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There are more than 500 reports on Downdetector at the time of writing, 81% of which are stated as “tracking”.
Someone commented on the platform: “Says internal server error when I try tracking my parcel idk why.”
Another added: “‘Internal server error’ every time i try tracking my parcel.”
@RoyalMailHelp is there a problem with the UK tracking service at the moment? I was expecting a Special Delivery item to arrive before 1pm today. It was incorrectly routed but there was no change to status after ~5:30am and now I get an error message when I try to track it?
— Alison Billing (@alison_billing) September 2, 2025
Others took to X and asked: “@RoyalMailHelp is there a problem with the UK tracking service at the moment? I was expecting a Special Delivery item to arrive before 1pm today. It was incorrectly routed but there was no change to status after ~5:30am and now I get an error message when I try to track it?
Have you noticed problems when trying to track your parcel on Royal Mail today? Let us know in the comments below.
Newsquest has approached Royal Mail for comment.
What does an internal server error mean?
Tech website Ask Leo explains: “An internal server error is an error on the web server you’re trying to access.
“That server is misconfigured in some way that prevents it from responding properly to what you’re asking it to do.
“Think of it like the web’s version of a blue screen. Something went so wrong on the server that it couldn’t even tell you what the problem was.”
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What is Downdetector?
Downdetector is an online website that allows users of popular services including X (Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, Virgin Media and more to report if they are having trouble with the services.
The site only reports an incident when the number of problem reports is significantly higher than the typical volume for that time of day.
Describing itself on its website, Downdetector is “where people go when services don’t work.”
The website monitors disruptions to various key services including the internet, web hosting platforms, banks, social media and more.
You can see the full methodology and learn more about how Downdetector collects status information and detects problems via its website.
In short, users can get involved by submitting any issue reports on the platform.
Problem indicators are also collected from social media and other factors on the web, Downdetector explained.
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These reports are then validated and analysed in real-time.
An incident is then detected if the number of reports is significantly higher than the typical average for that particular service.
When a user goes to investigate the issue, they can see what the most reported problems are currently and check if their areas are in one of the outage hotspots.
