AliExpress Tracking | Track Orders & Shipments Worldwide

Shopping on AliExpress has become the best solution for millions of consumers and entrepreneurs worldwide seeking affordable products shipped directly from manufacturers. However, one of the biggest challenges buyers face is tracking their orders across international borders and through multiple shipping carriers. Understanding how to effectively track your AliExpress packages can transform anxiety into confidence, ensuring you always know exactly where your purchases are in their journey to your doorstep.

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Understanding AliExpress Order Tracking

AliExpress Tracking lets buyers monitor their package as it moves internationally through multiple carriers, customs, and sorting centers. When you order, the seller ships your item using a method that generates a tracking number, which follows the shipment even if it changes carriers along the way. Because international shipping involves several logistics companies, this tracking often updates across different platforms from China Post or Cainiao to your local postal service, so knowing this multi-stage process helps you understand where your package is and what to expect.

Where to Find Your AliExpress Tracking Number?

You can find your AliExpress tracking number in several places. The easiest way is by going to My Orders, selecting your order, and clicking View Details. The tracking number will appear under Tracking Number or Logistics Tracking if it has been shipped. You will also receive an email when your order is dispatched, which usually includes the tracking number and a tracking link.

On the mobile app, just open Account, My Orders, select your shipped order to view tracking details. If it’s still missing, check your messages, as some sellers share tracking numbers there, especially for combined or special shipments.

How to Track Your AliExpress Order Step by Step?

Tracking your AliExpress package involves multiple methods depending on where your package is in its journey. Here’s a comprehensive walkthrough of the most effective tracking approaches.

Tracking Directly on AliExpress

Start by using AliExpress’s built-in tracking system.

• After finding your tracking number in My Orders.
• Click the Track Order or View Logistics button.
• This opens a tracking timeline showing all recorded events for your package.

Using Third-Party Universal Tracking Platforms

AliExpress offers basic tracking, whereas third-party tracking websites give more detailed and real-time updates by checking multiple carrier databases at once. You simply copy your AliExpress tracking number and paste it into a universal tracker, which detects the carrier automatically and pulls information from all supported couriers. These services can track packages from China Post, Cainiao, 4PX, Yanwen, USPS, Royal Mail, DHL, UPS, FedEx, and many more, providing a clearer and more complete view of your shipment’s journey.

Tracking Through Local Carrier Websites

Once your package enters your country, tracking it through your local postal service or courier website often provides the most accurate and timely updates. For shipments to the United States, your package typically transfers to USPS for final delivery. European shipments might use Royal Mail, Deutsche Post, Post NL, or other national postal services.

How AliExpress Tracking Works After Your Parcel Leaves China?

Understanding the international shipping journey helps you interpret tracking updates correctly and set realistic delivery expectations. Here is what typically happens after a seller ships your order.

Initial Processing and Export

When a seller ships your item, they hand it to a logistics company like China Post, Cainiao, 4PX, or Yanwen. The package first arrives at a local sorting facility, where it’s scanned and sorted based on destination country. This initial scan generates your first real tracking update, typically showing Shipment picked up or Accepted by carrier.

From the local facility, packages travel to a regional hub, often in cities like Shanghai, Guangzhou, or Shenzhen. At these major logistics centers, packages undergo another round of sorting and consolidation. Parcels heading to the same destination country are grouped together to optimize shipping costs and customs clearance efficiency.

Airport Departure and International Transit

After regional sorting, your package heads to an international airport for air freight export. You will see tracking updates like Departed from the airport. This is where tracking updates often go silent for several days or even weeks, especially for economy shipping methods.

Arrival and Customs Clearance

When your package reaches your country, it arrives at an international mail exchange facility or customs processing center. Here you will see updates like Arrived at destination country, Inbound into customs, or Item presented to customs. This is a critical stage where packages can experience delays.

Local Delivery Network

After clearing customs, your package enters your country’s domestic postal network. It moves to a regional distribution center, then to your local post office. Updates become more frequent and specific at this stage: Arrived at local facility, Out for delivery, Delivery attempt made, or Available for pickup.

AliExpress Standard Shipping vs Other Courier Shipping

AliExpress offers multiple shipping methods, each with different tracking capabilities, speeds, and costs. Understanding these options helps you make better decisions when ordering and tracking packages.

AliExpress Standard Shipping

AliExpress Standard Shipping is the platform’s recommended option, offering a balance of speed, cost, and reliable tracking. This method typically delivers packages to the United States in 15-30 days, with most European destinations receiving orders within 20-35 days.

Cainiao Logistics

Cainiao is Alibaba Group’s logistics arm, providing shipping and tracking services for AliExpress orders. While Cainiao is not always a separate shipping method you can select, it frequently handles the coordination and tracking aggregation for various shipping options, particularly AliExpress Standard Shipping.

AliExpress Free Shipping

Free shipping options typically use China Post Ordinary Small Packet Plus or similar economy services. While free shipping is attractive, it comes with trade-offs in speed and tracking reliability. Delivery times range from 30 to 60 days or longer, and tracking updates are often sparse, particularly during international transit.

Express Courier Shipping (DHL, FedEx, UPS)

For urgent orders, some AliExpress sellers offer express courier shipping through DHL, FedEx, UPS, or similar international couriers. These services deliver packages in 3-10 days with premium tracking that provides real-time updates, precise delivery windows, and often signature confirmation.

Other Shipping Methods

Various other shipping methods appear on AliExpress, including ePacket for lighter packages to select countries, China Post Air Mail, China EMS, and country-specific options like Singapore Post or Yun Express. Each has its own tracking characteristics, delivery speeds, and coverage areas. Always check the shipping method description and estimated delivery time before confirming your purchase.

Supported Carriers for AliExpress Shipments

AliExpress orders can pass through dozens of different carriers depending on the shipping method, origin location, and destination country. Understanding which carriers handle AliExpress packages helps you track shipments more effectively and know where to look for updates.

China Mail Services

• China Post is the most common origin carrier for AliExpress packages, particularly for economy shipping methods.
• 4PX Express is another major logistics provider for AliExpress, known for good tracking visibility and reasonable delivery speeds.
• Yanwen Logistics specializes in international e-commerce shipping, offering services from China to over 200 countries.
• SF International, operated by SF Express, offers premium shipping services for AliExpress sellers willing to pay higher rates for faster, more reliable delivery with comprehensive tracking.

International Tracking Platforms

• 17TRACK is another universal tracking platform widely used for AliExpress orders.

United States Delivery Carriers

• For shipments to the United States, USPS handles the majority of final deliveries for AliExpress packages.
• UPS and FedEx deliver AliExpress packages when sellers select express shipping options or when packages require special handling.

European Delivery Carriers

• Royal Mail handles most AliExpress deliveries to the United Kingdom after packages clear customs.
• Deutsche Post and DHL manage deliveries throughout Germany.
• PostNL serves the Netherlands.
• French shipments typically transfer to La Poste.
• Spanish packages move through Correos.

Other Regional Carriers

• Canada Post delivers AliExpress packages throughout Canada.
• Australia Post handles Australian deliveries.
• New Zealand Post serves New Zealand.
• Japan Post, Korea Post, and Singapore Post manage deliveries within their respective countries in Asia.

Understanding AliExpress Tracking Number Formats

AliExpress tracking numbers follow specific formats that indicate which carrier is handling your package and what service level you can expect.

Standard International Tracking Formats

The most common tracking number format begins with two letters, followed by nine digits, and ends with two letters, for example LY123456789CN. The first two letters indicate the service type or mail class, the middle nine digits are unique identifiers, and the final two letters represent the origin country code.

Carrier-Specific Formats

Some carriers use their own proprietary tracking number formats. 4PX tracking numbers often begin with “4PX” followed by alphanumeric characters.

Domestic Carrier Transition Numbers

When your package enters your destination country and transfers to the local postal service, you might receive a new tracking number in a domestic format. USPS tracking numbers in the United States typically start with “9” and contain 20-22 digits. Royal Mail tracking numbers in the UK might start with “GB” followed by nine digits and “GB” again.

Real-Time Status Updates and Notifications for AliExpress Deliveries

• The AliExpress mobile app sends push notifications for major shipment milestones like “Package shipped,” “Package arrived in destination country,” and “Package out for delivery.”
• Many third-party tracking platforms offer email notifications that alert you when tracking status changes.
• Advanced tracking services integrate with SMS, Telegram, WhatsApp, or other messaging platforms to deliver instant notifications directly to your phone.
• Some tracking platforms offer browser extensions that monitor your packages in the background and send desktop notifications when status changes occur.

Track Multiple AliExpress Orders in One Dashboard

• Advanced tracking platforms like aliexpresstracking.net allow you to import multiple tracking numbers simultaneously through CSV file uploads or copy-paste operations.
• Comprehensive tracking dashboards present your shipments in sortable, filterable lists showing key information like tracking number, order date, current status, current location, and estimated delivery date.

AliExpress Tracking for Drop-shippers and Shopify Stores

• Automated Customer Notifications
• Multi-Order Synchronization
• Handling Tracking Delays and Issues
• Supplier Performance Monitoring

Common AliExpress Tracking Statuses Explained

AliExpress tracking updates use specific terminology that isn’t always immediately clear. Understanding what each status means helps you interpret your package’s progress accurately and know when action might be required.

Shipment Picked Up or Accepted by Carrier

This initial scan indicates the seller handed your package to the logistics provider, and it’s been entered into the shipping system.

Arrived at the Sorting Center or the Processing Facility

Your package reached a logistics hub where it is being sorted based on destination.

Departed from the City or En Route to the City

The package left a facility and is moving to the next destination.

Airline Departure or Departed from Airport of Origin

This is a major milestone indicating the package successfully cleared export processing and is heading to your country.

Arrival at Destination or Inbound Into Customs

The package arrived in your country and entered customs processing.

Customs Clearance Completed or Released by Customs

Your package successfully cleared customs and is released into your country’s postal system.

Arrived at Local Facility or At Local Distribution Center

The package reached a sorting facility near your delivery address. This update indicates you’re close to receiving your order.

Out for Delivery

Your package is on a delivery vehicle heading to your address today.

Delivered or Delivery Successful

The carrier completed delivery and released the package at your address.

Delivery Attempted or Notice Left

The carrier tried to deliver but couldn’t complete the delivery, possibly because no one was home to sign, the address was inaccessible, or there were other issues.

Returned to Sender or Undeliverable

The carrier couldn’t deliver your package and is sending it back to the origin address.

No AliExpress Tracking Updates? Common Reasons and Fixes

One of the most frustrating aspects of ordering from AliExpress is when tracking information stops updating or never appears at all.

Tracking Not Activated Yet

Sellers sometimes mark orders as shipped before actually handing packages to carriers, creating a delay between shipment notification and the first tracking scan. Wait 3-7 days after receiving the shipment notification before worrying about missing tracking updates. The carrier needs to physically receive and scan the package before tracking activates. If no updates appear after a week, message the seller asking for confirmation that the package was handed to the carrier.

Package in International Transit

The most common reason for tracking silence is the package being in international transit, particularly while on cargo flights or ships. During this phase, which can last 1-3 weeks, no intermediate scans occur because the package is literally between countries with no checkpoints to scan it.

Tracking Number Format Issues

Sometimes the tracking number provided by the seller is incorrect, incomplete, or not yet registered in the carrier’s database. Try tracking the number on multiple platforms like AliExpress, 17TRACK, Cainiao, and your local postal service, as different systems may have different information.

Economy Shipping with Limited Tracking

Free shipping methods provide minimal tracking visibility, often showing only initial acceptance and final delivery scans with nothing in between.

Customs Processing Delays

Packages can sit in customs for days or weeks without generating tracking updates, creating the appearance that your package is stuck or lost. Customs processes packages in batches, and high-volume periods like holidays or sales events create backlogs that slow everything down.

Lost or Misrouted Packages

In rare cases, packages genuinely get lost or misrouted during transit. Contact AliExpress customer support and open a dispute if you’re within the buyer protection period.

What to do when an AliExpress package is stuck in transit or customs?

If your package remains at a sorting center in China for over two weeks, it may be waiting for sufficient volume to justify shipping to your destination, or it could be caught in a logistical backlog. Contact the seller requesting an update and clarification on why the package has not progressed.

Stuck at Customs

Customs delays are the most common and frustrating type of package holdup. If your package has been in customs for over three weeks, consider these steps:

• First, check if your country’s customs agency has any online systems for checking import status using your tracking number.
• Verify that the seller properly declared the package contents and value.
• Consider whether the package contents might require special permits, certifications, or be subject to import restrictions in your country.
• If customs contacts you directly requesting additional information, duties payment, or documentation, respond promptly to prevent your package from being returned to the sender or destroyed.

Stuck at Local Distribution Facilities

Packages occasionally get stuck at regional distribution centers in your country, showing arrived at facility updates repeatedly without progressing to out for delivery.

• Contact your local postal service or courier directly using their customer service lines.

Taking Action Through AliExpress

If your package remains stuck beyond the estimated delivery date and you are approaching the end of your buyer protection period, open a dispute on AliExpress. Don’t wait until after protection expires, as you will have no recourse at that point.

• When opening disputes, select product not received as the reason and provide detailed evidence, including tracking screenshots showing the stuck status, correspondence with the seller, and explanations of what happened.

Patience vs. Action Balance

International shipping requires patience, but you also need to protect your rights as a buyer. A reasonable approach is:

• Wait 45-60 days from order date for free shipping methods before taking action.
• Wait 30-45 days for standard shipping methods.
• Wait 15-20 days for express shipping methods.

If these timeframes pass with no delivery or forward movement on tracking, it is appropriate to escalate through seller communication, then disputes if necessary.

Tips for the Best AliExpress Tracking Experience

Maximizing your tracking effectiveness and minimizing stress around international shipments requires adopting smart strategies and best practices throughout the ordering and tracking process.

• Select appropriate shipping methods.
• Screenshot important tracking milestones.
• Enable notifications strategically
• Track multiple orders in batches.
• Understand Seasonal Variations
• Communicate proactively as a drop shipper
• Know when to escalate issues.

The Future of AliExpress Tracking and Cross-Border E-Commerce

As cross-border e-commerce continues growing, tracking technologies and capabilities are evolving to provide better visibility, reliability, and customer experience throughout the international shipping journey.

• Real-time GPS tracking integration
• Blockchain-based tracking Verification
• Predictive delivery Windows
• Automated customs processing
• Integrated communication platforms

Conclusion

Tracking AliExpress packages doesn’t need to be a source of stress or confusion. By understanding how international shipping works, recognizing normal tracking patterns versus genuine problems, and using the right tracking tools, you can monitor your purchases confidently from order placement through final delivery.

As cross-border e-commerce continues expanding and tracking technologies improve, the international shopping experience will only become smoother and more transparent. Today’s tools already provide remarkable visibility into shipments traveling halfway around the world, and future innovations promise even better tracking, faster delivery, and greater reliability for the billions of packages flowing through the global logistics network every year.

FAQs About AliExpress Tracking