Here’s how to track your Amazon packages in real time

Never again will the arrival of an Amazon order be a surprise. First introduced in November to a limited number of users, Amazon Map Tracking is available for deliveries of all U.S. purchases now.

Amazon Map Tracking is a handy feature. It gives you an ETA on when your order will arrive, and on delivery day, the number of stops away the driver is from your home, as well as a map that shows how far away the delivery driver is in real time.

How to use Amazon Map Tracking

Not every package may be delivered by a dedicated Amazon vehicle. However, when it is, Amazon will send you a notification that you can see the progress of your delivery driver on its tracking map, available in-app or on the Amazon website. You can also check the status of your delivery yourself. Here’s how to use Amazon Map Tracking.

1. Head to the settings menu, then select Your Orders.

2. From there, you can tap the Track Package button on the web, or tap the item that’s in transit, in the mobile app.

3. If Amazon Map Tracking is enabled for the delivery, you’ll see an image similar to the one below, shared by J. Austyn Belanger on Twitter. This image becomes available once your driver has 10 or fewer stops remaining till they reach your home.

Unfortunately, the only package I have en route is being delivered via USPS. If this is the case, you’ll see a traditional progress graphic like this instead.

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Delivery confirmation

In the case that your package is delivered when you’re not home, Amazon has also been testing and expanding a new policy: requiring drivers to snap a photo of the package upon delivery. If your delivery person does this, you’ll be able to see the photo in this same Track Package section of the Amazon app or website. This is definitely helpful in the case that your driver person gets creative with hiding your package on your doorstep, but it also helps on Amazon’s end by providing proof that a package was delivered.

Between these two new delivery features, Amazon is making it much easier to feel confident that you won’t miss an important order.

Looking for more help? Here’s what you need to know about Amazon Alexa and how to use Amazon Alexa as an intercom system, Amazon Prime Pantry, how to sell on Amazon, Amazon Prime membership and if it’s really worth it.

H/T CNET