Uber Chat lets you send text messages to your driver before pickup and after dropoff

Uber Chat is a messaging feature built into the Uber app that lets you communicate with your driver without sharing your phone number. You can send messages before your driver arrives, during the ride, and for a limited time after dropoff. The feature works on both iPhone and Android, and messages appear in a chat window within the app itself.

Chat is useful when you need to give your driver directions to a specific pickup spot, let them know you're running late, ask them to wait a few minutes, or clarify your destination. After the ride ends, you can message your driver for about an hour to ask questions or report a forgotten item — though for lost property, Uber's lost and found system is usually faster.

Key Takeaways

  • You can message your driver through the Uber app starting when you request a ride, and the chat closes about an hour after dropoff.
  • Your actual phone number stays hidden; the driver sees only your name and messages through the app.
  • Chat works best for time-sensitive information like "I'm at the corner entrance" or "running 5 minutes late."
  • If you need to report a safety issue or serious problem, call Uber support directly instead of using chat.

When the chat window opens and closes

Chat becomes available as soon as you request a ride. You'll see a chat icon in the app — usually a speech bubble or message symbol — once a driver has accepted your request. You can start messaging immediately, even if the driver hasn't arrived yet.

After you're dropped off, the chat window stays open for approximately one hour. After that time, you won't be able to send new messages to that driver through the app. If you need to reach them after chat closes, you'll have to contact Uber support and provide your trip details.

How to send a message to your driver

Open the Uber app and look at your active trip. At the bottom or top of the screen (depending on your phone's operating system), you'll see a chat or message icon. Tap it to open the conversation window.

Type your message in the text field and tap send. Your message appears in the chat thread, and the driver receives a notification that they have a new message. Drivers can reply in the same window. Keep messages brief and focused — long paragraphs can be hard to read while driving.

What your driver can and cannot see

Your driver sees your first name and your messages, but not your phone number, email address, or any contact information outside the app. This protects your privacy while still allowing communication about the ride.

Drivers can see your pickup and dropoff locations from the moment they accept your request, so you don't need to repeat that information in chat unless your destination has changed or you need to clarify which entrance to use.

Common reasons to use chat during a ride

Use chat to tell your driver you're running late and ask them to wait. Let them know if you're at a different pickup location than the map shows — for example, "I'm at the side entrance, not the main door." If traffic is heavy or you want to take a different route, you can mention it, though the driver may not be able to change course if they're already committed to a path.

Chat is also useful if you realize mid-ride that your destination needs to change. You can message your driver instead of fumbling with the app while in motion. However, destination changes made through chat may not update the app's navigation, so confirm the new address with your driver verbally as well.

What to do if you left something in the car

If you realize you've left an item in the car after dropoff, message your driver through chat right away — within that one-hour window. Describe the item clearly and ask if they found it. Some drivers will hold items or arrange a return; others may not be able to help.

For a more reliable path, use Uber's lost and found system. Go to the trip in your app, tap the three-dot menu, and select "Report Lost Item." Uber will contact the driver on your behalf and keep a record of your claim. This creates documentation and gives Uber a way to follow up if the driver doesn't respond to your chat message.

When not to use chat

Do not use chat to report a safety concern, harassment, or aggressive behavior. If you feel unsafe during a ride, end the trip immediately and contact Uber support by phone or through the app's safety features. Chat is not monitored in real time the way support calls are, and safety issues need immediate attention.

Similarly, if your driver is lost or going the wrong direction and you've already tried messaging, call Uber support instead of continuing to chat. Support can contact the driver directly and resolve navigation issues faster than back-and-forth messaging.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my driver see my phone number through chat?

No. Your driver sees only your first name and the messages you send through the app. Your actual phone number remains hidden. This is one of the main privacy protections of the chat feature.

What happens to my chat history after the ride ends?

Your chat history stays in the app under that trip's details. You can scroll back and read old messages, but you cannot send new ones after the one-hour window closes. The driver's view of the chat also expires after an hour.

Can I use chat to change my destination?

You can message your driver to let them know about a destination change, but you should also update it in the app itself so the navigation reflects the new address. Confirm verbally with your driver if possible to make sure they understand the change.

What if my driver doesn't respond to my message?

Some drivers may not check messages while driving. If you need an immediate response, it's better to call Uber support. For non-urgent messages like "I'm at the side entrance," wait a moment and watch for the driver's arrival instead of expecting a reply.

Can I message a driver after the one-hour window closes?

No, the chat closes automatically about an hour after dropoff. If you need to reach your driver after that, contact Uber support with your trip number and explain the situation. They can try to contact the driver on your behalf.