Download the Uber app directly from Google Play Store
The Uber app for Android is available through Google Play Store, which comes pre-installed on most Android phones. Open Google Play Store on your device, search for "Uber," and tap the official Uber app listing. The app is free to download. Tap "Install" and wait for the download and installation to complete — this usually takes one to three minutes depending on your internet connection.
Once installation finishes, the "Install" button changes to "Open." Tap it to launch the app for the first time. You will need to create an account or sign in with an existing Uber account before you can request a ride.
Key Takeaways
- The Uber app downloads free from Google Play Store and requires Android 5.0 or later on most devices.
- You need an active phone number, email address, and valid payment method (credit card, debit card, or linked bank account) to set up your account.
- The app takes one to three minutes to download and install, depending on your internet speed and available phone storage.
- After installation, you must create an account or sign in before requesting your first ride.
System requirements and storage space
Your Android phone must run Android 5.0 or later for the Uber app to work. Most phones sold in the last five years meet this requirement. You can check your Android version by opening Settings, scrolling to "About phone," and looking for "Android version."
The app requires approximately 100 to 150 megabytes of free storage space on your phone. If you see a message that your phone does not have enough storage, delete unused apps or photos to free up space, then try installing again.
Creating your account during first launch
When you open the Uber app for the first time, you will be asked to enter your phone number. Uber sends a verification code to that number via text message. Enter the code into the app to confirm your number. This step takes two to five minutes.
Next, you will enter your email address and create a password. Then you must add a payment method — a credit card, debit card, or bank account linked through your phone's payment system. Uber does not charge you during setup; payment only happens when you request and complete a ride.
Alternative download methods if Google Play Store is unavailable
If Google Play Store is not working or not available on your device, you can download the Uber app directly from Uber's website. Go to uber.com on your phone's web browser, look for the "Get the app" section, and tap the link for Android. Your phone will redirect you to download the app file directly.
Some Android devices allow installation from unknown sources. If you download the app file directly rather than through Google Play Store, you may need to enable "Unknown sources" in your phone's security settings before installation begins. This setting is usually found under Settings > Security or Settings > Apps.
Troubleshooting common download and installation problems
If the app will not download, check your internet connection — use Wi-Fi rather than mobile data if possible, as downloads are faster and more reliable. If Google Play Store shows an error message, try closing the app completely and reopening it. If the problem continues, restart your phone and try again.
If the app installs but will not open, clear the app's cache by going to Settings > Apps > Uber, tapping "Storage," and selecting "Clear Cache." This removes temporary files that may be causing problems. If the app still will not open after clearing the cache, uninstall it completely and download it again.
If you see a message that your phone does not meet system requirements, your Android version is too old. Check Settings > About phone > Android version. If it shows Android 4.9 or earlier, the Uber app will not work on your device. You would need to upgrade your phone or use the Uber website on a web browser instead.
What happens after you install the app
Once the app is installed and your account is set up, you can request a ride by opening the app and entering your pickup location and destination. The app shows available drivers nearby and estimated arrival time. You can track your driver's location in real time once they accept your request.
The app also stores your ride history, saved addresses (like home or work), and payment methods for future rides. You can change your payment method or add new ones at any time through the app's account settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Google account to download the Uber app?
Yes. Google Play Store requires a Google account to download any app. If you do not have one, you can create a free Google account on your phone by going to Settings > Accounts > Add account and selecting Google. The account creation takes five to ten minutes.
Can I download Uber on an older Android phone?
Only if it runs Android 5.0 or later. Phones older than that cannot run the current version of the Uber app. You can check your Android version in Settings > About phone. If your phone is too old, you may be able to use the Uber website on a web browser instead, though some features will be limited.
Will downloading Uber use a lot of my phone's data?
The initial download uses about 100 to 150 megabytes of data. After that, the app uses data only when you open it and request a ride. Using Wi-Fi during the initial download is faster and does not count against your mobile data plan.
What if I already have an old version of Uber installed?
Open Google Play Store, search for Uber, and tap "Update" if the button appears. This downloads the newest version and replaces the old one. You do not need to uninstall the old version first — the update process handles that automatically.
Can I use Uber without downloading the app?
Yes. You can request a ride through the Uber website on your phone's web browser by going to uber.com. The website version works on any phone with internet access, but the app is faster and includes real-time driver tracking and notifications that the website does not provide.