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Phones & Tablets

Why is my Instacart grocery order still pending?

Reviewed by John Porter, Editor ·

Answer

Open the Instacart app Orders list, select the SK Market order, and read whether it is waiting for a shopper, payment authorization, store confirmation, or has failed. Check payment method and notification permissions, then use in-app Help/chat for that order. Cancel and reorder only if the app offers cancel before shopping starts.

Before you start: stop right away if…

  • Do not send payment card details to anyone claiming they can “push” your Instacart order in chat.
  • Placing a second order while the first is still pending can cause duplicate charges.

Follow these steps

  1. Read the order status screen

    Open Instacart > Orders, open the SK Market order, and note the exact status, timestamps, and any payment or shopper messages.

    You should see: You know whether it is waiting for a shopper, payment, or has failed.

  2. Fix payment or address blockers

    If the app cites payment, update the card under Account payment methods and retry. Confirm the delivery address and tip settings are complete.

    You should see: Pending clears after payment succeeds, or the error becomes specific.

  3. Contact Instacart from the order

    Use Help or chat on that order’s page to ask why it remains pending and whether it will auto-cancel. Prefer in-app support over social media DMs.

    You should see: Support confirms wait time, cancels a stuck order, or refunds a failed charge.

  4. Cancel only when safe

    If a Cancel option is available before shopping begins and support confirms it is stuck, cancel once, wait for confirmation, then place a new order if still needed.

    You should see: You have one clear order state without duplicate charges.

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Extra tips

What to look for: Order status text (pending, finding shopper, in progress, failed); payment error banners; estimated delivery window; cancel button availability

Before you change anything: Do not place duplicate orders until you know whether the first will charge. Confirm the payment method works. Use Instacart Help inside the order screen. Avoid giving card details to anyone messaging outside the app.

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