Losing a UPS tracking number can feel like losing the package itself—but don’t worry. In today’s digital world, there are still ways to keep tabs on your delivery even if you misplaced your receipt or email. UPS understands that not everyone holds on to their tracking info, and that’s why they’ve introduced multiple options for tracking without it.
Whether you’re waiting on an important delivery or just curious about your package’s journey, this updated 2025 guide will walk you through how to track a UPS package without a tracking number, using methods that are secure, easy, and reliable.
Can You Track a UPS Package Without a Tracking Number in 2025?
Yes, you can track a UPS package without a tracking number. While having the tracking ID is the most straightforward way, UPS offers several tools that let you track deliveries using alternative information like your delivery address, shipment reference, or even your UPS account.
Here are the top options:
- Create a free UPS My Choice account
- Use the “Track by Reference” tool
- Check confirmation emails or label records
- Reach out to the sender for details
Unfortunately, you cannot track a package with just a recipient’s name alone, as it lacks the necessary data for identification and security verification.
Let’s explore each method in more detail.
Option 1: Use UPS My Choice (Recommended)
UPS My Choice is a free service that makes it much easier to manage and track packages, even without a tracking number.
✅ How it works:
1. Visit UPS My Choice.
2. Sign up using the exact delivery address your package is headed to.
3. Once verified, you’ll be able to view:
- Incoming packages
- Estimated delivery dates
- Real-time tracking updates
- Delivery history
You can even receive alerts, request package holds, or reroute shipments if you’re not home.
💡 Tip: This is ideal for people who regularly receive packages from Amazon, eBay, or small businesses using UPS.
Option 2: Check Confirmation Email or Online Receipt
If you’re the sender or buyer, you likely received an email confirmation from UPS or the merchant. This email often includes:
- Your tracking number
- Delivery estimate
- Shipment details
Look for:
- A subject line like “Your UPS Shipment” or “Shipping Confirmation”
- Email from sender addresses ending in @ups.com, or from the merchant’s shipping department
If you bought from a marketplace (e.g., Amazon, Etsy), log into your account and check Order History—the tracking number is often displayed next to your purchase.
Option 3: Track Using the “Track by Reference” Feature
This is another UPS-provided tool where you don’t need the tracking number—just some identifying details.
How to use:
1. Go to the UPS Tracking page.
2. Click on “Track by Reference Number” (left side of the page).
3. Input:
- Reference number (this could be your phone number, order ID, or custom shipment name)
- Destination country and ZIP code
- Optional: Shipment date range
If the reference matches a package in UPS’s system, you’ll see tracking results instantly.
⚠️ Note: This method only works if the sender included the reference when creating the shipment.
Option 4: Track By Address (via UPS My Choice)
You can track UPS packages using only the delivery address—but only if:
- You are the recipient
- You have created a UPS My Choice account (see Option 1)
Once your address is verified, you’ll see any active shipments headed your way—even if you never received a tracking ID directly.
This method is secure, as it prevents unauthorized individuals from tracking packages by simply guessing an address.
Option 5: Can You Track by Name Alone?
No, UPS does not allow tracking by name only.
Due to privacy and security reasons, a recipient’s name without additional identifying details is not enough to pull up shipment data.
Imagine trying to track a package for “John Smith” in New York—UPS processes over 15 million packages per day, and many share the same names.
This policy protects users from unauthorized access, fraud, or misdelivery.
Option 6: Can You Track a UPS Package by Phone Number?
Sometimes, yes—but it’s hit or miss.
Some shippers add the recipient’s phone number as the shipment reference when creating the label. If so, you can:
- Visit the UPS Track by Reference.
- Enter your phone number in the reference field.
- Provide your destination ZIP code and country.
If the phone number was included correctly during shipment creation, UPS will match it to your delivery.
However, this method is not guaranteed to work, especially if the shipper didn’t enter your phone number as a reference.
What If None of These Options Work?
If none of the above methods help, consider the following steps:
- Contact the sender or retailer: Ask them to resend the tracking number or provide a reference code.
- Call UPS Customer Service at 1-800-742-5877 (1-800-PICK-UPS): They may be able to assist if you give them detailed information (like the sender, address, date, etc.).
- Use UPS Chat Assistant or Social Media Support for faster help online.
Extra Tips to Avoid Losing Tracking Numbers Again
- Take a screenshot of your tracking info after checkout.
- Save confirmation emails to a “Shipping” folder in your inbox.
- Use delivery apps like Parcel, Shop, or Deliveries, which automatically track shipments from multiple carriers using your email.
Final Thoughts
Losing a UPS tracking number isn’t the end of the road. Thanks to services like UPS My Choice and the Track by Reference tool, it’s still possible to stay updated on your deliveries using your address, phone number, or email records.
While tracking by name alone isn’t supported due to security concerns, with a bit of information and some patience, you can still get peace of mind—and ensure your package is on its way.
✅ So, if you ever find yourself thinking “UPS, no tracking number—now what?” don’t panic. Use the tips in this guide, and you’ll be tracking like a pro in no time.