How to download and set up your Uber account
Download the Uber app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store on your phone. Open it and enter your phone number, then check your text messages for a verification code. Enter that code, and the app will ask for your name, email address, and payment method — a debit card, credit card, or linked bank account.
Once you add a payment method, your account is ready to use. Uber will ask if you want to add a profile photo and emergency contacts, but you can skip these and add them later. Your payment method is stored securely in the app, so you won't need to enter card details each time you request a ride.
Key Takeaways
- You need a smartphone with the Uber app, a valid phone number, and a payment method — debit card, credit card, or bank account — to request a ride.
- The app shows you the driver's location, car details, and estimated arrival time before you confirm the ride, and you can cancel free of charge up until the driver arrives.
- Your fare is calculated based on distance and time, and the app shows the estimated cost before you request the ride so there are no surprises at the end.
- You can set a pickup location by typing an address, dropping a pin on the map, or saving frequent locations like home and work for faster requests.
- After each ride, you rate your driver and the driver rates you; low ratings can affect your ability to request rides in the future.
Requesting a ride and understanding the map
Open the app and enter where you want to go in the "Where to?" field. You can type an address, a business name, or an intersection. The app will show you the estimated fare, how many minutes until a driver arrives, and which type of service is available — UberX (standard sedan), Uber Comfort (newer car with more space), or other options depending on your city.
Once you confirm the ride, the map shows your driver's car approaching in real time. You can see the driver's name, photo, car make and color, and license plate. If you need to cancel, tap the X button before the driver arrives — cancellations are free up until that point. After the driver arrives, cancellation fees may apply.
When the driver is close, they will tap "Arrived" in their app. Get to your pickup location and look for the car matching the license plate shown on your screen. The driver will not knock on your door or call; you are responsible for meeting them at the curb or designated pickup spot.
What happens during and after your ride
Once you are in the car, the app tracks your route on the map. The driver follows the route shown in their app, though they may take a different street if traffic is heavy. You can see the estimated arrival time and fare updating as you travel. If you need to make a stop or change your destination, tell the driver directly — the app does not allow mid-ride destination changes.
When you reach your destination, the driver will tap "Ride Completed" in their app. The app will show your final fare, broken down by distance and time. Your payment method is charged automatically; you do not need to hand over cash or a card. If you want to add a tip, you can do so in the app immediately after the ride or up to 30 days later.
After the ride ends, both you and the driver will rate each other on a scale of one to five stars. You can also leave a written comment. Ratings are private — your driver cannot see your name when they rate you, and you cannot see theirs. Consistently low ratings from other passengers can result in your account being deactivated.
Setting pickup and dropoff locations
The app remembers your frequent locations. After your first ride home, you can tap "Home" to set that address as your default pickup or dropoff point. Do the same for work, a gym, or anywhere you go regularly. This saves time on future rides because you can tap the saved location instead of typing the full address.
If you are not sure of the exact address, you can drop a pin on the map by tapping and holding on the location you want. The app will show the nearest address and let you adjust the pin if needed. This is useful if you are meeting someone at a park, parking lot, or street corner without a formal address.
You can also search by landmark — "Times Square," "Grand Central," "the coffee shop on Fifth and Main" — and the app will show you nearby results. Pick the one closest to where you actually need to be picked up or dropped off, because the driver will navigate to that exact spot.
Understanding fares and payment
Uber calculates your fare based on distance traveled and time spent in the car. The app shows an estimated fare before you request the ride, though the final amount may be slightly higher or lower depending on traffic and the exact route. Surge pricing — a temporary increase in fares during high-demand times — is shown in the app before you confirm the ride, so you always know the multiplier being applied.
Your payment is charged automatically to the card or bank account you added during setup. You do not need to carry cash or a card. If you want to pay with a different payment method, you can add another card or bank account in the app settings and select which one to use before you request each ride.
Tipping is optional and separate from your fare. You can add a tip in the app right after the ride ends, or you can open the app later and add one within 30 days. Some drivers rely heavily on tips, so tipping is a way to reward good service, though it is not required.
Safety features and what to do if something goes wrong
The app includes a Safety Toolkit with a button to contact emergency services directly from the ride screen. You can also share your trip details with a trusted contact in real time — they will see your location, driver information, and estimated arrival time. Before you get in the car, take a photo of the license plate and send it to a friend or family member.
If you leave something in the car, open the app, find the completed ride, and tap "I lost an item." You can message the driver through the app to ask them to check. If you had a problem with your ride — the driver took a very long route, drove recklessly, or made you uncomfortable — you can report it in the app by opening the ride details and tapping "Report a Safety Issue" or "Report a Problem."
If you are charged incorrectly or have a dispute about your fare, you can request a refund in the app. Open the ride details, tap the three dots, and select "Report a Problem." Describe what happened, and Uber will review your case. Refunds typically appear in your account within three to five business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to rate my driver?
No, but Uber encourages it. Your rating helps other passengers know what to expect, and drivers use ratings to improve their service. If you do not rate a driver, the ride is still complete and you are still charged.
What if my driver goes the wrong way or takes too long?
You can tell the driver directly to take a different route. If you believe you were overcharged because of an inefficient route, you can report the issue in the app after the ride and request a fare review. Uber will look at the route taken and may refund the difference.
Can I request a ride for someone else?
Yes. In the app, tap your profile icon, then "Add a Passenger" or "Request for Someone Else." Enter their phone number or name, and they will receive a notification that a ride has been requested for them. You will still be charged, and the ride will appear in your trip history.
What happens if I cancel after the driver arrives?
A cancellation fee applies, usually between $5 and $10 depending on your city and how long the driver waited. The fee is charged to your payment method. If the driver cancels instead, you are not charged.
Can I use Uber without a smartphone?
No. Uber operates only through the mobile app or website. You need a smartphone to download the app, request rides, and communicate with your driver. A basic phone will not work.