The USPS augmented reality app was a holiday-themed experience tied to Priority Mail boxes, designed to let senders and recipients interact with animated seasonal scenes through their phone screens. This app, officially called USPS AR, allowed users to align their device’s camera with the blue “track and insured” shield on a Priority Mail package to trigger a short, animated holiday message.
What was the USPS augmented reality app?
The USPS AR app was a free, seasonal augmented reality experience launched by the United States Postal Service for Priority Mail customers. It was presented as a holiday-themed feature that worked exclusively with Priority Mail boxes, using the blue “track and insured” shield as the trigger marker. The app was not a general-purpose postal tool; it was a limited-time promotional experience tied to specific holiday dates and scenes.
How the USPS AR app worked
The documented steps from USPS launch materials are straightforward. First, the sender or recipient visited DeliverCheer.com as step 1. Then they downloaded the free USPS AR app from the Apple App Store or Google Play as step 2. After opening the app as step 3, they aligned the on-screen brackets on their phone screen with the blue “track and insured” shield on a USPS Priority Box as step 4. Once aligned, the app triggered the animated holiday experience. Users could then use on-screen buttons to take a still photo or video of the scene as step 5.
USPS AR app features and holiday scenes
According to USPS’s recorded launch materials, the app offered several animated holiday messages. Senders could choose a scene featuring a reindeer tangled in Christmas tree lights or a penguin and other wildlife near an igloo. Recipients could also create a “Thank you” message with an animated snowman or gingerbread characters. At the bottom of the screen, buttons allowed users to take a still photo or video of the experience. Users could then save, send, and share the content on social media. The app did not support other package types; it was designed only for Priority Mail boxes with the blue shield marker.
Supported devices and seasonal schedule
USPS’s launch note confirmed the app was available from the Apple App Store and Google Play. The app was presented as a holiday-themed experience with a schedule of different seasonal scenes over time. Documented dates from one USPS holiday release include Nov. 27, Nov. 30, Dec. 4, Dec. 7, Dec. 11, Dec. 14, Dec. 18, Dec. 21, Dec. 25, and Dec. 28. The app was not described as a permanent feature; it was clearly tied to a seasonal promotion. If a reader is looking for virtual reality and accessories for USPS services, this app was a separate, holiday-specific augmented reality tool, not a virtual reality product.
Is the USPS AR app still available?
Because the app was presented as a seasonal holiday experience with a specific date schedule, it is likely no longer active. The available USPS material does not confirm that the app can still be downloaded or used. For the most current information, check USPS.com or search the Apple App Store and Google Play directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the USPS AR app on any package?
No. The app was designed exclusively for Priority Mail boxes and required the blue “track and insured” shield to trigger the experience.
Do I need a special phone to use the USPS AR app?
Is the USPS AR app the same as the current USPS mobile app?
No. The USPS AR app was a separate, holiday-themed augmented reality experience. The current USPS mobile app (com.usps.app) is a general-purpose tool for tracking, shipping, and finding locations. The AR app is not a feature of the main USPS app.
What happened to the DeliverCheer.com website?
It was the landing page provided in the original launch instructions for downloading the USPS AR app.
Can I still create a holiday message with the USPS AR app?
Because the app was tied to a specific holiday schedule and seasonal promotion, it is likely no longer active. Check the Apple App Store or Google Play directly to see if the app is still available for download.
