You can change the address on an Amazon order, but only before it ships

Amazon lets you change the delivery address on an order that has not yet left the warehouse. Once the order ships, the address is locked and you cannot change it 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 it.

If your order has already shipped, you have other options: you can refuse the package when it arrives, have it returned to Amazon, and place a new order with the correct address. You can also contact Amazon customer service to ask if they can redirect the package in transit, though this is not may provide to work.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change the address only while the order status shows "Not yet shipped" — once it changes to "Preparing to ship" or "Shipped", the address is locked.
  • The fastest way to change the address is through Your Orders in your Amazon account: find the order, select "Change address", and enter the new one.
  • If the order has already shipped, you can refuse delivery or contact Amazon customer service to ask about redirecting the package, but neither is may provide to work.
  • If you miss the window to change the address, placing a new order with the correct address and refusing the original delivery is usually faster than waiting for a return.

How to change the address before the order ships

Open Your Orders in your Amazon account. Find the order you want to change, and look at its status. If it says "Not yet shipped", you can still change the address. Click on the order and look for a "Change address" or "Edit delivery address" button — the exact wording varies by device and account type.

Click the button and enter the new address. Amazon will confirm that the address is valid and show you any change in delivery date. Once you confirm, the change takes effect when ready. If you do not see a "Change address" button, the order has already moved to the next stage and you cannot change it this way.

What to do if the order has already shipped

If the status shows "Preparing to ship" or "Shipped", Amazon has locked the address and you cannot change it through your account. You have two main options: refuse the package when it arrives, or contact Amazon customer service to ask if they can intercept it.

Refusing the package is the most reliable option. When the delivery driver arrives, tell them you refuse the delivery. The package will be returned to Amazon, and you can place a new order with the correct address. This usually takes a few extra days, but it guarantees the package goes back.

Contacting Amazon customer service is worth trying if the delivery is still days away. Tell them the address is wrong and ask if they can redirect the package. Amazon can sometimes do this, but it depends on which carrier is handling the delivery and how far along the shipment is. Do not count on this working — have a backup plan to refuse the package if needed.

How to prevent address mistakes in the first place

Before you click "Place your order", double-check the delivery address shown on the final review screen. Amazon pulls the address from your account, and if you have multiple addresses saved, it defaults to the one you used most recently. Make sure it is the right one for this order.

If you move frequently or have multiple homes, add each address to your account with a clear label — "Work", "Home", "Mom's house" — so you can spot the right one quickly. When you are buying a gift for someone else, add their address to your account before you order, rather than trying to change it after.

Timing: how long you usually have to change the address

The window to change an address is usually between two and six hours after you place the order, depending on how fast Amazon processes it. Items in stock at a nearby warehouse ship faster, so you have less time. Items that need to be gathered from multiple locations or shipped from far away give you more time.

Prime members sometimes get a slightly longer window because Amazon prioritizes their orders for faster shipping. Non-Prime orders can ship just as quickly, though, so do not assume you have extra time. The safest approach is to check your order status within an hour of placing it and change the address then if you need to.

What happens if you refuse a shipped package

When the delivery driver arrives, you can refuse the package without opening it. Tell the driver you refuse delivery. They will mark it as refused and take it back. Amazon will process the return and refund you within a few days, depending on your payment method.

Once the refund is confirmed, place a new order with the correct address. You will pay for shipping again unless you have Prime, which covers the new delivery. If the item is no longer in stock or the price has changed, you may end up paying more or having to wait for it to come back in stock.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the address after the order ships if I contact Amazon right away?

Amazon customer service can sometimes redirect a package in transit, but it is not may provide. Call or message Amazon as soon as you realize the address is wrong. They will check with the carrier to see if redirection is possible. If it is not, your only option is to refuse the package when it arrives.

What if I change the address and then change my mind?

You can change the address again as long as the order has not shipped yet. Go back to Your Orders, find the order, and click "Change address" again. Enter the original address or any other valid address. Once the order ships, you cannot change it anymore.

Do I get charged extra if I change the address?

Changing the address before the order ships does not cost anything. If the new address is in a different delivery zone and changes your shipping cost, Amazon will adjust the charge. Prime shipping remains free regardless of address change.

Can I change the address to a PO box or a business address?

Amazon can deliver to PO boxes and business addresses, but not all items may have access to. Hazardous materials, large items, and some electronics cannot go to PO boxes. When you enter the new address, Amazon will tell you if that address works for your order. If it does not, you will need to use a residential or commercial street address instead.

What if the address I entered is misspelled or incomplete?

Amazon checks addresses against the postal service database when you enter them. If the address is incomplete or misspelled, Amazon will flag it and ask you to correct it before confirming the change. Follow the suggestions Amazon provides — they are based on what the postal service recognizes.