How to Ship a Cell Phone with USPS

Learn how to ship a cell phone with the US Postal Service, and what sort of precautions you should always take
ship a cell phone
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Can you imagine a world without smartphones? It’s hard to believe that just 15 years ago, they didn’t exist! Smartphones have changed everything since their inception, from how communicate to how we share information…and even how we shop. The smartphone is arguably the most important tool in the eCommerce landscape, enabling business owners to fulfill billions of shipments to customers around the world—but have you ever wondered what the rules are for shipping cell phones themselves?

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First Class Package is the Cheapest Way to Send a Cell Phone

First thing’s first. Contrary to what certain people may tell you, USPS won’t prohibit you from shipping a cell phone, so go ahead and send those bad boys to your heart’s content!

When it’s time to ship, you’re going to want to lock in the best rates you possibly can. Bar none, the cheapest service for shipping a cell phone is USPS First Class Package Service. First Class Package is the cheapest shipping service that USPS offers for packages weighing under 15.99 ounces (or just under 1 lb), which is the weight category that nearly all cell phone shipments fall into.

Similar to Priority Mail, First Class Package shipments typically arrive at their destination within 1-4 business days, and all packages comes with a tracking number that you can follow along with on the USPS website.

A Quick Heads Up

First Class Package is one of the Postal Service’s most popular services, but there are a couple of caveats you should know about. Firstly, USPS doesn’t offer any free packaging for First Class Package, so you’ll be responsible for providing your own boxes or mailers. If you’re looking for some packaging options, the ULINE website has everything you’ll ever need and more!

Secondly, First Class Package doesn’t come with any built-in USPS insurance. Therefore, you’ll need to find another way to protect your shipment(s), which we’ll get to in a couple of minutes.

Save the Most Money on Your Packages with Shipping Software

Whether you’re an individual sending a single phone or a major retailer with thousands of orders, you should always use shipping software to buy labels at the deepest discounts possible. When you use shipping software, you won’t just give yourself the option to buy and print postage from home; you’ll also get access to a special level of savings that USPS calls Commercial Pricing. Typically, USPS only reserves these special discounts for huge shippers sending out tens of thousands of packages…but the best shipping software companies hook you up with these savings for free!

When you use shipping software to buy First Class Package labels, you can save up to 65% off what you’d pay to ship the same package at the Post Office, in some cases. Pretty sweet, right?

Cell Phones Contain Lithium-Ion Batteries

One thing to keep in mind is that cell phones contain lithium-ion batteries, and you need to affix the proper markings to your box in order to send them properly. Typically, lithium-ion batteries require special shipping processes, and shippers can only send their packages via ground service. However, when it comes to cell phones, lithium-ion batteries are installed within the equipment they power, so USPS won’t restrict you to ground transportation.

When you ship with USPS, you can ship a phone with any air-based service, such as First Class Package. You just need to affix this special UN3481 label to the outside of your box, and you’ll be all set!

Make Sure to Properly Insure Your Shipment

Since First Class Package doesn’t come with any built-in USPS insurance, we always recommend that you purchase additional insurance to protect your package. This way, you’ll be able to file a claim if your package gets lost during transit, or if the cell phone arrives damaged or cracked.

The thing is, some insurance companies won’t insure your cell phone shipment unless you also pay for signature confirmation service on top of the cost of postage. This is important to remember, since you don’t want to pay extra for insurance and then have the company deny your claim for lack of signature confirmation! So, no matter which shipping software you use to buy labels, be sure to spring for signature confirmation and read the fine print of the insurance terms and conditions, if they’re available.


Looking for the right shipping software for you?

To get the deepest discounts on USPS First Class Package Service, check out our guide:

Choose the Best Shipping Software

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18 Comments

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  1. Matt

    Would affixing a UN3481 label on the box be sufficient to mail a new factory sealed phone from the US to an APO address? I did not have this label and US Customs returned package to origin with a “dangerous goods” notation on the package, based on my customs label declaring the content being a smartphone.

    Also, if adding the UN3481 is sufficient, then may I use the same shipping/customs label for my next attempt?

    Reply  
  2. Dan

    As of Feb 2, 2024 cell phones cannot be shipped with USPS. Verified at two POs.

    Reply  
    • Delilah

      I just sent an iPhone internationally via USPS
      2/12/2024.

      Reply  
      • Daniela

        Did you declare it as a cell phone? No post office in NYC would take it; at all.

        Reply  
  3. Mangoutou

    Puis-je expédier des iphones au B?

    Reply  
  4. Elena

    Is it possible to send Apple iPhones to Georgia? Is it possible to insure the parcel and how long will the box go to Georgia? Thank you

    Reply  
  5. Angela

    Can you ship 3 cell phones in the same box via USPS? I am seeing different information regarding this.

    Reply  
  6. Crown

    Please don’t ever us first class they are not relaiable and so foolish they are thieves they can scan your 📦 packages 📦 plea is an advise I lost a new iphone 13pro max with them and then can’t even trace the phone i mange they are supposed to be banned from shipping

    Reply  
    • gerardo cordova

      me too buddy i lost my brand new iphone 13 promax,,incompetent

      Reply  
    • Kipene

      Est-ce que je peux expédier des smartphone au Brésil par la poste?

      Reply  
  7. In Maryland

    Can i send my iphone 7 to South Korea ?
    How much wlll it cost ?

    Reply  
    • Mangoutou

      Est-il possible d’expédier des smartphone iphone au Brésil par la poste?

      Reply  
    • Kipene

      Est-il possible d’expédier des smartphone iphone au Brésil par la poste?

      Reply  
  8. Claudia Bell

    Can I send a cell phone in a package with an UN3481-label to Germany and how much would it cost? Thank you in advance.

    Reply  
  9. Mary

    Can I send a cell phone in a package in sending to South Africa?

    Reply  
    • Rockwell Sands

      Hi Mary – I don’t think you can ship a cell phone to South Africa unfortunately, since it looks like the country prohibits lithium ion batteries from being imported! Here’s what I’m seeing that info: https://pe.usps.com/text/imm/ps_034.htm. Sorry I don’t have better news!

      Reply  
  10. Nicole

    Hello,
    I would like to ask about sending an Iphone from Usa to Cabo Verde, How much is it and how it work?
    Thank you

    Reply  
    • Kipene

      Est-il possible d’expédier des smartphone iphone au Brésil par la poste?

      Reply  

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