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When using Royal Mail’s tracking service, one of the more confusing messages a recipient may encounter is: “An update will only be provided when we attempt to deliver your item.” This phrase can leave many customers wondering about the status of their parcel, especially when there are no visible updates.
Understanding what this message truly means is key to managing delivery expectations and avoiding unnecessary concern.
In this guide, we explore what Royal Mail intends to communicate, how their tracking system works, and what steps customers can take when updates are limited.
What Does The Message “An Update Will Only Be Provided When We Attempt To Deliver Your Item” Mean?
This Royal Mail tracking message is commonly seen when the delivery service selected does not include full tracking capabilities.
It informs the recipient that the item is in transit but no scan will occur until the delivery is actively attempted.
This is not an indication of delay or error; instead, it reflects a standard part of Royal Mail’s service for certain classes of mail.
Most often, this message is associated with basic postal services like 1st Class or 2nd Class mail. These services typically do not include real-time tracking, and updates are minimal or reserved for the final delivery attempt.
The message serves to set expectations regarding the availability of information as the parcel progresses through the system.
Common Reasons For This Royal Mail Tracking Status
When a customer sees the message “An update will only be provided when we attempt to deliver your item”, it’s usually not cause for concern.
Instead, it reflects specific operational practices within Royal Mail’s delivery system. This section breaks down the most common reasons why this status appears and what they mean in practical terms.
1. Use Of A Non-Tracked Service
One of the most straightforward explanations is that the sender has chosen a delivery service that does not include full tracking. This is typical for economy options such as:
- 1st Class or 2nd Class Standard Mail: No real-time tracking is included.
- Royal Mail Signed For: This service confirms delivery via signature but does not provide tracking during transit.
With these services, the parcel is processed and moved through Royal Mail’s network without individual scan points, meaning you won’t see any updates until delivery is attempted.
2. In-Transit Without Scanning Events
For certain services, especially those that are not premium, Royal Mail does not scan parcels at every stage of the journey.
This means your parcel could be moving normally through the network, but no updates are generated until it reaches the local delivery office or a delivery is attempted.
This scanning model is especially common during:
- Transport between distribution centres
- High-volume delivery periods, such as holidays or sales events
- Manual processing, where automated scanning equipment is not used
Therefore, no update doesn’t mean the parcel is stuck—it may simply not have reached a scan-triggering point yet.
3. Delayed Entry Into The Tracking System
Sometimes, the tracking number may not immediately reflect activity in the system due to delays in data syncing. This can happen when:
- A batch of parcels is collected but not yet processed.
- The item has been posted in a rural area, where transport to sorting centres takes longer.
- There’s a lag in system updates, particularly during periods of high demand or technical issues.
In these cases, the message acts as a placeholder, alerting customers that tracking will begin only at the point of delivery attempt.
4. Delivery Is Scheduled But Not Yet Attempted
This tracking message may also appear when the item has already reached the final local delivery office but hasn’t yet gone out with a delivery driver.
In such situations, Royal Mail is holding the item in the queue for the next available delivery round.
This often occurs when:
- The local route is full and the item is carried over to the next day’s delivery.
- There has been a temporary staffing shortage at the delivery office.
- The address requires special handling or secure delivery, which might delay dispatch by a day.
Even though the item is close to its destination, the tracking will not update again until the actual delivery attempt is made.
5. Barcode Not Scanned At Handover
In certain cases, the barcode on the item might fail to scan properly, either due to printing issues, damage during transit, or equipment malfunction.
If the barcode cannot be read, Royal Mail’s system will not log an update even if the parcel has moved through multiple points.
Some causes include:
- Faded or unclear barcode printing
- Damaged or torn labels
- System scanning errors at distribution centres
If the barcode is eventually scanned successfully during the delivery attempt, that’s when the next—and possibly only—update will appear.
Why Doesn’t Royal Mail Provide Real-Time Tracking Updates?
Royal Mail’s tracking infrastructure prioritises updates for its premium services. Lower-tier delivery options are not designed to offer continuous visibility.
The cost structure of these services means they provide limited tracking to keep prices affordable for everyday use.
For standard services, the absence of regular updates is intentional. Royal Mail allocates tracking resources based on the type of service purchased. Therefore, detailed real-time tracking is not a feature of budget-friendly options.
Royal Mail’s Delivery Process Explained
Understanding the process helps clarify when and why updates may appear:
- The item is handed over to Royal Mail and receives an initial scan (if applicable).
- It is sorted at regional distribution centres.
- It moves through the network without individual scans unless required.
- The next update is triggered only when delivery is attempted.
This delivery flow limits tracking visibility, especially for services that exclude intermediate scan points.
How Should Customers Interpret Royal Mail’s Tracking Updates?
The key to interpreting Royal Mail tracking messages lies in knowing the type of service purchased. Not all services are meant to provide detailed progress updates.
If the message appears, it often means the package is still moving through the system, and the final scan will occur at the delivery attempt stage.
Customers should not assume their item is lost or stuck just because the message hasn’t changed. It often reflects a common, pre-defined communication for semi-tracked services.
Comparing Different Royal Mail Services
| Service Type | Tracking Detail | Typical Use | Delivery Time |
| Royal Mail 1st Class | No tracking | Everyday post | 1–2 working days |
| Signed For | Signature only | Legal or important documents | 1–3 working days |
| Tracked 24/48 | Full tracking | Retail, eCommerce | 1–2 (24) / 2–3 (48) |
| Special Delivery | Full tracking | Time-sensitive or high value | Guaranteed next day |
This table highlights the differences in service levels and the tracking detail you can expect with each option.
What Steps Can You Take If Your Item Isn’t Updated?
When you’re waiting for an item and see no movement in the tracking updates—especially one that reads, “An update will only be provided when we attempt to deliver your item”—it can be frustrating.
However, there are several reasonable steps recipients can take to understand the situation better and potentially resolve it.
Royal Mail’s tracking system functions differently depending on the service type, and not all items are scanned at each stage.
If your item’s tracking has stalled or hasn’t shown any update since dispatch, here’s how to approach it without jumping to conclusions.
Start by considering the type of service used. If the item was sent with a service that doesn’t include full tracking—like standard 1st or 2nd Class—updates are naturally limited.
These services may only generate a scan at the point of delivery, so seeing no updates before that is expected.
It’s also worth noting that tracking systems aren’t always instantaneous. Even with tracked services, occasional delays in data transmission from scanning points can result in temporary gaps in visibility.
This is particularly common during busy periods such as holidays or postal strikes.
Before assuming a delivery issue, follow these practical steps:
- Review your tracking reference: Double-check the tracking number provided and enter it on Royal Mail’s official tracking page to ensure it’s valid and has been scanned into the system.
- Verify the delivery method: If the sender has shared confirmation, review which delivery service was used. Knowing whether it’s a tracked, signed, or untracked service will clarify what tracking detail to expect.
- Allow appropriate time for delivery: Royal Mail recommends waiting up to five working days for domestic items before making enquiries. Some delays can occur due to weather, staffing shortages, or seasonal volume.
- Check your delivery area: It’s possible that Royal Mail attempted delivery and left a “Something for you” card. These cards can sometimes go unnoticed or be misplaced. Check letterboxes, porches, or building reception areas.
- Speak with neighbours or building staff: Especially in flats or shared buildings, parcels may be accepted by neighbours or held at a front desk.
- Contact the sender: If your item was purchased from a retailer or online seller, they may have additional insight or access to Royal Mail’s business tracking tools. They may also offer refunds or replacements depending on their delivery policy.
Only after 10 working days have passed (from the expected delivery date) should you consider escalating the issue to Royal Mail’s customer service. At this point, you can:
- Submit a lost item enquiry via Royal Mail’s help centre.
- Request compensation (if applicable), especially for items sent via Special Delivery or services that include delivery guarantees.
- Arrange a redelivery or collection from your local delivery office if a card was left.
Remaining patient during this process is essential, especially when dealing with non-tracked items. Often, the parcel is still in transit and will arrive within the estimated delivery window, even if no new tracking updates are shown.
Is This Message Unique To Royal Mail Or Do Other Couriers Use It?
While the specific wording is particular to Royal Mail, similar practices are common across other delivery providers.
Couriers like Evri, DPD, and Yodel also restrict tracking information based on the service level paid for.
Comparing Royal Mail With Other UK Couriers
Royal Mail tends to offer fewer scans for its lower-tier services compared to others like DPD, which provides consistent updates and even live driver tracking. However, Royal Mail’s reliability remains strong, especially for standard post.
- Hermes/Evri: Limited tracking unless premium service is selected
- DPD: Known for real-time tracking and precise delivery windows
- Parcelforce: Royal Mail’s express arm with detailed tracking for business and time-critical deliveries
Each courier has a unique approach to tracking, but the general concept of limiting updates for economy services is universal.
When Should You Contact Royal Mail For More Help?
Royal Mail provides structured support for customers who experience genuine delivery issues. However, contacting them prematurely—before the appropriate waiting period—can lead to unnecessary complications.
Guidelines For Escalating Delivery Issues
- Check the estimated delivery date on your receipt or confirmation email.
- Only raise a claim after 10 working days have passed without delivery.
- Use Royal Mail’s Help Centre or online tools for redelivery options or item location queries.
- Keep a record of all communications and receipts for verification purposes.
If the item was sent via a tracked or signed-for service, Royal Mail customer service can provide additional detail once the timeframe has been met.
FAQs
Why is my Royal Mail tracking not updating?
Royal Mail may not scan parcels at every stage, especially for services that don’t include full tracking. Updates only occur when delivery is attempted.
What happens if my item is not delivered and there is no update?
If there’s been no update or delivery within 10 working days, you should contact Royal Mail or the sender for support or a potential claim.
Does “an update will only be provided” mean my parcel is lost?
Not at all. This status typically means the parcel is still in the delivery network but hasn’t reached the delivery attempt phase yet.
How can I confirm if my service includes full tracking?
Check the tracking number format or service receipt. Royal Mail’s fully tracked services begin with specific prefixes like “JT” or “JD”.
Can I change the delivery option after dispatch?
Once the parcel is sent, you can’t upgrade the tracking service. However, you can often reschedule or redirect delivery using Royal Mail’s online tools.
How long should I wait before reporting a missing parcel?
Royal Mail recommends waiting 10 working days after the expected delivery date before reporting an item as missing.
What if Royal Mail attempted delivery but I wasn’t home?
They usually leave a “Something for you” card with instructions on collection or redelivery. You can also check online using your tracking number.