Create an Uber account before you can request a ride

You need a smartphone with the Uber app installed, a valid payment method on file, and a phone number where Uber can reach you. Download the Uber app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, open it, and tap "Sign Up." You'll enter your phone number, email address, and full name. Uber will send a verification code to your phone — enter it to confirm your number is real.

Next, add a payment method. Uber accepts credit cards, debit cards, and in some cities, digital wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay. Enter your card details or link your digital wallet. You can add multiple payment methods and choose which one to use for each ride. Uber will charge the card you select after your trip ends.

Your account is now active. You don't need to do anything else before requesting your first ride — Uber doesn't require a background check or approval process for riders, only for drivers.

Key Takeaways

  • You need the Uber app on a smartphone, a valid payment method, and a phone number to create an account.
  • The sign-up process takes about five minutes and requires you to verify your phone number with a code Uber texts you.
  • You can add a credit card, debit card, or digital wallet as your payment method before your first ride.
  • Your account is ready to use immediately after you add a payment method — there is no waiting period or approval step.
  • Uber charges your payment method after the ride ends, not before, so you'll see the fare on your statement the next day or within a few days.

How to request a ride in the app

Open the Uber app and allow it to access your location. Tap the "Where to?" field at the top of the screen and enter your destination address or the name of a place — a restaurant, office building, or street intersection all work. Uber will show you the address it found and ask you to confirm it's correct.

Next, choose your ride type. Uber offers several options, and the names and prices vary by city. UberX is the standard option and usually the cheapest. UberXL fits more passengers and luggage. Uber Comfort offers newer cars and more space. Premium options like Uber Black cost more. The app shows you the estimated fare for each type before you request — this is not a may provide, but it's usually within a dollar or two of your final charge.

Tap the ride type you want. Uber will search for nearby drivers and show you how many minutes until a driver arrives. Once a driver accepts your request, you'll see their name, photo, car make and color, and license plate number. You can message the driver or call them from the app if you need to give directions or let them know where you're standing.

What happens during and after your ride

The driver will arrive at the pickup location shown in the app. Look for the car's make, color, and license plate to confirm it's your ride. Get in, and the driver will take you to the destination you entered. You can change the destination during the ride by tapping the destination field, but the fare may increase if the new location is farther away.

When you reach your destination, the ride ends automatically. Uber calculates your fare based on distance, time, and demand at that moment. The app shows you a breakdown: base fare, distance charge, time charge, and any surge pricing if demand was high. You'll see the total and can tip the driver through the app — you can add a tip immediately or up to 30 days after the ride.

Your receipt appears in the app under "Your Trips." You can view it anytime, and Uber also emails a receipt to your account email address. If you left something in the car, tap "I Lost an Item" in the trip details to contact the driver.

Understanding surge pricing and wait-time charges

Surge pricing happens when demand for rides is very high and few drivers are available. The app shows you the surge multiplier — for example, 1.5x means the fare will be 50 percent higher than normal. You see this multiplier before you request the ride, so you can decide whether to wait for demand to drop or pay the higher price. Surge pricing is temporary and usually lasts 15 minutes to an hour.

Wait-time charges apply if you request a ride and then keep the driver waiting at the pickup location. Different cities have different rules — some charge after five minutes, others after ten. The app will tell you the wait-time policy for your city. If you're running late, cancel the ride and request a new one instead of making the driver wait; you'll avoid the charge and the driver can pick up someone else.

Payment and billing details

Uber charges your payment method after the ride ends, not before. You won't see a hold on your card while the ride is happening. The charge appears on your statement within one to three business days, depending on your bank. Your receipt in the app shows the exact amount charged and breaks down the fare by distance, time, and any surge pricing.

If you dispute a charge, open the app, go to "Account," select "Wallet," find the ride, and tap "Report a Problem." Describe what went wrong — for example, the driver took a much longer route than necessary, or you were charged twice. Uber will review your report and may refund part or all of the fare. This process usually takes a few days.

You can view all your past rides and charges under "Your Trips" in the app. This is useful if you need to track business expenses or check whether a charge was correct.

Safety features and driver ratings

Every driver has a rating based on feedback from past riders. Ratings range from 4.6 to 5.0 stars for most active drivers — Uber removes drivers with ratings below 4.6 in most cities. You can see the driver's rating in the app before you request a ride and after a driver accepts your request. A high rating means other riders have had good experiences with that driver.

The app includes a "Share My Trip" feature that lets you send your ride details to a friend or family member in real time. They can see your location, the driver's location, and your destination. This is useful if someone is worried about your safety. You can also set an emergency contact in your account settings, and Uber can contact them if something goes wrong.

If you feel unsafe during a ride, you can contact Uber support directly from the app by tapping the "Help" button. You can also call 911 if you're in immediate danger. After the ride, you can rate the driver and leave feedback about your experience.

Common issues and how to fix them

If no drivers are available, the app will show "No Drivers Available" or a long wait time. This usually means demand is very high or few drivers are working in your area at that moment. You can wait a few minutes and try again, or try requesting from a nearby location. In some cities, Uber may not operate at all during certain hours or in certain neighborhoods.

If your payment method is declined, the app will ask you to add a new one before you can request a ride. Make sure your card hasn't expired and that you have enough funds available. If the problem continues, contact your bank to confirm the card is active.

If a driver cancels after accepting your ride, you won't be charged. You can request a new ride immediately. If you cancel after a driver has started driving toward you, Uber may charge a cancellation fee — the app will warn you before you confirm the cancellation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to tip the driver?

Tipping is not required, but it's customary. Most riders tip between 15 and 20 percent of the fare. You can add a tip through the app immediately after the ride or up to 30 days later. You can also tip in cash if you prefer, though most drivers prefer app tips because they're may provide.

What if I'm not sure where to get picked up?

The app shows a map with a pin marking your pickup location. You can drag the pin to move it if Uber placed it in the wrong spot — for example, in the middle of the street instead of on the sidewalk. Once the driver accepts, you can message or call them to say exactly where you're standing, like "I'm by the red door" or "I'm wearing a blue jacket."

Can I request a ride for someone else?

Yes, you can request a ride and have it sent to another person's phone number. In the app, tap your profile icon, select "Add Frequent Contacts," and add their phone number. Then when you request a ride, you can choose to send it to them instead of yourself. They'll receive the request and can accept or decline it.

What happens if I leave something in the car?

Open the app, go to "Your Trips," find the ride where you lost the item, and tap "I Lost an Item." Describe what you left behind and Uber will contact the driver. If the driver has it, they can return it to you or hold it for you to pick up. Uber can also help you contact the driver directly if you need to arrange a time to get your item back.

Is Uber available in my city?

Open the app and try to enter your address in the "Where to?" field. If Uber operates in your area, it will show available ride types and estimated fares. If the app says "Uber is not available in your area," Uber doesn't currently serve that location. You can check Uber's website to see which cities it operates in, though the list changes over time.