What you need to create an Uber account

You need a smartphone with the Uber app installed, a valid email address or phone number, and a payment method on file. Uber accepts credit cards, debit cards, and in some cities, digital wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay. You will also need to be at least 18 years old and have a valid government-issued ID if you plan to drive for Uber rather than just ride.

The sign-up process takes about five minutes. Download the Uber app from your phone's app store, open it, and tap "Sign Up." You can register using your email, phone number, or an existing Google or Apple account. Enter your name, confirm your contact information, and add a payment method. Uber will send a verification code to your email or phone — enter that code to confirm your account is real.

Once your account is active, you can immediately request a ride if you are in a city where Uber operates. If you want to drive for Uber instead, you will need to complete additional steps: provide your driver's license, insurance information, vehicle registration, and pass a background check. That process typically takes three to five business days.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a smartphone, email or phone number, and a valid payment method to create an Uber account in under five minutes.
  • Uber sends a verification code to confirm your identity — you must enter it before your account becomes active.
  • Riders and drivers have separate account types; drivers must provide license, insurance, and vehicle registration and pass a background check.
  • Your account settings let you change your payment method, phone number, and email address at any time without contacting Uber support.
  • If you forget your password, use the "Forgot password" link on the login screen to reset it by email or text message.

Setting up your payment method

Uber requires at least one payment method before you can request a ride. Go to the app menu, select "Wallet" or "Payment," and tap "Add payment method." You can add multiple cards or digital wallets so you have a backup if one declines. Uber will charge the payment method you select each time you complete a trip.

If a payment fails, Uber will attempt to charge your backup method. If all methods fail, Uber may suspend your account until you update your payment information. You can remove a payment method at any time, but you must keep at least one active method on your account.

Uber does not charge your card until a trip is complete. When you request a ride, you see the estimated fare before you confirm — that is not a charge, just an estimate. The actual charge appears on your card after the driver drops you off and the trip ends in the app.

Changing your account information

You can update your name, email, phone number, and profile photo directly in the app without calling Uber. Tap your profile icon, select "Account Settings," and choose what you want to change. Some changes take effect immediately; others require verification. For example, if you change your phone number, Uber will text a code to the new number — you must enter that code to confirm the change.

Your legal name on your account should match your government ID. If you need to change your name, Uber may ask you to upload a copy of your ID or a legal document showing the name change. This protects both you and Uber from fraud.

If you want to change your email address, Uber will send a confirmation link to both your old and new email. You must click the link in both emails to complete the change. This two-step process prevents someone from locking you out of your account by changing your email without permission.

What to do if you forget your password

On the Uber login screen, tap "Forgot password?" Enter your email address or phone number, and Uber will send you a reset link or code. If you use email, click the link in the message Uber sends — it takes you to a page where you create a new password. If you use phone, enter the code Uber texts you, then create a new password in the app.

The reset link or code expires after 24 hours. If it expires, go back to the login screen and request a new one. Once you create a new password, you can log in immediately with your email or phone number and the new password.

If you do not receive the reset email or text, check your spam folder or make sure you entered your email or phone number correctly. If you still cannot reset your password, you may need to contact Uber support through the app — tap your profile icon, scroll to "Help," and select "Account & Login."

Managing your profile and privacy settings

Your Uber profile includes your name, photo, and rating (if you are a rider). Riders see your photo and name when you request a ride; drivers see your rating and any notes you have left. You can upload a profile photo or leave it blank. Your photo should be a clear, recent picture of your face — Uber may reject photos that are blurry, show multiple people, or do not show your face.

You can control some privacy settings in your account. For example, you can choose whether to share your trip details with emergency contacts, and you can turn on or off the option to receive promotional messages. Go to "Account Settings" and look for "Privacy" or "Notifications" to adjust these options.

Uber stores your trip history, payment methods, and contact information on its servers. You cannot delete individual trips from your history, but you can request that Uber delete your entire account — this also removes all your data. Account deletion is permanent and cannot be undone.

Troubleshooting common account problems

If your account is suspended or locked, Uber usually sends you an email explaining why. Common reasons include payment failure, suspicious activity, or violation of Uber's community guidelines. Read the email carefully — it will tell you what you need to do to restore your account. This might mean updating your payment method, verifying your identity, or waiting a set number of days.

If you cannot log in and you did not forget your password, your account may be temporarily locked for security reasons. Uber locks accounts if it detects unusual login attempts from new devices or locations. Check your email for a message from Uber — it will ask you to confirm that the login attempt was yours. Once you confirm, you can log in normally.

If you see charges on your card that you do not recognize, or if you believe someone else is using your account, change your password immediately and contact Uber support. Go to the app, tap your profile icon, scroll to "Help," and select "Account & Login" or "Payment Issues." Describe what happened, and Uber will investigate. Do not ignore suspicious charges — report them to your bank as well if Uber does not resolve them within a few days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have more than one Uber account?

Uber's terms of service say each person should have only one account. If Uber detects multiple accounts registered to the same person, it may suspend or delete them. You can have separate accounts for different purposes only if you use different email addresses and phone numbers, but Uber may still flag this as suspicious activity.

What happens if I delete my Uber account?

Deleting your account removes your profile, trip history, and payment methods from Uber's system. You will no longer be able to request rides or drive for Uber. If you want to use Uber again later, you can create a new account with the same or a different email address. Deletion is permanent — Uber cannot restore a deleted account.

Can I change my email or phone number without losing my account history?

Yes. When you change your email or phone number in Account Settings, your trip history, ratings, and payment methods stay with your account. You just update the contact information Uber uses to reach you. The change takes effect once you verify the new email or phone number.

What should I do if someone else has access to my account?

Change your password immediately, then go to Account Settings and review your connected devices and login history if that option is available. Remove any devices you do not recognize. If you see trips you did not take, contact Uber support right away and report the unauthorized activity. Uber may refund charges for trips you did not request.

Does Uber keep my data after I delete my account?

Uber retains some data for legal and tax reasons, even after account deletion. This includes payment records and trip information needed for disputes or investigations. However, your personal information like your name, email, and phone number are removed from active systems. You can request a copy of your data before deletion by contacting Uber support.