Download the Uber app from your phone's app store

Open the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android) on your phone. Search for "Uber" in the search bar at the bottom of the screen. The official Uber app will appear with the Uber logo — a black square with a white U. Tap "Get" or "Install" and wait for the download to finish. The button will change to "Open" once installation is complete.

Make sure you are downloading the official Uber app, not a third-party app with a similar name. The official app is published by "Uber Technologies, Inc." You can check this in the app store before you download.

Create your Uber account

Open the app and tap "Sign Up." You will be asked to choose whether you want to ride, drive, or do both. Select "Ride" if you only want to request rides as a passenger. Enter your phone number and tap "Next." Uber will send you a text message with a verification code — enter that code in the app to confirm your number.

Next, add your first and last name, email address, and create a password. You will also need to add a payment method — a credit card, debit card, or linked bank account. Uber will not charge you until you request a ride. Some cities also allow you to pay with cash, but you must enable this in your account settings after you sign up.

Set your location and payment details

Allow the app to access your phone's location when it asks. Uber needs to know where you are to show you nearby drivers and calculate your fare. You can turn location access on or off in your phone's settings at any time, but the app will not work without it.

Go to the "Account" tab (the person icon at the bottom right) and tap "Payment." Add or edit your payment method here. If you want to use multiple cards, you can add more than one and choose which one to use for each ride. Check that your billing address matches the address on your card.

Add emergency contacts and safety features

In the "Account" tab, scroll down to "Safety" and tap "Emergency Contacts." Add at least one person — a family member or trusted friend — who can see your ride details if something goes wrong. You can add up to five contacts.

Also in the Safety section, turn on "Share My Trip" if you want to send your ride details to someone in real time. This lets a contact see your route, driver, and estimated arrival on a map. You can share your trip with any contact before or during your ride.

Request your first ride

Open the app and make sure your location is showing correctly on the map. Tap the search bar at the top and enter where you want to go, or tap a saved location like "Home" or "Work" if you have set those up. The app will show you the estimated fare and how many minutes until a driver arrives.

Choose your ride type — UberX is the standard option and usually the cheapest. Tap "Request" and wait for a driver to accept. Once a driver accepts, you will see their name, photo, car details, and real-time location on the map. The app will send you a notification when the driver is about to arrive.

Key Takeaways

  • Download the official Uber app from the App Store or Google Play Store, published by Uber Technologies, Inc.
  • Create an account with your phone number, name, email, and a payment method — credit card, debit card, or bank account.
  • Allow the app to access your phone's location so it can show you nearby drivers and calculate fares.
  • Add at least one emergency contact in the Safety section so someone can track your ride if needed.
  • Enter your destination in the search bar, choose your ride type, and tap Request to see available drivers and estimated arrival time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a credit card to use Uber?

Most cities require a card or bank account linked to your account before you can request a ride. Some cities allow cash payment, but you must enable this option in your account settings after you sign up. Check your city's payment options in the app.

Can I use Uber without giving location access?

No. The app needs your location to show you nearby drivers, calculate your route, and send your driver to the right pickup spot. You can turn location access off in your phone's settings, but the app will not work without it.

What if I forget my password?

Open the app and tap "Sign In." Below the password field, tap "Trouble signing in?" Enter your email or phone number and Uber will send you a link to reset your password. Follow the link in your email or text message to create a new password.

Can I change my name or phone number after I sign up?

You can change your name, email, and payment details in the Account tab at any time. Changing your phone number is more complicated — you will need to contact Uber support through the app. Tap the menu icon (three lines) at the top left, scroll to "Help," and select "Account & Settings."

Why is the app asking for my Social Security number?

Uber only asks for your Social Security number if you sign up to drive, not to ride. If you are only requesting rides as a passenger, you should not be asked for this information. If the app is asking for it, check that you selected "Ride" and not "Drive" during signup.