Practical answers for Intelligent Mail barcodes
Answers to common questions about reading 65-bar codes, photographs, cost, and what decoded fields can tell you.
USPS IMb: 3 successful scans/day free; $4.99 one-time unlimited unlock.
Test it with Barcode Inspector.
Point your iPhone at this barcode on your computer screen and scan it. This example is rendered from an actual 65-bar IMb test specimen, not decorative artwork.
Open full-size scannable barcode ↗ if your iPhone has trouble reading the smaller example. Barcode identifier: 00 · Service type: 271 · Mailer ID: 206551 · Serial: 763979467. Get Barcode Inspector on the App Store ↗
Practical barcode knowledge
Can it read a photograph?
Yes. Barcode Inspector supports scanning from saved photos as well as the iPhone camera.
How much does the IMb feature cost?
Three successful IMb scans per day are free. The $4.99 one-time permanent unlock removes that daily IMb scan limit.
Are ordinary barcodes still free?
Yes. Standard barcode functionality stays free, including copying and sharing the results.
Will it show delivery status?
No live tracking status is promised. IMb decoding reveals encoded data; USPS event information is a separate service.
Does it read IMpb yet?
This site describes currently available IMb support. Additional USPS barcode formats are possible future enhancements, not features we advertise as shipping today.
Decode IMb right from your iPhone.
Read, inspect, copy, and share USPS Intelligent Mail barcode data using Barcode Inspector.
Get Barcode Inspector on the App Store ↗