If you’ve typed a Royal Mail reference into tracking and seen that an update will only be provided when we attempt to deliver your item, you’re not alone.
This message usually doesn’t mean your parcel is lost; it often means the service used only confirms delivery (or delivery attempt), so you won’t see “in transit” scans along the way.
What “an update will only be provided when we attempt to deliver your item” means?
You’ll also see this message more during busy periods, when operational pressure can lead to fewer intermediate scans and longer waits. Let’s explore what the status really means, and what you can do next without wasting days refreshing the page.
What is this message saying?
It’s basically saying: “We recognise your reference, but you won’t get meaningful tracking updates until we try to deliver it.”
In practice, that usually happens when:
- The sender used a service that only provides delivery confirmation (rather than full point-to-point tracking), or
- Scans exist internally, but your reference doesn’t surface detailed journey events publicly (common with some “reference numbers” vs fully tracked services).
Is it a tracking number or just a reference number?
A lot of confusion comes from the label “tracking number”. Some services give you something that works more like a delivery confirmation reference than real-time tracking.
Quick signs you’re not on a fully tracked service
If your status looks stuck and only mentions updates at delivery attempt, it’s often because you’re on a limited-update service, commonly Signed For® rather than Tracked 24/48.
Why you might see no updates until delivery day?
The sender chose a service with limited scans
Some delivery services are designed to show only a small number of scan events (often focusing on delivery confirmation). That can make tracking look “blank” until the doorstep stage.
The parcel is moving, but you don’t see the movement
Even on better services, scans can be missed or delayed in the system, so your parcel can still be travelling through the network while your tracking page appears unchanged.
High-volume periods can make tracking feel quiet
When the network is under strain, you might see fewer intermediate updates and longer gaps.
Does this mean your parcel is out for delivery today?
Not necessarily. “Attempt to deliver” means the local delivery stage, the moment a delivery office tries to bring it to your address. “Out for delivery” is more specific and usually appears with services that surface richer tracking events.
A helpful reality check:
- If you’re on a more fully tracked service, you’re more likely to see staged updates.
- If you’re on a limited tracking service, you may see nothing until the delivery attempt or delivery confirmation.
How long can it stay in this status?
There isn’t one universal number, because it depends on the postage/service used and whether it’s moving through the network on working days.
What common UK service types can you expect?
| Service type (example) | What tracking typically shows | Delivery expectation | Why you might see “no updates” |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fully tracked services | Multiple events + delivery confirmation | Usually faster | Delayed/missed scans, busy periods |
| Limited tracking (delivery confirmation-focused) | Often limited events; delivery confirmation/signature focus | Varies | Service isn’t designed to show many transit scans |
| Standard non-tracked services | Usually not fully trackable | Varies | Reference may not show transit scans at all |
Weekends and bank holidays: why the clock can feel stuck?
Delivery expectations often refer to working days. If your parcel is due around weekends and bank holidays, you can get a longer gap with no visible movement.
What to do next
This is the part people actually need. Here’s a practical path that works in most UK situations.
First, do these quick checks (5 minutes)
- Confirm the postcode and house/flat number on your order confirmation.
- Check safe place/nominated neighbour settings (if available).
- Ask housemates/reception/concierge (flats swallow parcels).
- Check if your doorbell works and your name is visible (especially in HMOs).
- Look for a missed delivery card and check email/SMS notifications (if enabled).
- If it’s time-sensitive, message the seller now so there’s a written record of the issue.
When should you escalate, and to whom?
A simple “what to do by day” guide
| Situation | What to do | Who to contact first |
|---|---|---|
| It’s only been 1–2 working days with this message | Assume it may be a limited-scan service; keep an eye out for a delivery attempt | No one yet (unless it’s urgent) |
| It’s beyond the expected timeframe | Message the seller with your reference and ask them to start an investigation | Seller/retailer |
| It’s significantly late | Ask the seller for a clear resolution: redelivery or refund | Seller/retailer |
| It shows “delivered” but you don’t have it | Act same day: neighbours/reception; raise it immediately | Seller first |
Who should you contact in the UK: the courier or the seller?
For most consumer purchases in the UK, the seller is responsible for getting the item to you. That’s why the fastest route is often contacting the retailer, even if the parcel is with a courier.
What if a delivery was “attempted” but you got no card/message?
It can happen. Treat it like a missed delivery:
- Double-check address/access details.
- Check a safe place/neighbour/reception.
- Contact the seller if you can’t get a clear redelivery path quickly.
Common real-world scenarios and quick fixes
“It’s been on this message for 5+ working days”
Most of the time, this is either:
- A limited-scan service + delays, or
- A parcel moving slowly without visible scans.
What to do:
-
Contact the seller with your reference, explain the status, and ask for a delivery investigation plus a reasonable deadline for a resolution.
“It says attempted delivery, but nothing happened”
What to do:
- Confirm access (buzzers/entry codes), your name on the door, and any safe place preferences.
- If you live in a block, ask the reception/management.
- If nothing turns up within the next working day, message the seller so they can escalate.
A short template you can send to the seller
Use this if you need to be firm but calm:
Hi [Seller], my order [Order Number] hasn’t arrived.
The tracking/reference shows: “an update will only be provided when we attempt to deliver your item” and there have been no further updates.
Please confirm next steps and either
(1) provide an updated delivery timeline or
(2) arrange a replacement/refund if it doesn’t arrive by[date].
Thanks, [Name]
Evidence checklist
What to gather before you contact support
| Item | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Order confirmation + delivery address | Confirms it wasn’t an address error |
| Reference/tracking screenshot | Captures the status message you’re seeing |
| Any “delivered” notification + time | Helps investigate potential misdelivery |
| Notes on neighbour/reception checks | Shows you took reasonable steps |
| Preferred resolution (redelivery or refund) | Keeps the conversation focused |
How people talk about this online?
“An update will only be provided when we attempt to deliver your item”
byu/randombombom inroyalmail
Hey @RoyalMail any chance someone could change the unhelpful tracking ‘An update will only be provided when we attempt to deliver your item’ to ‘We have your item and it’s progressing through our delivery network’ ? or something similar #Ecommerce #Ebay @tamebay
— Steve Day 💙🏄🏻♂️🏄🏻♂️🏄🏻♂️ (@surfsurfsurf) December 3, 2025
Final summary
- Seeing an update will only be provided when we attempt to deliver your item usually means you’re on a service that doesn’t show detailed tracking until delivery attempt/confirmation.
- If the parcel is late, your strongest move in the UK is typically to contact the seller, because they’re responsible for ensuring delivery and initiating escalation.
- Here’s what you can do next: do the quick checks, then message the seller with a clear deadline and your preferred outcome.
FAQs
Does this status mean it’s lost?
Not by itself. It often indicates limited tracking. If it’s well past the expected timeframe, escalate via the seller.
Can you rearrange delivery or choose a safe place?
It depends on the service and whether delivery options are enabled for that parcel. Some services allow more flexibility than others.
How long should you wait before requesting a replacement or refund?
If the item is late, contact the seller and ask for a clear resolution timeline. If it’s significantly late, push for a replacement or a refund.
What if tracking shows “delivered” but you don’t have it?
Act immediately: Check neighbours/reception and raise it with the seller the same day.
Author expertise note
This guide is based on common UK parcel-delivery workflows and best-practice troubleshooting steps used to reduce delivery issues and speed up resolutions with sellers and couriers.
