How to Track My Order on AliExpress A Practical Guide

So, you've placed an order on AliExpress and now the real fun begins: waiting for your package to arrive. But you don't have to just sit and wonder. Tracking your order is actually pretty straightforward once you know where to look and what to do.

Let's dive right in and get you the info you need. The most important thing to remember is the difference between an order number and a tracking number. The order number is just for AliExpress's internal records. The tracking number is the golden ticket—it's the unique code that lets you follow your package's journey from the seller's warehouse all the way to your doorstep.

Think of it this way: your package often changes hands. It might start its trip with a carrier like Cainiao (AliExpress's own logistics company) and then get passed off to your local postal service, like USPS in the United States or Royal Mail in the UK, for the final leg of the delivery. Using a universal tracker gives you the full picture, even when the AliExpress site itself is a bit slow to update.

This guide will walk you through the entire process, but if you're in a hurry, the table below gives you the essential steps at a glance.

For those who want a quick summary, here’s a straightforward breakdown of how to find and track your AliExpress order.

Quick Steps for Tracking Your AliExpress Package

This table covers the basics, but keep reading to understand the details and learn how to handle common tracking problems you might run into.

Starting From Your "My Orders" Page

Everything you need begins inside your AliExpress account. The "My Orders" page is command central for every purchase you've made. It tells you what’s been paid for, what’s shipped, and what’s ready to be tracked.

Once an item has been shipped by the seller, a "Track Order" button will appear next to it. This is your starting point.

Clicking that button will take you to a page with all the logistics details, including that all-important tracking number.

Expert Tip: Don't confuse the long order number with the tracking number. The order number is for managing your purchase within AliExpress. The tracking number is what you'll use on external carrier sites or universal trackers to see real-time movement. You need the one provided after the seller has actually sent the package.

Locating Your AliExpress Tracking Number

Before you can follow your package's journey from a warehouse to your doorstep, you need the single most important piece of information: the tracking number. It’s easy to confuse this with your order number, but they serve very different purposes. Your order number is just for AliExpress's internal records, while the tracking number is like your package's passport—it gets scanned and updated every time it hits a new checkpoint.

So, where do you find this magic code? It's pretty simple once you know where to look. Whether you're on your computer or using the app, your first stop is the "My Orders" section of your account. Think of it as your personal command center for everything you've bought.

Find the specific item you’re waiting for and look for a button that says "Track Order." Clicking that link opens up the logistics page, which details all the shipping progress and—most importantly—displays the tracking number you need.

On the Desktop Website vs. The Mobile App

The overall process is the same, but the layout has some subtle differences depending on your device.

• On a computer, you’ll usually find "My Orders" in the dropdown menu under your account name. The "Track Order" button is clearly visible next to each shipped item on your list.

• The mobile app is built for speed. Just tap the "Account" icon at the bottom of the screen, then choose "Shipped" to see your items that are on the way.

If you’re having trouble, our guide on how to find a tracking number for any shipment can provide some extra pointers.

Why Your Tracking Number Might Not Appear Immediately

Just placed an order and don't see a tracking number yet? Don't worry. This is completely normal.

Sellers on AliExpress often need 3 to 7 business days to get your order processed, packed up, and handed over to the shipping company. The tracking number won't actually show any information until the carrier scans the package into their system for the first time.

Key Takeaway: The tracking number only becomes active after the first scan by the logistics partner. That initial delay is the most common reason you might see a "Not Found" status right after ordering.

This waiting period makes sense when you consider how much shoppers value transparency. With AliExpress getting around 705.86 million visits a month, buyer behavior is shifting. A recent study found that 73% of shoppers now research seller details before buying, a massive leap from just 28% in 2023. People want to feel confident in their purchase from start to finish.

Knowing how to track your order is a huge part of that confidence. So, give it a few days after you get the shipping notification. Your tracking details will pop up as soon as your package starts moving.

Why a Universal Tracker Offers a Better Experience

Have you ever watched your AliExpress tracking updates and noticed everything just stops once the package leaves China? You're not alone. This is a classic "black hole" scenario in international shipping. It happens when the original carrier, like Cainiao, hands your parcel off to a local postal service in your country. That's a switch the standard AliExpress system often struggles to track clearly.

This is exactly where a universal tracker changes the game. Instead of guessing if your package is now with USPS, Australia Post, or Royal Mail, a dedicated service does the detective work for you. It pieces together the puzzle of different logistics partners involved in getting your order across the globe.

The Problem with Single-Carrier Tracking

Relying only on the updates inside the AliExpress app is like reading the first chapter of a book and then skipping to the end. You see the beginning of the journey, but the crucial middle parts—like clearing customs and the local handoff—can be vague, delayed, or completely missing. The handover between couriers is precisely where information gets lost, leading to long silences and a growing sense of "is my package ever going to arrive?"

This isn't a rare issue. Imagine you've ordered a new phone case, only to see the tracking page go silent for weeks. With over 705.86 million visits in January 2026 alone, AliExpress is a massive global marketplace, yet this tracking gap remains a major headache for millions of shoppers.

A tool like Instant Parcels cuts through this frustration. You just paste your tracking number into one search bar, and it automatically figures out every carrier handling your package—from Cainiao and China Post all the way to the final local courier—and pulls the latest updates from all of them into a single, easy-to-follow timeline.

Gaining End-to-End Visibility

A universal package tracker gives you a complete, unified view of your shipment’s entire trip. It stitches together the tracking data from the seller's warehouse, the long journey across borders, the customs clearance process, and that critical "last mile" with your local delivery service.

Here’s a look at the simple interface that makes it all happen.

The screenshot shows just how straightforward it is: one field for your tracking number. That's it. No more juggling multiple carrier websites or trying to figure out which local service has your parcel. This centralized approach means you get more accurate, timely, and detailed updates without the usual confusion.

By bringing all this information together, you can pinpoint exactly where your package is at any given moment—a level of detail the built-in AliExpress tracking often just can't match.

Key Insight: A universal tracker's real power is its ability to pool data from multiple logistics companies. It connects the dots when a package changes hands, creating a seamless tracking history where the native app might just show a dead end.

You can learn more about how a universal package tracker works to take the headache out of following your shipments.

AliExpress Tracking vs Universal Tracker (Instant Parcels)

While AliExpress's built-in tracker is convenient for a quick look, it often falls short for international shipments that involve multiple carriers. A universal tracker is specifically designed to solve this problem, offering a much more robust and reliable experience.

Here’s a quick comparison of what you get with each:

Ultimately, a universal tracker offers more than just raw data; it delivers genuine peace of mind. Knowing the true, up-to-date status of your order means you can stop worrying, reduce the need to contact sellers for updates, and anticipate your delivery with far greater confidence.

Cracking the Code: What Your AliExpress Tracking Status Actually Means

Once you've got your tracking number, you'll start seeing a stream of updates that can feel a bit like reading a secret language. What does "Accepted by carrier" really mean? Is "Departed from transit country" a bad sign?

Don't worry. Most of these updates are just standard checkpoints in a complex global journey. Let's break down what you're likely to see, so you can stop guessing and know exactly where your package is.

Phase 1: From the Seller's Warehouse to the Airport

The first cluster of updates you'll see covers the initial leg of the trip within the origin country. This is all about the seller getting your item into the hands of the logistics network.

• Awaiting collection: The seller has your order packed and has told the shipping company it's ready. Think of it as sitting on the loading dock, waiting for its ride.
• Accepted by carrier: This is the first big step! It means the courier, often a service like Cainiao, has officially scanned your package. It's now in their system and on the move.
• Received by line-haul: Your package has arrived at a major sorting facility where it's being bundled with thousands of other parcels preparing for the same long-haul flight.
• [City] Departed from sorting center: It's left a regional hub and is now heading to the airport for its international flight.

It's completely normal for a package to sit in one of these early stages for a few days, especially during busy shopping seasons.

Phase 2: The Big Trip and Clearing Customs

This is where things get interesting. Once your package is on a plane, the tracking updates will cover its international flight, arrival, and the critical customs process. Understanding this part of the journey when your package is in transit is the key to keeping your cool.

One of the most common points of confusion is the "Departed from transit country/region" status. This is totally normal. It just means your package had a layover in another country before catching its connecting flight to you, just like a passenger flight. It’s a standard part of the logistics chain.

The customs phase is what makes most people a little antsy, but the vast majority of packages sail right through without a problem.

• Arrived at destination country: Touchdown! Your package has landed, but it still needs to be processed by customs before it can be delivered.
• Customs clearance started: This is a routine update. Your package has been officially presented to the customs agency for inspection.
• Held by customs: This one sounds scarier than it usually is. It could simply be a random check or a slight backlog at the facility. If you need to take action, like paying import duties, the tracking info or your local postal service will let you know. If this status doesn't change for more than a week, it's probably time to check in with the seller.

Once it clears customs, your package is handed off to your local postal service. You're in the home stretch now

Navigating Common AliExpress Tracking Headaches

Even the most seasoned AliExpress shopper runs into tracking issues now and then. It’s frustrating when you’re eagerly awaiting a package, only to see a cryptic error message or zero updates for days on end. The good news? Most of these problems are common and usually have a simple explanation. Let's break down what to do when your tracking goes sideways.

The Dreaded "Tracking Number Not Found" Error

So, you just got the shipping notification, you eagerly copy the tracking number into a tracker, and… nothing. "Not Found." It’s probably the most common snag you'll hit, but it’s rarely a reason to panic.

What's actually happening is the seller has registered the shipment and generated a label, but the package hasn't been physically picked up and scanned by the shipping company yet. It typically takes anywhere from 3 to 7 days for that first scan to happen and for the tracking number to go live. Think of it like getting a concert ticket confirmation—you have a spot, but the doors haven't opened.

My Personal Rule of Thumb: I don't even begin to worry about a "Not Found" status until a full 10 days have passed since the seller marked the item as shipped. If you hit that 10-day mark with no updates, that’s when it’s time to send the seller a polite message just to confirm the tracking details are correct.

When Your Tracking Goes Silent for Weeks

Another classic source of anxiety is the "tracking freeze." Your package status confidently says "Departed from country of origin," and then… crickets. For days, sometimes even for weeks. It feels like your package has fallen into a black hole.

This radio silence almost always happens during two specific stages of the journey:

• In-transit between countries: When your package is on a cargo plane or a container ship crossing the ocean, there are simply no scanning points. You won't see an update until it lands and gets processed in your country.
• Stuck in customs: Once it arrives, your package has to clear customs. This can take a few days or, during busy periods, well over a week. There's usually no tracking update during this phase.

This simple flowchart is a great visual for what to do when things seem stalled.

The key takeaway here is that patience is your best friend. Long pauses are just part of the international shipping game. However, if more than two or three weeks go by without a single new scan after it has left China, it's perfectly reasonable to check in with the seller.

What to Do If Your Package Shows "Delivered" But You Don't Have It

Okay, this is the one that gets your heart racing. The tracking proudly announces "Delivered," but your mailbox is empty and there's no package at your door. Before you assume the worst, run through this quick checklist.

1. Do a thorough search. Check behind planters, under the porch, with your building's receptionist or mailroom, and even ask your immediate neighbors. Delivery drivers sometimes try to tuck packages in out-of-the-way spots to keep them safe.
2. Give it 24 hours. I’ve seen this happen plenty of times—a driver will pre-emptively scan all packages as "Delivered" at the start of their route. The package often shows up later that day or the next business day.
3. Call your local post office. Don't just call the generic 1-800 number. Find the direct line for your local delivery hub. Give them the tracking number; they can often access more detailed internal data, like the GPS coordinates of the delivery scan, to see exactly where it was dropped off.

If you’ve tried all that and your package is still M.I.A., contact the seller right away. They can launch an official investigation from their end. If that goes nowhere and your buyer protection window is closing, you’ll need to open a dispute on AliExpress. Be sure to include any proof you have, like a note of your conversation with the post office, to support your case.

Answering Your Top Questions About AliExpress Tracking

Even when you know the basics of tracking an AliExpress order, international shipping can throw a few curveballs. You'll likely run into some unique situations along the way. Here are some quick, practical answers to the questions I hear most often from shoppers.

How Long Until My AliExpress Tracking Number Actually Works?

It’s completely normal for a new tracking number to show "Not Found" or have zero information for the first few days. Don't panic!

Sellers usually need anywhere from 3 to 7 days to get your order packed up and handed over to the shipping company. Your tracking number only goes live after the package gets its first physical scan at a sorting facility.

If it’s been more than 10 days since you got the "shipped" notification and the number is still dead, it’s probably time to reach out. Just send the seller a polite message asking them to double-check that the tracking number is correct and confirm the package is on its way.

Can I Track My Package Using Just the Order Number?

Sorry, but no. You can't follow your package's journey with just the order number. That number is purely for AliExpress's internal system—it links your purchase, payment, and messages with the seller.

The tracking number is the golden ticket. This is the unique code assigned by the shipping company, and it’s what every postal service and courier uses to log your package’s location as it travels across the globe. Without it, you're flying blind.

Here's an easy way to think about it: The order number is your store receipt, while the tracking number is the ticket for your package's international flight. Two very different things for two very different jobs.

What's the Deal with AliExpress Standard Shipping and Cainiao?

This one trips a lot of people up, but it's actually pretty straightforward. AliExpress Standard Shipping is the shipping method you pick when you buy something. Cainiao is the logistics company that usually handles the delivery.

Cainiao is the official logistics partner of Alibaba (the massive company that owns AliExpress). When you choose Standard Shipping, Cainiao is the one that picks up your package from the seller, handles the export process in China, and gets it on a plane. Once your package lands in your country, Cainiao hands it off to your local postal service (like USPS, Canada Post, or Royal Mail) for the final leg of the journey to your doorstep.

My Package Seems Stuck in Customs. What Should I Do?

Seeing a status like "Held by customs" for days on end is definitely stressful. The good news is that most of the time, it’s just a routine inspection or a simple backlog at the import facility. It usually clears up on its own within a week.

But if it's been stuck for longer than that, it's time to take action.

• Look for details: Check your tracking information carefully. Sometimes it will say if you need to pay import taxes or provide more documentation.
• Contact the seller: This should be your first step. Sellers deal with this all the time and can often get more specific information from their shipping partners than you can.
• Open a dispute: If the seller isn't helpful and your buyer protection window is about to close, don't wait. Open a dispute on AliExpress to protect your money while you sort things out.