Whether you can change your delivery address depends on the order's status
You can change the delivery address on an Amazon order only if it has not yet shipped. Once the carrier picks up the package, Amazon cannot redirect it to a new address — you will have to refuse the delivery or wait for it to arrive and return it. The window to make changes is usually a few hours after you place the order, though this varies by item type and warehouse location.
If your order is still in "Processing" or "Pending" status, you have the best chance of changing the address. Once it moves to "Shipped," the address is locked in. You can check the current status of your order in Your Orders on Amazon.com or in the Amazon app.
Key Takeaways
- You can only change the delivery address before the order ships; after that, the address is locked and cannot be changed through Amazon.
- Check your order status in Your Orders — if it says "Processing" or "Pending," you may still be able to edit the address.
- The fastest way to change the address is through the order details page, where an "Edit Delivery Address" option appears if the order qualifies.
- If the order has already shipped, you can refuse delivery or wait for it to arrive and return it, then place a new order with the correct address.
- Some items, such as digital goods or items from third-party sellers with their own fulfillment, cannot have their addresses changed at all.
How to change the address through Your Orders
Open Amazon.com or the Amazon app and go to Your Orders. Find the order you want to change and look for an "Edit Delivery Address" link or button. This option only appears if the order has not yet shipped. Click it, enter the new address, and confirm the change. Amazon will show you whether the new address is may be able to access for delivery with your current shipping speed.
If you do not see the "Edit Delivery Address" option, the order has already shipped or is ineligible for address changes. In that case, your only options are to refuse the delivery when it arrives or accept it and return it afterward.
What happens if the order has already shipped
Once an order enters "Shipped" status, Amazon has handed it off to the carrier — usually UPS, FedEx, or USPS — and cannot recall it. You have two choices: refuse the package when it arrives, or accept it and return it.
To refuse delivery, you can contact the carrier directly using the tracking number from your Amazon order. Tell them you want to refuse the package. The carrier will return it to Amazon, and you will receive a refund. This process takes longer than a normal return and may take two to four weeks.
The faster route is to accept the delivery at the original address, then return the item through Amazon's normal return process. Once Amazon receives and processes the return, you can place a new order with the correct address. This usually takes one to two weeks total.
Items that cannot have their address changed
Some orders are ineligible for address changes no matter what status they are in. Digital items — such as e-books, apps, or software licenses — cannot be redirected because they are delivered electronically. Preorders and items sold by third-party sellers who handle their own fulfillment may also lock the address when ready after purchase.
Items shipped from international warehouses or those marked as "Gift" orders sometimes cannot be changed either. If you are unsure whether your specific item can be changed, the "Edit Delivery Address" option will not appear on the order details page, which is your signal that it is not available for that order.
How to avoid address problems before you order
Double-check your delivery address before you click "Place Your Order." Amazon uses the address on file in your account, so if you recently moved or added a new address, make sure it is set as your default. You can manage your addresses in Your Account under "Addresses."
If you are ordering to a new address for the first time, enter it carefully and verify it matches what your carrier will recognize. Apartment numbers, suite numbers, and directional prefixes (North, South, East, West) are common sources of delivery errors. Some carriers will not deliver to a P.O. box, so avoid using one unless the item specifically allows it.
Using Amazon lockers or pickup points as an alternative
If you realize you need to change your address after placing an order but before it ships, consider whether an Amazon Locker or Amazon Hub location works instead. These are self-service pickup points in grocery stores, pharmacies, and other retail locations. Some orders can be redirected to a locker even after they have entered early shipping stages, though this is not may provide.
To check whether your order can go to a locker, contact Amazon Customer Service through the chat or phone option in Your Account. They can sometimes reroute orders to a locker location if one is near you and the order has not yet left the warehouse. This is faster than refusing delivery and reordering.
Contacting Amazon Customer Service if you cannot change the address yourself
If the "Edit Delivery Address" option does not appear but you believe the order has not shipped yet, contact Amazon Customer Service. You can reach them through the chat feature in Your Account, by phone, or through the Amazon app. Have your order number ready.
Customer Service can sometimes change addresses manually even if the option is not visible to you, particularly if the order is still in the warehouse. Response time is usually within a few hours during business hours. If they cannot change it, they will explain your options for refusing or returning the package.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my delivery address after the order ships?
No. Once Amazon hands the order to the carrier, the address cannot be changed. You will need to refuse the delivery or accept it and return it, then place a new order with the correct address.
What if I change my address but the order goes to the old one anyway?
This can happen if you changed your account address after placing the order but before it shipped. Contact Amazon Customer Service when ready with your order number. They may be able to intercept it if it has not yet left the warehouse, or they can help you refuse delivery.
How long do I have to change my address after I order?
There is no fixed time limit. It depends on how quickly the item is processed and shipped from the warehouse. Some items ship within hours; others take a day or two. Check your order status regularly — once it says "Shipped," you can no longer change the address.
Can I change the address on a gift order?
Gift orders are usually locked to the original address and cannot be changed. If you need to send it somewhere else, you will have to refuse or return the package and place a new order. Contact Customer Service to confirm whether your specific gift order can be changed.
What if the carrier delivers to the wrong address by mistake?
If the package arrives at an incorrect address due to a carrier error, contact Amazon Customer Service and provide the tracking number. Amazon can file a claim with the carrier and may issue a refund or replacement. Keep any evidence of the misdelivery, such as photos or neighbor statements.