How Do I Order Ahead At Starbucks: A Comprehensive Guide

Delfina Stanton 22 Jun 2025

Ordering ahead at Starbucks has never been easier with the advancement of technology and mobile apps. Whether you're on a busy schedule or simply want to enjoy your favorite drink without waiting in line, this guide will walk you through the process step by step. Starbucks offers a seamless experience that allows you to customize your order, pay in advance, and pick up your drinks hassle-free.

Starbucks has revolutionized the way customers interact with their brand by introducing digital solutions that cater to modern lifestyles. With features like mobile order and pay, you can save time and enjoy a more convenient coffee experience. This article will provide you with all the information you need to make the most out of this service.

Whether you're a regular Starbucks customer or new to the experience, understanding how to order ahead at Starbucks is essential for a smoother visit. From downloading the app to customizing your favorite drink, we'll cover everything you need to know to get started.

Understanding the Starbucks Mobile Order and Pay Feature

Starbucks' mobile order and pay feature is a game-changer for coffee lovers who value convenience and efficiency. This service allows you to place your order from the comfort of your home or office, ensuring that your drink is ready when you arrive at the store. It also eliminates the need to wait in line, giving you more time to focus on your day.

By using the Starbucks app, you can easily browse the menu, customize your order, and even earn rewards through the Starbucks Rewards program. This feature is available at participating stores, and it continues to expand across locations worldwide.

Benefits of Ordering Ahead at Starbucks

Save time by skipping the line
Customize your drink to your liking
Pay securely through the app
Earn rewards points with every purchase
Enjoy a more personalized coffee experience

How Do I Order Ahead at Starbucks?

Ordering ahead at Starbucks is a straightforward process that requires just a few steps. To get started, you'll need to download the official Starbucks app and create an account. Once you're logged in, follow these instructions to place your order:

Open the Starbucks app on your smartphone.
Select your preferred store from the list of available locations.
Browse the menu and choose your desired drink and food items.
Customize your order by adjusting the size, temperature, or adding extras.
Proceed to checkout and select your payment method.
Confirm your order and choose a pickup time.

Once your order is confirmed, you'll receive a notification when it's ready for pickup. Simply head to the designated pickup area at the store, and your drink will be waiting for you.

Downloading the Starbucks App

The first step to ordering ahead at Starbucks is downloading the official app. Available on both iOS and Android devices, the Starbucks app provides a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to place your order. Here's how you can download the app:

For iOS users: Visit the App Store and search for "Starbucks."
For Android users: Open the Google Play Store and search for "Starbucks."
Click on the download button and wait for the installation to complete.

Once the app is installed, launch it and create an account using your email address or social media profile. This will give you access to all the features, including mobile order and pay.

Creating a Starbucks Account

Having a Starbucks account is essential for ordering ahead and participating in the Starbucks Rewards program. To create an account, follow these steps:

Open the Starbucks app and tap on "Sign In" or "Create Account."
Enter your email address, create a password, and provide basic information such as your name and date of birth.
Verify your email address by clicking the link sent to your inbox.
Log in to your account and start exploring the app's features.

By creating an account, you'll also gain access to exclusive promotions, personalized offers, and the ability to track your rewards points.

Selecting Your Preferred Store

Before placing your order, you need to select a Starbucks store where you'll pick up your drink. The app will automatically suggest stores based on your location, but you can also browse other options if needed. Here's how to choose your preferred store:

Tap on "Order & Pickup" in the app's menu.
Allow the app to access your location or manually search for stores using the map feature.
Select a store from the list and confirm your choice.

Make sure the store you choose offers the mobile order and pay feature, as availability may vary depending on the location.

Checking Store Availability

Not all Starbucks stores support the mobile order and pay feature. To ensure a seamless experience, check the store's availability before placing your order. You can do this by:

Looking for the "Order & Pickup" icon next to the store's name in the app.
Visiting the store's page and verifying the availability of the service.

If the feature isn't available at your preferred location, consider selecting another store nearby.

Browsing the Menu and Customizing Your Order

Starbucks offers a wide variety of drinks and food items to suit every taste and preference. When ordering ahead, you can browse the menu and customize your order to perfection. Here's how:

Tap on "Menu" in the app to view all available options.
Select your desired drink or food item from the list.
Customize your order by adjusting the size, temperature, or adding extras such as syrups, milk alternatives, or whipped cream.
Add your items to the cart and review your order before proceeding to checkout.

Customization options vary depending on the store's menu, so make sure to check the available choices before placing your order.

Adding Payment Information

To complete your order, you'll need to add a payment method to your Starbucks account. The app supports various payment options, including credit/debit cards, PayPal, and Starbucks gift cards. Here's how to add your payment information:

Tap on "Account" in the app's menu.
Select "Payment Methods" and choose "Add Payment Method."
Enter your payment details and save the information for future use.

Once your payment method is added, you can easily pay for your orders through the app without needing to carry cash or a physical card.

Confirming Your Order and Choosing Pickup Time

After reviewing your order and payment method, it's time to confirm your purchase and choose a pickup time. Here's how to do it:

Tap on "Checkout" to proceed to the payment screen.
Select your preferred payment method from the list.
Choose a pickup time that works best for you.
Confirm your order and wait for the notification that your drink is ready.

The app will send you a notification when your order is being prepared and another one when it's ready for pickup. This ensures that your drink is fresh and waiting for you upon arrival.

Picking Up Your Order

When it's time to pick up your order, head to the designated pickup area at the selected Starbucks store. Here's what you need to do:

Check your order confirmation screen in the app to see the pickup location.
Approach the pickup counter and let the barista know you're there to collect your order.
Enjoy your freshly prepared drink and food items.

Some stores may have a dedicated pickup lane for mobile orders, so keep an eye out for signs or ask a staff member for assistance if needed.

Tips for a Smooth Pickup Experience

To make your pickup experience as smooth as possible, consider the following tips:

Arrive at the store within the designated pickup time to ensure your drink is fresh.
Have your order confirmation screen ready to show the barista.
Be polite and patient, especially during busy hours.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While the Starbucks mobile order and pay feature is generally reliable, you may encounter some issues from time to time. Here are some common problems and how to resolve them:

Order not ready on time: If your drink isn't ready when you arrive, inform a staff member, and they'll assist you promptly.
Payment issues: Double-check your payment method and ensure it's valid. If the problem persists, contact Starbucks customer support for assistance.
App glitches: Restart the app or update it to the latest version to resolve technical issues.

If you're unable to resolve the issue on your own, don't hesitate to reach out to Starbucks' customer service team for further help.

Conclusion

Ordering ahead at Starbucks is a convenient and efficient way to enjoy your favorite drinks and snacks without the hassle of waiting in line. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily place your order, customize it to your liking, and pick it up hassle-free. Remember to create a Starbucks account, download the app, and select a store that supports the mobile order and pay feature for the best experience.

We encourage you to try this service and share your experience with us in the comments below. If you found this article helpful, don't forget to share it with your friends and family. For more tips and tricks on maximizing your Starbucks experience, explore our other articles on the site.

Understanding the Starbucks Mobile Order and Pay Feature
How Do I Order Ahead at Starbucks?
Downloading the Starbucks App
Creating a Starbucks Account
Selecting Your Preferred Store
Browsing the Menu and Customizing Your Order
Adding Payment Information
Confirming Your Order and Choosing Pickup Time
Picking Up Your Order
Troubleshooting Common Issues

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Large sign in window of Starbucks coffee shop saying order ahead on the

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