Gmail can now track your packages: how the new function is activated

The moments before receiving a package that we are waiting for can be very stressful. We do not stop checking the tracking number on the carrier’s website to see if it is already close to our address or what is new in the delivery process. Google knows this very well, which is why in November it promised help with tracking shipments.

This help would come in the form of a tool where you would need to click links in emails or copy and paste tracking numbers into a different website to get details about the location of your package, but instead get the details of your package directly from Gmail itself when they have sent us one of those numbers.

Gmail can now track your packages

Shipment tracking in Gmail

Although it didn’t arrive in time to help us manage the arrival of Christmas gifts, the promised feature is finally implemented in Google’s email manager.

To do this, you will need to manually enable package tracking . At the moment, this feature is only available on iOS and Android devices through the Gmail app, with a web version due to roll out at any time.

Seguimiento envíos Gmail

To activate the feature, simply open the Gmail app and tap the gear icon in the top left corner. For Android, scroll down and select Settings, then choose the email account to apply the changes to and under these specific account settings, scroll to the middle of the list to find “Shipping Tracking” and check the box . For iOS, scroll down to Settings > Data Privacy, then check the box for Shipment Tracking.

Now when you open an email with shipping details, you should see dynamically added information at the top of each email that includes a tracking number or link with delivery status, whether it’s shipped, is in transit, or has already been delivered.

A smart new feature from Google

With the advent of this shipping status query, we add a new smart feature from Google, who track our data and, in return, give us back smart features from Gmail, Chat, and Meet like the ones below that may also use your data to improve your models:

  • Automatic mail categorization and filtering.
  • Smart Compose and Smart Reply in mail.
  • High priority email reminders and notifications.
  • Search and manage your trips in Gmail .
  • Event details used to create calendar events.
  • Smart typing and search suggestions.

Here are some smart features in other Google products that may use your Gmail, Chat, and Meet data:

  • Bill due date reminders.
  • Restaurant reservations and pickup orders on Google Maps.
  • Travel information based on confirmation emails.
  • Use loyalty cards in Google Pay.
  • Offline map suggestions for your trips.
  • Gmail search results displayed in Cloud Search.