Gmail users may start seeing a new inbox feature that will make it easier to locate emails containing tracking data for arriving packages.
Gmail has released a feature that makes online shopping a lot easier to manage. This development seems like a crucial addition for any user struggling to keep track of multiple purchases they’ve made, especially around the holidays. Now, people can, with a quick glance, find out when their packages are scheduled to arrive and whether they are en route.
An overwhelming inbox is one of the biggest cruxes any Gmail user and regular online shopper must contend with. To help people zero out their inboxes, the email service has a couple of features worth exploring, such as organizing messages through the use of labels. Users can also customize the way their inbox looks to ensure that productivity is maximized and that the app’s interface matches any user’s email-reading style.
Through Gmail’s new feature — which, according to Google, is currently on a gradual rollout — users can easily pinpoint emails that are relevant to incoming packages, making it unnecessary to spend so much time scrolling their inbox for important tracking information. Some people may already see certain messages bearing an arrival date below the email subject. When they open one of these emails, there should be a visual card that includes tracking and order information links as well as real-time delivery status updates conveniently located on top of the actual email.
How Gmail’s Package-Tracking Feature Works
A screenshot of Gmail's Package Tracking Feature Inbox View
Those who already have access to the Gmail feature may come across a notification on top of their inbox asking them to opt in to receive package updates. Once permission is granted, any email that contains a tracking number should be automatically detected. Relevant order statuses should also start appearing within their respective message threads, removing the need to click on a tracking link to view a package’s current location.
According to Google, any package sent through “most major U.S. shipping carriers” should be covered by the Gmail update. While it may be safe to assume that the U.S. Postal Service is one of the aforementioned major shipping carriers referred to, the inclusion of companies like UPS, FedEx, DHL, or even Amazon’s own Prime delivery service remains to be seen. In any case, significant details relating to the delivery of a package will be prominently displayed, such as an estimated arrival date (which may be updated, in case of delays) and the shipment’s current transit status.
Google’s announcement and gradual release of the feature is certainly well-timed and could be incredibly useful during the holidays. However, some users may not have access to the feature yet. If this is the case, ensure that Gmail’s smart feature controls are turned on, as this is the likely place where people may eventually enable or disable package tracking. Visit Gmail on a computer web browser, hit ‘Settings’ (gear icon) to ‘See all settings.’ Under the ‘General’ tab, scroll down to ‘Smart features and personalization’ and ensure that the box is checked.
People who prefer to use Gmail on a mobile device can also do this by tapping ‘Menu’ (hamburger icon) and scrolling down to ‘Settings.’ Android phone users will need to tap the right Gmail account and under the ‘General’ section, ensure that the box next to ‘Smart features and personalization’ is marked. For Gmail users on an iOS device, this setting can be found under ‘Data privacy.’ In addition to this, users can always use Gmail’s search bar to look up terms like ‘order,’ ‘shipped,’ or ‘on the way’ to pull up emails that have package tracking information.
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