You’ve found the perfect item on Amazon, added it to your cart, and are ready to check out. But then you realize your package is set to go to your old apartment or your office instead of your home. It’s a common situation, and thankfully, Amazon makes it relatively simple to update your shipping information. Whether you’ve moved recently or are sending a gift directly to a friend, knowing how to change your shipping address is an essential skill for any online shopper.
This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, whether you need to adjust an address for a single order or update your default settings for all future purchases. Let’s get your packages heading to the right doorstep.
Changing Your Address Before You Place an Order
The easiest time to select a shipping address is right at checkout. After you click “Proceed to checkout,” look for the “Shipping address” section. Here, you can choose from your saved addresses or click the “Add a new address” button to enter a different one. Simply select the correct address before you complete your purchase. This is the best method if you only need to use a different address for a one-time order, like sending a birthday present.
Updating Your Default Shipping Address
If you’ve moved and want all your future orders to come to your new home, setting a default address is the way to go. Go to Your Account and select “Your Addresses.” You’ll see a list of all the addresses you have saved. Find the address you want to use as your primary one and click “Set as default.” From now on, this address will be automatically selected at checkout, saving you time.
Can You Change the Address After an Order is Placed?
What if you’ve already clicked “Buy Now” and then spotted the mistake? Don’t worry; you might still be able to fix it. Go to “Your Orders” and find the specific order. If the option to “Change Shipping Address” or “Ship to a different address” is available, you can select a new one from your saved addresses. However, this option only appears for a short window after placing your order, before it enters the “Shipping soon” phase. If the button is grayed out, the change is no longer possible through the website.
What to Do If You Can’t Change the Address
If your order is already being prepared for shipment, your best course of action is to contact Amazon Customer Service directly. They may be able to intervene if the package hasn’t left the fulfillment center. If they can’t change the address, you can sometimes reroute a package through the carrier, like UPS or USPS, for a small fee, if you have a tracking number.
With these tips, you can shop on Amazon with confidence, knowing your purchases will always end up exactly where you need them. Taking a moment to double-check your shipping address at checkout is the simplest way to ensure a smooth delivery.