Contact Uber support within hours, not days — they can reach the driver faster than you can

If you left your phone in an Uber, your first step is to contact Uber through a web browser or a friend's phone. Open the Uber app or go to uber.com, sign into your account, find the trip in your ride history, and select "I lost an item." Uber will send a message to your driver immediately. Most drivers respond within a few hours because they see the notification in their app.

Do not wait to report it. The longer you wait, the more likely the driver has already turned off the app for the day or handed the phone to a lost-and-found. Uber's system works fastest in the first two to four hours after your ride ends.

If you cannot access your account because your phone is gone, use a computer or borrow a device. You will need to remember your Uber login email and password. If you have two-factor authentication turned on and cannot receive the code, you may need to use account recovery — Uber's support team can help with this, but it takes longer than the direct message to your driver.

Key Takeaways

  • Report the lost item through the Uber app or website within the first few hours, when the driver is most likely to still have your phone.
  • Uber sends a direct message to the driver through their app; you do not need to call or text them yourself.
  • If the driver confirms they have it, arrange pickup or ask Uber to handle delivery — do not assume you need to meet them in person.
  • If Uber support does not hear back from the driver within 24 hours, contact Uber's lost-and-found support line for your city to escalate the case.
  • Some drivers turn phones in to Uber's local support centers or police departments; Uber can tell you where yours went.

What happens when you report it through the app

When you file a lost-item report, Uber notifies the driver and gives them your contact information. The driver can respond through the app to say whether they have it. If they do, they will usually offer to return it to you — some drivers will meet you, others will ask you to pick it up from their home or a nearby location, and some will ask Uber to arrange a courier delivery.

Uber does not charge you for delivery of a lost phone, but the driver is not required to deliver it. You and the driver work out the logistics together. If the driver does not respond within 24 hours, or says they do not have it, move to the next step.

Contacting Uber support if the driver does not respond

If the driver does not reply within a day, or if they say they do not have your phone, contact Uber support directly. Go to the Help section in the app (or on the website), find your trip, and select "Contact Support." Explain that you lost your phone and the driver has not responded. Uber can check whether the driver has marked the item as found in their system, or contact the driver on your behalf.

Uber support can also tell you whether the phone was turned in to a local Uber support center. Some cities have physical offices where drivers drop off lost items. If your phone is there, Uber can arrange for you to pick it up or ship it to you.

Response time from Uber support is usually 24 to 48 hours. During that time, if you have access to another phone, you can try calling or texting your own number to see if the driver answers.

What to do if Uber cannot locate it

If Uber support confirms that the driver does not have your phone and it has not been turned in anywhere, the phone is likely lost or taken by someone else. At this point, you should assume it is gone and take steps to protect your accounts and data.

Contact your phone's carrier (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, etc.) and ask them to suspend service on that line. This prevents someone from using your phone number to receive text messages or make calls. You can also remotely lock or erase your phone if you set up Find My iPhone (Apple) or Find My Mobile (Samsung) before you lost it. If you did not set those up, you cannot use them now.

Change the passwords for any accounts that were logged in on your phone — email, banking, social media, and any apps that store payment information. This is especially important if your phone did not have a lock screen or if you used biometric unlock (fingerprint or face recognition) that someone else might bypass.

Preventing this from happening again

Before your next ride, take a moment before you exit the car to check the seat, floor, and door pocket. Many phones fall between the seat and the wall or end up under a seat cushion. Make it a habit to do a quick scan.

If you use your phone for navigation during the ride, put it in a cup holder or your pocket the moment you arrive, not after you unbuckle. If you use it to pay, close the app and stow the phone before the ride ends.

Set up Find My iPhone or Find My Mobile on your phone now, before you need it. These services let you locate, lock, or erase your phone remotely if it is lost. They work even if your phone is off, as long as it was on when you lost it.

What Uber's lost-and-found policy actually covers

Uber does not charge you to report a lost item or to have a driver return it. However, Uber does not may provide that your item will be found, and they do not compensate you if it is not. The company's role is to connect you with the driver and provide a channel for communication — they do not take possession of lost items or insure them.

If a driver agrees to return your phone and then does not, or if they ask for money to return it, contact Uber support with the driver's name and the date of the trip. Uber can investigate and may suspend or remove the driver from the platform if they are asking for payment or refusing to return items.

Some rideshare insurance policies or credit card benefits cover lost items, but this varies widely. Check your insurance or credit card terms to see whether they reimburse you for a lost phone. Uber's own coverage does not.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I call the driver directly instead of using the app?

You can, but the app message is faster. Drivers see notifications in the app immediately, and many do not answer calls from unknown numbers. Use the app first. If the driver does not respond within a few hours, then try calling — Uber shows the driver your phone number when you file the report.

What if I do not remember my Uber password?

Use the "Forgot password" option on the login screen. Uber will send a reset link to your email. If you do not have access to that email account, contact Uber support through the website and explain the situation. They can verify your identity and help you regain access to your account.

Should I offer the driver money to return my phone?

No. Offering money can complicate things legally and may violate Uber's terms. Let the driver decide whether to return it based on the app message. If they agree, arrange a time and place. If they refuse, report it to Uber support and let them handle it.

How long does Uber keep lost items at their support centers?

This varies by city. Some Uber offices keep items for 30 days, others for 60 days. When you contact support, ask how long they will hold your phone if it shows up. If you know which city's office has it, call that location directly to confirm they still have it before you make the trip.

Can I track my phone through Uber's system?

No. Uber does not have access to your phone's location data. They can only contact the driver and ask whether they have it. If you set up Find My iPhone or Find My Mobile before you lost it, you can use those services to locate your phone — Uber cannot do this for you.