When You Can Change Your Amazon Shipping Address
You can change your shipping address on Amazon, but the window to do it depends on whether you have already placed the order. If your order has not shipped yet — meaning it is still in "Processing" or "Pending" status — you can change the address through your account. Once a package has left Amazon's facility and entered carrier delivery, you cannot change the address through Amazon itself, though the carrier may offer options depending on how far along the delivery is.
The key is speed. Amazon processes orders quickly, sometimes within hours, so the sooner you catch an incorrect address, the better your chances of changing it before the package ships. Check your order status when ready after placing an order if you realize the address is wrong.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your shipping address through your Amazon account only while the order status shows "Processing" or "Pending" — once it moves to "Shipped," the carrier controls the package.
- The fastest way to change an address is to go to "Your Orders," find the order, and select "Change Address" if that button appears.
- If the order has already shipped, contact the carrier (UPS, FedEx, USPS, or Amazon Logistics) directly to see if they can redirect the package.
- For future orders, add the correct address to your Amazon account before checkout, or create a new address during checkout if the one you need is not listed.
- If you miss the window to change the address and the package arrives at the wrong location, you can refuse delivery or contact Amazon customer service to arrange a return and reshipping.
Change Your Address Before the Order Ships
Open your Amazon account and go to "Your Orders" — you will find this link in the top right corner under your account menu, or search for it in the Amazon app. Find the order with the wrong address and click on it to open the order details page.
Look for a button labeled "Change Address" or "Change Shipping Address." This button only appears if the order has not yet shipped. Click it, select the correct address from your saved addresses, or enter a new one. Confirm the change. Amazon will send you a confirmation email once the address has been updated.
If you do not see a "Change Address" button, the order has already shipped and left Amazon's control. In that case, move to the next section.
What to Do If the Package Has Already Shipped
Once your order status changes to "Shipped," Amazon no longer controls the package. The carrier — which could be UPS, FedEx, USPS, or Amazon Logistics — now has it. You will see the carrier name and tracking number on your order details page.
Contact the carrier directly using the tracking number. Most carriers allow you to request package redirection or delivery to a different address if the package has not yet been delivered. Call the carrier's customer service line or use their website to log in with your tracking number. Some carriers charge a fee for address changes, and some will not allow changes if the package is already out for delivery that day.
Amazon Logistics packages can sometimes be redirected through your Amazon account — check your order page to see if there is a "Redirect Package" option. If not, you will need to contact Amazon customer service and provide your tracking number.
Add or Update Your Address in Your Amazon Account
To prevent this problem in the future, keep your addresses up to date in your Amazon account. Go to "Your Account," then select "Addresses" or "Manage Addresses." You can add new addresses, edit existing ones, or set a default address for orders.
During checkout, Amazon shows you the addresses saved in your account. You can select any of them, or you can enter a brand-new address at checkout without saving it to your account. If you enter a new address at checkout, Amazon will ask if you want to save it for future orders.
Make sure the address you select includes the apartment number, suite number, or unit number if applicable. Incomplete addresses are a common reason packages go to the wrong place.
Refuse Delivery or Return the Package
If the package arrives at the wrong address and you cannot redirect it before delivery, you have two options: refuse the delivery, or accept it and return it.
If you refuse delivery when the carrier attempts to deliver, the package will be returned to Amazon automatically. You can then contact Amazon customer service and ask them to reship it to the correct address. This process takes longer than changing the address before shipping, but it does work.
If the package is already delivered to the wrong address, you can still return it through your Amazon account. Go to "Your Orders," find the order, and select "Return Items." Follow the steps to print a return label and send it back. Once Amazon receives the return, you can place a new order with the correct address.
Contact Amazon Customer Service for Help
If you are unsure whether your order has shipped, or if the "Change Address" button does not appear and you think it should, 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 clicking on the order and scrolling to "Problem with order?"
Have your order number ready. Amazon customer service can sometimes change an address even after the order has technically shipped if the package has not yet left their facility. They can also help you arrange a return and reshipping if the package has already left.
Response times vary, but Amazon usually responds to customer service requests within a few hours during business hours.
Common Mistakes That Prevent Address Changes
The most common reason the "Change Address" button does not appear is that the order has already shipped. Amazon processes orders very quickly — sometimes within 30 minutes of purchase. If you notice an address error, check your order status right away.
Another common mistake is entering an incomplete address at checkout. If you forget the apartment number or unit number, the carrier may not be able to deliver to the correct location. Always double-check that your address includes all necessary details before you confirm your order.
Some sellers use their own shipping methods instead of Amazon's standard shipping. If you ordered from a third-party seller, the "Change Address" button may not work the same way. In that case, contact the seller directly through your Amazon messages to ask about changing the address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my address after the package is out for delivery?
It depends on the carrier. UPS and FedEx sometimes allow redirects even on the day of delivery if you contact them early enough. USPS and Amazon Logistics are less flexible. Call the carrier with your tracking number as soon as you realize the address is wrong — the earlier you contact them, the better your chances.
What if someone else receives my package at the wrong address?
Contact Amazon customer service when ready with your order number and tracking number. You can also refuse the delivery if the carrier has not yet delivered it. Amazon will investigate and either reship the package to you or issue a refund. Do not assume the package is lost — give Amazon a few days to track it down.
Can I change my address if I used a gift card to pay?
Yes. The payment method does not affect your ability to change the address. As long as the order has not shipped, you can change the address the same way you would for any other order.
Will changing my address delay my delivery?
If you change the address before the order ships, there is usually no delay. If you change it after the order has shipped and the carrier has to redirect the package, it may add a day or two to the delivery time, depending on how far the package has traveled.
What if the address I need is not in my saved addresses?
You can enter a new address at checkout without saving it first. Just click "Enter a new address" or "Add a new address" during the checkout process. If you want to save it for future orders, check the box that says "Save this address to my account" or similar wording.