Cancel an Instacart order through the app or website before the shopper starts

You can cancel an Instacart order yourself if the shopper has not yet begun shopping. Open the Instacart app or website, go to your active order, and look for a "Cancel Order" button. The button appears on the order details page. Tap or click it, and Instacart will ask you to confirm. Once you confirm, the order cancels immediately and you receive a refund to your original payment method.

The refund itself takes time to process. If you paid with a debit card or credit card, the money returns within 3 to 5 business days. If you used an Instacart gift card or store credit, the funds go back to your Instacart account right away and you can use them on a future order.

Timing matters. Once a shopper has started shopping — meaning they have begun picking items from the store — you can no longer cancel through the app. At that point, you must contact Instacart support directly to request a cancellation.

Key Takeaways

  • You can cancel through the app or website only before a shopper starts shopping; after that, you must contact Instacart support.
  • Refunds to debit or credit cards take 3 to 5 business days; refunds to Instacart credit appear immediately.
  • If you cancel after the shopper has already purchased items, you may still owe payment for what they bought, depending on Instacart's policy at the time.
  • Contact Instacart support through the app's Help section, by phone, or through the website if you need to cancel an order that is already being shopped.

What happens if the shopper has already started shopping

Once a shopper begins picking items, the self-service cancel button disappears from your app. You must reach out to Instacart support to request a cancellation. Open the Instacart app, tap the menu icon, select "Help," and choose your order. You can then message support directly through the app, or you can call Instacart's customer service line.

Instacart support can cancel the order, but they may not be able to stop the shopper immediately if they are already at checkout or have finished shopping. If the shopper has already paid for items, Instacart's policy is that you may be charged for the groceries they purchased, even if you cancel before delivery. Some support agents will refund you anyway depending on the circumstances, but this is not may provide.

Canceling an order that has already been delivered

If your order has already arrived, you cannot cancel it through the normal cancellation process. Instead, contact Instacart support and explain that you want to refuse or return the order. Support can process a refund, but the process depends on whether you opened or used any items.

Instacart does not have a formal return system like a grocery store does. If items are unopened and in good condition, support is more likely to refund you. If you have opened or consumed items, a refund is less certain. Document the condition of the items with photos if possible, and explain your reason for the return clearly when you contact support.

How to reach Instacart support to cancel

The fastest way to reach support is through the app itself. Open Instacart, tap the menu (three horizontal lines), select "Help," find your order, and tap "Contact Us." You can then message support through the app's chat feature. Responses typically come within a few hours during business hours.

You can also call Instacart's customer service line. The phone number appears in the Help section of the app and on the Instacart website. Wait times vary, but calling can be faster than messaging if you need an immediate answer. Have your order number ready when you call.

Canceling a scheduled order before delivery day

If you scheduled an Instacart order for a future date and want to cancel it before that day arrives, you can cancel through the app the same way you would cancel an active order. Go to your scheduled orders, select the order you want to cancel, and tap "Cancel Order." The refund processes the same way as a same-day cancellation.

Scheduled orders are easier to cancel because no shopper has been assigned yet. You can cancel a scheduled order at any time before the delivery window begins on the scheduled day. Once the delivery window opens and a shopper is assigned, you move into the same situation as a same-day order — you can still cancel, but you may need to contact support if the shopper has already started shopping.

What to do if you were charged after canceling

If you canceled your order but were still charged, contact Instacart support immediately with your order number and a screenshot of the cancellation confirmation. Explain that you canceled before the shopper started shopping and should not have been charged. Support can investigate the charge and issue a refund if the charge was an error.

Charges can take time to appear on your statement, so do not assume you were charged incorrectly just because the refund has not shown up yet. Give refunds 3 to 5 business days to process. If the charge is still there after that time, follow up with support again and ask them to escalate the issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel an Instacart order after the shopper has checked out?

No, not through the app. Once the shopper has paid for items at the register, you must contact Instacart support to request a cancellation. Even then, you may be charged for the items the shopper already purchased, depending on Instacart's policy and the support agent's judgment.

How long does a refund take after I cancel?

Refunds to credit or debit cards take 3 to 5 business days. Refunds to Instacart credit or gift cards appear in your account immediately and can be used on your next order right away.

What if my order was already delivered when I tried to cancel?

Contact Instacart support and request a return or refund. Refunds are more likely if items are unopened and in good condition. Support will ask about the condition of the items and may request photos before approving a refund.

Do I have to pay for items the shopper already bought if I cancel?

Instacart's standard policy is that you may be charged for items purchased before the cancellation was processed. However, support agents sometimes refund these charges depending on the situation. Ask support directly whether you will be charged for items already bought.

Can I cancel a scheduled order?

Yes, you can cancel a scheduled order anytime before the delivery window begins on the scheduled day. Use the same cancellation button in the app. Once the delivery window opens and a shopper is assigned, the cancellation process becomes the same as for same-day orders.