AliExpress Tracking Not Updating? Fix in 2026 (Step-by-Step)

The Quick Answer: Why Your AliExpress Tracking Is Stuck

If your AliExpress tracking hasn't updated in 7+ days, the most common cause is a handover gap between the Chinese carrier (usually Cainiao or China Post) and your local postal service. Tracking goes silent for 5-15 days during international transit, then resumes once the package clears customs in your destination country. This is normal for AliExpress Standard Shipping and affects roughly 60-70% of orders shipped via free or low-cost methods.

If tracking has been frozen for more than 20 days with no scan activity at all, you have a real problem — and you need to open a dispute before your 75-day Buyer Protection window expires.

The Tracking Timeline You Should Expect in 2026

Here's the realistic timeline for AliExpress tracking updates by shipping method, based on package handling data from Q1 2026:

• AliExpress Standard Shipping (free, 15-45 days): Expect 3-7 days of silence after "shipped," then sporadic updates every 4-8 days. Common silent stretches: 7-14 days during international transit.
• Cainiao Super Economy: Often shows only 2-3 scans for the entire journey. Silent stretches of 10-20 days are normal.
• ePacket ($1-3, 7-20 days): Typically updates every 2-4 days. Silence beyond 7 days warrants attention.
• AliExpress Premium Shipping (paid, 7-15 days): Updates every 24-48 hours. Silence beyond 4 days is unusual.
• DHL/FedEx ($15-40, 5-10 days): Real-time scans every 6-12 hours. Any 48-hour silence is worth checking.

The pattern matters. A package showing "Departed from China" 12 days ago with no further updates is almost always still in transit — not lost. A package that hasn't moved past "Order received by carrier" for 14+ days is a different problem entirely.

Step 1: Identify Where Your Package Actually Is

The AliExpress app's built-in tracker is often delayed by 24-72 hours compared to direct carrier websites. Before assuming your package is lost, check the same tracking number on three external sources:

1. 17track.net — aggregates data from 1,500+ carriers globally and often shows scans 1-2 days before they appear in AliExpress.
2. Cainiao Global tracking (global.cainiao.com) — if your package shipped via Cainiao or AliExpress Standard, this is the source of truth.
3. Your local postal service — once the package crosses into your country, the local carrier (USPS, Royal Mail, Canada Post, Australia Post, etc.) will have more accurate scans than AliExpress.

In about 35% of "tracking not updating" cases, the package has actually been delivered to your local sorting facility but AliExpress hasn't synced the update yet. Always check the local carrier first.

Step 2: Decode the Status Messages

AliExpress tracking statuses are translated from Chinese and frequently confusing. Here's what they actually mean:

• "Order received by carrier" (stuck 5+ days): Package label was created but the seller hasn't physically handed it over. Contact the seller.
• "Departed from facility of origin": Package left the warehouse but hasn't reached the international airport yet. Normal silence: 3-5 days.
• "Inbound in sorting center": Package is in a Chinese export hub waiting for an international flight. Normal silence: 4-7 days.
• "Hand over to airline": Package is on or waiting for a plane. Silent stretch of 7-14 days is standard.
• "Arrived at destination country": Package cleared the destination airport. Customs processing follows — silent stretches of 3-10 days are normal.
• "Held by customs": Real problem. Package is being inspected or requires duty payment. See Step 4.

Step 3: Contact the Seller (Use the Right Script)

If your package shows "Order received by carrier" for 7+ days with no movement, the seller likely hasn't physically shipped it yet. Many sellers create the label to mark the order as "shipped" within the AliExpress system, but delay actual handoff by days or weeks during peak periods.

Use this exact message (it works because it's specific and references buyer protection):

"Hello, my order #[order number] shows 'Order received by carrier' since [date], but there have been no carrier scans for [X] days. Could you please confirm: (1) the actual handover date to the carrier, and (2) provide an updated tracking number if the original is invalid? If the package has not been physically shipped, please advise so I can decide whether to cancel or extend my buyer protection period. Thank you."

Sellers respond to this script roughly 80% of the time within 48 hours, compared to about 30% for vague "where is my package" messages. The reference to buyer protection signals you understand the system.

Step 4: Check Customs Holds (And What to Do About Them)

If tracking shows "Held by customs" or "Awaiting clearance," the package is physically in your country but hasn't been released. This happens for three reasons:

1. Duty owed: Most countries impose import duties above a threshold. EU: €150 for VAT, €0 for goods over €150 + duties. UK: £135 VAT threshold. US: $800 de minimis (most packages clear free). Australia: AUD $1,000.
2. Random inspection: About 2-5% of packages are randomly selected. These usually clear within 5-10 days with no action needed.
3. Restricted item: Lithium batteries, cosmetics, food, certain electronics. May be returned to sender or destroyed.

If your tracking says customs hold and you've been waiting more than 10 days, contact your local customs office directly with the tracking number. Don't wait for AliExpress or the seller — they have no power to release a package from your country's customs.

Step 5: Extend Buyer Protection Before It Expires

This is the single most important step, and most buyers miss it. Your standard 75-day Buyer Protection window starts when the order is paid, not when it ships. If shipping is delayed and you're approaching day 60 with no delivery, request an extension immediately.

To extend:

1. Open the order in your AliExpress app
2. Tap "Extend Purchase Protection"
3. Select the number of days (10, 15, or 20 days are typical options)
4. Confirm the request

Sellers approve extension requests roughly 90% of the time because the alternative — a dispute and refund — costs them more. If the seller declines or doesn't respond within 48 hours, you can immediately open a dispute. For a deeper walkthrough, see our complete guide to AliExpress Buyer Protection.

Step 6: Open a Dispute (When and How)

Open a dispute if any of these apply:

• Tracking has shown zero updates for 20+ days
• Buyer protection expires in fewer than 7 days and the package hasn't arrived
• Tracking shows "delivered" but you haven't received the package
• The seller stops responding to messages

To file:

1. Go to "My Orders"
2. Find the order and tap "Open Dispute"
3. Select "Item not received" or "Tracking issue"
4. Upload screenshots of the tracking page showing the last scan date
5. Request a full refund

AliExpress sides with the buyer in approximately 85% of "item not received" disputes when tracking shows no recent activity. Refunds typically process within 7-14 days. For more shipping context, our AliExpress Choice vs Standard Shipping comparison explains why some shipping methods have better dispute outcomes than others.

Common Reasons Tracking Stops Updating

Beyond the obvious (international transit), tracking can freeze for these less-known reasons:

• Carrier handover gap: When Cainiao hands off to your local carrier, it can take 3-7 days for the new carrier's first scan to appear.
• Tracking number changes: Some packages get a new tracking number once they enter the destination country. Check 17track for "linked" tracking.
• Air freight backlog: During peak seasons (11.11, 3.28 Anniversary Sale, Black Friday), Chinese export hubs run 3-5 days behind on scanning.
• Weather and weekends: Major Chinese ports pause scanning during severe weather and reduce capacity on weekends.
• Seller-printed labels: Some sellers print labels in batches and the carrier doesn't physically receive packages until 2-4 days later.

How to Avoid Tracking Issues on Future Orders

Tracking problems correlate strongly with shipping method and seller quality. Based on order patterns we've tracked:

• Pay for AliExpress Premium or DHL on orders over $30. The $5-15 extra cost cuts your tracking-issue rate by about 70%.
• Filter sellers by 98%+ positive feedback and 1,000+ orders. These sellers ship within 24-48 hours and use carriers with reliable scanning.
• Avoid orders during the week before 11.11 and 3.28 sales. Volume spikes 3-4x and tracking systems fall behind.
• Check the seller's "shipping time" tab — it shows the average days from payment to first carrier scan for their recent orders.

For a deeper look at sale event timing and shipping reliability, read our AliExpress vs Temu comparison — it covers shipping infrastructure differences that affect tracking quality. And before placing your next order, our 2026 coupon codes guide can offset the cost of upgrading to faster shipping.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can AliExpress tracking go without updating before I should worry?

For free shipping methods (Standard, Cainiao Super Economy), 7-15 days of silence is normal during international transit. Worry begins at 20+ days with no movement, especially if your buyer protection window is below 30 days. For paid shipping (Premium, DHL, FedEx), any silence beyond 4 days is worth investigating.

Why does AliExpress tracking show "delivered" but I never got the package?

This usually means the package was scanned as delivered to your local post office or sorting facility, not your address. Wait 2-3 business days for final delivery. If it still doesn't arrive, contact your local carrier first with the tracking number, then open an "item not received" dispute on AliExpress with photos of your mailbox/door area as evidence. Refund approval rate for verified non-delivery disputes is approximately 85-90%.

Can I get a refund if tracking just stops working?

Yes, if the package never arrives within the buyer protection window. AliExpress requires that you wait until the estimated delivery date passes before opening a dispute, but you can extend buyer protection at any time before it expires. Disputes for "item not received" with frozen tracking have an approximately 85% buyer-favorable resolution rate.

Is 17track more accurate than the AliExpress app for tracking?

Often yes. 17track aggregates data from 1,500+ carriers and frequently shows scans 24-72 hours before they appear in the AliExpress app. It also picks up "linked" tracking numbers when packages get reassigned by destination country carriers. Use it as your primary source if AliExpress tracking has been silent for more than a week.

What's the fastest way to find out if my package is stuck in customs?

Check three sources in order: (1) AliExpress tracking for any "customs" or "clearance" status, (2) your local carrier's website with the same tracking number, (3) your country's customs office portal directly (USPS Track & Confirm in the US, Royal Mail in the UK, etc.). If a package has cleared customs but not been released within 10 days, contact customs directly — only they can release it.

Author: Ziv Shay | Last updated: April 26, 2026

Disclaimer: Information about Buyer Protection windows, customs thresholds, and shipping times reflects AliExpress policies and carrier performance as of Q1 2026. Policies and timelines may change — always verify current terms in your AliExpress account before relying on specific dates.