Top 5 Free Tools to Track AliExpress Orders for UK Shoppers (2025)
Shopping on AliExpress has become increasingly popular among UK residents, thanks to its vast selection and competitive prices. However, one of the biggest concerns for British buyers is the uncertainty around shipping times and the ability to monitor parcels once they leave China. With changes to customs regulations post-Brexit and the varying speed of deliveries, having access to reliable, free order tracking tools is more important than ever. These tools help UK shoppers stay informed about their purchases, avoid missed deliveries, and reduce anxiety over lost or delayed items.
For many in the UK, understanding where your AliExpress order is at any given moment can make all the difference, especially when dealing with long shipping routes and potential customs checks. Free tracking tools provide detailed updates, estimated delivery dates, and notifications about parcel movements. This empowers UK buyers to plan ahead, communicate with sellers if issues arise, and enjoy a smoother online shopping experience. Knowing which tools offer the best features and accuracy is essential for anyone who shops on AliExpress from the UK.
Curious how savvy UK shoppers are getting their AliExpress orders tracked and delivered faster, all while pocketing the freshest discounts available right now? Don’t miss out—check out today’s best deals before you checkout.
Top 5 Free Tools to Track AliExpress Orders in the UK (2025)
1. 17TRACK: The Most Popular AliExpress Order Tracking Tool
17TRACK is one of the most widely used free tools for tracking AliExpress orders, especially among UK buyers. It supports tracking for over 900 carriers worldwide, including those most commonly used by AliExpress sellers.

- How do I track my order on AliExpress? Simply copy your AliExpress order ID tracking number from your account and paste it into the 17TRACK search bar. The platform will automatically detect the carrier and provide real-time updates.
- AliExpress tracking 17TRACK is reliable for both standard and premium shipping options, making it a favourite on forums like Top 5 free tools to track AliExpress orders 2025 Reddit discussions.
- 17TRACK supports tracking for AliExpress Standard Shipping tracking as well as Cainiao tracking and even FedEx tracking for premium deliveries.
Features:
- Free to use, no registration required for basic tracking
- Mobile app available for iOS and Android
- Push notifications for status updates
- Batch tracking for multiple orders
Why UK buyers love it: 17TRACK provides clear updates even when parcels switch from Chinese carriers to UK couriers like Royal Mail or Hermes. This is essential, as AliExpress often uses multiple carriers for a single shipment.
2. Cainiao Global: Official AliExpress Logistics Tracking
Cainiao is the logistics arm of Alibaba Group, the parent company of AliExpress. As AliExpress is a Chinese company, many shipments—especially those using AliExpress Standard Shipping—are handled by Cainiao.
- What carrier does AliExpress use? Most budget-friendly AliExpress orders to the UK are shipped via Cainiao, especially for standard shipping methods.
- Cainiao’s official website and app provide detailed tracking, including the full journey from the seller’s warehouse in China to your doorstep in the UK.
- Cainiao integrates with other global carriers, so you can often see when your parcel is handed over to Royal Mail or another local courier.
Features:
- Direct integration with AliExpress order system
- English-language interface
- Push notifications for key tracking events
How to use: Copy your tracking number from your AliExpress account, then enter it on the Cainiao website or app. This tool is particularly useful for tracking AliExpress Standard Shipping and AliExpress Premium Shipping.
3. ParcelsApp: Multi-Carrier Tracking for UK Buyers
ParcelsApp is a comprehensive free tool that supports tracking for a huge range of carriers, including those commonly used by AliExpress, such as Cainiao, China Post, Singapore Post, USPS tracking, and FedEx tracking.
- ParcelsApp is especially helpful if your AliExpress order is shipped with a less common carrier or if you’re expecting multiple packages.
- The platform can automatically detect the carrier based on your tracking number.
- It also supports batch tracking, so you can monitor all your AliExpress orders in one dashboard.
Features:
- Free web and mobile app versions
- Detailed tracking events, including customs clearance updates for UK-bound parcels
- Supports AliExpress order ID tracking from all major shipping partners
Why it’s great for UK shoppers: ParcelsApp provides localised updates, so you’ll know when your order has cleared UK customs and which local courier will handle final delivery.
4. AfterShip: Powerful Tracking with Notifications
AfterShip is a professional-grade tracking tool used by both individual shoppers and eCommerce businesses. It’s free for basic use and supports over 1,000 carriers worldwide, including all major AliExpress shipping partners.
- AfterShip’s clean interface makes it easy to track orders from AliExpress, Amazon, Temu, and other international retailers.
- It’s particularly good for tracking AliExpress Premium Shipping and FedEx tracking for faster, more secure deliveries.
- AfterShip offers browser notifications and email alerts, so you never miss a delivery update.
Features:
- Automatic carrier detection
- Detailed tracking history, including handover to UK couriers
- Free for individual users
- Mobile app for tracking on the go
How to track your AliExpress order: Enter your tracking number (from your AliExpress order details) into AfterShip. The system will provide real-time updates from dispatch in China to arrival at your UK address.
5. AliExpress App: Built-In Tracking and Order Management
Many UK buyers overlook the AliExpress app itself, but it offers robust, free tracking features that are directly linked to your orders.
- The app automatically updates you on the shipping status of each order, from dispatch through to delivery.
- It integrates with Cainiao tracking and other official logistics partners, providing a single source of truth for your parcels.
- You can also use the app to open disputes, contact sellers, and manage buyer protection if your order is delayed or lost.
Features:
- Push notifications for every tracking event
- Direct access to customer service and dispute resolution
- Ability to use and track AliExpress coins for discounts on future orders (How to use coins on AliExpress? Coins earned from daily check-ins or shopping can be redeemed for coupons within the app.)
Why use the AliExpress app: For most UK buyers, the app is the simplest way to stay updated on your orders without needing to copy and paste tracking numbers into third-party tools.
Understanding AliExpress Shipping and Tracking for UK Buyers
What Carrier Does AliExpress Use for UK Shipments?
AliExpress sellers use a variety of carriers, depending on the shipping method you choose at checkout. The most common options for UK buyers include:
- AliExpress Standard Shipping (operated by Cainiao, often handed to Royal Mail or Hermes in the UK)
- AliExpress Premium Shipping (uses faster couriers like DHL, FedEx, or UPS)
- Economy options (like China Post or Singapore Post, which may take longer and offer less detailed tracking)
How to track AliExpress Premium Shipping? Premium shipping methods come with detailed tracking numbers that work on all the tools mentioned above, as well as directly on the courier’s website (e.g., FedEx tracking or USPS tracking for US-bound parcels).
How Long Does AliExpress Usually Take to the UK?
Delivery times from AliExpress to the UK vary based on the shipping method:
- AliExpress Standard Shipping: Usually 10–25 working days
- AliExpress Premium Shipping: 7–15 working days
- Economy Shipping: 20–45 working days, sometimes longer for remote areas
Factors affecting delivery time:
- UK customs clearance (especially for orders over £135, which may incur VAT and import duties)
- Peak shopping periods (like Black Friday or Christmas)
- Potential delays due to global events or local strikes
Tip: Always check your tracking tool for the latest estimated delivery date and updates on customs clearance.
AliExpress Order ID Tracking: Where to Find Your Tracking Number

To track any AliExpress order, you’ll need your unique AliExpress order ID tracking number. Here’s how to find it:
- Log in to your AliExpress account (website or app)
- Go to ‘My Orders’
- Find the relevant order and click ‘Track Order’
- Copy the tracking number provided (it may be a Cainiao, China Post, or other carrier number)
Paste this tracking number into any of the free tools mentioned above for real-time updates.
How to Track Multiple AliExpress Orders at Once
If you shop regularly on AliExpress, you may have several parcels on the way. Tools like 17TRACK and ParcelsApp allow you to batch track multiple orders:
- List all your tracking numbers in one go
- View all updates in a single dashboard
- Set up notifications for each order’s status change
This saves time and ensures you never miss a delivery or customs notification.
AliExpress Buyer Protection: What If Your Order Doesn’t Arrive?
AliExpress offers buyer protection for all orders, including those shipped to the UK. If your order is delayed or lost, you can:
- Open a dispute directly in the AliExpress app or website
- Provide evidence using screenshots from your tracking tool
- Request a refund if the parcel is not delivered within the promised timeframe
Tip: Always use a tracking tool to document the shipping history, as this will support your claim in case of a dispute.
Advanced Tips for Tracking AliExpress Orders from the UK
Using Reddit and Online Communities for Tracking Advice
Many UK AliExpress shoppers turn to Reddit for real-world advice and troubleshooting. Threads like Top 5 free tools to track AliExpress orders 2025 Reddit offer up-to-date information on the best tracking tools, recent carrier changes, and tips for dealing with customs or lost parcels.
Why join these communities?
- Get recommendations on the latest tracking tools
- Share experiences with specific sellers or shipping methods
- Find out about UK-specific delivery issues and solutions
Understanding Tracking Statuses: Common Updates Explained
When using tools like 17TRACK or Cainiao tracking, you’ll see a variety of status updates. Here’s what some of the most common mean for UK buyers:
- Accepted by carrier: The parcel has left the seller and is with the first logistics partner.
- Departed country of origin: The parcel has left China and is en route to the UK.
- Arrived at destination country: Your order has reached the UK and is awaiting customs clearance.
- Handed over to local courier: The parcel is with Royal Mail, Hermes, or another UK courier for final delivery.
- Delivered: The parcel has been delivered to your address.
AliExpress Premium Shipping: How to Track Faster Deliveries
AliExpress Premium Shipping is a paid upgrade that uses international couriers like FedEx, DHL, or UPS. These methods offer:
- Faster delivery times (usually 7–15 working days to the UK)
- Detailed, end-to-end tracking via the courier’s official website and third-party tools
- Better customer support in case of delays or lost parcels
How to track AliExpress Premium Shipping? Use your tracking number on:
- The courier’s own site (e.g., FedEx tracking)
- 17TRACK or AfterShip for consolidated updates
- The AliExpress app for integrated tracking
AliExpress Coins: How to Use Them for UK Orders
AliExpress coins are a reward system within the AliExpress app. UK buyers can earn coins through daily app check-ins, participating in games, or completing purchases.
How to use coins on AliExpress?
- Go to the ‘Coins & Coupons’ section in the app
- Exchange coins for discount coupons
- Apply these coupons at checkout for savings on your next order
Note: Coins cannot be used directly for shipping or tracking, but they can help you save money on future purchases.
Dealing with Customs and VAT for AliExpress Orders to the UK
Since Brexit, UK customs rules for AliExpress orders have changed:
- Orders under £135: VAT is usually collected at checkout on AliExpress, so your parcel should clear customs smoothly.
- Orders over £135: You may be charged VAT and import duties upon arrival in the UK. Your tracking tool will often show when the parcel is held at customs.
- Always check tracking updates for customs clearance status to avoid unexpected delays.
Final Tips for Hassle-Free AliExpress Tracking in the UK
- Always keep your AliExpress order ID tracking numbers safe until your parcel arrives.
- Use multiple tracking tools if your parcel seems stuck—sometimes one site will update before another.
- Contact the seller via AliExpress if you notice unusual delays or tracking gaps.
- Engage with UK-based AliExpress communities on Reddit for real-time advice and support.
By using these top 5 free tools, UK buyers can enjoy peace of mind and stay fully informed throughout the entire AliExpress delivery process in 2025.