DHL "Delivery Attempt Could Not Be Completed" — What It Means & What to Do

"Delivery Attempt Could Not Be Completed" means a DHL courier went to your delivery address during their route but was unable to hand over the package. The package is back at the DHL depot.

This status can mean:

• No one was home to accept the delivery or sign for it
• The courier couldn't access the building, gate, or delivery location
• An incorrect or unrecognizable address prevented delivery
• The recipient's name on the label didn't match the person at the address (for ID-required shipments)
• The package required payment on delivery and payment wasn't available

How this relates to other DHL failure statuses:

| Status | Primary cause | |---|---| | Delivery Attempt Could Not Be Completed | Broader failure — multiple possible causes | | Consignee Not Available | Specifically: recipient not present | | Incorrect Address | Specifically: address error | | Delivery Rescheduled | Date changed before attempt was made |

A delivery notice card is typically left at your address or mailbox with instructions and a reference number for rescheduling or pickup.

1. No one was home (most common) The courier arrived during their route window, but no one was available to receive the package or provide a signature. DHL couriers cannot wait at an address — if no one answers within a short time, they move on.

2. Signature required — no authorized person available If the shipper specified adult signature required, direct signature required, or signature from a named individual, the courier cannot leave the package even if someone else is home.

3. Building access issue For apartment buildings, gated communities, or commercial premises, the courier may not have been able to enter to reach your door. Intercom issues, missing access codes, or locked gates are common culprits.

4. Address problem An error in the delivery address — missing apartment number, wrong street number, or unrecognizable location — can prevent the courier from locating the delivery point. See DHL Incorrect Address for specifics.

5. Payment on delivery outstanding For COD (cash on delivery) shipments, if the recipient couldn't provide payment at the door, the delivery couldn't be completed.

6. Unsafe delivery location The courier may have judged that leaving the package in the available location would put it at risk of theft or damage, and chose not to leave it unattended.

For comparison, see how UPS handles failed delivery attempts and what options are available in each case.

After a failed delivery attempt, DHL will:

• Attempt delivery again on the next 1–2 business days (typically the next business day)
• Make up to 3 delivery attempts total before moving to pickup-only or return-to-sender
• Hold the package at a DHL depot or ServicePoint for approximately 5–7 business days after the final attempt for recipient pickup
• Return to sender if no pickup or rescheduling occurs within the hold period

Typical timeline:

• Day 1: Failed attempt — package at depot
• Day 2: Second delivery attempt (or sooner if you reschedule via On Demand Delivery)
• Day 3–4: Third and final attempt if needed
• Day 5–10: Package held at ServicePoint for pickup
• Day 10–15: Package returned to sender

Act the same day to avoid multiple failed attempts and the risk of return-to-sender.

Yes — action is needed to ensure the next delivery attempt succeeds. The package is safe, but without intervention, you risk another failed attempt or even return-to-sender.

The key risk: If DHL exhausts all delivery attempts (typically 3) and you don't collect from a ServicePoint, the package will be returned to the sender. You'd then need to contact the retailer for reshipment.

Act quickly:

• Use DHL On Demand Delivery to schedule a specific window you'll be available
• Redirect to a ServicePoint if your schedule doesn't allow home delivery
• Provide access instructions if building access was the problem

Check your tracking for whether DHL left a specific reason in the tracking notes — this helps you address the right problem and avoid a repeat.

1. Use DHL On Demand Delivery immediately — this is your best option Visit DHL On Demand Delivery to:

• Schedule a specific delivery date and time when you'll be available
• Authorize the courier to leave the package in a safe place (if the shipper permits)
• Redirect to your nearest DHL ServicePoint for pickup at your convenience
• Request delivery to a neighbor
• Change the delivery address (subject to shipper restrictions)

2. Pick up from a DHL ServicePoint If your schedule doesn't allow home delivery, redirect to a ServicePoint. Bring your tracking number and valid photo ID. Find your nearest point at locator.dhl.com.

3. Address the root cause

• No one home: Schedule a window when you'll be available, or authorize a safe place
• Building access: Contact DHL at 1-800-225-5345 to add access codes or buzzer instructions
• Address error: See our DHL Incorrect Address guide for correction steps
• Signature issue: Contact the shipper to discuss whether signature requirements can be modified

4. Contact DHL directly

• DHL Express: 1-800-225-5345
• DHL eCommerce: 1-800-805-9306
• Online: dhl.com/contact

Contact DHL as soon as possible — ideally the same day — to arrange a successful re-delivery.

DHL Contact Options:

• DHL Express: 1-800-225-5345
• DHL eCommerce: 1-800-805-9306
• Track online: dhl.com/tracking
• On Demand Delivery: dhl.com/on-demand-delivery
• Find a ServicePoint: locator.dhl.com
• Customer service: dhl.com/contact

Related guides:

• DHL Consignee Not Available meaning
• DHL Incorrect Address meaning
• DHL Delivery Rescheduled meaning
• DHL Scheduled for Delivery as Agreed
• DHL With Delivery Courier meaning
• UPS Rescheduled Delivery meaning