How to Track AliExpress Orders: Complete 2024 Guide
AliExpress, the popular Chinese e-commerce platform, has become a favorite for online shoppers worldwide due to its vast product range and affordable prices. However, tracking international orders is crucial to ensure a smooth delivery process. This guide explains different ways to track your AliExpress shipments, provides troubleshooting tips, and offers best practices.
The key aspects we’ll cover in this comprehensive guide include:
- Understanding AliExpress tracking numbers and how to find them
- Tracking orders on the AliExpress website and mobile app
- Leveraging third-party tracking services like AliHelper and 17Track
- Troubleshooting common tracking issues and delays
- Estimated delivery times for different shipping methods
- Best practices for a seamless tracking and delivery experience
By the end of this post, you’ll have a solid understanding of the entire order tracking process on AliExpress, equipping you with the knowledge to monitor your purchases effectively.
Understanding AliExpress Tracking Numbers
Before we dive into the tracking methods, it’s essential to understand what an AliExpress tracking number is and how to find it. A tracking number is a unique code assigned to your package by the shipping carrier, allowing you to monitor its progress from the seller’s location to your doorstep.
AliExpress tracking numbers can come in different formats, such as:
- Numeric: 1544563952345
- Alphanumeric: YT154245621544593001, ZA1248321227HK
These tracking numbers are crucial for tracking your AliExpress orders, as they serve as the key to unlocking detailed information about your package’s whereabouts.
To find your AliExpress tracking number, follow these simple steps:
- Log in to your AliExpress account.
- Navigate to the “My Orders” section.
- Locate the order you want to track and click on the “Details” link.
- Within the order details, you should find the tracking number under the “Shipping Information” or a similar section.
The AliExpress order number and the tracking number are different. The order number identifies your purchase on AliExpress. The tracking number is for your package and comes from the shipping carrier.
Tracking Your AliExpress Order on the Website
One of the most straightforward ways to track your AliExpress order is through the platform’s website. AliExpress offers a dedicated tracking feature that allows you to monitor your shipment’s progress in real-time.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to tracking your order on the AliExpress website:
- Log in to your AliExpress account.
- Navigate to the “My Orders” section.
- Find the order you want to track and click on the “Details” link.
- Within the order details, look for the “Track Order” button or a similar option.
- Click on the “Track Order” button to access the tracking information for your package.
The tracking information provided on the AliExpress website typically includes details such as:
- Current status of the shipment (e.g., shipped, in transit, out for delivery)
- Detailed timeline of the package’s journey, including key events and locations
- Estimated delivery date (subject to change based on various factors)
The level of tracking detail may vary depending on the shipping method and courier or postal service used for your order.
Tracking AliExpress Orders on the Mobile App
In today’s fast-paced world, having the ability to track your orders on the go can be incredibly convenient. AliExpress understands this need and offers a mobile app that allows you to monitor your shipments directly from your smartphone or tablet.
To track an order in the AliExpress mobile app, follow these steps:
- Launch the AliExpress mobile app on your device.
- Tap on the “My Orders” tab.
- Select the order you want to track to access its details.
- Within the order details, you should see a “Track Order” button or the tracking number itself.
- If a tracking number is provided, tap on it to initiate the tracking process.
The AliExpress app may also send you notifications with order updates, including tracking information, so be sure to enable notifications for the app.
Using the mobile app for order tracking can be especially helpful when you’re on the move or waiting for an important delivery. With just a few taps, you can check the status of your package and plan accordingly.
Common AliExpress Order Tracking Statuses
As you track your AliExpress order, you’ll encounter various tracking statuses that provide insights into the progress of your shipment. Here are some common order tracking statuses and their meanings:
- Order Placed: Your order has been successfully submitted, and it’s in the initial processing stage.
- Processing: The seller is preparing your order for shipment, including verifying your payment and getting the items ready.
- Shipped: Your order has been sent out by the seller and is on its way to you. You should receive a tracking number at this point.
- In Transit: Your package is currently in transit and making its way to the destination.
- Out for Delivery: Your package has reached the local delivery courier and is on its way to your address.
- Delivered: Your package has been successfully delivered to the specified address.
- Expired: The order processing time has exceeded the estimated delivery time, and you should contact the seller or AliExpress customer support for assistance.
- Refunded: If there are issues with your order or it couldn’t be delivered, you might see this status, indicating that you’ve been refunded.
- Canceled: Your order has been canceled, either by you or the seller, and it won’t be processed or shipped.
- Customs Clearance: Your package is being held up in customs and undergoing necessary checks and processes.
The wording of these statuses may vary depending on the seller, shipping carrier, and country.
Using Third-Party Tracking Services
While the AliExpress website and mobile app offer reliable tracking features, some buyers prefer to utilize third-party tracking services for added convenience and advanced tracking capabilities. Popular options include AliHelper, 17Track, and Postal Ninja.
These third-party services can provide benefits such as:
- Consolidated tracking: Track multiple orders from different platforms in one place.
- Advanced tracking features: Access more detailed tracking information, including real-time updates and delivery estimates.
- Price monitoring: Some services, like AliHelper, also offer price monitoring and seller rating features.
To use a third-party tracking service, you’ll typically need to create an account and enter your AliExpress tracking number. The service will then fetch the tracking information and provide you with regular updates on the status of your shipment.
Spotlight on AliHelper Extension
One particularly noteworthy third-party tracking service is the AliHelper browser extension. This powerful tool not only offers advanced delivery tracking but also provides a range of additional features to enhance your AliExpress shopping experience.
Key features of AliHelper include:
- Delivery tracking: Monitor the shipping progress of all your orders in one place, with detailed delivery insights.
- Price change monitoring: Stay informed about price fluctuations and visualize price changes over time.
- Seller ratings and history: Access detailed seller ratings and view the history of price changes for informed purchasing decisions.
- Review insights: Read product reviews and filter feedback by country for a comprehensive understanding of other buyers’ experiences.
To use AliHelper, simply install the extension for your preferred browser (available for Chrome, Firefox, and others), and it will automatically integrate with the AliExpress website, providing you with its wealth of features right at your fingertips.
Troubleshooting Common Tracking Issues
While tracking your AliExpress order is generally a straightforward process, there may be times when you encounter issues or delays in receiving updates. Here are some common tracking problems and tips for resolving them:
Tracking Number Not Updating
Your AliExpress tracking number not updating could be due to several reasons:
- Processing delays: It can take a few days for the tracking information to become available after placing your order.
- Shipping delays: International shipping can sometimes experience delays, especially if there are customs clearance or other processing issues in the destination country.
- Limited tracking: Some shipping methods may provide limited tracking information, making it appear as if the tracking number is not updating.
If your AliExpress tracking number is not updating, it could be due to several reasons, including processing delays, shipping delays, or limited tracking information provided by certain shipping methods.
Try the following steps to fix the issue:
- Wait for Processing: Allow some time for the seller to process your order and provide the tracking number. It can take a few days for the tracking information to become available after placing your order.
- Check the Tracking Website: Verify that you’re entering the tracking number on the correct courier’s website or tracking service. Make sure you’re using the correct tracking number format provided by the seller.
- Account for Shipping Delays: International shipping can sometimes experience delays, especially if there are customs clearance or other processing issues in the destination country. Be patient and wait for updates, as these delays are often beyond the seller’s control.
- Understand Limited Tracking: Some shipping methods may provide limited tracking information, making it appear as if the tracking number is not updating. Check the shipping method details to understand the level of tracking offered.
- Contact the Seller: If you’re still not receiving updates after a reasonable amount of time, consider reaching out to the seller through the AliExpress messaging system. They may be able to provide additional information or reassurance about your order’s status.
- Open a Dispute (if necessary): If a significant amount of time has passed, and there are still no updates or no sign of your package, you can consider opening a dispute on AliExpress to request a refund or resolution.
Remember, tracking information is not always updated in real-time and can be delayed due to various factors. If the lack of tracking updates is causing concern or if the delivery time exceeds the estimated date, it’s always a good idea to communicate with the seller and, if necessary, open a dispute to protect your rights as a buyer.
Other Common Tracking Issues
In addition to the tracking number not updating, there are a few other common issues that buyers may encounter when tracking their AliExpress orders:
Customs Clearance Delays: If your package is going through customs in your country, it may experience delays due to inspection and processing. This can lead to a lack of tracking updates for a period of time.
Carrier Issues: Sometimes, the issue may be with the courier or postal service itself. Courier delays, technical issues, or errors in scanning can result in tracking information not updating as expected.
National Holidays: Be aware of national holidays and customs regulations in your country, as they can impact the shipping and delivery process, leading to potential tracking delays.
Encounter issues? Exercise patience. Monitor tracking information. Delays beyond reasonable timeframe? Contact seller or AliExpress support.
Estimated Delivery Times for AliExpress Orders
When shopping on AliExpress, it’s essential to manage your expectations regarding delivery times, especially for international orders. AliExpress offers various shipping methods, each with its own estimated delivery timeframe.
Here are some typical delivery times for different shipping methods:
AliExpress Standard Shipping:
- Approximate delivery time: 10-45 days
- This is the most commonly used shipping method by sellers, offering a balance between cost and delivery speed.
AliExpress Premium Shipping:
- Approximate delivery time: 5-10 days
- While more expensive than Standard Shipping, Premium Shipping provides faster delivery times through reliable courier services.
Delivery times are estimates and may vary due to customs clearance, weather conditions, and other factors. The timeframe may be longer or shorter depending on your location and the seller’s country of origin.
To get a more accurate estimate of your order’s delivery timeline, check the specific details provided by the seller or on the AliExpress website during the checkout process.
Best Practices for Tracking AliExpress Orders
To ensure a smooth and hassle-free tracking experience with your AliExpress orders, consider following these best practices:
- Stay Organized: Keep track of your tracking numbers by saving them in a safe place or using a dedicated tracking app. This will make it easier to monitor multiple orders simultaneously.
- Be Proactive: Don’t wait until the estimated delivery date to start tracking your order. Monitor the tracking information regularly to stay informed about your package’s progress.
- Set Realistic Expectations: Keep in mind that international shipping can take longer than domestic orders. Set realistic expectations based on the shipping method you’ve chosen and the estimated delivery times provided by AliExpress.
- Communicate with the Seller: If you have any concerns or questions about your order’s tracking, don’t hesitate to reach out to the seller through the AliExpress messaging system. Clear communication can often resolve issues more efficiently.
- Open a Dispute (if necessary): If your order is significantly delayed or if there are any issues with the delivery, consider opening a dispute on AliExpress. This can help protect your rights as a buyer and ensure a fair resolution.
- Be Patient: While waiting for your package can be exciting, it’s essential to exercise patience during the delivery process. International shipping can be subject to various factors beyond the seller’s control, such as customs clearance and carrier delays.
By following these best practices, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the tracking process for your AliExpress orders, ultimately leading to a more enjoyable and stress-free shopping experience.
Conclusion
In today’s world of online shopping, tracking your orders has become an essential part of the buying process, especially when dealing with international purchases from platforms like AliExpress. By understanding the various tracking methods, common issues, and best practices, you can take control of your delivery experience and ensure a smooth journey for your packages.
Throughout this comprehensive guide, we’ve covered everything from finding and understanding AliExpress tracking numbers to leveraging the platform’s website, mobile app, and third-party tracking services like AliHelper. We’ve also explored troubleshooting tips for common tracking issues, estimated delivery times, and best practices to follow for a seamless tracking and delivery experience.
Remember, patience and clear communication are key when dealing with international orders. By staying organized, setting realistic expectations, and proactively monitoring your shipments, you’ll be better equipped to navigate any potential challenges that may arise.
So, the next time you make a purchase on AliExpress, feel confident in your ability to track your order effectively, ensuring that your hard-earned money is well-spent on a smooth and hassle-free delivery experience.