How to use what3words for reliable same day delivery in the UK

06/02/2026

UK same day or special delivery are great, until your parcel spends the afternoon doing laps of your street. This guide shows you how to share a what3words address when you’re making a same day delivery, so your orders reach the exact spot you choose, wherever you live in the UK. This guide is especially helpful if you’re making a last minute purchase and it’s critical for your parcel to arrive on time.

Why same day delivery feels stressful

Whether it’s a special flower delivery for Valentine’s, a gift delivery for a forgotten birthday, or a same day delivery for a last minute party outfit, the “Sorry we couldn’t find you” message is the thing of nightmares.

You’re right to be concerned: 70% of people in the UK have had deliveries lost or sent to the wrong address ¹ . That’s because postcodes can cover up to 100 addresses, rural homes can be hard to find, and new builds often aren’t on databases yet, making precise same day delivery harder than it should be.

How what3words helps your delivery find you

A what3words address is a handy way to tell couriers precisely where to deliver your parcels. By giving what3words at checkout, you can relax knowing that the courier has your precise delivery location: your front door, side gate, flat entrance, safe place or concierge.

How to use what3words for same day deliveries

There’s a few ways you can use what3words when placing an online order;

At checkout
When you choose same day or special delivery, just enter your what3words address when giving delivery instructions at checkout. This could be in a specific what3words address field or in the standard delivery notes box.

On your delivery apps
In the UK, many logistics companies have adopted what3words and you can now add a what3words address to your account in their apps. These companies include DPD , DHL eCommerce UK and Yodel by InPost . When a driver knows exactly where they’re going, your same day delivery is far more likely to arrive first time. Tip: Don’t forget the dots between the words and leave no spaces, for example ///filled.count.soap

If you’re sending a parcel
On Parcel Monkey , you can compare the best company to book parcel deliveries with. You can enter a what3words address once you’ve selected the best quote which will be passed over to the courier you chose, such as DHL eCommerce.

Over the phone
When you order over the phone or a courier calls asking for directions, give them the what3words address so your special delivery order arrives first time.

Next time you check out with same day delivery, just give your what3words address and breathe. Your deliveries will find your door.

How to find your what3words for deliveries?

  1. Open the what3words app or go to the online map .
  2. Enter the street address or postcode into the search bar at the top and press enter.
  3. Select the correct result from the dropdown options. A square will be highlighted on the map by default.
  4. Switch to satellite mode using the round button to the bottom right.
  5. Zoom in and search the map for the best delivery location. This could be your front door or a garden gate, for example.

References:

1 what3words’ Consumer delivery research (2022) – Survey results based on research conducted by OnePoll to 2,000 adults in the UK aged 18+