Why Is My DHgate Tracking Not Updating? Top 5 Reasons Explained

Waiting for your DHgate order to arrive and noticing that the tracking hasn’t updated for days?

You’re not alone.

This is one of the most common concerns among international buyers. Whether you’re using YunExpress, China Post, ePacket, or DHL, delayed tracking updates can cause frustration and confusion.

In this expert guide, we’ll break down the top 5 reasons why your DHgate tracking isn’t updating, explain how to fix it, and provide you with tips to prevent it from happening again.

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🚚 Quick Summary

DHgate tracking may not update for several reasons: delays in the seller shipping the item, the courier not scanning the package, customs clearance holds, system glitches, or even a fake tracking number.

Let’s dive into the specifics.

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🧩 Top 5 Reasons Your DHgate Tracking Is Not Updating

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🛑 1. Package Hasn’t Been Scanned by the Courier Yet

This is the most common issue.

Even though the seller may have created a shipping label, they may not have handed it off to the courier yet. In this case, you’ll see tracking stuck on:

• “Shipping Info Received”
• “Label Created”
• “Pending Pickup”

🔧 What to Do:

• Wait up to 72 hours after the label is created.
• Use third-party tracking sites like 17Track.net for better accuracy.
• If no movement after 3–5 business days, contact the seller.

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🛑 2. Delays in Customs Clearance

If your tracking stops after reaching your country, it may be stuck in customs.

You might see statuses like:

• “Arrival at Destination Country”
• “Held by Customs”
• “Clearance in Progress”

🔧 What to Do:

• Wait 3–7 business days.
• Contact your local courier (e.g., USPS, Royal Mail) to check if documents are needed.
• Use ParcelMonitor or Cainiao to get multi-language tracking updates.

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🛑 3. Courier Database Not Synced or Glitched

Sometimes the tracking system isn’t refreshing properly. This can happen due to:

• Server issues on courier platforms
• Delayed batch uploads
• Inaccurate sync between couriers

🔧 What to Do:

• Try other tracking platforms: Track24, AfterShip, or the official carrier site.
• Check back at a different time (morning/afternoon sync times vary).
• Use the DHgate app to see alternative status updates.

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🛑 4. Your Order Is Still in Transit Between Warehouses

When the package moves between countries or regional hubs, the tracking doesn’t always update in real time.

Statuses may say:

• “Departed Facility”
• “In Transit”
• “Airline Departed” (with no new info for days)

This is normal — especially with low-cost shipping options.

🔧 What to Do:

• Give it 5–7 business days.
• Don’t panic unless the tracking is frozen for over 10 days.

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🛑 5. You Were Given a Fake or Invalid Tracking Number

If your tracking never updates at all or shows info for another person’s shipment, it could be a fake DHgate tracking number.

You may see:

• “Tracking number not found”
• “No information available”
• Or mismatched item destinations

🔧 What to Do:

• Cross-check with 17Track.net or YunExpress, based on the number format.
• Message the seller immediately.
• Open a dispute with DHgate if no response within 48 hours.

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🗂️ How to Identify Which Courier to Use for Tracking

Tracking Format	Likely Courier	Tracking Site
Starts with YT + 16 digits	YunExpress	yuntrack.com
Starts with LX/RR + ends CN	China Post/4PX	intmail.183.com.cn
10-digit numeric	DHL Express	dhl.com
20-digit numeric	USPS (U.S. buyers)	usps.com
“LP” + numbers	Cainiao	global.cainiao.com

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📊 Estimated Tracking Update Times by Courier

Courier	Update Frequency	Expected First Update
YunExpress	Every 24–48 hours	Within 2 days after shipping
China Post	Every 3–4 days	2–5 days after shipping
DHL Express	Real-time	Instantly after pickup
ePacket	Every 2–3 days	3–4 days post-shipment
USPS (handover)	After customs cleared	1–2 days after entering country

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💡 Pro Tips to Avoid Tracking Delays in the Future

Tip	Why It Works
Choose ePacket or DHL	They offer better tracking and faster updates
Always buy from top-rated sellers	More reliable shipping practices
Save confirmation emails	Includes tracking number and courier name
Use apps like 17Track & AfterShip	Real-time alerts, carrier detection, and status push notifications

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🙋‍♂️ FAQ – Why Is My DHgate Tracking Not Updating?

1. How long does it take for DHgate tracking to update?

Usually within 24–72 hours after the seller ships the package.

2. What if my tracking says “Label Created” for 5 days?

It means the seller hasn’t handed the package to the courier yet. Message them directly.

3. Why is my DHgate order stuck in “In Transit”?

It could be moving between facilities or stuck in customs — allow 5–7 days.

4. Can tracking be delayed even if the item is moving?

Yes. Couriers don’t always scan at every checkpoint.

5. Should I be worried if there’s no update after 7 days?

Contact the seller and open a support ticket if you get no response.

6. How can I find which courier to use for tracking?

Check the tracking number format and cross-reference with our courier table above.

7. Is 17Track better than DHgate tracking?

Yes. 17Track supports more couriers and updates faster in most cases.

8. Can the seller fake tracking info?

It’s rare but possible. If in doubt, file a dispute with DHgate.

9. Will tracking resume after customs delay?

Yes, once cleared, your local courier (e.g., USPS) will update tracking.

10. Is DHgate responsible for delivery issues?

They mediate disputes, but sellers handle logistics directly.

11. What happens if my order gets stuck in another country?

This may be a transfer hub. Wait a few days or contact support.

12. Can I get a refund if there’s no tracking update?

Yes, if the item isn’t delivered and tracking is inactive, you can file a dispute.

13. Should I use expedited shipping next time?

Yes. Options like DHL or FedEx provide faster updates and better support.

14. Is it common for China Post to delay updates?

Yes. China Post updates slower compared to other couriers like DHL or YunExpress.

15. Does DHgate offer buyer protection for lost items?

Yes, you’re protected under their dispute system if the item isn’t delivered.

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✅ Final Thoughts

While DHgate tracking not updating can be stressful, it’s often just a temporary hiccup — not a scam or lost package.

Use the tools and tips in this guide to:

• Diagnose the delay
• Track using the right method
• Contact the seller or DHgate support
• And know when it’s time to open a dispute

📌 Bookmark this post to keep it handy during your next DHgate order.