How to download and set up Uber
Download the Uber app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, then open it and enter your phone number. Uber will send you a verification code by text — enter that code to confirm your number. Next, add your first name, last name, and email address. You'll be asked to create a password and add a payment method (a debit card, credit card, or linked bank account). Once your payment method is saved, your account is ready to use.
The app will ask for permission to access your location. You need to allow this so Uber can see where you are and show you nearby drivers. You can change this permission later in your phone's settings if you want to restrict location access when you're not using the app.
Key Takeaways
- You need a smartphone with the Uber app, a valid payment method, and your location turned on to request a ride.
- The app shows you the driver's name, car type, and estimated arrival time before you confirm the ride.
- You pay through the app automatically after the ride ends — no cash or card needed in the car.
- Rating your driver and reading driver ratings helps both you and other riders make informed choices about who to ride with.
Requesting your first ride
Open the app and make sure your location is on. The app will show your current location on a map. Enter your destination in the "Where to?" field at the top of the screen. Uber will show you the estimated fare, how long the ride will take, and which type of vehicle is available — usually UberX (a standard car) or Uber Black (a premium option). Tap the vehicle type you want.
The app will then show you the driver's name, photo, car make and color, and license plate number. You'll also see how many minutes until they arrive. Once you confirm the ride, the driver is on the way. You can watch their location move toward you in real time on the map. When they arrive, get in the car and tell them your destination if they ask — they can already see it on their phone.
Understanding what you'll pay
Uber charges a base fare, a per-minute charge, and a per-mile charge. The total depends on how far you're going, how long the ride takes, and how busy Uber is at that moment. During busy times (called surge pricing), the per-mile and per-minute rates go up. The app shows you the estimated fare before you confirm the ride, so you know the approximate cost upfront.
You pay through the app automatically when the ride ends — the charge goes to the payment method you added during setup. You don't need to carry cash or hand over a card. The app will show you an itemized receipt with the base fare, distance, time, and any surge pricing that applied. If you want to add a tip, you can do that in the app after the ride is complete.
What to do during and after your ride
During the ride, you can message the driver through the app if you need to change something — for example, if you want to add a stop or if you're running late. You can also call the driver directly from the app. When you reach your destination, the driver will pull over and end the ride. You don't need to do anything — the payment processes automatically.
After the ride ends, the app will ask you to rate the driver on a scale of one to five stars and to leave a comment if you want. This rating is visible to other riders and helps them decide whether to ride with that driver. You'll also see the driver's rating of you, though it's only visible to Uber and to drivers who pick you up in the future. If something went wrong — a safety issue, a wrong route, or a charge you don't recognize — you can report it through the app and Uber will investigate.
Safety features and what to check
Before you get in the car, verify that the license plate and car color match what the app shows. Look at the driver's photo to make sure it matches the person in the car. If something doesn't match, don't get in — cancel the ride and request a new one. The app has a "Share My Trip" feature that lets you send your real-time location to a friend or family member while you're riding, so they can track where you are.
If you feel unsafe at any point during the ride, you can cancel and get out. You can also use the app's emergency button (usually a phone icon with a red background) to contact local emergency services directly. After the ride, if you left something in the car, you can message the driver through the app to ask them to return it, or you can contact Uber support.
Common issues and how to fix them
If no drivers are nearby, the app will show "No cars available." This usually means demand is high or drivers are scarce in your area at that moment. You can wait a few minutes and try again, or you can try requesting from a nearby location. If you're having trouble with your payment method, the app will tell you when you try to confirm a ride — update your card information in the app's payment settings and try again.
If you're charged for a ride you didn't take, or if you think you were overcharged, open the app, go to your trip history, find the ride in question, and tap "Help" at the bottom of that trip's details. Describe the problem and Uber will review it. Most disputes are resolved within a few days, and Uber will refund you if they find an error.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to tip the driver?
Tipping is not required, but it's customary to tip if the driver was helpful, drove safely, or went out of their way. You can add a tip in the app after the ride ends, or you can tip in cash if you prefer. Most riders tip between 15 and 20 percent of the fare.
What if the driver takes a longer route than necessary?
You can see the route on the map in real time while you're riding. If the driver is going the wrong way, you can message them or call them to point it out. If you believe you were overcharged because of a longer route, you can report it through the app after the ride and request a review.
Can I ride with someone else's Uber account?
Technically yes, but Uber's terms of service say the person who ordered the ride should be the one in the car. If you're not the account holder, you're riding at the account holder's risk. For safety and liability reasons, it's better to order the ride under your own account.
What happens if I leave my phone in the car?
Contact Uber through a different device or computer by logging into your account on the Uber website. Go to your trip history, find the ride, and tap "Help." Describe what you left behind and Uber will contact the driver on your behalf. The driver can return it to you or to an Uber office.
Is Uber cheaper than a taxi?
Uber is often cheaper than a traditional taxi, especially during normal times, but surge pricing can make it more expensive during busy hours. The app shows you the estimated fare before you confirm, so you can compare it to other options or wait for demand to drop if the price seems high.