What to Do If You Miss the AliExpress Dispute Deadline in the UK
Shopping on AliExpress has become increasingly popular among UK residents, thanks to its vast selection and competitive prices. However, one of the most pressing concerns for UK shoppers is what happens if you miss the AliExpress dispute deadline. The dispute process is your main protection if an item arrives damaged, is significantly different from the description, or does not arrive at all. Missing this critical window can leave you feeling vulnerable, especially when dealing with international sellers and the complexities of cross-border transactions.
For UK buyers, understanding your options after missing the dispute deadline is essential. Issues such as long shipping times, customs delays, and communication barriers can sometimes cause you to overlook the dispute period. Many shoppers worry about being left without recourse if a problem arises after the deadline has passed. This guide will address the specific steps UK users can take, what protections may still be available, and how to minimise risks in future purchases on AliExpress.
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What to Do If You Miss the AliExpress Dispute Deadline as a UK Buyer
Understanding the AliExpress Dispute Deadline and Buyer Protection Period
AliExpress offers a Buyer Protection Period for every order, which is typically 15 days after the order is marked as delivered or 60 days after shipment (whichever comes first). During this time, UK buyers can open a dispute if there are issues such as non-delivery, damaged goods, or items not as described. If you miss the AliExpress dispute deadline, recovering your money or resolving order problems becomes much more challenging.
- AliExpress Buyer Protection Period: Usually 15 days after delivery or up to 60 days from shipment.
- Dispute Window: You must open a dispute before the protection period ends.
- Missed Deadline: Once the period expires, the order is automatically closed, and the option to open a dispute disappears.
Can I Open Dispute After 15 Days on AliExpress?
No, you cannot open a dispute after 15 days of the order being marked as delivered. The AliExpress system disables the “Open Dispute” button once the protection period ends. This is why it’s crucial for UK shoppers to monitor their orders and act promptly if there are any issues.
- If you realise you’ve missed the deadline, check your order status in “My Orders” on the AliExpress website or app.
- Look for the “Open Dispute” button—if it’s gone, the dispute window has closed.
- Some users search for “AliExpress no dispute button” when they can’t find the option, which usually means the protection period has expired.

How to See Disputes on AliExpress and Track Their Status
AliExpress provides a “Disputes” section where you can view all your open, closed, or cancelled disputes. To check your disputes:
- Log in to your AliExpress account.
- Go to “My Orders”.
- Click on “Manage Disputes” to see the status of all disputes you’ve opened.
If you’ve missed the deadline, you won’t see the option to open a new dispute for that order. You may also notice that cancelled or rejected disputes are listed here, which can help you track your previous actions.
What to Do If You Miss the AliExpress Dispute Deadline After the Buyer Protection Period
Contact the Seller Directly
If you’ve missed the dispute deadline, your first step should be to contact the seller directly via AliExpress messaging. Explain your situation politely and request a resolution, such as a refund or replacement. While sellers are not obligated to help after the protection period, some may offer assistance to maintain a good reputation.
- Be clear and concise: Detail the problem with photos or videos if possible.
- State your preferred solution: Refund, replacement, or other compensation.
- Document your communication: Keep records of all messages for potential escalation.
Contact AliExpress Customer Service
If the seller is unresponsive or refuses to help, reach out to AliExpress customer support. Use the live chat or help centre on the AliExpress website. Although official policy states that disputes cannot be opened after the deadline, sometimes customer service can assist if you have a strong case and clear evidence.
- Go to the Help Centre and select “Online Service” or “Contact Us”.
- Provide your order number, screenshots, and evidence of the issue.
- Explain that you missed the dispute deadline and ask if there are any exceptions or solutions.
Note: Success is not guaranteed, but some UK buyers have reported positive outcomes by being persistent and polite.
Appealing to Your Payment Provider
If both the seller and AliExpress refuse to help, your next step is to contact your payment provider (such as your bank, credit card company, or PayPal). UK law provides certain protections for online shoppers, especially when you pay by credit card.
- Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act: For purchases over £100, you may be able to claim a refund from your credit card provider if goods are not delivered or are misrepresented.
- Chargeback: For debit cards and some credit card transactions, you can request a chargeback if you did not receive your order or received faulty goods.
Contact your bank or card provider as soon as possible, providing all evidence of your purchase, communication with the seller, and attempts to resolve the issue.
How Do I Dispute a Late Delivery on AliExpress?
If your AliExpress order is late, you should open a dispute before the buyer protection period ends. In the dispute, select “Order not received” and provide any tracking information or screenshots showing the delay. If you wait until after the protection period, as many UK buyers ask in forums, you lose the right to open a dispute for late delivery.
- Monitor your tracking: If your order is approaching the end of the protection period and still hasn’t arrived, open a dispute immediately.
- Don’t confirm receipt: Never click “Order Received” unless you have the item and are satisfied.
AliExpress Dispute Rejected or Seller Refuses Refund: What Next?
AliExpress Dispute Rejected
If your AliExpress dispute is rejected, you can often escalate the dispute within the platform. During the dispute process, you have the option to escalate the case to AliExpress customer service for review.
- Escalate promptly: You usually have a limited window to escalate after the seller responds.
- Provide strong evidence: Attach clear photos, videos, and written explanations.
- Monitor your emails: AliExpress may request more information or clarification.
If your dispute is still rejected after escalation, you may see messages such as “AliExpress refuse refund” or “AliExpress seller refuses refund”. At this stage, your options are limited within AliExpress, especially if the protection period has ended.
Why Is AliExpress Asking for an Appeal?
Sometimes, if your dispute is rejected, AliExpress may invite you to submit an appeal. This usually happens if there’s uncertainty about the evidence or if the seller has provided counter-arguments.
- Submit additional evidence: Provide more photos, videos, receipts, or screenshots.
- Explain your case clearly: Address any points raised in the rejection notice.
- Meet deadlines: Appeals usually have a strict time limit.
Appealing does not guarantee a refund, but it’s your last chance within the AliExpress system to make your case.
Can You Reopen an AliExpress Dispute or Cancel Dispute AliExpress?
Can You Reopen an AliExpress Dispute?
Once a dispute is closed—either by agreement or by AliExpress decision—you cannot reopen it for the same order. This is why it’s vital to provide all relevant evidence and escalate promptly if you’re not satisfied with the initial outcome.
- New issues: If a new, unrelated problem arises, you can sometimes open a new dispute if the protection period is still active.
- Missed deadline: If the protection period has expired, reopening is not possible.
Cancel Dispute AliExpress
If you cancel a dispute (for example, if the seller promises to resolve the issue directly), you cannot reopen it later for the same order. Many UK buyers have reported that cancelling a dispute removes your leverage, so only cancel if you are completely satisfied with the seller’s resolution.
- Think carefully before cancelling: Once cancelled, you cannot open a new dispute for the same issue.
- Document everything: If you agree to cancel, keep records of the seller’s promises in case you need to pursue a chargeback with your bank.
AliExpress No Dispute Button: What Does It Mean for UK Buyers?
If you’re searching for “AliExpress no dispute button”, it usually means:
- Your buyer protection period has expired.
- You have already confirmed receipt of the order.
- You have cancelled a previous dispute for this order.
- The order is too old and no longer eligible for dispute.
In these cases, you cannot open a new dispute through the AliExpress platform. Your only remaining options are to contact the seller, seek help from customer service, or appeal to your payment provider.
How to Escalate an AliExpress Dispute: Step-by-Step Guide for UK Shoppers
If you open a dispute and the seller does not agree to your terms, you can escalate the dispute to AliExpress for mediation. Here’s how UK buyers can escalate a dispute:
- Open the dispute in your AliExpress account.
- After the seller responds, look for the “Escalate Dispute” button.
- Click to escalate, and submit all supporting evidence.
- AliExpress will review the case and make a final decision, usually within a few days.
Escalation is only possible within the buyer protection period. Once the order is closed, you cannot escalate or open new disputes.
What to Do If AliExpress Doesn’t Refund After a Dispute
If your dispute is successful but AliExpress doesn’t refund your money within the stated timeframe (usually 3–20 working days), take the following steps:
- Check your payment method: Refunds are usually returned to your original payment method. Log in to your bank or PayPal account and look for the transaction.
- Contact AliExpress support: If you haven’t received the refund after 20 working days, contact customer service with your order and dispute details.
- Contact your bank: If AliExpress confirms the refund was sent but you haven’t received it, ask your bank to investigate.
Keep all documentation of your dispute, refund confirmation, and communication with AliExpress for reference.

AliExpress Seller Refuses Refund: What Should UK Buyers Do?
If the AliExpress seller refuses to refund you, and the dispute deadline has passed, your options are limited within the platform. However, you can still:
- Leave a detailed review: Warn other UK buyers by leaving an honest review about your experience.
- Report the seller: Use the “Report” button on the seller’s page to notify AliExpress of unethical behaviour.
- Seek external help: Contact your payment provider for a chargeback or Section 75 claim.
AliExpress takes seller performance seriously, and repeated complaints can affect a seller’s standing on the platform.
Related Searches: How to Avoid Missing the AliExpress Dispute Deadline
Many UK buyers search for tips on how to avoid missing the AliExpress dispute deadline in the future. Here are some best practices:
- Track your orders: Regularly check the status and estimated delivery date in your AliExpress account.
- Set reminders: Use your phone or calendar to remind you a few days before the buyer protection period ends.
- Open disputes early: If there are any doubts about your order, open a dispute before the deadline. You can always cancel it later if the order arrives and is satisfactory.
- Never confirm receipt early: Only confirm receipt when you have received and thoroughly checked your order.
Frequently Asked Questions for UK Buyers
Can I Open Dispute After 15 Days on AliExpress?
No, disputes cannot be opened after 15 days from delivery or after the buyer protection period ends. UK buyers should act quickly if there’s a problem.
How Do I Dispute a Late Delivery on AliExpress?
Open a dispute before the protection period expires, select “Order not received”, and provide evidence of the delay. After the deadline, you cannot dispute late delivery.
Can You Reopen an AliExpress Dispute?
No, disputes cannot be reopened once closed or cancelled. Always provide all evidence and escalate if needed before the dispute closes.
How to Escalate an AliExpress Dispute?
Escalate by clicking the “Escalate Dispute” button after the seller responds. Provide full evidence and wait for AliExpress mediation.
What to Do If AliExpress Doesn’t Refund?
Contact AliExpress support if you don’t receive your refund within 20 working days. If unresolved, contact your bank or card provider for further action.
Why Is AliExpress Asking for an Appeal?
AliExpress may ask for an appeal if your dispute is rejected but there’s a possibility that additional evidence could change the outcome. Submit all requested documentation promptly.