When you can change your Amazon delivery address
You can change the delivery address on an Amazon order, but only if the order hasn't entered the delivery network yet. Once Amazon has handed your package to a carrier or it's already out for delivery, the address is locked and you'll need to refuse the package or contact Amazon's customer service for other options.
The window to change the address yourself is usually a few hours after you place the order—sometimes longer if the item is in a warehouse far from you. If you catch it early enough, the change takes seconds. If you miss that window, you have other routes, but they require contacting Amazon directly.
Key Takeaways
- You can change the delivery address in Your Orders before the item ships, using the "Change Address" button on the order details page.
- Once the order enters the carrier's system or shows "Out for Delivery," you cannot change the address yourself and must contact Amazon customer service.
- If you miss the window to change the address, you can refuse delivery and have the package returned, then reorder to the correct address.
- For orders already shipped, Amazon customer service can sometimes redirect the package, but this depends on the carrier and how far along the delivery is.
- Setting up address book entries in your Amazon account prevents mistakes on future orders.
How to change the address before the order ships
Open the Amazon app or website and go to Your Orders. Find the order you want to change and select it to open the order details page. Look for a button labeled "Change Address" or "Edit Delivery Address"—it appears only if the order hasn't shipped yet.
Click that button and you'll see a list of addresses already saved to your account, plus an option to enter a new address. Select the correct address or type in the new one, then confirm the change. Amazon will update the shipping label and send you a confirmation email with the new address. This usually takes effect within minutes.
If you don't see the "Change Address" button, the order has already left the warehouse or entered the carrier's system. In that case, skip to the section below about what to do when you've missed the window.
What to do if the order has already shipped
Once the order shows a tracking number and the status says "Shipped" or "Out for Delivery," you cannot change the address through Your Orders. At this point, you have two main options: refuse the delivery, or contact Amazon customer service to ask if the carrier can redirect it.
The redirect option works only if the package is still in transit and hasn't reached the final delivery hub. UPS and FedEx can sometimes intercept packages, but USPS cannot. Even when interception is possible, it can take 24 to 48 hours and may cost extra. Amazon customer service can tell you whether it's possible for your specific order and carrier.
The more reliable option is to refuse delivery when the carrier arrives. Tell the driver you refuse the package, and it will be returned to Amazon. Once it's back in Amazon's system, you can place a new order to the correct address. This takes longer overall, but it guarantees the package goes where you want it.
Refusing delivery and reordering
When the delivery driver arrives, tell them you refuse the package. You don't need to open it or explain why. The driver will mark it as refused and take it back. Amazon will start processing the return when ready, and you'll see the refund appear in Your Orders within a few days.
Once the refund shows as complete, place a new order for the same item to the correct address. If the item is no longer in stock or the price has changed, check your email for a return confirmation—Amazon sometimes sends a link to reorder at the original price within a short window.
This method adds a few days to your delivery time, but it's the safest way to may support the package reaches the right place if you've missed the address-change window.
Contacting Amazon customer service about a shipped order
If you want to try redirecting a package that's already shipped, contact Amazon customer service through the Your Orders page. Open the order, scroll down, and select "Contact Us" or "Get Help." Choose the reason "I want to change my delivery address" and describe the situation.
Amazon will check the tracking status and tell you whether the carrier can intercept the package. If it's possible, they'll either redirect it for you or give you instructions on how to contact the carrier directly. If it's not possible, they'll confirm that refusing delivery is your best option.
Response times vary, but Amazon usually replies within a few hours during business hours. Have your order number and the correct address ready when you contact them.
How to avoid address mistakes on future orders
Add all your regular delivery addresses to your Amazon account before you place an order. Go to Your Account, select "Manage Addresses," and add each address with a label like "Home," "Work," or "Parent's House." When you check out, you'll see all saved addresses and can pick the right one in seconds.
Double-check the address on the final checkout page before you submit the order. Look at the street number, city, state, and ZIP code. A few seconds of attention here prevents the need to refuse a delivery or contact customer service later.
If you order to a new address for the first time, consider placing a small test order first to make sure the address is correct and the location receives packages. This is especially useful if you're ordering to an unfamiliar building or neighborhood.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change the address if the order shows "Preparing to Ship"?
Yes. "Preparing to Ship" means the order is still in the warehouse and hasn't left yet. The "Change Address" button should still be visible on your order details page. Once it changes to "Shipped" with a tracking number, you've missed the window.
What if I refuse delivery but the driver won't take the package back?
Tell the driver clearly that you refuse the package. If they insist on leaving it, contact Amazon customer service when ready with the delivery date and driver name. Amazon can file a claim and arrange a pickup or return. Do not open the package if you've refused it.
Will I be charged again if I refuse delivery and reorder?
No. When you refuse delivery, Amazon processes a full refund to your original payment method. You'll only be charged when you place the new order to the correct address. The refund usually appears within a few days, but reorder as soon as you refuse so you don't lose stock or price availability.
Can Amazon redirect a package that's already out for delivery?
Rarely. Once a package is marked "Out for Delivery," it's usually too late for the carrier to redirect it. UPS and FedEx can sometimes intercept packages earlier in transit, but USPS cannot. Contact Amazon customer service to ask, but be prepared to refuse delivery instead.
What if I change the address but the package still goes to the old one?
This is uncommon but can happen if the address change didn't process before the shipping label printed. Contact Amazon customer service with your order number and the address you changed it to. They can file a claim with the carrier and either redirect the package or process a return so you can reorder.