Download the app and create an account first

Before you can request a ride, you need the Uber app on your phone and an active account. Go to your phone's app store — Apple App Store if you use iPhone, Google Play if you use Android — and search for "Uber". Tap the app, then tap "Get" or "Install" to download it to your phone.

Once the app is installed, open it and tap "Sign Up". You will need to enter your phone number, email address, and create a password. Uber will send you a verification code by text or email — enter that code to confirm your account. You can also sign up using your Google or Apple account if you prefer.

After your account is set up, add a payment method. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right, then tap "Payment". You can add a credit card, debit card, or link a PayPal account. Uber will charge your payment method after each ride.

Key Takeaways

  • You must download the Uber app and create an account with a phone number, email, and password before requesting your first ride.
  • The app uses your phone's location to show available drivers and estimate your fare before you confirm the ride.
  • After you tap "Request UberX" (or another ride type), the app finds a nearby driver and shows you their name, car details, and real-time location on a map.
  • You can cancel a ride before the driver arrives, but cancellation fees may apply if you cancel after the driver has started heading toward you.

Set your pickup and dropoff locations

Open the Uber app and look at the top of the screen. You will see two text boxes: one says "Pickup" and one says "Dropoff". Tap the "Pickup" box first. The app will automatically show your current location, but you can change it by typing a different address, intersection, or landmark. As you type, the app suggests matching locations — tap the one you want.

Next, tap the "Dropoff" box and enter where you want to go. Again, type an address, intersection, or business name, and select from the suggestions. If you are not sure of the exact address, you can tap the map to move the pin to the right spot.

Once both locations are set, the app shows you the distance, estimated travel time, and estimated fare. This estimate is not a may provide — your actual fare may be higher or lower depending on traffic, surge pricing, and how long the ride actually takes.

Choose your ride type and request

Below your locations, you will see ride options. The most common is UberX, which is a standard sedan. Other options may include UberXL (larger vehicle for more passengers), Uber Comfort (newer car with extra legroom), or UberEats (for food delivery, not passenger rides). Tap the ride type you want.

Once you select a ride type, tap the large "Request" button at the bottom of the screen. The app will start searching for a nearby driver. You will see a message saying "Finding your driver" and a spinning icon. This usually takes 30 seconds to a few minutes, depending on how many drivers are nearby and how busy the area is.

Track your driver and prepare for pickup

Once a driver accepts your ride, the app shows their name, photo, car make and model, and license plate number. A map appears showing the driver's real-time location and their route to you. You can see how many minutes away they are — this updates as they drive.

While you wait, make sure you are standing in a safe, visible spot where the driver can see you. If you are at a busy location like an airport or shopping center, you may want to text or call the driver (the app provides their phone number) to tell them exactly where you are. Some drivers will text you when they arrive.

Do not get in a car unless the license plate and car details match what the app shows. This is a safety step that protects you.

Complete your ride and rate your driver

When the driver arrives, get in the back seat. The driver will confirm your destination and start the ride. During the trip, the app continues to show your route on the map and updates your fare in real time. You can see the total cost before you arrive.

When you reach your destination, the driver will stop and end the ride. The app shows your final fare, the distance traveled, and the time the ride took. Your payment method is charged automatically — you do not need to pay the driver cash or hand over a card.

After the ride ends, the app asks you to rate your driver on a scale of one to five stars and optionally leave written feedback. You can also report a problem — for example, if the driver took a much longer route than necessary or if you left something in the car. Rating your driver helps Uber maintain quality and helps other riders know what to expect.

Cancel a ride if you need to

If you change your mind after requesting a ride, you can cancel. Before the driver accepts, tap "Cancel Ride" at the bottom of the screen — this is free. After a driver has accepted and started heading toward you, you can still cancel, but Uber may charge a cancellation fee (usually a few dollars). The longer you wait after the driver accepts, the higher the fee may be.

If you cancel repeatedly without good reason, Uber may temporarily block you from requesting rides. If you have a legitimate reason to cancel — for example, you got a ride from someone else or an emergency came up — you can contact Uber support through the app to explain and potentially have the fee removed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I do not have a smartphone?

Uber requires a smartphone with the app installed. There is no phone number you can call to request a ride. If you do not have a smartphone, you can ask someone else to request the ride for you using their phone and account, though the ride will be charged to their payment method.

Can I request a ride for someone else?

Yes. In the app, tap the menu icon, then "Add a Preferred Rider". You can add another person's name and phone number. When you request a ride, you can select that person as the rider, and they will receive a notification with the driver's details. The ride is still charged to your account.

What happens if the driver goes the wrong way?

You can see the route on the map in real time. If the driver is clearly going the wrong direction, you can speak up and redirect them. After the ride, if you believe the driver took an unnecessarily long route to inflate the fare, you can report it in the app and request a fare adjustment. Uber reviews these reports and may refund the difference.

Do I tip the driver through the app?

Yes. After the ride ends and you rate your driver, the app shows a "Add Tip" option. You can add a percentage of the fare or a flat amount. Tipping is optional, but many riders tip 15 to 20 percent for good service. You can also tip cash if you prefer, though most drivers expect tips through the app.

What if I forget something in the Uber?

Open the app, go to your ride history, find the ride you just completed, and tap "I lost an item". Describe what you left behind and select the category (phone, wallet, keys, etc.). Uber will notify the driver and give you their contact information so you can arrange to pick it up. Some drivers will return items to you; others may ask you to pick them up from a location.