When You Can Change Your Address on Amazon

You can change your shipping address on Amazon, but the window to do it depends on whether your order has already shipped. If your order is still in pre-shipment status—meaning it has not left Amazon's warehouse yet—you can change the address through your account. Once a carrier like UPS or FedEx has picked up the package, you cannot change it through Amazon, though you may be able to redirect it with the carrier directly.

The easiest time to change your address is before you complete your purchase. During checkout, you can select a different address from your saved addresses or add a new one. If you realize mid-checkout that your address is wrong, stop and fix it before you click "Place Your Order"—this takes 30 seconds and prevents complications later.

Key Takeaways

  • Change your address during checkout by selecting a different saved address or adding a new one before you click "Place Your Order".
  • After you place an order, you have a narrow window to change the address while the order is still in pre-shipment status—check your order details page to see if the option is available.
  • Once a carrier has picked up your package, Amazon cannot change the address, but you may contact the carrier directly to redirect it to a different location.
  • If you miss the window to change the address and the package is already in transit, you can refuse delivery and have it returned, then place a new order with the correct address.

How to Change Your Address During Checkout

Open your cart and proceed to checkout. On the shipping address page, you will see your default address displayed. Below it, click "Change" or "Add a New Address" depending on whether you want to use an address you have saved before or enter a completely new one.

If you are using a saved address, a list of all addresses on your account will appear. Select the correct one and continue. If you need to add a new address, enter the street address, city, state, and ZIP code. Amazon will verify the address format—if it flags an issue, correct it before moving forward. Once you have selected or entered the right address, proceed to payment and place your order.

Changing Your Address After You Have Placed the Order

Go to Your Orders in your Amazon account and find the order you need to change. Click on the order to open its details page. Look for a button or link that says "Change Address" or "Edit Delivery Address"—this option only appears if your order has not yet shipped.

If the button is there, click it and select a new address from your saved addresses or add a new one. Confirm the change. Amazon will update the shipping information and send you a confirmation email. If you do not see the option to change the address, it means the order has already been picked up by the carrier and is in transit—you will need to use a different method to redirect it.

What to Do If Your Package Is Already in Transit

Once a carrier has picked up your package from Amazon, you cannot change the address through your Amazon account. However, you have two options: contact the carrier directly to redirect the package, or refuse delivery and have it returned.

To redirect the package with the carrier, go to your order details page and look for the tracking number. Click it to open the carrier's tracking page (usually UPS, FedEx, or USPS). Many carriers allow you to request delivery to a different address, hold the package at a facility for pickup, or reschedule delivery—the options vary by carrier. Contact the carrier's customer service if the self-service options do not work for your situation.

If redirection is not possible or you prefer to start over, you can refuse the delivery when the package arrives. The carrier will return it to Amazon, and you can place a new order with the correct address. This takes longer than redirection but guarantees the package goes where you want it.

How to Avoid Address Problems Before They Start

The simplest way to prevent address mix-ups is to keep your saved addresses current. Go to Your Account, then Addresses, and review each one. Delete any old addresses you no longer use, and make sure your default address is the one you use most often. When you add a new address, take a moment to double-check the spelling, ZIP code, and apartment or unit number—these details matter for delivery.

Before you click "Place Your Order," pause and read the shipping address one more time. A five-second check catches most mistakes. If you are ordering to a location you do not use often—a workplace, a friend's house, or a temporary address—add it to your account first and select it during checkout rather than typing it in a rush.

Common Mistakes That Make Address Changes Harder

The most common mistake is waiting too long to change the address. Many people check their order hours or even a day after placing it, only to find the package has already shipped. Amazon processes orders quickly, especially for items in stock at nearby warehouses. If you realize the address is wrong, check your order status when ready—do not wait.

Another mistake is entering an incomplete or incorrectly formatted address. If you type an apartment number in the wrong field or leave out a suite number, the carrier may not be able to deliver it, and you will have to deal with a failed delivery attempt. When you add a new address, use the format Amazon suggests and include all relevant details.

A third mistake is not checking the tracking number once the package ships. If you wait until the delivery date to realize the address is wrong, you have fewer options. Check your email for shipping notifications and review the tracking page within a day or two of shipment—this gives you time to contact the carrier if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address if my order is already out for delivery?

If the package is out for delivery that day, you cannot change the address through Amazon or most carriers. Your best option is to be home to refuse the delivery, or contact the carrier's customer service when ready to see if they can hold it or redirect it. Some carriers can make last-minute changes if you reach them before the driver leaves the facility.

What if I entered the wrong apartment number?

If your order has not shipped, change it through your order details page. If it has already shipped, contact the carrier with the tracking number and provide the correct apartment number. Many carriers will update the delivery instructions. If the package arrives at the wrong apartment, you can ask the neighbor to return it or contact the carrier to have it picked up and redelivered.

Can I change my address to a PO box?

Amazon allows shipping to PO boxes for some items, but not all. During checkout, if you enter a PO box address, Amazon will tell you whether that item can be delivered there. If it cannot, you will need to use a physical street address instead. Some carriers also have restrictions on PO box delivery, so check before you place your order.

How long does it take for Amazon to process an address change?

If you change the address while the order is still in pre-shipment, the change is usually processed within minutes. Amazon will send you a confirmation email. If the address change causes a delay in shipping, Amazon will notify you. Once the carrier picks up the package, address changes through Amazon are no longer possible.

What if the carrier says they cannot redirect my package?

If the carrier cannot redirect it, your options are to refuse delivery and have it returned, or to accept delivery and arrange to pick it up from the recipient. Once the package is returned to Amazon, you can place a new order with the correct address. Some carriers charge a fee for redirection, so ask before you request it.