Getting the Uber app on your device

Download the Uber app from your phone's app store — the Apple App Store if you use iPhone, or Google Play if you use Android. Search for "Uber" in the store, tap the official Uber app (made by Uber Technologies, Inc.), and tap the download button. The app is free and takes about two to three minutes to download on a standard connection.

Once the download finishes, the button changes to "Open." Tap it to launch the app for the first time. You'll be taken through a setup process that asks for your phone number, email address, and payment method before you can request a ride.

Key Takeaways

  • Download the Uber app from Apple App Store or Google Play by searching for "Uber" and tapping the official app by Uber Technologies, Inc.
  • You'll need a valid phone number, email address, and a payment method (debit card, credit card, or linked bank account) to complete setup.
  • The app works on iPhone 12 and newer, or Android phones running Android 8.0 and newer, so older devices may not support it.
  • After setup is complete, you can request a ride by entering your destination and selecting your preferred service level.

What you need before you start

Have your phone number ready — Uber sends a verification code to confirm it's really you. You'll also need an email address to create your account. This can be any email you have access to; it doesn't have to be a work email.

You'll need a payment method linked to your account before you can ride. Uber accepts debit cards, credit cards, and direct bank transfers. If you don't have a card yet, you can add one after downloading the app, but you won't be able to request a ride until payment information is on file.

Device requirements and compatibility

The Uber app runs on iPhone 12 and newer models. If you have an older iPhone, you may not be able to download the current version. On Android, the app requires Android 8.0 or newer. Check your phone's settings to see which version of Android you're running — go to Settings, scroll to "About phone," and look for "Android version."

If your device is too old to support the current app, Uber's website still lets you request a ride through a mobile browser, though the experience is less smooth than using the app itself.

Setting up your account after download

When you open the app for the first time, you'll see a screen asking whether you want to ride or drive. Tap "Ride" if you're a passenger. Enter your phone number, and Uber will text you a code to verify it. Type that code into the app.

Next, add your email address and create a password. Then add a payment method by tapping the payment section and entering your card details or bank account information. You can add multiple payment methods if you want — for example, a personal card and a work card.

Finally, add your name and profile photo (optional but helpful for drivers to identify you). Once that's done, you're ready to request a ride.

Troubleshooting download and installation problems

If the download stalls or fails, check your internet connection — switch to Wi-Fi if you're on cellular data. Close any other apps running in the background, then try downloading again. If the app store says you don't have enough storage space, delete photos, videos, or other apps you don't need, then retry.

If you see an error message saying your device isn't compatible, your phone is too old to run the current version of Uber. In that case, try requesting a ride through the Uber website on your phone's browser instead. If the app crashes repeatedly after installation, uninstall it completely, restart your phone, and download it fresh from the app store.

Keeping your app updated

Turn on automatic updates in your phone's app store settings so the Uber app stays current without you having to manually update it each time. Automatic updates prevent bugs and security issues. On iPhone, go to the App Store, tap your profile icon, scroll to "Automatic Updates," and toggle it on. On Android, open Google Play, tap your profile icon, go to Settings, and turn on "Auto-update apps."

If you prefer to update manually, check your app store every few weeks for new versions. Uber typically releases updates monthly with bug fixes and new features.

What happens after you open the app

Once you're logged in, the app shows a map with your current location. Enter your destination in the search box at the top. The app shows you available ride types — UberX (standard), Uber Comfort (larger vehicle), or Uber Black (premium) — along with the estimated fare and wait time for each.

Select the ride type you want, confirm your pickup location, and tap "Request." A driver will accept your ride within seconds to a few minutes depending on demand in your area. You'll see the driver's name, photo, vehicle details, and real-time location on the map as they head to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I download Uber on a tablet or computer?

The Uber app is designed for phones, but you can request a ride through Uber.com on any device with a web browser. The mobile app experience is smoother, but the website works if you don't have a smartphone available.

Do I have to use the app, or can I request a ride another way?

You can request a ride through Uber.com on a computer or phone browser, but the app is faster and shows real-time driver location more reliably. Some features, like scheduling a ride in advance, work better in the app.

What if I forget my password after setting up the app?

Open the app and tap "Log in." At the bottom of the login screen, tap "Trouble logging in?" Enter your email address, and Uber will send you a password reset link. Click the link in your email and create a new password.

Can I use Uber without a smartphone?

Yes, you can request a ride through Uber.com on a computer or tablet, but you'll still need a phone number to verify your account. The app is more convenient, but the website works if you don't have a smartphone.

Is the Uber app safe to download?

Download only from the official Apple App Store or Google Play, not from third-party websites. The official app is safe and regularly updated with security fixes. Avoid any app that claims to be Uber but comes from a different publisher.