Yes, FedEx sends text messages, but only if you sign up for them

FedEx does not automatically text you about your packages. You have to request text notifications through your FedEx account, the FedEx mobile app, or when you create a shipment label. Once you turn on text alerts, FedEx will send you messages about tracking updates, delivery attempts, and package status changes.

The texts come from FedEx's official number and include a tracking link you can tap to see more details. If you receive a text claiming to be from FedEx but you never signed up for notifications, it is likely a scam — real FedEx texts only go to people who have explicitly requested them.

Key Takeaways

  • FedEx text notifications are opt-in, meaning you must turn them on yourself through your account or the FedEx app.
  • You can request texts when you ship a package or manage notifications in your FedEx account settings at any time.
  • FedEx texts include tracking updates, delivery windows, and alerts if a delivery attempt fails.
  • Unsolicited texts claiming to be from FedEx are usually phishing scams and should not be clicked or replied to.

How to turn on FedEx text notifications

If you have a FedEx account, log in to fedex.com and go to your account settings. Look for a section labeled "Notifications" or "Communication Preferences" and select the option to receive text messages. You will need to enter your phone number and confirm it.

When you ship a package through FedEx.com or the FedEx app, you can choose to receive text updates at the moment you create the label. A checkbox will appear asking if you want SMS notifications for that shipment — check it and enter your phone number. You can also add text notifications to a package after you have shipped it by entering the tracking number on FedEx.com and updating your preferences there.

If someone is sending you a package and they have your phone number, they can add your number to the shipment so you receive texts about it. This is common when retailers or businesses ship to you — they often include customer phone numbers in the label data.

What FedEx texts actually say

FedEx text messages are brief and include a link to your tracking page. A typical message might say "Your FedEx package is out for delivery today" or "Delivery attempt made — no one was home." The message will include your tracking number or a shortened link you can tap to see the full status.

You will usually get a text when your package is picked up, when it arrives at a sorting facility, when it is out for delivery, and when it has been delivered. If a delivery attempt fails, FedEx will text you with the reason — for example, "Address not accessible" or "Recipient not available." You may also receive a text asking you to reschedule delivery or provide delivery instructions.

Spotting fake FedEx text scams

Scammers send fake FedEx texts to trick you into clicking a link or providing personal information. A real FedEx text comes only if you signed up for it, includes your actual tracking number, and links to fedex.com or a FedEx tracking page. Fake texts often have spelling errors, ask you to "confirm" your address or payment, or claim there is a problem with your delivery that needs immediate attention.

Do not click links in unsolicited texts, even if they look like they come from FedEx. Instead, go directly to fedex.com in your web browser and enter your tracking number there. If you are unsure whether a text is real, call FedEx customer service at 1-800-463-3339 and read them the message — they can tell you whether it came from them.

Turning off FedEx text notifications

You can stop receiving FedEx texts at any time. Log into your FedEx account, go to your notification settings, and uncheck the box for text messages. You can also reply "STOP" to any FedEx text message and you will be removed from that shipment's notifications.

If you want to turn off texts for just one package, enter the tracking number on FedEx.com, click "Manage Notifications," and deselect text messages. This will not affect texts for other packages you have signed up for.

When FedEx texts might not arrive

FedEx texts can be delayed or blocked by your phone carrier, especially if you have an older phone plan or if your carrier is experiencing network issues. If you signed up for texts but are not receiving them, check that your phone number is correct in your FedEx account settings and that your phone can receive text messages from other businesses.

Some carriers charge for international texts or block messages from certain numbers. If you are outside the United States, FedEx may not be able to send you texts, or your carrier may charge you to receive them. Check with your phone provider if you are not getting FedEx notifications and you are sure you signed up for them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get FedEx notifications by email instead of text?

Yes. In your FedEx account notification settings, you can choose email, text, or both. Email notifications include the same tracking updates as texts but arrive in your inbox instead of as a message.

Will FedEx text me if someone else shipped me a package?

Only if the person who shipped it included your phone number on the label. Retailers and businesses often do this automatically, but private individuals may not. You can still track the package on FedEx.com without signing up for texts.

What should I do if I get a FedEx text asking for my password?

Do not reply or click the link. Real FedEx will never ask for your password in a text message. This is a phishing scam. Delete the message and report it to FedEx by forwarding it to spam@fedex.com.

Can I text FedEx back with questions?

No. FedEx text notifications are one-way messages only. To contact FedEx, call 1-800-463-3339, use the FedEx app, or visit fedex.com. Do not reply to tracking texts with questions — your message will not reach customer service.