Walgreens Closing Your Store? How to Transfer Prescriptions and Fix App Issues

With Walgreens closing hundreds of locations, millions of customers need to transfer prescriptions — either to another Walgreens, a different pharmacy chain, or through the app. Here's the fastest way to do it, plus fixes for the most common app and transfer errors people are running into right now.

Quick Transfer: Do This in Under 5 Minutes

1. Open the Walgreens app → tap Pharmacy at the bottom → tap Prescriptions.
2. Select the prescription you want to transfer → tap Transfer Prescription.
3. Search for your new pharmacy by name or zip code → select the location → confirm.
4. The receiving pharmacy contacts Walgreens directly — you don't need to call Walgreens separately.

Can't find the Transfer button? Not all prescriptions are transferable from within the app. Controlled substances (Schedule II: Adderall, Oxycodone, etc.) cannot be transferred digitally — they require a new written prescription from your doctor. Non-controlled prescriptions transfer freely.

If the quick flow doesn't work, find your specific issue below.

Problem: App Says "Prescription Cannot Be Transferred"

Fix 1 — Check if it's a controlled substance

The app blocks transfers on Schedule II controlled substances by design. Contact your prescribing doctor for a new prescription sent directly to your new pharmacy. Schedule III–V controlled substances (Xanax, Ambien, Codeine) can be transferred but are limited to one transfer per prescription.

Fix 2 — Check remaining refills

A prescription with zero refills remaining can't be transferred — there's nothing to transfer. Check your refill count in the app under Prescriptions → prescription detail page. If you're out of refills, contact your doctor's office for a renewal, then have the new prescription sent to your preferred pharmacy.

Fix 3 — The prescription may be on hold or expired

Prescriptions expire 1 year from the date written (2 years in some states). An expired prescription shows as "Inactive" in the app and cannot be transferred. You'll need a new prescription. For maintenance medications (blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid), most doctors' offices can renew via a portal message without a full appointment.

Problem: Walgreens App Not Loading or Keeps Crashing

Fix 1 — Update the app

1. iPhone: App Store → search Walgreens → Update if available.
2. Android: Google Play → profile icon → Manage apps → Walgreens → Update.

Fix 2 — Clear app cache (Android)

1. Go to Settings → Apps → Walgreens → Storage → Clear Cache.
2. Reopen the app — do not tap "Clear Data" unless you want to log out and lose saved settings.

Fix 3 — Delete and reinstall (iPhone)

Long-press the Walgreens app icon → Remove App → Delete App → reinstall from the App Store. Your prescription history is stored server-side and will reload after you sign back in.

Problem: New Pharmacy Not Completing the Transfer

Pharmacy-to-pharmacy transfers rely on the receiving pharmacy contacting Walgreens — it doesn't happen instantaneously.

• Timeline: Most transfers complete within 24–48 hours for non-controlled medications. If the Walgreens location is actively closing, staff may be limited — allow up to 72 hours before escalating.
• If the transfer is urgent (within 24 hours): Call the receiving pharmacy directly and ask them to call the Walgreens location. Providing the Walgreens store phone number (on their website or the app's store locator) speeds this up.
• If the Walgreens has already closed: Closed locations forward prescription records to a central Walgreens repository. Call 1-800-925-4733 (Walgreens customer service) and request a record transfer — they can send your full prescription history to any pharmacy electronically.

Problem: Walgreens App Account Login Failing

Fix — Reset your password before the store closes

If you haven't logged into your Walgreens account recently, reset your password now while the store is still open and staff can assist if needed.

1. Go to walgreens.com → Sign In → Forgot password.
2. Enter your email → check for the reset link (check spam).
3. After resetting: log into the app and confirm your prescription list is visible under Pharmacy → Prescriptions before you need to transfer anything.

Transferring to a Different Pharmacy Chain (CVS, Rite Aid, Costco, etc.)

You don't have to use Walgreens' app to initiate the transfer. The receiving pharmacy can pull your prescriptions directly:

1. Call or visit your new pharmacy and tell them you need to transfer prescriptions from Walgreens.
2. Provide: your name, date of birth, Walgreens store location (address or phone), and the names of the medications you want transferred.
3. The new pharmacy handles everything — you don't need to contact Walgreens yourself.
4. Many pharmacy chains (CVS, Kroger, Costco) also have "Transfer from Walgreens" flows in their own apps — search for this in CVS's or Kroger's app directly.

Bottom Line

The fastest transfer method is through the Walgreens app's Transfer Prescription flow — it takes under 5 minutes for non-controlled medications. Controlled substances (Schedule II) require a new prescription from your doctor regardless of which transfer method you use. If your Walgreens has already closed, call 1-800-925-4733 to access centralized prescription records. For app crashes or login issues, clear the app cache on Android or reinstall on iPhone — prescription history is stored server-side and won't be lost.

Running into a different error message during your transfer? Drop it in the comments with which step you're stuck on.