Download the Uber app from your phone's app store

The Uber app is available on both iPhone and Android devices. On an iPhone, open the App Store, search for "Uber," and tap the cloud icon to download. On an Android phone, open Google Play Store, search for "Uber," and tap Install. The app is free to download.

Make sure your phone has enough storage space — the app typically requires 100 to 200 MB depending on your device and operating system version. If your phone is low on storage, delete unused apps or photos first, then try downloading again.

Your phone's operating system must be recent enough to run the app. iPhones need iOS 14.0 or later; Android phones need Android 6.0 or later. If your phone is older and cannot update to these versions, the app will not install.

Key Takeaways

  • Download the Uber app free from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android) by searching "Uber" and tapping the download button.
  • Your phone needs at least 100 to 200 MB of free storage space and a recent enough operating system to run the app.
  • After installation, you will need to create an account with your phone number, email, and payment method before you can request a ride.
  • The app works on WiFi or cellular data, though a stable connection is necessary to book and track your ride in real time.

Create your account after the app installs

Once the app finishes downloading and installing, open it and tap "Sign Up." You will be asked for your phone number first. Uber will send you a text message with a verification code — enter that code to confirm your number.

Next, add your email address and create a password. Then enter your first and last name. You will also need to add a payment method — a debit card, credit card, or linked bank account. Uber stores this securely and charges it after each ride.

Some regions allow you to add a phone number for a trusted contact who can see your ride location while you are traveling. This step is optional but can be useful for safety.

Troubleshooting download and installation problems

If the app will not download, check that you have a stable internet connection — WiFi is faster and more reliable than cellular data for large downloads. If you are on cellular, try switching to WiFi and attempting the download again.

If the download starts but stops partway through, your phone may have run out of storage space or the connection dropped. Delete some files or apps to free up space, then restart the download. You can also try restarting your phone before downloading again.

If you see an error message saying your device is not compatible, your phone's operating system is too old. Check your phone's settings to see if an update is available. Go to Settings > General > Software Update on iPhone, or Settings > About Phone > System Update on Android.

What to do if the app crashes or freezes after installation

If the app opens but then crashes immediately, force close it and try opening it again. On iPhone, swipe up from the bottom of the screen and hold on the Uber app preview, then swipe up to close it. On Android, go to Settings > Apps > Uber, tap Force Stop, then open the app again.

If the app still crashes, try uninstalling and reinstalling it. This removes any corrupted files that may have been downloaded. Go back to the App Store or Google Play Store, find Uber, and download it fresh.

If crashes continue, restart your phone completely. This clears your phone's temporary memory and often fixes app problems. Hold the power button until you see the shutdown screen, then slide to power off. Wait 10 seconds, then press the power button again to turn it back on.

Keeping the app updated

Uber releases updates regularly to fix bugs and add features. Your phone can update apps automatically, or you can update manually. On iPhone, go to the App Store, tap your profile icon, scroll down, and tap Update next to Uber. On Android, open Google Play Store, tap your profile icon, select Manage Apps and Device, find Uber, and tap Update.

Automatic updates are convenient but use data and battery. If you prefer manual updates, check the app store once a month to see if a new version is available. Using an outdated version of the app may cause features to work incorrectly or prevent you from booking rides.

Data and permissions the app needs

When you first open Uber, it will ask for permission to access your location, contacts, and camera. Location access is required — Uber needs to know where you are to send a driver to you and show you the driver's location in real time. Without location permission, the app cannot function.

Camera and contact permissions are optional. The app uses your camera if you want to take a photo of damage to report to Uber after a ride. Contact access lets you quickly add emergency contacts or share your ride with someone in your phone's contact list. You can allow or deny these permissions and change them later in your phone's settings.

Using the app on WiFi versus cellular data

The Uber app works on both WiFi and cellular data. Downloading the app is faster on WiFi, but once installed, you can use it on either connection. Booking a ride and tracking your driver uses relatively little data — typically less than 1 MB per ride.

If you have limited cellular data, using WiFi when available will preserve your monthly allowance. However, you do not need to stay on the same connection throughout your ride. You can download on WiFi, then switch to cellular data once the app is installed and ready to use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I download Uber on a tablet or computer?

The Uber app is designed for phones and works best on iPhone or Android devices. You can access Uber through a web browser on a computer, but you cannot download the mobile app to a tablet or laptop. The web version has limited features compared to the phone app.

What if my phone does not have enough storage space?

Delete apps, photos, or videos you no longer need to free up at least 200 MB of space. You can also move photos to cloud storage like Google Photos or iCloud to clear space without losing them. Once you have freed up space, try downloading Uber again.

Do I need to pay to download the Uber app?

No, the app itself is free. You only pay for rides after you book them. You will need a valid payment method on file to use the app, but downloading and creating an account costs nothing.

Can I use Uber without downloading the app?

You can access Uber through a web browser on your phone or computer, but the mobile app is faster and more reliable. The app also sends you notifications when your driver is arriving and lets you track the ride in real time more smoothly than the web version.

What should I do if the app asks for a password I do not remember?

Tap "Forgot Password" on the login screen. Uber will send a password reset link to your email address. Click the link, create a new password, and use it to log into the app. Make sure you check your spam folder if you do not see the email within a few minutes.