When you can change your address on an Amazon order

You can change the delivery address on an Amazon order only if the order hasn't shipped yet. Once Amazon has handed the package to a carrier — UPS, FedEx, USPS, or Amazon's own delivery service — the address is locked in and cannot be changed through your account. The window to make changes is usually a few hours after you place the order, though it varies depending on how quickly Amazon processes and ships items from its warehouse.

If your order has already shipped, you have different options depending on how far along the delivery is. Those are covered in the sections below. The key is to act fast: the sooner you catch the mistake, the more options you have.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change the address only before the order ships; once a carrier picks it up, the address is locked.
  • To change the address, go to Your Orders, find the order, and look for an "Edit Delivery Address" link — it only appears if the order hasn't shipped.
  • If the order has already shipped, you can intercept it with the carrier or refuse delivery and have it returned.
  • If you miss the window and the package arrives at the wrong address, contact the recipient or your local postal carrier to retrieve it.
  • For future orders, double-check your address at checkout before you complete the purchase.

How to change the address before the order ships

Open Amazon.com and go to Your Orders (you can find this by clicking the account menu in the top right). Locate the order you need to change and look for an "Edit Delivery Address" link. This link only appears if the order hasn't shipped yet. Click it and enter the new address, then confirm the change.

Not all items can be changed this way. Some orders — particularly those from third-party sellers or items marked as "In Stock Soon" — may not allow address changes even before shipping. If you don't see the "Edit Delivery Address" option, the order is either already in the shipping process or the seller doesn't permit changes. In that case, you'll need to cancel the order and place a new one with the correct address, assuming the item is still in stock.

What to do if the order has already shipped

If the package is already on its way, you have two main options: intercept it with the carrier or refuse delivery. Intercept means asking the carrier to redirect the package to a different address before it reaches the original destination. This works best if you catch it within the first day or two of shipment.

To intercept an Amazon package, go to Your Orders, click the order, and look for a "Delivery Options" button. From there you can request that the carrier hold the package at a facility, redirect it to a different address, or return it to Amazon. Not all carriers offer all options, and some charge a fee. UPS and FedEx typically allow redirects; USPS and Amazon Logistics have more limited options.

If interception isn't possible or you miss the window, you can refuse delivery when the package arrives. Tell the delivery driver you don't accept it, and it will be returned to Amazon. You can then place a new order with the correct address. This takes longer — the return trip and reprocessing can add a week or more — but it guarantees the package doesn't go to the wrong person.

If the package arrived at the wrong address

If the delivery has already happened and the package went to the wrong address, your first step is to contact the person who received it. Explain the situation and ask them to return it or leave it with a neighbor or building management. Many people will do this without issue, especially if you reach out quickly.

If you can't reach the recipient or they won't cooperate, contact your local postal carrier or the carrier that delivered the package. Provide them with the tracking number and explain the error. They may be able to retrieve the package, though this depends on whether it's still in their possession and their willingness to help. Amazon's customer service can also file a report, which sometimes prompts the carrier to investigate.

As a last resort, you can file a claim with Amazon for a refund or replacement. Go to Your Orders, select the order, and choose "Return or Replace Items." Explain that the package was delivered to the wrong address. Amazon will likely refund you or send a replacement to the correct address.

How to prevent address mistakes on future orders

The easiest fix is to catch the error before you place the order. At checkout, Amazon displays the delivery address in a box near the bottom of the page. Read it carefully — don't just assume it's correct. If you've recently moved or added a new address, make sure the right one is selected.

You can also save multiple addresses to your Amazon account under Your Account > Addresses. Label them clearly (like "Home," "Work," or "Mom's House") so you pick the right one at checkout. If you frequently order to different locations, this takes just a few minutes to set up and saves time on every order.

When Amazon customer service can help

If you're unsure whether your order has shipped, or if you don't see the "Edit Delivery Address" option, contact Amazon customer service. You can reach them through the Contact Us link at the bottom of any Amazon page, or through the Your Orders page by selecting an order and clicking "Contact Seller" or "Contact Amazon." They can sometimes make changes or process returns faster than you can on your own, especially if you're within a few hours of placing the order.

Amazon's customer service is available by chat, phone, or email depending on your account type. Chat is usually the fastest option for urgent issues. Have your order number ready when you contact them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the address after the package is out for delivery?

It depends on the carrier. If you see the package is out for delivery that day, contact the carrier when ready with your tracking number and request a redirect or hold. UPS and FedEx are more likely to accommodate this than USPS or Amazon Logistics. The sooner you contact them, the better your chances.

What if I change the address to somewhere the carrier doesn't deliver?

Amazon will reject the new address at checkout or during the change process if it's outside the carrier's service area. If you're trying to change it to a PO box, rural address, or international location, you may not be able to. Contact Amazon customer service to discuss alternatives.

Do I get charged extra to redirect a shipped package?

Redirecting a package before delivery usually doesn't cost you anything — it's handled between Amazon and the carrier. However, some carriers charge a fee for certain redirect requests, which Amazon may pass on to you. Ask the carrier or Amazon before confirming the redirect.

If I refuse delivery, do I get my money back?

Yes. Once the package is returned to Amazon, your refund is processed automatically. The refund appears in your original payment method within a few business days. You can then place a new order with the correct address.

Can I change the address on a gift I sent to someone else?

Only if the order hasn't shipped yet. Once it ships, you cannot change the address without the recipient's cooperation. If the recipient is willing, they can refuse delivery and you can send a replacement to the correct address. Otherwise, you'll need to contact the person at the wrong address and ask them to return it.