If you’ve just placed an order on DHgate and excitedly hit the “Track” button, only to see nothing happen, you’re not alone.
Every day, users search phrases like:
- “DHgate tracking not working USPS”
- “DHgate tracking number not working”
- “DHgate DHL tracking not working”
…and they all want to know why and how to fix it.
In this complete 2025 guide, we’ll walk you through every possible reason why DHgate tracking is not working and how to resolve it — whether you’re using USPS, ePacket, DHL, Cainiao, or any other courier.
Let’s get started. ✅
🚚 Why DHgate Tracking Isn’t Working (Common Reasons)
Before jumping to conclusions, understand that DHgate tracking delays are often normal — especially with international shipments.
Here’s a breakdown of the top reasons:
Reason | Description |
---|---|
Tracking not updated yet | Seller just shipped item; tracking takes time to activate |
Courier hasn’t scanned the package | Happens frequently with ePacket and USPS |
Invalid or wrong tracking number | Human error during input or fake listing |
Package not picked up | Seller created label but hasn’t shipped it yet |
Cross-border handoff delay | Package stuck between countries (common with USPS & DHL) |
Courier system lag | Especially with overloaded networks (e.g., holidays, pandemics) |
🛠️ Fixing “DHgate Tracking Not Working” – Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide
Let’s go step-by-step to fix this:
✅ Step 1: Wait 48–72 Hours After Shipment Confirmation
Many sellers mark the order as “shipped” before the package physically leaves the warehouse. Most tracking numbers take 1–3 business days to go live.
Pro Tip: Avoid panicking immediately — patience pays off.
✅ Step 2: Copy the Tracking Number and Use Third-Party Sites
The DHgate website often lags in showing updates. Use these accurate real-time trackers:
Tool | URL | Works Best For |
---|---|---|
17Track | 17track.net | USPS, ePacket, Yanwen |
Cainiao | cainiao.com | AliExpress/DHgate packages |
Track718 | track718.com | DHL, ePacket, SF Express |
Paste your tracking number directly into these tools to see more updates than DHgate offers.
✅ Step 3: Identify the Courier
Many tracking issues happen when buyers don’t know who the actual courier is.
Look for this info on DHgate’s tracking page:
- China Post
- USPS
- ePacket
- Yanwen
- DHL
- SF Express
Knowing your courier helps you find the correct tracking tool and customer support options.
✅ Step 4: Contact the Seller for Confirmation
If after 72 hours your DHgate tracking number is not working, reach out to the seller:
- Go to My Orders
- Click “Contact Seller”
- Ask them:
- Has the package been shipped?
- Which courier service is being used?
- Can they verify the tracking number?
Pro Tip: Always be polite. Sellers who sense aggression may delay or ghost you.
✅ Step 5: Try Tracking via the Final-Mile Courier (e.g., USPS)
When the package reaches your country, DHgate tracking with USPS or your local postal service becomes more accurate.
Example:
- Initial courier: Yanwen
- Final courier (USA): USPS
- Action: Paste the same tracking number into USPS.com
If DHgate USPS tracking not working, try USPS after 10+ days of shipment.
✈️ Tracking Issues by Courier – Quick Fixes
Let’s break down tracking issues by popular shipping services:
📦 DHgate Tracking Not Working USPS
Why?
- USPS receives info late from China Post
- Package not entered into USPS system yet
Fixes:
- Try 17Track first
- Wait for Customs clearance
- Try again on USPS once the status changes to “Arrived at Destination Country”
📦 DHgate DHL Tracking Not Working
Why?
- DHL may delay updating in third-party tools
- Shipper may have printed label but hasn’t dropped it off
Fixes:
- Use official DHL website for updates
- Contact DHL directly with the tracking number
📦 DHgate ePacket Tracking Not Working
Why?
- Extremely common; delays of 4–6 days in activation
- Transitions through multiple hands (e.g., China Post > USPS)
Fixes:
- Use 17Track or Cainiao
- Allow up to 5 business days for first scan
📦 DHgate Yanwen Tracking Not Working
Why?
- Yanwen is a low-cost, slow logistics provider
- Often skips scans until delivery
Fixes:
- Only track through 17Track
- Watch for a scan like “Arrived at Destination Country”
🧭 DHgate Tracking Statuses – What They Mean
Status | Meaning |
---|---|
Label Created | Seller created a label, not yet shipped |
Shipment Accepted | Courier received the item |
In Transit | Package is moving between facilities |
Arrived at Sorting Center | Package is awaiting customs clearance |
Delivered | Successfully delivered |
Expired | Tracking number has become inactive – contact seller |
🛑 When Should You Worry About Tracking Not Working?
Here’s a general guideline:
Days Since Shipment | Should You Worry? | Recommended Action |
---|---|---|
1–3 Days | ❌ No | Wait patiently |
4–7 Days | ⚠️ Slight concern | Contact seller or use external tracker |
8–14 Days | ✅ Yes | File a complaint if no update |
15+ Days | 🚨 Urgent | Open dispute on DHgate |
📞 How to Contact DHgate Support if Tracking Still Doesn’t Work
- Visit DHgate Help Center
- Use Live Chat
- Provide:
- Order ID
- Tracking number
- Screenshot of tracking failure
💡 Pro Tips to Avoid Tracking Issues in the Future
- ✅ Buy from top-rated sellers
- ✅ Choose DHL or ePacket over Yanwen
- ✅ Double-check the tracking number format
- ✅ Keep all order emails and receipts
- ✅ Install the DHgate app for push notifications
❓ FAQ About DHgate Tracking Not Working
1. Why is my DHgate tracking number not working?
It usually takes 2–3 days for the courier to update their system. Try again after that period.
2. How long does DHgate tracking take to update?
Typically 24–72 hours. ePacket and USPS may take slightly longer.
3. Why does it say “tracking not found”?
This can mean:
- Tracking number is invalid
- Seller hasn’t shipped yet
- Courier hasn’t scanned it
4. Is DHgate tracking reliable?
It depends on the courier. DHL and USPS are more reliable than Yanwen or Cainiao.
5. What does “expired” mean in DHgate tracking?
The tracking number is no longer active — usually due to delays or non-shipment.
6. Can I get a refund if the tracking never works?
Yes. If tracking shows no update within 10–15 business days, you can open a dispute.
7. How do I track a DHgate order using USPS?
Paste your tracking number into USPS.com once the item reaches the U.S.
8. Why is there no tracking info after 5 days?
It’s likely a delay in scan. Contact the seller to verify shipping.
9. What if the seller gave me a fake tracking number?
Open a dispute on DHgate with screenshots showing the number doesn’t work.
10. Can I trust Cainiao or 17Track?
Yes, these platforms often show more updates than DHgate itself.
11. Does DHgate always provide tracking?
Most sellers do, but for very cheap items (<$5), tracking may be limited.
12. Why does my package show “Shipped” but no updates?
The label is printed, but the package hasn’t been picked up yet.
13. Can I track DHgate orders from the app?
Yes. Download the DHgate app and go to My Orders > Track Order.
14. What if my package is stuck in customs?
Tracking will pause. Be patient — it can take up to 7–10 days.
15. How do I escalate tracking issues with DHgate?
Go to the Help Center, then use Live Chat or file a dispute from your order page.
🏁 Final Thoughts
Having DHgate tracking not working can be frustrating, but it’s rarely something to panic about.
Most of the time, it’s just a delay or system lag — especially when using economy shipping like ePacket or Yanwen. Follow this step-by-step guide, and you’ll be back in control of your delivery in no time.