Thanks to its online platform, USPS has made it easier than ever to track packages, change your address or have your mail held. Even better, all you need to do to access these services is to create an account.
But what happens when your USPS account is disabled? Not surprisingly, this is a stressful experience for many. However, we’ve put together a guide to help you get your account back up and running, so keep reading to learn more!
Key Takeaways
Why Is My USPS Account Disabled?
A USPS account may be disabled due to incorrect login attempts, multiple user accounts at the same address, prolonged inactivity or suspicious behavior. USPS’ online platform allows customers to track packages, complete a change of address form and create a mail hold, and all of these services require an account with a password-protected login in 2022.
If your USPS account has been disabled and you don’t know what happened or how to fix it, then be sure to check out this article for more useful facts and tips!
What Does It Mean If My USPS Account Is Disabled?
Before we get into why your account may be disabled and how to fix it, it’s a good idea to understand exactly what the problem is in the first place.
When your USPS account is disabled, your login credentials are (at least temporarily) no longer valid on the postal service’s online platform.
In other words, you’ll no longer be able to access any of USPS’ online resources or services that require a login, which includes tracking packages, changing your address or starting a mail hold.
Why Is My Account Disabled on the USPS Website?
Now that you’ve got a better understanding of what you’re up against when your USPS account is disabled, you may be wondering what caused this frustrating situation in the first place.
It turns out there are several reasons why your account may be disabled (whether temporarily or otherwise), so let’s take a closer look at each one below.
1. Too many incorrect login attempts:
Repeated login attempts with the wrong credentials (username or password) is one of the most common reasons behind a USPS account being disabled.
Like most sites, USPS takes its customers’ online safety and security very seriously. Being a government agency, it may even take it more seriously!
USPS’ website gives you 5 login attempts before disabling your account, but you will likely receive a warning ahead of time if you’re approaching the limit.
In a similar way, USPS will disable your account if someone tries to hack into it and is unsuccessful after 5 attempts.
To avoid having your account disabled for this reason, make sure to avoid errors like incorrect spelling or capitalization.
In addition, if you’ve unsuccessfully tried to log in a few times, click “Forgot My Password” rather than trying to remember on your own.
While it’s annoying to go through the verifications and change your password, it beats the alternative of having your account disabled.
2. Multiple accounts created for a single user or address:
In general, USPS only allows one online account for each mailing address (or at least for each individual receiving mail at a given address).
That means the potential for an account to be disabled increases significantly whenever multiple accounts are created for a single individual at a single address.
USPS has automated systems built into the backend of its website that work to identify and clamp down on such behavior.
One of the main reasons for this security feature is that USPS is always on the lookout for any kind of mail fraud. They don’t want any unauthorized individuals to have access to, or control of, how mail is being delivered to anyone else.
Occasionally, this fraud-protection system creates false positives. For example, if someone with a similar address makes a typo and creates another account for your address.
While there’s not much you can do to avoid someone else making a typo, you can check with family members or anyone else living in your household to see if there are multiple accounts for your address.
If there are, consider deleting all but one so you can avoid having your accounts disabled.
3. Prolonged account inactivity:
USPS is pretty lenient when it comes to account inactivity. In fact, your account could be inactive for years or more before it’s disabled.
Because of this, it’s very unlikely that inactivity is the reason behind your account being disabled, though this does occur occasionally.
If you use your account on a weekly (or even monthly) basis, there’s no reason to fear having your account disabled for inactivity.
4. A glitch in USPS’ backend system:
It’s true, a small bug or malfunction may be enough to result in your USPS account being disabled. In cases like these, all you can do is wait, as USPS will likely identify and fix the issue as soon as possible.
5. Suspicious behavior:
One final reason your account may be disabled is because of suspicious behavior, whether in terms of the creation of your account or in terms of behavior on the platform.
Unless you’re a victim of hacking, you shouldn’t have to worry about your account being disabled if you’re using the USPS platform for its intended purpose.
How Do I Reactivate My USPS Account?
Although having your USPS account disabled is a pain, it’s usually not too difficult to get it up and running again. In many cases, you’ll be able to follow the on-screen menus to re-enable your account automatically.
Usually, you’ll be asked to confirm account details, verify your identity or create a new password.
If you’re unable to reactivate your account online, you can call USPS customer service at 1-800-275-8777, contact the online Help Desk or ask someone at your local post office for help.
To learn more about USPS, you can also see our posts on whether or not USPS takes credit cards, how to cancel a USPS mail hold, and USPS dead mail.
Conclusion
It’s fairly easy to reactivate your USPS account. In many cases, you’ll be able to take care of it without speaking to a USPS representative.
USPS’ online platform is a fantastic resource for almost all of your mailing needs. Unfortunately, that also means that it’s equally as devastating when your account is disabled.