Instacart feels magical when everything works as it should. But when things go wrong, you’ll need to figure out how to contact Instacart for help.
Instacart telephone support number for customers: (888) 246-7822. You can only contact the line if you placed a recent order.
Instacart also uses a customer service chat system called Instacart Care. Instacart Care is where you’ll be able to chat with an Instacart rep to sort out your issue.
Instacart shoppers can chat with Instacart at any time, or call Instacart while doing a batch.
There are a number of ways to contact Instacart, but some methods are better for certain situations. Read on to learn the best ways to contact Instacart when you need help.
Article Contents
The top ways to contact Instacart
- Use an order receipt to report missing or damaged items
- Call (888) 246-7822. For recent orders only
- Contact Instacart Care, the customer service chat
- On desktop browsers: Link to Instacart Care chat
- On Mobile app: Go to Menu > Help > Scroll to “Get help” button
- Send an email to Instacart
- Send a message on social media
- @instacart for customers
- @instashopppers for shoppers
- Send a message on Facebook
- Phone line FOR SENIORS 60+ ONLY: 1-844-981-3433
Sign up for Instacart here – Free delivery fees on your first order over $10
Problem with a completed order? Report issues in the order receipt
The most common problems for Instacart customers are issues with a recent order: Missing items, damaged items, or a late delivery are all issues that you can easily report to Instacart.
To report an issue with an order using the app: Go to ‘Orders,’ select the order, tap ‘Get help,’ then choose your issue from the list of issues.
Comon issues that you can report include: Missing items, damaged items, very late delivery, poor replacements, unprofessional shopper behavior.
Reporting your problem via the order receipt is the best first step because most common problems can typically be resolved this way, without having to chat with Instacart support. All you have to do is report the missing items and wait for Instacart to refund those items.
If you have issues with an order or your account that can’t be solved from the order receipt page, chatting with Instacart Care is your next step.
Instacart Care: The Instacart customer service chat
Instacart now offers 24/7 customer support via an online chat feature called Instacart Care.
Visit this Instacart support page to chat with Instacart Care.
Now that you can’t call Instacart, Instacart Care is the only way to have a live conversation with a support agent.
You can access Instacart Care chat from the mobile app or from a desktop browser. It’s a good option when you want to deal with a more complicated problem that can’t be covered by any of the other in-app help options.
Chat with Instacart Care here
Mobile app instructions to chat with Instacart customer support
The Instacart app hides the chat feature behind several levels of menus. The easiest way to start chatting with Instacart from your phone is to go to this support page on your phone browser and log in.
If you’re in the the Instacart app, the steps are: Tap the menu icon > Tap ‘Help’ > Scroll to the green “Get help” button > Select the best option > Tap “I still need help”
Lots of tapping in the app to reach chat
Desktop instructions to chat with Instacart Care
If you’re in a desktop browser, the fast way to get to chat with Instacart Care is to visit this page.
The longer route is to go to Instacart.com and log in. Select the menu in the upper left corner, then click on ‘Help center.’ Scroll down and find the green ‘Get help’ button. Select an issue, then click “I still need help.” Next you’ll see a ‘Chat with us’ option.
How to email Instacart
You can send an email to Instacart with this link. Response times for emails may be slower than other methods, so if you want faster help it’s better to use Instacart Care or other methods.
Contact Instacart on social media
You can contact Instacart on Twitter or Facebook. Typically you’ll get a fast response, but they may bounce you over to Instacart Care or email. It may be faster to start by chatting with Instacart Care.
Social media can be the best option if you’re unable to log into the app, or if you can’t find the chat feature.
Instacart phone number for seniors only: 1-844-981-3433
Instacart offers special telephone support for customers over age 60. The Instacart ‘Senior Support Service’ is a team dedicated to helping older customers set up an account and place orders. It’s intended only for those who need extra assistance.
How to contact your shopper while your order is in progress
You can contact your Instacart shopper while they are shopping for your order, or while they are delivering it to you.
To contact your shopper during a delivery, go to the ‘Orders’ page, select the order, and tap on the chat bubble icon in the upper corner.
You might want to chat with your shopper to ask about changes, discuss replacements, or respond to any questions they have about your order.
Can you contact your shopper after the delivery is complete?
You can’t contact your shopper after your delivery is complete. If you have an issue with your order, use the help options in the order receipt or contact Instacart using the other methods listed above.
How to get a refund on Instacart
It’s possible to get a refund on Instacart, but there are different refund practices for different situations. Sometimes you’ll get a cash refund, and other times you might get app credits.
Most of the time, you can only get cash refunds for missing or damaged items. Report the missing or damaged items within 7 days of your order to get a cash refund back to your payment method for those specific items.
To ask a refund, go to the order receipt or contact Instacart Care chat support.
If you had an issue with your overall experience and want a refund for the entire order, you’re more likely to get app credits instead of a cash refund. Instacart will only offer credits if you had a serious issue with your order.
Instacart Shoppers: How to contact Instacart
Instacart shoppers have to be in close contact with Instacart support to deal with all of the issues that may come up during an order.
Shoppers have two options for live support: Instacart Care chat, and live phone support while you’re doing a batch.
The top three ways for Instacart Shoppers to contact Instacart
- Instacart Care, the live chat feature inside the shopper app
- Live phone support while you’re on a batch
- Send a message on Twitter, via @instashopppers
How shoppers can chat with Instacart support
The Instacart shopper app makes it easy to start chatting with support. Instacart Care is only two taps away from any screen in the app.
To chat with Instacart support, tap the question mark icon in the upper right corner of any screen, then tap the headset icon in the upper right corner.
After you tap the headset icon, the Virtual Care Assistant window will open up. Select your issue from the menu or type your question.
Chat support is only 2 taps away in the shopper app
The chat feature inside the shopper app is where you’ll deal with common shopper issues like:
- Batch or delivery problems
- Pay and earnings
- Shopper ratings and customer feedback
- Shopper account issues
Select an issue or type in your question
How to call Instacart shopper support while you’re on a batch
Instacart now has phone support for shoppers while you’re currently doing a batch.
To call Instacart support, tap the question mark icon in the upper right corner of any screen, then tap the headset icon.
Depending on the situation, you will see an option to chat with support, or call now. Choose call now if you would prefer to speak on the phone.
Wait times may be higher for phone support, so the chat feature may still be the better option in many situation.
More Reading for Instacart Shoppers
- Is the Instacart Rating System Fair?
- Shoppers: How to Get Better Batches
- Are Double and Triple Batches Worth it?
- How to Become an Instacart Shopper
Johanna Schultz says
I have been shopping with Instacart for quite a while now, and my account has been deactivated. I was given instructions on how to appeal it, it has been three weeks with no response. When I contact the live chat now for the fourth time, I really don’t get any answers. I had asked to speak to somebody directly and I was informed that that is not possible. i’ve had several issues over the last few months with problems with the app, issues with customer support not responding quick enough which resulted in canceled batches, causing me to have an increased cancellation rate. I feel that the issues at hand, that caused the highest cancellation rate, should not be used against me. I have a 4.7 star rating with Instacart and to sit here for three weeks waiting for a response and getting the runaround, I don’t feel that the work I have done for the company is appreciated.
Doug H says
Unfortunately this is a common experience. If you want to try to be reactivated, keep up the pressure. Try contacting them via social media, but don’t expect any fast results. In the mean time, try other gig apps. This type of impersonal customer service is common with all of the apps, so it’s best to sign up for as many as you can and always have a backup. Best of luck.
Jeremy defevers says
My account is locked it’s asking me to scany debit card but thing is I don’t have a physical copy
Kerri Miller says
I tried to sign up a few days ago and it said not available. I am willing to work in other cities if possible. I really want to get started. I was told also that you don’t offer a in store position any longer yet it is a option on the app. Any openings at all around or near me in 92395 for full service shopper??
DougH says
The in-store shopper store is available in some places, so if you’re seeing it in the app, you can go ahead and apply. I don’t know of any way to look up openings in specific markets. Go by what the app tells you. While you wait for Instacart, you can try other delivery apps like Uber Eats, DoorDash, or Shipt (grocery delivery for Target)
Melissa says
How do I email a complaint?
DougH says
Use this link to send an email
Marybel Negron says
I need to file a claim .i had an accident with my car while doing Instacart.
DougH says
Instacart doesn’t provide any auto insurance for shoppers. They only provide injury protection for on-the-job injuries
Rakiswinde Nikiema says
Hello I need help my account is still not open since I applied! I received the payment card but I can’t work. Can you help me please