How to Track Your AliExpress Order 2026 (Step-by-Step Guide)

How to Track Your AliExpress Order 2026 (Step-by-Step Guide)

Quick answer: Log into AliExpress, go to "My Orders," open your order, and click "Track Order" to see real-time shipping updates. You can also copy the tracking number and check it on 17track.net or the specific carrier's website for more detail. If tracking has not updated in over two weeks, message the seller. If it shows delivered but you got nothing, open a dispute immediately — you have 15 days from the delivery date.

Tracking an AliExpress order can be confusing, especially when it crosses multiple countries and switches between carriers. This guide explains every step, every status message, and what to do when things do not go as expected.

Step 1: Find your tracking number

After placing an order on AliExpress, the seller needs to process and ship it before tracking becomes available. This typically takes 1-7 days depending on the seller and shipping method.

To find your tracking number:

1. Log into your AliExpress account
2. Click your profile icon → "My Orders"
3. Find the order you want to track
4. Click "Track Order" or look for the tracking number listed below the order details
5. Your tracking number appears next to the carrier name

If no tracking number appears yet, the seller has not shipped the order. You can message them to ask for an estimated ship date.

Step 2: Use the AliExpress built-in tracker

AliExpress has a built-in tracking page that aggregates updates from their logistics network. When you click "Track Order," you see a timeline view showing:

• Order placed
• Seller processing
• Shipped (with carrier and tracking number)
• In transit checkpoints
• Customs clearance (if applicable)
• Out for delivery
• Delivered

This view is convenient but sometimes lags behind the carrier's own system by 24-48 hours. The built-in tracker is fine for checking general progress. For more detailed updates, use an external tracker.

Step 3: Track on 17track.net or the carrier's website

17track.net is the most reliable third-party tracker for AliExpress orders. It aggregates data from hundreds of carriers worldwide and often shows more detailed checkpoint information than the AliExpress interface.

How to use 17track:

1. Copy your tracking number from the AliExpress order page
2. Go to 17track.net
3. Paste the tracking number into the search box
4. The site auto-detects the carrier and shows all available checkpoints

Carrier-specific tracking: If you know your carrier, you can track directly on their website. Common AliExpress carriers:

• Cainiao / YANWEN / ePacket: Usually track well on 17track; some have their own portals
• DHL: dhl.com
• FedEx: fedex.com
• UPS: ups.com
• PostNL: postnl.nl
• Royal Mail (UK): royalmail.com
• USPS (USA): usps.com
• Australia Post: auspost.com.au
• China Post: track.ems.com.cn

Once the package enters your country, it often transfers to your national postal carrier. Check both the original carrier and your local postal service for the most complete picture.

Understanding AliExpress tracking statuses

"Awaiting shipment" or "Processing"

The seller has received your order and payment but has not yet dispatched the package. This is normal for the first few days after ordering. If it stays in this status for more than 7 days, message the seller to ask for an update.

"Shipped" or "In Transit"

The package has left the seller and is moving through the logistics network. You will see checkpoint updates as it passes through sorting facilities.

"Dispatched from sorting center" / "Arrived at facility"

The package is moving through intermediate logistics hubs. These checkpoints are normal — packages often pass through multiple facilities in the origin country before leaving, and again after arriving in your country.

"Customs clearance started" / "Held at customs"

Your package is going through import customs in your country. Most packages clear customs in 1-5 business days. Some countries have slower customs processing, and some packages are selected for additional inspection or duty assessment.

If your package is held for duties or taxes, you will typically receive a notice from your customs authority or the delivery carrier asking you to pay before they release the package.

"Out for delivery"

The package is with the local delivery person and should arrive today. Delivery attempts are usually made during business hours. If you miss the delivery, you should receive a notice with instructions for redelivery or pickup.

"Delivered"

Tracking shows the package was delivered. If you received it, great — you can confirm receipt in your AliExpress account when you are satisfied. If you did not receive it, see the troubleshooting section below.

Tracking stopped updating

If tracking has not shown any new checkpoints for 10-14 days and you are still waiting, do not panic immediately — packages can be in transit for extended periods, especially during customs. However, at 2 weeks with no movement, contact the seller. Ask them to investigate with the carrier.

If tracking has shown no movement for 30+ days, open a dispute. You are still within your buyer protection window, and you should protect yourself.

Common AliExpress shipping methods and what to expect

AliExpress Standard Shipping

AliExpress's own logistics product. It combines Cainiao's network with local last-mile carriers in each destination country. Transit times vary by destination — typically 15-35 days. Tracking is generally good through the Cainiao network and usually connects with local carrier tracking once the package arrives in your country.

AliExpress Premium Shipping

Faster than Standard Shipping, using faster courier networks. Expect 7-15 days to most countries. Better tracking depth throughout the journey.

ePacket

A shipping agreement between China Post and postal carriers in participating countries. Formerly very popular; availability has shifted as AliExpress has pushed its own logistics product. If available, ePacket typically provides good end-to-end tracking and delivers in 12-25 days.

DHL / FedEx / UPS (Express)

When sellers offer express shipping through these carriers, you get full end-to-end tracking on the carrier's own website, typically 3-7 day delivery, and a higher cost. This is the easiest shipping method to track.

China Post Registered Air Mail

Slow (30-60+ days), but trackable. A very low-cost option that some sellers still offer. Updates are infrequent. Not recommended if you need reliable tracking or fast delivery.

Free shipping options

"Free shipping" usually means the seller is choosing the cheapest available method, often without detailed tracking. You may only see a few updates — origin country departure, destination country arrival, and delivery. For high-value items, consider paying for a tracked shipping upgrade if offered.

What to do when tracking shows "delivered" but you got nothing

This is one of the most frustrating situations buyers face. Your tracking says delivered, your account says delivered, but you have nothing.

Immediate steps:

1. Check with neighbors or building management. Packages are sometimes left with a neighbor, at a reception desk, or in a communal area.

2. Check around your door or other delivery spots. Carriers sometimes leave packages in unexpected places — behind a gate, inside a porch, by a back door.

3. Check with your local post office. Some carriers mark items as delivered but actually hold them at a local office if no one was home or the package was too large for the mailbox.

4. Contact the carrier directly. Call or chat with the carrier (USPS, Royal Mail, etc.) and ask for delivery confirmation details — including the GPS scan location if available.

5. Open a dispute within 15 days. Regardless of what you find, open a dispute in AliExpress within 15 days of the "delivered" date. Select "Item not received" and explain that tracking shows delivered but you did not receive it. Include any evidence from your investigation.

AliExpress does take these cases seriously, especially when tracking details look suspicious (wrong location scan, delivered to a different zip code, etc.).

Tracking for multiple items in one order

If you ordered multiple items from one seller and they shipped them in multiple packages, each package has its own tracking number. Check your order details page — you should see separate tracking numbers for each shipment. Track them individually.

If you ordered from multiple sellers in one AliExpress checkout, you have separate orders — track them separately in "My Orders."

How long does AliExpress shipping take?

Delivery time depends heavily on the shipping method you chose and your country. General ranges in 2026:

• AliExpress Standard Shipping: 15-35 days for most destinations
• AliExpress Premium Shipping: 7-15 days
• ePacket (where available): 12-25 days
• DHL/FedEx/UPS Express: 3-7 days
• Free Shipping / China Post: 30-60+ days

These are typical ranges, not guarantees. Holiday seasons (Chinese New Year, 11/11, Christmas period) can add 1-2 weeks to any shipping method.

Your AliExpress order page shows an "Estimated Delivery Date" — this is the date by which AliExpress commits to delivering your order. If this date passes without delivery, you gain stronger grounds for a dispute.

Monitoring multiple orders efficiently

If you frequently order from AliExpress and have multiple packages in transit at once, keeping tabs on all of them through the AliExpress app or website can be tedious. The AliShopping Tools browser extension shows order and price tracking alongside your regular AliExpress browsing, which reduces how often you need to manually check each order — useful during busy sale seasons when you have a dozen items in transit.

FAQs about tracking AliExpress orders

Why is my AliExpress tracking not updating? Several reasons: the seller has not yet handed the package to the carrier (check if it just shipped), the package is in transit between scan points (normal for 3-5 days at a time), the package is in customs (can take several days with no scan), or there is a genuine delay or logistics issue. If it has been more than 2 weeks with no update, contact the seller.

Can I track an AliExpress order without logging in? Yes. If you have the tracking number, you can enter it directly on 17track.net or the carrier's website without needing to log into AliExpress.

My tracking says "delivered" but I have a different delivery address on the scan — what do I do? This is a clear sign of a delivery error. Open a dispute immediately and include a screenshot of the delivery scan showing the wrong location. AliExpress takes misdelivery seriously. Also contact the carrier to report the misdelivery.

How do I know which carrier has my AliExpress package? The carrier name and tracking number are shown in your AliExpress order details under "Track Order." On 17track.net, the carrier is auto-detected when you enter the tracking number.

What happens if my AliExpress order is lost in transit? If tracking has not updated for an extended period and your estimated delivery date has passed, contact the seller and open a dispute. Select "Item not received." AliExpress will investigate and typically refund orders that are clearly lost in transit. Do not wait for the buyer protection window to close before acting.

Can I change my delivery address after ordering on AliExpress? Once an order ships, you cannot change the delivery address through AliExpress. Contact the carrier directly with your tracking number and ask if a redelivery to a different address is possible — some carriers allow this for a fee, but it is not guaranteed.

What does "Cainiao" mean on my AliExpress tracking? Cainiao is Alibaba Group's logistics arm and handles a large portion of AliExpress shipping. When you see Cainiao in your tracking, it means your package is moving through their logistics network. Cainiao typically partners with local carriers in each country for last-mile delivery, so tracking transitions to your national carrier (like USPS, Royal Mail, Canada Post, etc.) once the package arrives in your country.

How do I speed up a slow AliExpress delivery? Once a package is in transit, you cannot speed it up. For future orders, choose a faster paid shipping method (AliExpress Premium or express couriers). During Chinese New Year and other major holidays, all methods slow significantly — factor this in when you place orders.

Is there an AliExpress tracking app? The official AliExpress app has built-in order tracking under "My Orders." Third-party apps like 17track also have mobile apps for tracking across multiple carriers and orders simultaneously.