Why is my eBay tracking number not working?

There are several common reasons why an eBay tracking number may not work when you try to check its status:

1. The seller just created the shipping label.
Tracking will not activate until the carrier scans the package for the first time. This can take 24–72 hours.

2. The carrier hasn’t updated the tracking system yet.
Postal services and budget couriers sometimes delay updates, especially during weekends or holidays.

3. The tracking number is only valid in the origin country.
For international shipments, tracking may work only on the origin carrier’s website (e.g., China Post, YunExpress) until the item reaches your country.

4. The number was entered incorrectly.
A single missing or extra character will cause the tracking to fail.

5. The seller used an economy method without full tracking.
Services like Cainiao Super Economy or untracked postal mail may show limited or no updates.

6. The package changed carriers.
If the parcel was handed off to a new courier, the old tracking number may stop updating and a new domestic number may be assigned.

In most cases, the issue resolves once the carrier processes the parcel or when it reaches the next transit point. If tracking does not update after several days, you can contact the seller for confirmation that the package was shipped.