How to Track Shopify Orders (Step-by-Step Guide for Customers & Store Owners)

How to Track Shopify Orders (Step-by-Step Guide for Customers & Store Owners)

Have you ever ordered something from a Shopify store and kept refreshing your email, wondering:

“Where is my package?”

Or maybe you’re a Shopify store owner tired of customers asking:

“How can I track my order?”

You’re not alone.

Order tracking is one of the most important parts of the online shopping experience. In fact, many Shopify store owners lose customer trust simply because buyers can’t easily track their shipments.

The good news?

Shopify makes order tracking surprisingly simple for both customers and store owners.

In this complete guide, you’ll learn:

  • How to track Shopify orders
  • where to find tracking numbers
  • How Shopify shipping updates work
  • common tracking problems and fixes
  • best Shopify tracking apps
  • Pro tips store owners use to reduce “Where Is My Order?” emails

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What Is Shopify Order Tracking?

Shopify order tracking is a feature that allows customers and store owners to monitor the shipping progress of an order in real time.

Once an order is shipped, customers usually receive:

  • a tracking number
  • courier details
  • shipping updates
  • estimated delivery date
  • live package location

Shopify supports major shipping carriers like:

  • UPS
  • USPS
  • FedEx
  • DHL
  • Canada Post
  • YunExpress

As soon as the package moves through the courier network, tracking updates automatically appear.

How Customers Can Track Shopify Orders

If you recently purchased from a Shopify store, here are the easiest ways to track your order.

1. Check Your Shopify Shipping Confirmation Email

This is the most common tracking method.

After a Shopify store ships your order, you’ll usually receive:

  • Order confirmation email
  • Shipping confirmation email
  • Tracking link

The shipping email often contains a button like:

“Track Your Order”

Clicking it opens the courier tracking page instantly.

Pro Tip

Sometimes the email lands in:

  • Promotions tab
  • Spam folder
  • Updates folder

So check those folders if you can’t find it.

2. Use the Tracking Number Manually

If the tracking button isn’t working, you can still track the package manually.

Step-by-Step

  1. Copy your tracking number
  2. Visit the courier website
  3. Paste the tracking ID
  4. Click Track

Example Carriers

Courier Tracking Website
UPS ups.com
FedEx fedex.com
USPS usps.com
DHL dhl.com

This method often gives more accurate delivery updates.

3. Track Shopify Orders Using the Shop App

Many Shopify stores now use Shopify’s official tracking platform called the Shop App.

As a Shopify store owner, I’ve noticed this reduces customer support emails significantly because buyers can see live tracking updates directly on their phones.

How to Use the Shop App

  1. Download the Shop App
  2. Sign in with your email
  3. Connect your purchases
  4. View order status instantly

The app shows:

  • live shipment progress
  • delivery notifications
  • package location
  • estimated arrival time

For frequent online shoppers, this is usually the easiest option.

4. Track Orders From the Store’s Tracking Page

Some Shopify stores create custom branded tracking pages.

Example:

yourstore.com/apps/track-order

Customers enter:

  • order number
  • email address

Then Shopify displays tracking details automatically.

This creates a more professional experience compared to redirecting users to courier websites.

How Shopify Store Owners Can Track Orders

If you run a Shopify store, Shopify already includes built-in order tracking tools inside the admin dashboard.

Step 1: Open Shopify Admin

Log in to your Shopify dashboard.

Go to:

Orders → All Orders

You’ll see:

  • order status
  • payment status
  • fulfillment status
  • shipping progress
  • customer details

Step 2: Open the Specific Order

Click the order you want to track.

Inside the order page, Shopify displays:

  • tracking number
  • courier name
  • shipment history
  • fulfillment timeline

Step 3: Click “Track Shipment”

Once fulfillment is complete, Shopify automatically links the tracking number with the courier.

Click:

Track Shipment

You’ll see live courier updates immediately.

How to Add Tracking Numbers in Shopify

If you manually fulfill orders, you’ll need to add tracking details yourself.

Steps to Add Tracking Info

  1. Open Shopify Admin
  2. Go to Orders
  3. Select the order
  4. Click Fulfill Item
  5. Enter tracking number
  6. Choose a shipping carrier
  7. Save changes

Shopify will automatically send the customer a shipping confirmation email.

This simple step can dramatically reduce customer complaints.

Common Shopify Tracking Problems (And How to Fix Them)

One of the biggest mistakes new Shopify store owners make is assuming customers understand shipping delays.

In reality, even small tracking issues can create refund requests or PayPal disputes.

Here are the most common problems.

1. Tracking Number Shows “Label Created.”

This usually means:

  • The seller created the shipping label
  • But the courier hasn’t scanned the package yet

Fix

Wait 24–48 hours for the first courier scan.

2. Shopify Tracking Not Updating

Sometimes tracking freezes for several days.

Common reasons:

  • weather delays
  • customs clearance
  • courier backlog
  • international shipping

Pro Tip

International orders often update slowly between countries.

3. Invalid Tracking Number

This happens when:

  • The wrong tracking ID was entered
  • The courier changed the tracking format

Fix

Contact the store owner and verify the tracking number.

4. Package Says Delivered But Not Received

This is surprisingly common.

Before contacting support:

  • check mailbox
  • ask neighbors
  • Contact the courier
  • Wait a few hours

Sometimes carriers mark packages delivered early.

Best Shopify Order Tracking Apps

If you own a Shopify store, using a tracking app can improve customer trust and reduce support workload.

Here are some of the best Shopify tracking apps in 2026.

App Best For Key Feature
AfterShip Automation Multi-carrier tracking
Parcel Panel Branding Custom tracking pages
Track123 Simplicity Easy setup
Shop App Shopify integration Native tracking
Route Customer protection Shipping insurance

Many high-performing Shopify stores use branded tracking pages because they improve customer retention and repeat purchases.

Why Good Order Tracking Matters for Shopify Stores

Good tracking isn’t just about convenience.

It directly affects:

  • customer trust
  • refund rates
  • chargebacks
  • repeat purchases
  • customer satisfaction

In my experience analyzing ecommerce stores, poor shipping communication is one of the fastest ways to lose customer confidence.

Even delayed orders feel less frustrating when customers receive regular updates.

Advanced Tips Shopify Store Owners Use

Here are a few professional ecommerce strategies many successful stores follow.

Use Branded Tracking Pages

Instead of sending users to courier websites, branded pages keep customers on your own store.

Benefits:

  • more trust
  • better branding
  • upsell opportunities

Send Proactive Shipping Updates

Don’t wait for customers to ask.

Send updates for:

  • order shipped
  • out for delivery
  • delayed shipment
  • delivered package

Use Reliable Shipping Partners

Cheap shipping often creates:

  • delayed tracking
  • inaccurate scans
  • customer frustration

Reliable carriers improve long-term store reputation.

Reduce “Where Is My Order?” Emails

Experienced Shopify stores automate:

  • shipping emails
  • SMS updates
  • delivery notifications

This saves hours of customer support time every week.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I track a Shopify order without a tracking number?

Usually no.

You’ll need at least:

  • tracking link
  • order number
  • shipping email

Some stores also offer branded tracking pages.

Does Shopify automatically send tracking emails?

Yes.

When the seller fulfills the order and adds tracking information, Shopify automatically sends shipping confirmation emails.

How long does Shopify tracking take to update?

Most tracking numbers update within:

24–48 hours

International shipments may take longer.

Can Shopify orders be tracked internationally?

Yes.

Most major couriers support international tracking.

However, updates may pause temporarily during customs processing.

Which is the best Shopify tracking app?

For most stores:

  • AfterShip is best for automation
  • Parcel Panel is great for branding
  • Shop App works well for Shopify-native tracking

The best option depends on your store size and shipping volume.

Final Thoughts

Tracking Shopify orders is simple once you understand how Shopify shipping works.

Whether you’re:

  • a customer waiting for delivery
  • or a Shopify store owner managing shipments

Using proper tracking tools can make the entire experience smoother and more professional.

The best approach is to:

  • Use reliable shipping carriers
  • Send tracking updates quickly
  • automate notifications
  • create branded tracking experiences

In ecommerce, transparency builds trust.

And when customers can easily track their orders, they’re far more likely to buy from your Shopify store again.