How to report something you left in an Uber
If you left an item in an Uber, report it through the Uber app within a few hours of your ride. Open the app, go to your trip history, find the ride where you lost the item, and tap "I lost an item." Describe what you left behind — the color, size, and any distinguishing details — and select the category that best matches it (phone, wallet, keys, bag, or other).
Uber will send a notification to your driver. If the driver has the item and responds, you can arrange pickup or have them return it to you. The driver can also contact you directly through the app if they find something after you've reported it. This notification window stays open for up to 30 days, so report as soon as you realize something is missing.
If you cannot use the app — for example, if you lost your phone — call Uber support directly at 1-800-253-0000. Have your trip details ready: the date and time of the ride, the pickup and dropoff locations, and a description of the driver's car. Support can file a report on your behalf and contact the driver.
Key Takeaways
- Report lost items through the Uber app within a few hours by finding your trip history and selecting "I lost an item."
- The driver receives a notification and can respond within 30 days if they have found your item.
- If you lost your phone or cannot use the app, call Uber support at 1-800-253-0000 with your trip details.
- Uber does not hold items or arrange delivery; the driver decides whether to return it and how.
- If the driver does not respond or does not have your item, contact local police for items of significant value.
What happens after you report the item
Once you file a report, Uber notifies the driver. The driver then decides whether to respond. Some drivers check their cars immediately and respond within minutes; others may not check until their next shift. There is no may provide the driver will find or return your item, and Uber does not hold items in a central lost and found.
If the driver has your item and wants to return it, you and the driver work out the details directly through the app. Some drivers will meet you at a nearby location, others may ask you to pick it up from their home, and some may request a reward. Uber does not mediate these arrangements or require the driver to return anything.
If the driver does not respond within a few days, or responds to say they do not have your item, your best next step depends on what you lost. For a phone, contact your phone's manufacturer or carrier to lock the account. For a wallet or keys, contact the police non-emergency line in the city where you took the ride and file a report — this creates a record in case someone turns the item in to a local business or police station.
Items drivers are most likely to find and return
Drivers are most likely to notice and return items that are large, valuable, or belong in the car — phones, wallets, keys, and bags. Small items like earbuds, sunglasses, or a single shoe often go unnoticed, especially if they fall under a seat or into a door pocket.
Items left in the trunk or backseat are more likely to be found than items left in the front seat, because drivers often check the back after a passenger leaves. Items left during late-night or early-morning rides are sometimes found later in the day when the driver cleans the car or picks up a new passenger who points it out.
Drivers who work full-time and drive the same car every day are more likely to find and return items than drivers who work part-time or drive multiple vehicles. If you remember your driver's name or the car model, that information can help Uber locate the right person if the app notification does not reach them.
What to do if Uber support cannot help
Uber support can file a report and contact the driver, but they cannot retrieve your item or may provide a response. If the driver does not respond after several days, or if support tells you they could not reach the driver, you have limited options through Uber itself.
For items of significant value — a phone, laptop, or wallet with cash and cards — file a police report in the city where you took the ride. Include the Uber trip details (date, time, pickup and dropoff addresses) and a description of the item. Police can sometimes contact the driver through Uber if the item is found, and a police report creates a record if the item is turned in to a local business.
For a lost phone, contact your carrier or phone manufacturer immediately to lock the device and prevent unauthorized use. For a lost credit card or debit card, call your bank to freeze the account. For a lost ID, contact your state's DMV or the issuing agency to report it missing and request a replacement.
How to prevent losing items in an Uber
Before you exit the car, do a quick visual check of the seat, floor, and door pockets. Phones and small items slip easily into seat crevices or under the seat. If you are carrying a bag, place it on your lap or hold it as you leave rather than setting it down in the car.
If you are traveling with luggage or multiple bags, count them before you get in and again before you leave. If you are tired, intoxicated, or distracted, ask the driver to wait a moment while you check the backseat. Many drivers will wait 30 seconds without complaint.
If you have a phone mount or holder in the car, remove it before you leave — phone mounts are frequently left behind. If you are the last passenger in a shared ride, double-check that items belong to you before taking them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Uber keep the lost item notification open?
Uber sends the notification to your driver and keeps the report open for up to 30 days. After 30 days, the report closes and the driver will no longer see it. If you have not heard from the driver by then, file a police report if the item has significant value.
Can I get Uber to pay me for a lost item?
Uber does not reimburse passengers for lost items. The company's terms state that riders are responsible for their belongings. Your homeowner's or renter's insurance may cover lost items, depending on your policy; contact your insurance company to ask.
What if the driver says they have my item but wants money to return it?
You can negotiate directly with the driver through the app. Some drivers ask for a small reward, which is their choice. If the driver is asking for an unreasonable amount, you can decline and pursue other options like filing a police report or contacting your insurance.
Can I contact the driver directly if they do not respond through the app?
No, Uber does not share driver phone numbers or addresses with passengers. You can only communicate through the app. If the driver does not respond there, your options are to wait longer, contact Uber support again, or file a police report.
What if I took an Uber months ago and just realized I lost something?
You can still file a report through the app by finding the trip in your history, but the driver may no longer have the item. If months have passed, the item was likely discarded or donated. File a police report if the item has significant value, but expect a low chance of recovery.