Getting the Uber app on your phone

Download the Uber app from the Apple App Store if you use iPhone, or from Google Play if you use Android. Search for "Uber" in either store, tap the official app (made by Uber Technologies, Inc.), and select Install or Get. The app is free to download. You'll need a smartphone with an active internet connection and a phone number to create an account.

The app requires iOS 14.0 or later on iPhones, or Android 6.0 or later on Android phones. If your phone is older and won't support the current version, you may not be able to use Uber. Check your phone's settings to see which operating system version you're running before you start.

Key Takeaways

  • Download the Uber app for free from Apple App Store or Google Play, then create an account with your phone number and email address.
  • You'll need to add a payment method — a debit card, credit card, or linked bank account — before you can request a ride.
  • Your first ride may show a promotional discount code field, but you can also add promo codes later in the app's payment settings.
  • The app shows driver location, estimated arrival time, and the fare breakdown before you confirm your ride request.
  • If you have trouble with the app, restart your phone, check your internet connection, and make sure your app is fully updated.

Creating your account and adding payment information

Open the app and tap "Sign Up." Enter your phone number, then check your text messages for a verification code from Uber and enter it in the app. Next, add your first name, last name, and email address. Uber will send a confirmation email to verify your account is real.

After your email is confirmed, add a payment method. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the bottom right, select "Wallet," and choose "Add Payment Method." You can use a debit card, credit card, or link a bank account directly. Uber stores this information securely and charges it when your ride ends. You must have at least one payment method on file before you can request a ride.

Setting your home and work addresses

Saving your home and work addresses makes requesting rides faster. In the app, tap the menu icon at the bottom right, then select "Saved Places." Tap the plus sign to add a new address, type in your home address, and label it "Home." Do the same for your workplace or any other location you visit regularly.

Once saved, these addresses appear as quick-select options when you're ready to request a ride. You can edit or delete saved places anytime by going back to Saved Places and tapping the address you want to change.

How to request a ride

Open the app and confirm your current location is correct — the app uses your phone's GPS to pinpoint where you are. Tap the "Where to?" field at the top and enter your destination address or select a saved place. The app will show you available ride types: UberX (standard sedan), Uber Comfort (newer car with extra legroom), or UberXL (larger vehicle for groups), depending on what's available in your area.

Select your ride type and tap "Confirm." The app displays the estimated fare, pickup time, and driver details. You'll see the driver's photo, car type, license plate, and real-time location on a map. Once you confirm, the driver is notified and begins heading to you. You can cancel the request before the driver arrives, though cancellation fees may apply if you cancel after the driver has started moving toward you.

Understanding fares and promo codes

Uber shows your estimated fare before you confirm your ride. The fare is based on distance, time, and current demand. During busy times, surge pricing may apply, which raises the fare above the base rate. The app clearly labels when surge pricing is active and shows you the multiplier (for example, 1.5x the normal fare).

If you have a promo code, tap the menu icon, select "Wallet," and tap "Promo Code." Enter the code and tap "Add." The discount will show on your next may be able to access ride. Some codes work only on your first ride, while others can be used multiple times. Read the code's terms to understand when it expires and which ride types it covers.

Troubleshooting common app problems

If the app won't open or keeps crashing, restart your phone completely. Close all other apps running in the background, then try opening Uber again. If the problem continues, uninstall the app and reinstall it from the App Store or Google Play — this usually fixes corrupted files that cause crashes.

If you can't see available drivers or the map isn't loading, check that your phone's location services are turned on. Go to your phone's Settings, find Location Services, and make sure Uber has permission to access your location. Also confirm you have a strong internet connection — switch to WiFi if your cellular signal is weak. If the app still won't load, check the Uber Help Center in the app's menu to see if there's a known outage in your area.

If you're charged for a ride you didn't take, or if a driver never showed up, tap the menu icon, select "Help," find the ride in your trip history, and tap "Report an Issue." Describe what happened and Uber will review it. Most refund requests are processed within a few business days.

Keeping your account secure

Use a strong password when you create your account — one with uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Don't share your Uber account login with anyone else, and don't use the same password you use for your bank or email.

Review your trip history regularly by tapping the menu icon and selecting "Your Trips." If you see a ride you didn't take, report it immediately through the Help section. You can also enable two-factor authentication in your account settings for extra security — this requires you to enter a code sent to your phone whenever you log in from a new device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a credit card to use Uber, or can I pay another way?

You can use a debit card or link your bank account directly instead of a credit card. Uber accepts all major payment methods. You must add at least one payment method before requesting a ride, but you can change which one you use in the Wallet section anytime.

What happens if I can't find my driver or they're going the wrong direction?

Tap the driver's name or photo at the top of the screen to call or text them directly. If the driver is heading away from you or doesn't respond, you can cancel the ride. Cancellations made before the driver arrives usually have no fee, but check the app's cancellation policy for your area.

Can I request a ride for someone else?

Yes. In the app, tap the menu icon, select "Add Passengers," and add another person's phone number. They'll receive a notification that you've requested a ride for them. The ride will still be charged to your payment method unless you change the payment settings before confirming.

Why is my estimated fare so high?

High fares usually mean surge pricing is active because demand is greater than available drivers. This happens during rush hour, bad weather, or late at night. The app shows the surge multiplier before you confirm. You can wait for demand to drop, or you can request the ride at the current price.

What should I do if I left something in the Uber?

Open the app, tap the menu icon, select "Your Trips," and find the ride where you left the item. Tap "Report a Lost Item" and describe what you left behind. Uber will contact the driver on your behalf. If the driver finds it, Uber can arrange for you to pick it up or have it returned.