You can change your delivery address on most Amazon orders, but only before the package ships
Amazon lets you change where a package goes, but the window is narrow. Once the order status changes from "Processing" or "Pending" to "Shipped," you cannot change the address through your account. At that point, your only options are to refuse delivery when it arrives, have it held at an Amazon locker, or contact Amazon customer service to ask them to intercept it.
The address change feature works best when you catch the order within hours of placing it. If you wait until the next day, the warehouse may have already picked and packed your item, and the address field will be locked.
Key Takeaways
- You can change the delivery address only while your order status shows "Processing" or "Pending" — once it says "Shipped," the address is locked.
- The fastest way to change it is through Your Orders in your Amazon account, where you will see an "Edit Delivery Address" link if the order is still editable.
- If the address field is already locked, contact Amazon customer service by phone, chat, or email to ask if they can redirect the package before it ships.
- If the package has already shipped and you cannot change the address, you can refuse delivery or ask Amazon to hold it at a locker location.
How to change the address through Your Orders
Open your Amazon account and go to Your Orders (usually found under the account menu or at amazon.com/your-orders). Find the order you want to change and look at its status. If it still says "Processing," "Pending," or "Not Yet Shipped," you should see an Edit Delivery Address link or button next to the order.
Click that link and enter the new address. Amazon will show you whether the new address is valid and whether the item can still ship there. If the address is outside your country or in a remote area, Amazon may tell you it cannot deliver there. Once you confirm the new address, the change takes effect immediately, and your order will ship to that location instead.
If you do not see the "Edit Delivery Address" option, the order has already moved to the warehouse for packing or has shipped. In that case, you will need to contact Amazon customer service.
What to do if the address is already locked
If the order status shows "Shipped" or the address field is grayed out, you cannot change it yourself. Contact Amazon customer service through your account. You can reach them by phone, live chat, or email — all three options are available through the Contact Us page in your account.
When you contact them, have your order number ready and explain that you need the delivery address changed. Amazon's customer service team can sometimes intercept packages before they leave the warehouse or redirect them in transit, but this depends on how far along the shipping process is. The sooner you contact them after placing the order, the better your chances.
Response times vary. Phone and chat are usually faster than email, sometimes resolving the issue within minutes. Email can take 24 to 48 hours.
Refusing delivery or using an Amazon locker
If you cannot change the address and the package is already on its way, you have two other options. When the delivery driver arrives, you can refuse the package. The driver will return it to Amazon, and you will receive a refund (or the item will be re-sent if you want it).
Alternatively, if your area has an Amazon Hub Locker, you can ask Amazon customer service to redirect the package there instead of your home address. Lockers are usually located in grocery stores, pharmacies, or convenience stores. You will receive a code to unlock the compartment and retrieve your package within a set time window (usually three days).
Not all areas have lockers, and not all items can be redirected to them. Ask customer service whether this option is available for your order.
Why Amazon locks the address after a certain point
Amazon's warehouses process thousands of orders per hour. Once a package enters the packing line, changing the address creates delays and can cause the item to be sent to the wrong place. Locking the address after the order moves to "Shipped" status protects both you and the warehouse from mistakes.
This is why timing matters. If you realize you gave the wrong address five minutes after ordering, you can almost always fix it. If you realize it the next morning, the warehouse may have already processed it, and you will have to go through customer service instead.
Preventing address mistakes before you order
Amazon stores multiple addresses in your account under Your Addresses. Before you place an order, check that the address showing in the checkout page is the one you actually want. If you recently moved or added a new address, make sure it is set as your default.
If you order frequently to different locations (home, office, a family member's house), label each address clearly in your account so you do not accidentally send a package to the wrong place. You can edit or delete old addresses at any time, which reduces the chance of picking the wrong one during checkout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change the address if the package is already out for delivery?
No. Once the package is with the delivery driver, you cannot change the address through Amazon. Your options are to refuse delivery when the driver arrives, or to contact Amazon customer service immediately to ask if they can instruct the driver to leave it at a different location (this rarely works). If you miss the delivery, you can refuse it when it is redelivered.
What if I changed the address but the package still went to the old one?
Contact Amazon customer service right away with your order number and the address you changed it to. If the package arrived at the wrong address, Amazon can sometimes retrieve it or send you a replacement. Keep any delivery confirmation or photos as proof of what happened.
Does changing the address affect my return window?
No. Your return window is based on when you ordered, not where it shipped. You have the same amount of time to return an item regardless of which address it was delivered to.
Can I change the address on a pre-order or future delivery?
Yes. Pre-orders and items scheduled for future delivery usually stay editable longer because they have not yet entered the warehouse. Use the same "Edit Delivery Address" link in Your Orders. The address will remain changeable until the item is about to ship.
What if the new address I entered is not recognized by Amazon?
Amazon checks addresses against the postal service database. If your address does not match exactly, Amazon may reject it or ask you to confirm it. Make sure you include the apartment or unit number if applicable, and use the correct postal code. If Amazon still will not accept it, contact customer service — they may be able to override the system or suggest a nearby address that will work.