Where to find and download the Uber app

The Uber app is available through your phone's app store — the Apple App Store if you use iPhone, or Google Play if you use Android. Search for "Uber" in either store, then tap the download button. The app is free to download and install.

On iPhone, you'll see a cloud icon with a download arrow; on Android, you'll see a button labeled "Install". Either way, your phone will handle the installation automatically once you start the download. You don't need to do anything else — just wait for it to finish.

The app requires space on your phone, but not much. Most phones have enough room. If you get a message that your phone is full, you may need to delete photos, videos, or other apps you're not using before you can install Uber.

Key Takeaways

  • Download the Uber app from the Apple App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android) by searching for "Uber" and tapping the download button.
  • The app is free to download and your phone will install it automatically once you start the process.
  • You need an active internet connection (WiFi or mobile data) to download the app, but you can use Uber without internet once it's installed.
  • After installation, you'll need to create an account with your phone number, email, and payment method before you can request a ride.
  • The app works on phones running iOS 12 or later (iPhone) or Android 5.0 or later, though older phones may run it slowly.

What you need before you download

You need a smartphone — either an iPhone or an Android phone. The app works on older phones, but Uber recommends iOS 12 or later for iPhone and Android 5.0 or later for Android devices. If your phone is very old, the app may run slowly or not work at all.

You also need an active internet connection to download the app itself. Use WiFi if you have it, since the download uses data. Once the app is installed, you can use it without WiFi as long as your phone has mobile data or you're near WiFi.

Before you open the app for the first time, have ready: a valid phone number, an email address, and a payment method (credit card, debit card, or linked bank account). You'll enter these when you create your account.

Setting up your account after installation

Once the app finishes installing, open it and tap "Sign Up". Enter your phone number first — Uber will send you a code by text to confirm it's really your number. Type that code into the app.

Next, enter your email address and create a password. Then add your name and date of birth. Uber asks for this information to verify who you are and to meet legal requirements for payment processing.

Finally, add a payment method. Tap the payment section and enter your credit card, debit card, or bank account details. Uber stores this securely and charges it when you complete a ride. You can add multiple payment methods and switch between them anytime.

Troubleshooting download and installation problems

If the download won't start, check that you have an active internet connection and enough storage space on your phone. If your phone is full, delete apps or photos you don't need, then try again.

If the download starts but stops partway through, your internet connection may have dropped. Go back to the app store, find Uber again, and tap the download button. Most app stores will resume the download from where it stopped rather than starting over.

If you see an error message saying your phone isn't compatible, your device may be too old to run the current version of Uber. Check your phone's operating system version (Settings > About on most phones). If it's older than iOS 12 or Android 5.0, you may not be able to use the newest version of the app, though older versions may still work.

Using the app on multiple devices

You can install the Uber app on more than one phone using the same account. Sign in with the same phone number and password on each device. Your payment methods, saved addresses, and ride history will appear on all of them.

If you switch to a new phone, download the app on the new device and sign in with your existing account information. You don't need to create a new account. Your ride history and saved places will be there waiting for you.

If you lose access to your phone or want to remove Uber from an old device, you can sign out remotely through your account settings on any other device where you're signed in. This prevents anyone else from using your account on that phone.

Keeping your app updated

Your phone's app store can update the Uber app automatically, or you can update it manually. To update manually, open your app store, search for Uber, and look for an "Update" button. If you see one, tap it. If you see "Open" instead, you already have the latest version.

Uber releases updates regularly to fix problems, add features, and improve security. Keeping your app current makes sure you have access to the newest features and that your account stays secure. Most phones can be set to update apps automatically, which means you won't have to remember to do it yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need WiFi to use Uber after I download the app?

No. Once the app is installed, you only need mobile data or WiFi to request a ride and communicate with your driver. Most phones use mobile data for this, which works as long as you have a phone plan with data. WiFi is optional but can save you data if you're on a limited plan.

Can I download Uber on a tablet instead of a phone?

The Uber app is designed for phones, not tablets, and the app store may not show it as compatible with your tablet. You can sometimes download it anyway, but Uber doesn't officially support tablets, and some features may not work correctly.

What if I don't have a credit card to add as a payment method?

Uber accepts debit cards and linked bank accounts in addition to credit cards. If you have a debit card, you can use that instead. Some regions also allow payment through digital wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay, which you can link to your bank account.

Is the Uber app safe to download?

Yes. The app in the official Apple App Store and Google Play is the real Uber app. Only download from these official stores — don't download from other websites or links, as those could be fake. The official app uses encryption to protect your payment information and personal data.

Can I download Uber if I'm outside the United States?

Yes, Uber operates in many countries. Download the app the same way from your local app store. When you open it, it will show you whether Uber services are available in your location. Some countries have different payment methods or account requirements, but the download process is the same everywhere.