Download the app and create an account
To use Uber, you need the Uber app on your phone and an account linked to a payment method. Go to your phone's app store — Apple App Store if you have an iPhone, Google Play if you have Android — and search for "Uber". Download the official Uber app (made by Uber Technologies, Inc.), then open it and tap "Sign Up".
You'll enter your phone number, email address, and create a password. Uber will send a code to your phone to confirm it's really you. After you verify that code, you can add your payment information. Uber accepts credit cards, debit cards, and in some cities, digital wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay. You don't need to pay anything to set up the account — you only pay when you request a ride.
Key Takeaways
- Download the Uber app from your phone's app store, sign up with your phone number and email, and add a payment method before you can request a ride.
- Enter your pickup location and destination in the app, choose your ride type, and confirm the price estimate before the driver accepts.
- The driver's name, photo, car details, and real-time location appear on your screen once they accept your request.
- You can contact your driver through the app's messaging and call features, and your trip is tracked by Uber's safety systems.
- Tipping is optional and happens after the ride ends; you can add it in the app or pay cash to the driver.
Request a ride and set your location
Open the Uber app and tap the search box at the top where it says "Where to?" Enter your destination — the address, intersection, or landmark where you want to go. The app will show you the address it found and ask you to confirm it. If the address isn't quite right, tap it to adjust the pin on the map.
Your pickup location is usually set to wherever you are right now, based on your phone's GPS. If you're not where you want to be picked up, or if GPS isn't working, tap the pickup location at the top of the screen and enter the correct address. Once both locations are set, the app shows you available ride types and the estimated fare for each one.
Choose your ride type and confirm the price
Uber offers different ride types depending on what's available in your area. UberX is the standard option — a regular car with one driver. UberXL is a larger vehicle that fits more passengers. Uber Comfort is a newer car with extra legroom. Some cities have Uber Green (electric or hybrid vehicles) or Uber Black (premium cars with professional drivers). Each type shows its own price estimate.
The price you see is an estimate based on distance, time of day, and current demand. During busy times, prices go up — this is called surge pricing. You'll see the estimated price clearly before you confirm. Tap the ride type you want, then tap "Confirm UberX" (or whichever type you chose). At this point, your request goes out to nearby drivers.
Track your driver and prepare for pickup
Once a driver accepts your request, their name, photo, and car details appear on your screen. You'll see their real-time location on the map as they drive toward you. The app shows how many minutes away they are and updates as they get closer. If you need to contact them, tap the phone or message icon to call or text through the app.
Be ready to go when they arrive — have your belongings gathered and be waiting outside or in the lobby. If you're running late or need to cancel, tap the three-line menu and select "Cancel Ride". Cancellations are usually free if you cancel before the driver arrives, but some cities charge a small fee if you cancel after they've been waiting.
During the ride and after you arrive
Sit in the back seat. The driver will take you to your destination using their own navigation. You can see the route on your phone's screen and watch your progress in real time. If you need to change the destination, tap the destination at the top of the screen and update it — the driver will see the change and the price may adjust.
When you arrive, the ride ends automatically. The app shows you the final fare, which may be different from the estimate if the route took longer or shorter than expected. You'll see a breakdown of the base fare, distance, time, and any surge pricing that applied. At this point, you can add a tip if you want to — tap "Add Tip" and choose an amount or enter a custom one. Tipping is optional, but many riders tip $1 to $5 depending on the ride length and service.
What to do if something goes wrong
If your driver is going the wrong way, message or call them through the app to let them know. If they don't respond or you feel unsafe, tap the emergency button (usually a red icon at the bottom of the screen) to contact Uber support and local authorities if needed. Uber records all trips and has safety features built in.
If you left something in the car, open the app, go to your trip history, find that ride, and tap "I lost an item". You can message the driver through Uber to ask them to return it. If the fare seems wrong, you can dispute it by tapping the three-line menu, selecting "Help", and choosing "Fare Adjustment". Uber will review the trip and may refund you if there was an error.
Payment and your account
Your payment method is charged automatically after each ride. You'll get a receipt in the app showing the date, time, driver name, route, and fare. Keep your payment method up to date — if a card expires or is declined, Uber will ask you to add a new one before you can request another ride.
You can add multiple payment methods to your account and choose which one to use for each ride. Some cities let you pay with cash, but you have to enable this in your settings and the driver must accept it. If you have a promo code from Uber or a friend referral, tap the menu, go to "Wallet", and enter the code to add credit to your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a credit card to use Uber?
You need a payment method on file to request a ride. This can be a credit card, debit card, or digital wallet. Some cities allow cash payment, but you must enable it in settings and the driver must agree. You won't be charged until after your ride ends.
What if I don't have a smartphone?
Uber requires a smartphone with the app installed. There is no way to request an Uber ride without a phone. If you don't have a smartphone, ride-hailing services like Uber are not an option for you.
Can I request a ride for someone else?
Yes. Open the app, set the pickup and destination, and before confirming, tap "Add Passengers" to add someone else's name. They'll get a notification that a ride has been ordered for them. The ride will still be charged to your payment method.
How do I know if surge pricing is happening?
When you enter your destination, the price estimate shows you the current fare. If prices are higher than usual, the app will display a message or icon indicating surge pricing. You can see the estimated price before you confirm, so you know what you'll pay.
What happens if my driver cancels?
If a driver cancels after accepting your request, you're not charged. The app will show you other available drivers, and you can request another ride. If no drivers are available, you can try again in a few minutes or choose a different ride type.