Couriers
Want to keep an eye on your Royal Mail package? You can check where it is at any point using the tracking number provided by the sender or retailer. It only takes a few seconds to pull up its current status, whether it’s just been collected or already on its way to your address.

You can track your delivery online using either Royal Mail’s website or a third-party tracking tool. Here's how it works:
Every tracked package has a tracking number that lets you view its latest updates. Enter this code into the tracking tool of your choice to see when your package was dispatched, where it has been scanned, and its latest delivery status.
If you’re expecting more than one parcel or want to track deliveries from multiple couriers in one place, Ship24 offers a convenient alternative. Just paste up to 10 Royal Mail tracking numbers on the Ship24 homepage to get instant updates. You don’t need to sign up, and you can also follow parcels that change couriers during international delivery.
Each time your package hits a milestone, the system updates its status. Some of the updates you might see include:
Other updates can include customs clearance for overseas items or alerts if there’s a delay. If a status is unclear, you can cross-check it using the full guide on our Royal Mail tracking page.
It’s normal for tracking to pause for a few hours or longer, especially between scans. Some services offer only basic delivery confirmation, while others include detailed tracking. If it’s been more than 48 hours with no update, double-check the number and consider reaching out to the sender for more details.
Tracking international packages works the same way, but updates may also come from the destination country’s postal system. When Royal Mail hands over your parcel to a partner courier abroad, platforms like Ship24 continue tracking the delivery so you don’t have to switch websites.

If a tracked item hasn't arrived or hasn’t updated for several days, you can:
Delays may happen during busy periods or due to customs processing for overseas shipments. Most issues are resolved without further action, but compensation may be available depending on the service used.
Yes. You don’t need to sign up to track a package online. However, creating a Royal Mail account or using Ship24’s dashboard may offer extra features like tracking history, notifications, and saved numbers.
If your item is being shipped through Royal Mail from a major marketplace, the tracking number is usually available in your order details. You can copy it into Ship24 to check progress, even if the item is transferred to another courier outside the UK.
If you can't find your tracking number or need more information about a delivery, contact Royal Mail customer service. You’ll find support options, including phone, email, and online contact forms, on their official help page.
You don’t need to sign up to track your package. Just go to the Royal Mail website or use a platform like Ship24, paste your tracking number, and you’ll see the latest updates. It only takes a few seconds to check the status.
Sometimes it takes a while for new scans to show up, especially if your parcel is between depots or hasn't been processed yet. Tracking may also be limited for certain low-cost services. If there’s no change after 48 hours, contact the sender or check with Royal Mail.
Yes, you can track international packages sent with Royal Mail. Once the parcel leaves the UK, updates may come from the postal service in the destination country. Platforms like Ship24 combine both sets of updates in one place.
Each status tells you where your package is in the delivery process. For example, “Dispatched” means it left the sender, and “Delivered” means it reached the final address. If something seems unclear, you can check the full meaning on Ship24.
The tracking number is usually sent by email or SMS once your parcel has shipped. You can also find it on the receipt if you mailed something yourself. It often appears under the barcode on the label.
If no one’s home, Royal Mail will leave a card with instructions. You can reschedule the delivery or collect it from your local office. Most parcels are held for a few days before being returned.
Yes, as long as the seller used a tracked service. Your order details will usually include the tracking number. You can use that number on Ship24 or the Royal Mail site to follow the parcel’s progress.