InPost tracking status

InPost “Locker full, we'll be back”: what it means

The short answer

Keep an eye on it

The courier could not put your parcel in your locker, usually because it was full, faulty or could not be reached, so it went back to the depot. InPost will usually try again the next day or redirect it to a nearby locker or shop.

When to act: If you see 'we'll be back' on 2 days in a row, or there is no update for 72 hours, file a complaint and we send it to InPost.

Also shown as: “Locker issue, we'll be back” · “Access issue, we'll be back” · “We're re-attempting delivery soon”

What to do now

Check your email and app notifications for a redirection to another locker or shop.
Check the locker's live availability in the InPost app to see whether it is full or out of order.
Wait for the next courier visit, which is usually early the next morning.
Screenshot each 'we'll be back' update with its date.
Still not sorted? File your complaint here. We write it with you and send it to InPost, so you do not have to chase it yourself.

Start my complaint

What does “Locker full, we'll be back” mean?

Each locker has a fixed number of compartments in each size. If all suitable compartments are taken, the locker is out of order, or the courier cannot get to it, for example because the site is closed or there are roadworks, the parcel stays on the van and goes back to the depot. InPost does not define these app labels, but 'we'll be back' usually means InPost plans another attempt.

InPost says that if your chosen locker is full or temporarily unavailable, it may redirect the parcel to a nearby InPost Locker or Shop, which its parcel redirection page puts within 750 metres, and will tell you where. If delivery keeps failing, the parcel can be returned to the sender, which the app usually shows as 'Contact the retailer'.

Why does InPost show it?

All compartments of the right size were taken
The locker or its screen was out of order
The locker site was closed or blocked, for example a shop locker outside opening hours
Roadworks or access problems
The parcel was too big for the compartments left

How long does it last?

InPost usually tries the same locker again on the next courier visit, often the next morning, or redirects the parcel to a nearby locker or shop and messages you. InPost says faulty lockers are usually working again within a day or two.

Other InPost statuses

All InPost statuses →

Who is responsible for a late or missing parcel from InPost?

If you bought online from a business, the seller is usually responsible until the parcel reaches you. Under UK consumer law (the Consumer Rights Act), the goods stay at the seller's risk until you have them, unless you chose and booked the courier yourself. If you bought from a private seller on a marketplace such as Vinted, the platform's own rules decide refunds.

If you sent the parcel yourself, your contract is with InPost, under its terms. For labels bought in the InPost app or on its website, standard cover is the lower of the item's cost value or £50, and InPost Direct (formerly Yodel Direct) bookings include £50 cover.

Questions about “Locker full, we'll be back”

What does 'Locker full, we'll be back' mean?

Usually that the locker had no space for your parcel, so the courier took it back. InPost will try again or redirect it to a nearby locker or shop within 750 metres.

How many times will InPost try a full locker?

InPost does not publish a fixed number. It may redirect the parcel nearby instead, and if delivery cannot be completed the parcel goes back to the sender.

Can I change the locker if mine is always full?

InPost may redirect the parcel for you, but customers report that they cannot pick a new locker themselves once it is on its way. For future orders, check availability in the app before choosing a locker.

What does 'Access issue, we'll be back' mean on InPost?

Usually that the courier could not reach the locker, for example because the site was closed or blocked. InPost will try again or redirect the parcel.

Based on

InPost: Parcel redirection
InPost: Returned to sender explained
InPost: Help (locker full, locker not working)
InPost: help for Yodel and InPost customers (lockers, collection codes, couriers, limits)
Reddit r/vinted: New to InPost, what does this mean? (locker full)
Reddit r/vinted: What does the InPost status 'Off it goes' mean?
legislation.gov.uk: Consumer Rights Act, section 29 (goods stay at the seller's risk until they reach you)
Vinted: Refund Policy (2 days to report an issue, lost parcel after 25 business days)
InPost: Terms of Service (compensation, 72-hour collection, refusing parcels)
InPost Direct (formerly Yodel Direct): Terms and Conditions (£50 cover)