portal.

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