How to Ship Electronics Safely: Packing and Battery Rules

To ship electronics, back up and power the device off, wrap it in anti-static material, pack it snugly in its original box or double-box it with 2 to 3 inches of cushioning on every side, and follow the lithium battery rules before you buy the label. Under USPS rules, a used device with a lithium battery must go by ground (USPS Ground Advantage) and be marked “Restricted Electronic Device” and “Surface Transportation Only.”

Electronics fail in transit for three reasons: static, shock and battery hazards. This hub explains how to handle all three, then points you to a step-by-step guide for each device.

How do you ship each type of electronic device?

The principles are the same from earbuds to a 65-inch TV, but the packaging scales with the device. Start with what you’re sending.

What packing supplies do you need to ship electronics?

• Anti-static bags or wrap for circuit boards, cards, drives and bare devices. Ordinary bubble wrap can build up a static charge, so it goes on the outside of the anti-static layer, not against exposed components.
• The original box, if you kept it, or a sturdy new box plus a larger outer box for double-boxing.
• Foam, foam corner blocks and bubble wrap to give 2 to 3 inches of cushioning on every side.
• Electrical tape to cover the terminals of any spare battery.
• A scale and tape measure, because the rate depends on the packed weight and box size.
• Packing tape and a label. Our roundup of shipping labels and label printers covers printing at home.

How do you pack electronics so they arrive working?

1. Back up and power down. Back up data, sign out of accounts (and turn off device locks such as Find My on Apple devices if you’re selling it), then power fully off. Remove discs, SIM cards, memory cards and loose accessories.
2. Wrap in anti-static material first. Put bare components and devices in an anti-static bag or wrap, then add bubble wrap or foam on top.
3. Secure the battery. Make sure the device can’t switch on in the box, and tape over the terminals of any spare battery. Don’t ship a swollen or damaged battery at all.
4. Box it snugly, then double-box. Use the original box with its inserts where possible. Otherwise, pack the device in an inner box and set that inside an outer box with 2 to 3 inches of cushioning all around.
5. Shake test, seal and mark. Nothing should move when you rock the box. Tape every seam, mark screens “Fragile,” and add any battery markings your shipment needs.

For extra-delicate or high-value items, our guide to shipping fragile items and valuables goes deeper on cushioning and insurance.

What are the lithium battery rules for shipping electronics?

Most phones, laptops, tablets, watches and earbuds contain lithium-ion batteries, which USPS treats as hazardous materials under Publication 52, section 349. Devices with the battery installed can ship by air or ground within limits, but loose batteries and used devices are restricted to ground.

Air rules add one more layer. Under IATA rules that took effect January 1, 2026, lithium-ion batteries packed with (but not installed in) equipment must ship at no more than a 30% state of charge by air, and IATA recommends the same for batteries installed in devices. Shipping by ground avoids most of these limits, and lowering the charge before you pack is good practice either way.

International mail is stricter still. USPS accepts lithium batteries internationally only when they’re installed in the equipment they power, and used devices aren’t accepted.

How do you ship electronics with ParcelPath?

ParcelPath is a free shipping platform: no subscription, no per-label fee, no minimums and no contracts, with up to 89% off USPS and up to 85% off UPS. More than 44,000 customers use it to ship with both carriers.

1. Weigh and measure the packed box. Electronics are often priced by box size as much as weight.
2. Compare USPS and UPS. Enter the destination, weight and dimensions in the ParcelPath rate calculator, or read how the ParcelPath shipping calculator compares discounted UPS and USPS rates. Choose USPS Ground Advantage for a used lithium device.
3. Add coverage. Declare the device’s value or add Shipsurance insurance, since included carrier coverage is up to $100.
4. Print or go printer-free. Print the label at home, show a UPS Mobile Barcode at a UPS Store, or use USPS Label Broker at the Post Office.
5. Drop it off or schedule a free USPS pickup.

If you sell electronics and need to fold shipping into your prices, our product pricing with shipping calculator helps you work out margins.

What mistakes damage electronics in shipping?

• Bubble wrap directly on bare boards. It can build static. Use anti-static material first.
• A loose box. Shock cracks screens and solder joints. Double-box and fill every gap.
• Sending a used device by air. USPS restricts used lithium devices to ground, so Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express are out.
• Relying on default coverage. USPS Ground Advantage and Priority Mail include up to $100 of insurance on most shipments, and UPS liability is up to $100 unless you declare more. Declare the full value of anything worth more.
• Shipping a swollen battery. Damaged or recalled batteries are prohibited. Recycle them instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you ship electronics safely?

Back up and power the device off, wrap it in anti-static material, then pack it in its original box or double-box it with 2 to 3 inches of cushioning on every side. Secure the battery so the device can’t turn on, mark screens “Fragile,” and declare the full value, since included carrier coverage is generally limited to $100.

Can you ship electronics with lithium batteries through USPS?

Yes. Under USPS Publication 52, section 349, devices with installed lithium-ion batteries (up to 100 Wh per battery) can ship domestically by air or ground. Used, damaged or defective devices must go by ground and be marked “Restricted Electronic Device” and “Surface Transportation Only.” Loose batteries are ground only, and recalled or damaged batteries are prohibited.

Do I need the original box to ship electronics?

No, but it’s the best option because its foam inserts are made for the device. Without it, wrap the device in anti-static material, pack it snugly in an inner box, then place that box inside a larger outer box with 2 to 3 inches of cushioning on every side so nothing shifts.

Which USPS service should I use for a used phone or laptop?

Use USPS Ground Advantage. USPS restricts used devices with lithium batteries to surface transportation, which rules out Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express because they travel by air. Ground Advantage takes packages up to 70 lbs, lists 2 to 5 day delivery, and includes up to $100 of insurance.

Sources

• USPS Publication 52, Section 349: Class 9 Hazardous Materials (lithium batteries)
• USPS: USPS Ground Advantage
• USPS: Priority Mail
• IATA: Lithium Batteries