USPS Informed Delivery Mail Still Arriving?

Nick Leason

-Sep 29, 2025

USPS Informed Delivery Mail Still Arriving?

USPS Informed Delivery users are still receiving physical mail, even after signing up for the digital preview service. This can be frustrating, leaving many wondering why they're still getting mail and if there’s a problem. This article explores the reasons behind this, including how Informed Delivery works, potential causes for continued mail delivery, and troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue.

Key Takeaways

Informed Delivery doesn't stop mail: It provides a daily digital preview of mail, not a mail-stopping service.
Mail delivery continues for various reasons: Including mail not scanned, mail from senders not participating, and delayed updates.
Troubleshooting steps: Verify your Informed Delivery settings, contact USPS, and inform senders of your preferences.
Address changes can affect mail: Ensure your address information is accurate and updated with both USPS and senders.
Bulk mail and marketing material: May still be delivered even with Informed Delivery in use.

Introduction

USPS Informed Delivery aims to streamline mail management by offering digital previews of incoming mail. Subscribers receive images of their mail pieces before they arrive in their physical mailbox. However, many users report that physical mail continues to arrive despite their enrollment in the program. This can lead to confusion, as the expectation is sometimes that digital previews mean less physical mail.

This article delves into the reasons why physical mail continues to arrive even with Informed Delivery. We'll explore the nuances of the service, the technical aspects of mail delivery, and the steps users can take to address any concerns and manage their mail effectively. — United's 'Track My Bag' Not Working? Troubleshooting Guide

What & Why

What is USPS Informed Delivery?

USPS Informed Delivery is a free service from the United States Postal Service that provides eligible residential consumers with digital previews of their incoming mail. Each day, users receive an email or can view online images of the front of their mail pieces. This allows users to anticipate what mail will be arriving, manage their mail more efficiently, and potentially reduce the amount of unwanted mail they receive.

Why Does Mail Still Arrive?

Several factors contribute to why physical mail continues to arrive even when you are enrolled in Informed Delivery:

Mail Not Scanned: Not all mail is scanned. Larger envelopes, packages, and some types of mail might not be included in the daily digital preview.
Sender Participation: Only mail from participating senders is included in Informed Delivery. Businesses and organizations need to integrate their mail with the USPS system for their mail to be part of the digital preview.
Timing and Processing: The mail scanning process can have delays. Sometimes, the digital preview arrives after the physical mail.
Different Mail Classes: Different mail classes have different processing times. First-Class Mail is typically scanned and previewed, but Standard Mail (marketing mail) might not always be included.
Address Changes and Updates: If there are any discrepancies or delays in updating your address with USPS and various senders, it can lead to continued mail delivery.

Benefits of Informed Delivery

Despite the continued arrival of physical mail, Informed Delivery offers several advantages: — Current Time In Washington: Time Zones & Real-Time Updates

Improved Mail Management: Users can anticipate what mail is coming and plan accordingly.
Fraud Prevention: Being aware of incoming mail helps in detecting potential identity theft or unauthorized account openings.
Package Tracking: Informed Delivery also provides tracking information for packages.
Convenience: Accessing mail previews from anywhere through a computer or mobile device.
Reduced Clutter: Allows you to identify and discard unwanted mail more efficiently.

Risks and Limitations

Not a Mail-Stopping Service: It doesn't prevent the delivery of physical mail.
Dependence on Scanning: Some mail may not be scanned, and thus will not appear in the digital preview.
Technical Issues: Occasional technical glitches can affect the delivery of the daily email or the accuracy of the previews.
Not All Mail is Included: Larger envelopes, packages, and non-machinable items may not be included.
Privacy Concerns: The images of your mail are stored and accessible via your online account.

How-To / Steps / Framework Application

Checking Your Informed Delivery Settings

Log in to your USPS.com account: Navigate to the USPS website and log in using your credentials.
Go to Informed Delivery: Find the Informed Delivery section within your account settings, usually under 'Dashboard' or 'My USPS'.
Verify Enrollment: Make sure you are still enrolled in the service and that your address is correct. If not, re-enroll and double-check your address.
Review Notifications: Confirm that your email address is correct and that you are receiving daily notifications.
Check the Email Spam Folder: Sometimes, the daily preview emails get filtered into your spam folder, so make sure to check there.

Contacting USPS

Customer Service: Contact USPS customer service through their website or by phone. Be prepared to provide your account details and explain the issue clearly.
Provide Details: Explain that you are enrolled in Informed Delivery but still receiving physical mail. Specify the types of mail that are still arriving.
Inquire About Scanning: Ask if there are any known issues with mail scanning in your area.
Follow Up: Keep a record of your interactions with USPS customer service and follow up if the issue isn't resolved.

Addressing Mail from Senders

Opt-Out Options: Many companies offer opt-out options for marketing mail. Review the mail you receive for instructions on how to opt-out.
Contact Senders Directly: Reach out to the companies sending you unwanted mail and request that they remove you from their mailing lists.
Use the USPS Mail Preference Service: Register with the USPS Mail Preference Service to reduce the amount of unsolicited marketing mail you receive.
Update Address Information: If you've recently moved, make sure to update your address with all relevant senders to prevent mail from being sent to your old address.

Examples & Use Cases

Case Study: Jane's Experience

Jane signed up for Informed Delivery hoping to reduce the amount of mail she received. She found that while she got a digital preview of most of her mail, marketing flyers and catalogs continued to arrive. After contacting the senders and opting out of their mailing lists, Jane significantly reduced the amount of physical mail she received, making the service more effective for her needs. — West Ham Vs Everton: Match Preview & Analysis

Real-World Scenario: The New Homeowner

A new homeowner, John, moved into a new house and signed up for Informed Delivery. He still received a lot of mail addressed to the previous residents. He contacted USPS to ensure his address was correct, and he returned the misdirected mail with a note to the sender. He also put up a sign on his mailbox.

Analyzing Mail Types

First-Class Mail: Usually scanned and included in Informed Delivery, offering previews of letters and bills.
Marketing Mail: Often not scanned, resulting in continued delivery. Companies may or may not participate in Informed Delivery.
Packages: Tracking information may be provided via Informed Delivery, but the physical package will still be delivered.
Large Envelopes: Items such as magazines or catalogs that don't fit standard mail formats may not be scanned and may continue to be delivered.

Best Practices & Common Mistakes

Best Practices

Regularly Check Settings: Ensure your Informed Delivery settings are up-to-date and accurate.
Monitor Your Account: Review your USPS account for any notifications or updates regarding Informed Delivery.
Inform Senders: Contact senders directly to update your mailing preferences.
Be Patient: Understand that it can take time for the changes to reflect in your mail delivery.
Use Package Tracking: Utilize the package tracking feature in Informed Delivery to monitor deliveries.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect Address: Providing the wrong address during enrollment or not updating your address with senders.
Expecting Too Much: Thinking that Informed Delivery will stop all mail delivery.
Ignoring Marketing Mail: Not taking the time to opt out of marketing mail from various senders.
Assuming Scanning Issues: Jumping to the conclusion that there are scanning issues without checking your account or contacting USPS.
Not Checking Spam Folder: Missing the daily email previews because they’re being filtered into spam.

FAQs

Does Informed Delivery stop mail? No, Informed Delivery provides digital previews but does not stop the delivery of physical mail.
Why is my marketing mail still arriving? Marketing mail may not be scanned or may originate from senders not participating in Informed Delivery. You’ll need to opt-out of these mailings directly with the senders.
How do I report a mail scanning issue? You can report issues through the USPS customer service channels, providing specific details about the mail items not scanned.
What should I do if I have a change of address? Update your address with USPS, and also notify all senders to forward your mail to your new address.
Is there a fee for Informed Delivery? No, Informed Delivery is a free service offered by USPS.
Can I see packages in Informed Delivery? Yes, Informed Delivery provides tracking information for packages, and you'll receive notifications about their delivery status.
How do I manage unwanted mail? You can manage unwanted mail by opting out of marketing mail, contacting senders, and using the USPS Mail Preference Service.

Conclusion with CTA

While USPS Informed Delivery is a valuable tool for managing your mail digitally, it's not a mail-stopping service. If you’re still receiving mail after signing up for Informed Delivery, review your settings, contact USPS, and take steps to reduce unwanted mail from senders. By understanding how Informed Delivery works, you can better manage your mail and take control of your inbox. Visit the USPS website to learn more about Informed Delivery and manage your mail today!

Last updated: October 26, 2024, 00:00 UTC