Tesco cancels online orders due to ‘technical issue’ – just hours after Sainsbury’s

Tesco has also had to cancel some online orders today (March 16) due to a “technical issue”.

The supermarket giant was hit with an IT problem just hours after Sainsbury’s.

A Tesco spokesperson said: “We are working to fix a technical issue which has meant we have had to cancel some online orders that were due for delivery today. We’re sorry for the inconvenience.”

Tesco has not confirmed how many customers or regions across the UK are affected by the issue.

Earlier today, Sainsbury’s said it would not be able to send the “vast majority” of deliveries due to a technical glitch.

Sainsbury’s previously told Express.co.uk: “Due to an error with an overnight software update, we are experiencing issues with contactless payments.

“All of our stores are open as usual today, accepting chip and pin and cash payments. Unfortunately, this also means we will not be able to deliver the vast majority of today’s Groceries Online orders and we are currently unable to contact customers directly but will contact them as soon as we can to rebook orders.

“We apologise to customers for the inconvenience and are working hard to fix the issue.”

However, Sainsbury’s has now confirmed its online ordering system is working again.

Customers will be able to place new orders for delivery from tomorrow. The supermarket said: “We are unable to contact customers directly but our online ordering system is working as normal and customers can place a new order now for delivery any time from tomorrow.

“We apologise to customers for the inconvenience and are working hard to fix the issue.”

Sainsbury’s said the issues occurred because of an overnight software update. Argos, which is owned by Sainsbury’s, was also affected by the software update, meaning customers may have issues ordering new items or collecting orders in-store today.

Understandably, today’s technical problems have infuriated Tesco and Sainsbury’s customers who vented their frustration on X, formerly Twitter.

Lydia Elizabeth posted: “Tesco this is the second order you’ve cancelled in 2024!

“Not very good when you have people who rely on these collections and deliveries. Even more disappointing that there is never an explanation as to why.”

Another said: “Proactively contacting customers?? Sat on hold for over an hour to find out what’s happening with my order, no hold music so not even sure sat in a queue.”

Mark said: “Wow, people rely on those deliveries and that’s the best you have. Shameful.”