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'll also need to be at least 18 years old and have a valid government-issued ID if you plan to drive rather than just request rides.

The account itself is free to create. You don't pay anything upfront — you only pay when you request a ride or complete a delivery order. The app walks you through the signup process step by step, asking for your name, contact information, and payment details before you can book your first ride.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a smartphone, email or phone number, and a valid payment method to create an account; the process takes about five minutes.
  • Uber stores your payment information securely and charges you only after each completed ride or order, not in advance.
  • Your account settings let you add multiple payment methods, emergency contacts, and accessibility preferences that apply to every ride you take.
  • If you forget your password or lose access to your email, Uber's account recovery process can restore your access within hours using your phone number or backup email.
  • Deactivating your account is permanent and cannot be undone; you'll lose your ride history, saved addresses, and payment methods on file.

Setting up payment and payment methods

When you first create your account, Uber asks you to add at least one payment method before you can request a ride. You can add a credit card, debit card, or digital wallet by entering the card number, expiration date, and CVV (the three-digit security code on the back). Uber encrypts this information and does not store your full card number on your phone.

You can add multiple payment methods to your account and choose which one to use for each ride. If a payment fails — for example, if your card is declined — Uber will try the next payment method on file. You can also add a promotional code or gift card balance to your account, which Uber will use before charging your primary payment method. To remove a payment method, go to your account settings, select "Payment," and delete the card you no longer want to use.

How to update your profile and personal information

Your profile includes your name, phone number, email address, and profile photo. You can change any of these by opening the app, tapping the account icon (usually in the lower right corner), and selecting "Account Settings" or "Profile." Your name and phone number are the information drivers see when you request a ride, so keeping them current helps drivers find you quickly.

If you change your phone number, update it in your account settings as soon as possible. Uber uses your phone number to send you ride details and driver information, and if the number is outdated, you may miss important messages. You can also add an emergency contact — a person Uber can notify if something goes wrong during a ride. This contact receives a notification with your ride details if you mark a trip as unsafe.

Managing your addresses and saved places

Uber lets you save your home address, work address, and other frequent destinations so you don't have to type them in every time. To save an address, open the app, tap the location icon, and search for or enter the address. Then select "Save" and give it a label like "Home" or "Gym." You can save as many addresses as you want, and they appear at the top of your pickup and dropoff screens for quick selection.

If you move or change jobs, you can update a saved address by tapping it, selecting "Edit," and entering the new location. You can also delete saved addresses you no longer use. Keeping your saved addresses current makes booking rides faster and reduces the chance of being dropped off at the wrong place.

Accessibility settings and ride preferences

Uber's accessibility settings let you customize your experience based on your needs. You can enable features like larger text, high-contrast mode, or screen reader compatibility through your phone's accessibility settings, which Uber's app supports. In your Uber account settings, you can also note any accessibility requirements — for example, if you need a wheelchair-accessible vehicle — and this preference applies to every ride you request.

You can also set preferences for ride type, music volume, and temperature. Some of these options appear when you request a ride, while others are saved in your account settings and apply by default. If you have a service animal, you can note this in your account so drivers know to expect it; drivers are required to accept service animals regardless of their personal pet policies.

Account security and password recovery

Your Uber account is protected by the password or biometric login (fingerprint or face recognition) you set up during signup. You should use a strong password — one with a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols — and avoid using the same password across multiple accounts. You can enable two-factor authentication in your account settings, which sends a code to your phone or email every time you log in from a new device.

If you forget your password, open the Uber app or website and select "Forgot password?" on the login screen. Uber will send a password reset link to your email address or a code to your phone number. Click the link or enter the code to create a new password. If you no longer have access to your email or phone number, contact Uber's support team through the app; they can verify your identity using other account information and restore your access.

Deactivating or deleting your account

If you no longer want to use Uber, you can deactivate your account through your settings. Open the app, go to "Account Settings," scroll to the bottom, and select "Deactivate Account." Uber will ask you to confirm and may ask why you're leaving. Once you confirm, your account is permanently closed and cannot be reactivated.

When you deactivate your account, Uber deletes your saved addresses, payment methods, and ride history. You will no longer receive notifications about promotions or ride reminders. If you want to use Uber again in the future, you'll need to create a new account from scratch. If you're having a problem with your account — such as unauthorized charges or a security concern — contact Uber support before deactivating, as they may be able to resolve the issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the same account on multiple phones?

Yes. You can log into your Uber account on any smartphone using your email address and password. However, only one device can be actively using your account at a time. If you log in on a new phone, you'll be logged out on the previous one. This is a security feature to prevent unauthorized access.

What happens if I forget my password?

Tap "Forgot password?" on the login screen. Uber sends a reset link to your email or a code to your phone number. Follow the link or enter the code to create a new password. If you can't access your email or phone, Uber support can help verify your identity and restore your access through the app.

Can I change my name on my Uber account?

Yes, you can change your first and last name in your account settings at any time. Go to "Account Settings," select "Profile," and edit your name. The new name will appear to drivers on your next ride. If you need to change your name for legal reasons, you may need to provide documentation to Uber support.

Is my payment information safe on Uber?

Uber encrypts your payment information and does not store your full card number on your phone or servers. Your card details are processed through secure payment gateways that meet industry security standards. You can remove a payment method from your account at any time, and Uber will stop charging it.

What should I do if I see unauthorized charges on my account?

Open the Uber app, go to "Account Settings," and select "Help." Choose "Report a problem with a ride" or "Payment issue" and describe the unauthorized charge. Uber's support team will investigate and may refund the charge or help you dispute it with your bank. You can also change your password immediately to prevent further unauthorized access.