> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.smartsend.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Tracking

> Automatic tracking notifications and customer communication

When shipping labels are created in WooCommerce, tracking numbers and tracking links are automatically added to orders and can be shared with customers through various methods.

## How tracking works

When you create a shipping label:

1. **Tracking number is generated** by the carrier
2. **Tracking link is created** for real-time package tracking
3. **Information is stored** in the WooCommerce order
4. **Customer notifications** can be sent automatically

## Tracking notification options

You have several options for providing tracking information to customers:

### Option 1: WooCommerce Shipment Tracking plugin (Recommended)

The <Link href="https://woocommerce.com/products/shipment-tracking/?aff=4229">WooCommerce Shipment Tracking</Link> <Icon icon="arrow-up-right" size={12} /> plugin provides the best customer experience:

* **Integrates with existing emails** - Adds tracking links to your current WooCommerce email templates
* **Order tracking page** - Customers can track orders directly on your site
* **Order view page** - Tracking information displays in customer account
* **No duplicate emails** - Uses your existing email system instead of sending separate tracking emails

<Info>
  This is our recommended approach because it provides a seamless experience without spamming customers with multiple emails.
</Info>

### Option 2: Smart Send automatic emails

Enable automatic tracking emails from your Smart Send account by logging into the <Link href="https://app.smartsend.io">Smart Send platform</Link> <Icon icon="arrow-up-right" size={12} />.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Navigate to Notifications">
    Go to **Settings** > **<Link href="https://app.smartsend.io/team/settings/preferences">Notifications</Link>**
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enable tracking emails">
    **Enable tracking emails** for customers
  </Step>

  <Step title="Customize templates">
    **Customize email templates** as needed
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Warning>
  This option sends separate emails from Smart Send, which might result in customers receiving multiple emails about their order.
</Warning>

### Option 3: Carrier notifications

Most carriers automatically send tracking notifications:

* **Email/SMS notifications** sent by the carrier
* **Timing varies** - Some send immediately after booking, others when the carrier receives the package
* **Cannot be disabled** in most cases
* **Carrier-specific** - Each carrier has different notification policies

## Setting up WooCommerce Shipment Tracking

To use the recommended tracking solution:

1. **Install the plugin** from the WooCommerce marketplace
2. **Activate the plugin** in your WordPress admin
3. **Configure settings** to match your preferences
4. **Test with a sample order** to ensure everything works

### Benefits of WooCommerce Shipment Tracking

* **Unified email system** - All notifications come from your store
* **Brand consistency** - Emails match your store's branding
* **Better customer experience** - Single source for all order communications
* **Reduced email fatigue** - Customers don't receive multiple tracking emails

## Tracking information display

Tracking information appears in several places:

### Customer account

* **Order history** - Past orders with tracking links
* **Order details** - Current order status and tracking information
* **Email notifications** - Tracking links in order update emails

### Admin interface

* **Order details** - Tracking numbers and links in order management
* **Order list** - Quick access to tracking information
* **Bulk actions** - Manage tracking for multiple orders

## Tracking status updates

The system automatically updates tracking status when:

* **Package is picked up** by the carrier
* **Package is in transit** with location updates
* **Package is out for delivery**
* **Package is delivered** or available for pickup
* **Delivery exceptions** occur (failed delivery, etc.)

## Customizing tracking notifications

### Email templates

* **Customize email content** - Add your branding and messaging
* **Include tracking links** - Ensure tracking information is prominently displayed
* **Set notification timing** - Control when customers receive updates

### Tracking page

* **Customize tracking page** - Match your store's design
* **Add additional information** - Include delivery instructions or contact details
* **Mobile optimization** - Ensure tracking works well on mobile devices

## Troubleshooting tracking

### Customers not receiving tracking information

**Common issues:**

* **Email settings** - Check that customer email addresses are valid
* **Notification settings** - Verify tracking notifications are enabled
* **Spam filters** - Tracking emails might be filtered by email providers
* **Plugin conflicts** - Other plugins might interfere with email delivery

### Tracking links not working

**Solutions:**

* **Check carrier connection** - Verify the carrier is properly connected
* **Test tracking numbers** - Ensure tracking numbers are valid
* **Update plugin** - Make sure you're using the latest version
* **Contact support** - Reach out if issues persist

### Tracking status not updating

**Possible causes:**

* **Carrier delays** - Some carriers update tracking information slowly
* **System synchronization** - Tracking updates might take time to sync
* **Carrier issues** - The carrier might be experiencing technical problems

## Best practices

### Customer communication

* **Set expectations** - Let customers know when they'll receive tracking information
* **Provide multiple ways to track** - Email, website, and direct carrier links
* **Include delivery estimates** - Help customers plan for package arrival
* **Offer support** - Provide contact information for tracking questions

### Technical setup

* **Test thoroughly** - Verify tracking works with different carriers and order types
* **Monitor performance** - Check that tracking updates are working correctly
* **Keep plugins updated** - Ensure compatibility with the latest WooCommerce version
* **Backup before changes** - Always backup before making configuration changes

## Next steps

After setting up tracking:

1. [Configure supported plugins](/integrations/woocommerce/supported-plugins) for enhanced functionality
2. Test the complete order flow from checkout to delivery
3. Monitor customer feedback on tracking experience