You cannot change the address after Amazon has already shipped the order

Once Amazon marks an order as shipped, the address is locked in. The carrier — usually UPS, FedEx, or USPS — has the package and the label is printed. Amazon's system will not let you edit the delivery address at that point, and the carrier cannot reroute it based on a request to Amazon.

Your options depend on whether the package has been delivered yet. If it is still in transit, you can contact the carrier directly to attempt a redirect. If it has already arrived at the wrong address, you will need to work with the recipient at that address or file a claim with Amazon.

Key Takeaways

  • Amazon locks the address once the order ships, so you cannot change it through your Amazon account after that point.
  • If the package is still in transit, contact the carrier (UPS, FedEx, or USPS) directly — they can sometimes redirect packages before delivery.
  • If the package was delivered to the wrong address, contact Amazon's customer service to report the issue and request a replacement or refund.
  • The person who received the package at the wrong address is not obligated to return it, so speed matters if you want to intercept it.

How to redirect a package that is still in transit

Check your Amazon order page to see the carrier and tracking number. Click on the tracking link to see the package's current location. If it shows "Out for Delivery" or "In Transit," you still have a window to act.

Contact the carrier directly using the tracking number. UPS, FedEx, and USPS all offer redirect services, though the process and cost vary. UPS and FedEx may charge a fee (typically $5 to $20) to reroute a package to a different address. USPS offers a free service called Informed Delivery that lets you redirect mail, but it works better for mail than for packages.

Be ready to provide the tracking number, the current address on the label, and the correct address you want the package sent to. The carrier will tell you whether the redirect is possible based on where the package currently is in their network.

What to do if the package has already been delivered

If the tracking page shows "Delivered," the package is no longer in the carrier's hands. At this point, your best option is to contact Amazon directly through your account.

Go to Your Orders, find the order, and select "Return or Replace Items" or "Contact Us." Explain that the package was delivered to the wrong address. Amazon will ask you to confirm the address on your account and may ask whether you want to attempt to retrieve the package from the wrong address or request a replacement.

If you choose to retrieve it yourself, you will need to contact whoever received it at that address. If that is not possible or they will not return it, Amazon can send you a replacement or issue a refund, depending on the item and your account history.

How to prevent this from happening on future orders

Before you click "Place Your Order," double-check the delivery address on the order review page. Amazon defaults to your most recently used address, which may not be the one you intended.

If you have multiple addresses saved in your account, make sure the correct one is selected. You can also add or edit addresses in your Account settings under "Your Addresses" before you place an order, which gives you a chance to catch typos or outdated information.

For time-sensitive orders or orders going to an address you do not use often, take an extra moment to verify the street number, ZIP code, and apartment or unit number. A single digit wrong in the ZIP code or a missing apartment number can send a package to a neighboring building or town.

What happens if someone else received your package

The person who received the package at the wrong address is not legally required to return it or contact you. However, many people will, especially if the package is clearly addressed to someone else.

If you can identify the address where it was delivered, you can try visiting in person or leaving a note asking the resident to contact you. Some people check the return address on the box and reach out on their own.

Do not assume the package is lost or stolen when ready. Delivery confirmation sometimes shows an address that is close to but not exactly the one you intended — a neighboring house number or a different unit in an apartment complex. Check the exact address on the tracking page and verify it against what you entered.

Contacting Amazon when the address was wrong from the start

If you realize the address was wrong before the order ships, you can cancel the order and place a new one with the correct address. Go to Your Orders, select the order, and choose "Cancel Items." This works only if the order status still shows "Not Yet Shipped."

If the order has already shipped and you contact Amazon, have your order number and tracking number ready. Amazon's customer service can see the delivery address on the label and will work with you to resolve the issue. Response times vary, but you should expect to hear back within one to two business days through your Amazon Messages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I call Amazon to stop a package before it ships?

Yes, if you catch it before the order status changes to "Shipped." Call Amazon customer service or use the "Contact Us" button on your order page. They can cancel the order if it has not left the warehouse yet. Once it ships, the carrier has it and Amazon cannot stop it.

Will Amazon replace my order if it went to the wrong address?

Amazon will usually replace the order or refund you if you report it promptly. The outcome depends on whether the item is in stock, your account history, and whether you made a reasonable effort to retrieve it from the wrong address. Contact Amazon's customer service with your order number and explain what happened.

Can FedEx or UPS redirect a package for free?

UPS and FedEx both offer redirect services, but they typically charge a fee of $5 to $20 depending on where the package is in their network. USPS offers free mail redirection through Informed Delivery, but it works better for mail than packages. Check with the carrier using your tracking number to see what options are available.

What if the wrong address is in a different state?

The process is the same — contact the carrier to attempt a redirect, or contact Amazon if it has already been delivered. Shipping across state lines does not change your options, though a redirect may take longer if the package has to travel back through the carrier's network.

Can I change my address while an order is being processed?

You can change it in your Amazon account settings, but that will not affect an order that is already processing. The order will use the address that was on file when you placed it. To change the address for a specific order, you must cancel it before it ships and place a new order with the correct address.