Where to download Uber and what happens next

The Uber app lives in your phone's app store — the Apple App Store if you have an iPhone, or Google Play if you have an Android phone. Search for "Uber", tap the download button, and the app installs automatically. Once it's on your phone, you open it, create an account with your email or phone number, add a payment method, and you're ready to request a ride.

The whole process takes about five minutes if your phone is already set up and you have internet. You don't need to do anything special or contact Uber directly — the app store handles the download, and Uber handles the account creation through the app itself.

Key Takeaways

  • Download Uber from the Apple App Store on iPhone or Google Play on Android by searching "Uber" and tapping the download button.
  • You need an active email address or phone number, a valid payment method, and internet access on your phone to create an account.
  • The app is free to download; you only pay when you request and complete a ride.
  • Your phone must be running iOS 12 or later (iPhone) or Android 6.0 or later to run the current version of the app.

Step-by-step download and setup

On an iPhone: Open the Apple App Store (the blue icon with a white square). Tap the search tab at the bottom. Type "Uber" in the search box. Tap the Uber app when it appears. Tap the cloud icon with a download arrow. You may be asked to confirm with Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple password. Wait for the download to finish — the icon will change from a cloud to an "Open" button.

On an Android phone: Open Google Play (the colorful triangle icon). Tap the search icon at the bottom. Type "Uber". Tap the official Uber app (made by "Uber Technologies, Inc."). Tap "Install". You may be asked to confirm permissions. Wait for the download and installation to finish — the button will change from "Install" to "Open".

Once the app is installed, tap "Open" to launch it for the first time. You'll see a screen asking you to sign up or log in. If you don't have an Uber account yet, tap "Sign up" and enter your email address or phone number.

What you need before you start

Have these things ready before you download and set up your account: a working email address or phone number, a valid payment method (debit card, credit card, or linked bank account), and your full name as it appears on your ID. You'll also need to know your home address or the address where you want rides to pick you up from.

Your phone needs to be connected to WiFi or have a working data plan. The app itself is free, but you'll pay for each ride you take. Uber charges a base fare, a per-mile rate, and a per-minute rate that varies by city and time of day.

Phone requirements and compatibility

iPhones need iOS 12 or later to run the current Uber app. If your iPhone is older and can't update to iOS 12, you may not be able to download the latest version. You can check your iOS version by going to Settings, tapping General, then About — the number under "Version" is your current iOS.

Android phones need Android 6.0 or later. To check your Android version, go to Settings, scroll down to "About phone", and look for "Android version". If your phone is older than these requirements, you can still try searching for Uber in your app store — older versions of the app may still be available for download, though they won't have the newest features.

Creating your account inside the app

After you tap "Open" for the first time, the app will ask you to sign up. Enter your email address or phone number, then create a password. Uber will send you a confirmation code — check your email or text messages and enter that code into the app. Next, you'll enter your full name, date of birth, and phone number (if you signed up with email).

Then you'll add a payment method. Tap "Add payment method" and enter your debit or credit card number, expiration date, and CVV (the three-digit code on the back). You can also link a bank account or add a digital wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay. Uber will charge your payment method for each ride you take.

Finally, you'll set your home address or the address where you want to be picked up. The app uses this to show you nearby drivers and estimate how long they'll take to arrive. You can change this address anytime before you request a ride.

Troubleshooting common download problems

The app won't download: Make sure you have enough free space on your phone — the Uber app takes about 100 to 150 megabytes. Go to Settings and check your storage. If you're low on space, delete photos, videos, or other apps you don't use. Also check that you're connected to WiFi or have a strong data signal.

The app crashes when you open it: Try closing the app completely and opening it again. If that doesn't work, restart your phone. If the problem continues, uninstall the app (press and hold the icon, then tap "Remove App"), restart your phone, and download it again from the app store.

You can't create an account: Make sure the email address or phone number you're using isn't already linked to another Uber account. If you've used Uber before, you may already have an account — try tapping "Log in" instead of "Sign up" and use your old email or phone number. If you forgot your password, tap "Trouble logging in?" and Uber will send you a reset link.

What to do after you download

Once your account is set up and your payment method is saved, you can request your first ride. Open the app, make sure your location is turned on (the app needs to know where you are), and tap the search box at the top. Enter where you want to go, or tap "Saved places" if you've already saved common destinations like home or work.

The app will show you the estimated fare and how long it will take a driver to arrive. Tap "Confirm pickup location" to lock in where the driver should pick you up, then tap "Request UberX" (or whichever service level you want). A driver will accept your request within seconds to a few minutes, and you'll see their name, photo, car type, and license plate. The app will show you their location in real time as they drive to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay to download the Uber app?

No. The app itself is free to download from the Apple App Store or Google Play. You only pay when you request and complete a ride. There are no subscription fees or hidden charges just for having the app on your phone.

Can I download Uber on a tablet or computer?

The Uber app is designed for phones and works best on iOS and Android phones. You can access your Uber account through a web browser on a computer at uber.com, but you can't request rides from a computer — you need the phone app to do that. Tablets may work, but Uber doesn't officially support them.

What if my phone doesn't meet the requirements?

If your phone is too old to run the current version of Uber, you can try searching the app store anyway — sometimes older versions are still available for older phones. If nothing appears, your phone may not be compatible. You could borrow someone else's phone to request a ride, or call an Uber by phone if that option is available in your city.

Can I download Uber in countries outside the United States?

Uber operates in many countries, but not all. Search your app store for "Uber" and see if it appears — if it does, Uber is available in your country. If it doesn't appear, Uber doesn't operate there yet. You can also visit uber.com and enter your city to check if service is available.

Do I need to give Uber permission to access my location?

Yes. The app needs to know where you are so it can show you nearby drivers and send them to the right pickup spot. When you first open the app, it will ask for permission to access your location. You can say yes or no, but if you say no, you won't be able to request rides. You can change this permission anytime in your phone's Settings.