You can call Uber directly, but the process depends on which Uber service you use and where you are
Uber does not publish a single customer service number for ride requests. Instead, you call a local Uber driver through the app, or you use Uber's phone-based service called Uber Eats phone orders if you are ordering food. If you need to reach Uber's support team about an existing ride or account issue, you contact them through the app or website, not through a general phone line.
The reason Uber works this way is that the company operates through a mobile-first system — drivers accept rides through the app, and the app tracks your location and payment. Calling a dispatcher like you would with a traditional taxi company is not how Uber's system is built. However, there are real ways to request a ride by phone if you cannot use the app.
Key Takeaways
- Uber does not have a phone number to request a ride; the app is the standard way to book, but you can use Uber's website on a phone browser if you do not have the app installed.
- If you are deaf or hard of hearing, Uber offers relay service options and text-based support through the app's accessibility features.
- For Uber Eats food orders, you can call restaurants directly that are listed on the Uber Eats platform, or you can place an order through the website.
- To reach Uber support about a ride, lost item, or account problem, you contact them through the Help section in the app or at uber.com, not through a general customer service phone line.
- Some cities have traditional taxi services that operate alongside Uber; you can call those services directly if you prefer phone-based booking.
Requesting a ride without the Uber app
If you do not have the Uber app installed, you can request a ride through Uber's website using any phone browser. Go to uber.com, enter your pickup location and destination, and complete the booking the same way you would in the app. You will need to create an account or sign in, provide a payment method, and confirm your ride. This method works on any phone with internet access, including older phones that cannot run the current Uber app.
The website version is slower than the app and may not work as smoothly on older browsers, but it accomplishes the same thing: matching you with a nearby driver and sending them your location. You will still receive a text message or notification when the driver is close, and you can track their location in real time.
Accessibility options if you are deaf or hard of hearing
Uber offers relay service for users who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have speech disabilities. You can use a relay service operator to communicate with Uber support or with drivers. The app includes accessibility settings that let you enable relay service before you request a ride, so the driver knows how to communicate with you.
You can also contact Uber support through text-based chat in the app's Help section. This option is available to all users but is especially useful if you prefer not to call. The response time is typically longer than phone support would be, but you can send a message and receive a reply within a few hours.
Contacting Uber support about an existing ride or account issue
If you need to reach Uber about a ride that is already booked, a lost item, a charge you do not recognize, or an account problem, you go through the Help section in the app. Open the app, tap your profile icon, select "Help," and choose the issue category. Uber will show you a list of common solutions first, and if you need to contact support directly, you can request a call or send a message.
When you request a call from support, Uber will call you at the phone number on your account within a few minutes to a few hours, depending on how busy their support team is. You do not call them; they call you. This is the only way to speak to a human at Uber about account or ride issues. The wait time varies by location and time of day.
If you are using Uber through a web browser instead of the app, you can still reach support by going to the Help section on uber.com and following the same process.
Ordering food through Uber Eats by phone
Uber Eats does not have a phone number to place orders through Uber itself. However, many restaurants on the Uber Eats platform have their own phone numbers, and you can call them directly to place an order for delivery or pickup. The restaurant will then prepare your food, and you can arrange pickup or ask if they offer their own delivery.
Alternatively, you can place an Uber Eats order through the website at ubereats.com using any phone browser, the same way you would book a ride. You search for restaurants, add items to your cart, and check out with a payment method. The order goes to the restaurant, and a driver picks it up and delivers it to you, or you pick it up yourself.
Using traditional taxi services as an alternative
If you strongly prefer phone-based booking, traditional taxi services still operate in most cities and accept calls. You can search online for "taxi service near me" or "cab company [your city]" to find local numbers. Taxi companies dispatch drivers the traditional way — you call, give your location, and a driver is sent to pick you up. Payment is usually by cash or card in the vehicle.
Taxi fares are often higher than Uber's base rate, and wait times can be longer, especially during busy hours. However, some people prefer the familiarity of calling a dispatcher, and taxi drivers do not require you to have a smartphone or app. Ride-sharing services like Lyft operate similarly to Uber and also require the app or website to book.
What to do if you cannot reach Uber support
If you have tried to contact Uber support through the app and have not received a response within 24 hours, check your email for a reply — Uber often responds by email rather than through the app. You can also try requesting support again through a different issue category, as some categories have faster response times than others.
If you have a billing dispute or believe you were charged incorrectly, Uber allows you to dispute charges through the app's payment section. If you lost an item in a ride, you can report it through the Help section, and Uber will contact the driver on your behalf. For serious account issues, you may need to wait for support to call you back, as there is no way to escalate beyond the standard support queue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a phone number I can call to request an Uber ride?
No. Uber does not operate a phone dispatch system for ride requests. You must use the app or website to book a ride. If you do not have the app, you can use uber.com on any phone browser to request a ride the same way.
Can I call a driver directly after I book a ride?
Yes. Once a driver accepts your ride, you can call or text them through the app. Their phone number appears in the app, and you can reach them to give directions or let them know where to pick you up. Do not share your personal phone number with the driver unless you choose to.
What if I need to cancel my ride and cannot use the app?
If you have already booked a ride and need to cancel, you can call the driver directly through the app to let them know. You can also try to cancel through the website version of Uber before the driver arrives. If you cannot reach the driver or the website, contact Uber support through the Help section and request a call.
How do I report a problem with my ride if I do not want to use the app?
You can contact Uber support through the Help section in the app or on uber.com, and request that they call you. You can also use the text-based chat option in the Help section. Support will call you back within a few hours to discuss the issue and may offer a refund or credit to your account.
Can I use Uber if I do not have a smartphone?
Yes. You can use Uber on any phone with a web browser by going to uber.com. You will need internet access and a payment method on file. You can also call Uber support if you run into problems, and they can help you complete a booking over the phone in some cases, though this is not the standard process.