Install for freeHow to Cancel an AliExpress Order: Before Payment, After Payment and After Shipment
Ordered something on AliExpress and changed your mind? The most important thing is to check the order status first. You can usually cancel an unpaid order or request cancellation while the order is still awaiting shipment. Once the seller ships the item, the cancel button usually disappears, and you will need to wait for delivery, request a return or open a dispute if something goes wrong.
In this guide, you will learn how to cancel an AliExpress order before payment, after payment and while it is awaiting shipment, what to do if the seller does not approve cancellation, how refunds work and what options you have after the parcel has already been shipped.
Quick answer
You can cancel an AliExpress order directly if it has not been paid yet. If the order is already paid but still shows “Awaiting Shipment”, you can submit a cancellation request, but the seller may need to approve it. If the order has already been shipped, you usually cannot cancel it. In that case, wait for delivery and request a return/refund, or open a dispute if the item is not received, damaged or not as described.
Cancel vs Return vs Dispute: what is the difference?
| Action | When to use it | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Cancel order | Before shipment | You try to stop the seller from shipping the item |
| Return & Refund | After receiving the item | You send the item back and request a refund |
| Refund only | After a problem with the item or delivery | You request money back without returning the item, if eligible |
| Dispute | When something goes wrong | You ask AliExpress to help resolve a problem with the order |
Use cancellation only before shipment. If the parcel has already been shipped, cancellation is usually no longer the right tool.
AliExpress order cancellation policy
AliExpress is a significant player in B2C eCommerce in China and around the world with functions like Amazon or its parent company, Alibaba. Purchase cancellation is an option for AliExpress customers before payment or when their packages are in the “Awaiting Shipment” condition. According to AliExpress rules, order cancellation is allowed only if the buyer and seller agree and the order status is “Awaiting Shipment”. If the seller has already shipped the item, you can either deny delivery of the products or wait until it is delivered before making a return request. A refund will be started using your original payment method after your purchase has been canceled or returned. Except for cash payments, Western Union, and bank transfers, which will be paid to your AliPay account. Charges paid for using cash on delivery will also receive a voucher for a refund.
Common reasons for cancelling an AliExpress order
| Reason for Cancellation | Description |
| No longer needed | The product is no longer necessary for the customer. |
| Found a better offer | The customer discovered a more attractive offer elsewhere. |
| System error in purchase | Due to a system issue, multiple purchases were generated, resulting in two products being sent out simultaneously. |
| Seller delays delivery | The seller has delayed the delivery of the product. |
| Incorrect delivery information | Customer mistakenly entered the wrong city or name, or paid for the wrong transaction. |
It would help if you had time to choose the product before the AliExpress seller ships it unless it is in outstanding condition. Please be sure you’re rational and clear about why you want to cancel the purchase before moving on to the next step. It frequently happens that Aliexpress sellers must provide refunds to customers dissatisfied with the products they receive. The seller must then agree to a partial refund to appease the customer and keep them from publishing a negative review. So, consider order cancellation.
Which cancellation reason should you choose?
Choose the reason that best matches your situation.
| Situation | Possible reason |
|---|---|
| You ordered by mistake | “I ordered the wrong item” |
| You entered the wrong address | “I entered the wrong shipping address” |
| You found a better offer | “I no longer need this order” |
| Seller is taking too long to ship | “Seller failed to ship on time” or similar available option |
| You bought the wrong color/size/model | “I ordered the wrong item” |
| Duplicate order | “Duplicate order” or similar available option |
If the seller has not shipped the item yet, a polite and simple cancellation reason is usually better than a long explanation
Can you cancel your AliExpress order? (by status)
| Order status | Can you cancel? | Best action |
|---|---|---|
| Unpaid | Yes | Cancel directly in My Orders |
| Paid / Awaiting Shipment | Usually yes (seller approval may be required) | Submit Cancel order request + message seller |
| Shipped | No (cancel button usually disappears) | Wait for delivery → return or open dispute if there’s an issue |
| Delivered | No | Request return/refund (or dispute if not received/incorrect) |
How do I cancel an order on AliExpress?
If you have already paid for the purchase on AliExpress, your supplier must first authorize the cancellation request before it can be made. If a deal is reached, the supplier won’t fulfill the purchase, and you will receive your money back.
You have to go through these steps.
- First, access the My Orders tab on AliExpress.com. Locate the items you wish to cancel and click on “View Detail”.
- Click the Cancel Order button.
- Submit the cancellation request.
- A brief pop-up window will open. Please confirm the cancellation request in the pop-up dialogue.
And confirm the cancellation request in the pop-up dialogue.
- If the seller approves the cancellation request, the transaction will be immediately terminated, and the parcel won’t be sent. After the seller approves your order cancellation request, you’ll receive the refund in 3 to 20 business days.
- You will receive an email stating your purchase has been canceled.
- If the seller does not respond to your request, you should contact them immediately and let them know the transaction is being canceled.
How to cancel an unpaid AliExpress order
If you created an order but have not paid for it yet, cancellation is usually simple.
Steps:
- Log in to your AliExpress account.
- Go to “My Orders”.
- Find the unpaid order.
- Click “Cancel Order” if the option is available.
- Confirm cancellation.
If you did not pay, there is usually no refund to process. The order is simply closed or cancelled. If you still want the product later, you can place a new order.
How to cancel a paid AliExpress order before shipment
If you have already paid, but the order still shows “Awaiting Shipment”, you can request cancellation. In many cases, the seller needs to approve the request before the order is cancelled.
Steps:
- Open AliExpress and go to “My Orders”.
- Find the order you want to cancel.
- Open order details.
- Click “Cancel Order” or “Request Order Cancellation”.
- Choose the reason for cancellation.
- Submit the request.
- Message the seller and politely ask them to approve the cancellation.
- Wait for confirmation.
If the seller approves the request, the order will be cancelled and the refund process will start automatically.
Waiting for shipment
If you need to cancel an AliExpress purchase while the status shows “Awaiting Shipment,” follow these steps to ensure a smooth cancellation process and secure a refund.
- Log in to Your AliExpress Account
Go to the main AliExpress website and log in to the account you used to place the order. - Check the Order Status
If the order status is listed as “Awaiting Shipment,” you have a chance to cancel it before the seller dispatches the item. - Contact the Seller
- Before initiating the cancellation, contact the seller directly through the AliExpress messaging system.
- Inform the seller that you wish to cancel the order and request their consent.
- If the seller agrees, they will approve your cancellation request, which is essential for processing the refund.
- Submit a Cancellation Request
- Go to the “My Orders” section and locate the item you want to cancel.
- Click on the “Cancel Order” option.
- Select an appropriate reason for cancellation from the dropdown menu. A common reason is “I ordered the wrong item.”
- Submit the cancellation request.
- Confirmation and Refund
- Once the seller confirms the cancellation, you will receive a confirmation email at your registered email address.
- Your refund will be processed automatically and returned via the original payment method.
If you simply changed your mind, choose the closest available cancellation reason and message the seller politely. Buyer advises using “I ordered the wrong item” as the reason. AliExpress imposes no punishment or penalty in this circumstance; the seller will cancel the purchase instead since the seller receives the cancellation request and decides whether to confirm it.
Can you cancel an AliExpress order after shipment?
Usually, no. Once the seller has shipped the order and tracking information appears, the cancel button usually disappears.
What you can do instead:
- Track the parcel.
- Wait for delivery.
- Check the item immediately after receiving it.
- If the item is fine but you no longer need it, check whether return/refund is available.
- If the item is damaged, not as described, incomplete or not received, open a dispute.
- Do not confirm receipt until you have actually received and checked the item.
If the parcel has already been shipped, do not keep asking the seller to cancel it. At this stage, the correct path is usually tracking, return/refund or dispute.
Money back on Aliexpress after canceling an order
AliExpress is widely known for its competitive pricing and wide range of products. Which range from hot sellers to unexpectedly helpful home accessories. On certain occasions, though, we have to “put back” items from our shopping list. What happens if you cancel your online purchase? After you cancel your order, the seller has 72 hours to reply to your cancellation request. AliExpress will cancel the purchase and return your money.
Refund time depends on your payment method and bank processing. In many cases, refunds take 3–20 business days, but timelines can vary.
What to do if an order cannot be canceled
The only option left for a buyer is to bargain with the seller. If you encounter any difficulties, you are strongly advised to contact them immediately. Tell the seller why not to send it. However, starting a dispute is the only appropriate action if the product has already been dispatched. AliExpress businesses work to ship faster than usual to get your items to you as quickly as possible. So, use caution when making purchases. How to cancel an AliExpress purchase after delivery becomes essential. When your goods have already been dispatched. And you realize that you no longer need them. Though the query is slightly different. The solution is the same as contacting the seller.
What if the seller does not approve cancellation?
If the order is already paid and awaiting shipment, the seller may need to approve the cancellation request. Some sellers approve quickly, while others may refuse or ship the item before responding.
What to do:
- Send one clear message asking the seller to approve cancellation.
- Do not send many repeated messages.
- Watch the order status.
- If the seller ships the order, stop trying to cancel it.
- If the item arrives and you no longer need it, check return/refund options.
- If the item does not arrive or is not as described, open a dispute.
Message template
Hello! I would like to cancel order #__ because I no longer need the item. Please approve the cancellation request before shipment. Thank you!
General tips for canceling an order
If for some reason you want to cancel order on Aliexpress. You can do so by following a few simple steps.
- The first step to take is to check the status of your purchase on AliExpress. If your item has not been shipped yet, you can cancel it without any problem. But if it has already changed to “Pending Shipping”, “Sent”, “In Transit”, “In Ship” or “Delivered”, it will not be so easy to cancel your parcel.
- If your order has already shipped, you need to contact the seller. And let him know that you want to cancel your transaction. To do this, go to your order page, click on the “Contact Seller” button. And send a message saying that you want to cancel the purchase. Usually the seller will respond within 24-48 hours.
- Of course, it will be easier to get a cancellation if you buy from adequate sellers. AliHelper will help you find them, thanks to its “Seller Rating” feature. This is a free extension for your browser.
- Once the seller receives your message that you want to cancel the purchase. They can offer you several options: cancel the item and get a full refund. Cancel the order and get a partial refund. Or continue with your order. If the seller agrees to cancel the order and get your money back. He must send a cancellation request. In this case you will receive notification by email. That the purchase has been successfully cancelled. And a refund to your credit card or other payment method you used when you purchased.
- If you receive notification that the transaction has been cancelled. And the money refunded to your credit card, follow the refund process. Usually the process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. Depending on your bank and payment method.
- If the seller doesn’t respond to your messages or refuses to cancel your purchase. You can contact the AliExpress support team. To do this, go to your order page, click on “Open Dispute” and follow the instructions. In this case, you may need to provide evidence that the seller is not fulfilling his obligations.
Message templates for cancelling an AliExpress order
Changed my mind
Hello! I would like to cancel order #__ because I no longer need the item. Please approve the cancellation request before shipment. Thank you!
Wrong item ordered
Hello! I accidentally ordered the wrong item. Please approve my cancellation request before shipment. Thank you!
Wrong address
Hello! I entered the wrong shipping address for order #__. Please approve the cancellation request before shipment so I can place a new order with the correct address.
Duplicate order
Hello! I accidentally placed a duplicate order. Please approve the cancellation request for order #__. Thank you!
Seller delay
Hello! The order has not been shipped yet, and I would like to cancel it. Please approve the cancellation request. Thank you!
Conclusion
Usually no penalty for canceling before shipment; issues depend on status and seller response. Therefore, be sure to read the terms and conditions of your AliExpress purchase. Before you cancel your purchase.
As you can see from the steps above, cancelling a transaction on AliExpress is not a complicated procedure. If you act quickly and correctly. It is important to monitor the status of the order. And contact the seller in a timely manner to avoid misunderstandings. And make sure that you get your money back. Now you know how to cancel an order on Aliexpress.
Yes, but it depends on the order status. You can usually cancel an unpaid order directly. If the order is paid but still awaiting shipment, you can request cancellation, but seller approval may be required. If the order has already shipped, cancellation is usually no longer possible.
Yes, if the seller has not shipped it yet. Open the order details, click “Cancel Order” or “Request Order Cancellation”, choose a reason and wait for the seller to approve the request.
Usually, no. Once the seller ships the order, you need to wait for delivery. If the item has a problem or does not arrive, open a dispute. If you simply no longer need it, check return/refund options after delivery.
For paid orders that are awaiting shipment, seller approval may be required. If the seller approves cancellation, the refund process usually starts automatically.
If the seller refuses and ships the item, cancellation is no longer the right option. Track the parcel and, after delivery, use return/refund options or open a dispute if there is a real problem with the order.
Refund time depends on the payment method, bank processing and order status. In many cases, refunds take several business days, but some payment methods may take longer.
No. If the item has not shipped, submit a cancellation request. A dispute is for order problems such as non-delivery, damaged goods, wrong item or item not as described.
Choose the reason that best matches your situation: wrong item, wrong address, duplicate order, no longer needed or seller delay. If you simply changed your mind, choose the closest available reason and message the seller politely.
If the order has not shipped yet, request cancellation and place a new order with the correct address. If the seller has already shipped it, contact the seller and carrier, but address changes may not be possible.
AliHelper helps check seller reliability, price history, similar products, coupons and delivery-related signals before buying. This helps reduce the chance of ordering from the wrong seller or overpaying and then wanting to cancel.
What should I do if I want to cancel my order without a specific reason? Do I need to open a dispute? Or is it better to arrange a return and refund directly with the seller?