What the Uber Eats app does and who uses it
Uber Eats is a food delivery service run by Uber. You use the app on your phone to order food from restaurants near you, and a delivery driver brings it to your address. The app shows you which restaurants are available, what they charge, how long delivery takes, and what fees apply before you pay.
The service works in most U.S. cities and many countries. You need a smartphone with the app installed, an internet connection, and a payment method — a debit card, credit card, or linked bank account. The restaurant prepares your order, a driver picks it up, and they deliver it to the address you entered.
Uber Eats is not a government program or subsidy. It is a private business. If you are looking for food assistance through government programs, you may want to explore SNAP (food stamps) or local food banks instead.
Key Takeaways
- You pay the restaurant's menu price, plus a delivery fee (usually $2 to $5), a service fee (10–15% of your order), and sometimes a small order fee if your total is under a minimum.
- The app shows all fees before you complete payment, so you know the full cost before your card is charged.
- Delivery time varies by restaurant and distance, but most orders arrive within 30 to 60 minutes during peak hours.
- You can track your driver in real time once they pick up your order, and you can contact them through the app if there is a problem.
- If your order arrives late, damaged, or incomplete, you can report it in the app and request a refund or credit for future orders.
How to download and set up the Uber Eats app
Go to the Apple App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android) and search for "Uber Eats." Tap the download button. Once installed, open the app and tap "Sign up" or "Log in." You can create an account using your email address, phone number, or an existing Google or Apple account.
Enter your name, email, and a password. Add your delivery address — the app will ask for your street address, apartment number (if any), and cross streets or landmarks to help the driver find you. You can save multiple addresses (home, work, a friend's place) and switch between them when you order.
Add a payment method: a debit card, credit card, or bank account linked through Plaid. The app will ask for your card number, expiration date, and CVV (the three-digit code on the back). You can add multiple payment methods and choose which one to use for each order.
Finding restaurants and placing an order
Open the app and make sure your delivery address is correct — it appears at the top of the screen. Scroll through featured restaurants or use the search bar to find a specific restaurant or cuisine type. Tap a restaurant to see its menu, hours, current wait time, and delivery fee.
Browse the menu and tap items to add them to your cart. You can customize most items (size, toppings, sauces) by tapping the item and selecting options. The app shows the price of each item and any customizations. Add as many items as you want, then tap "View Cart" or the cart icon.
Review your order, check the subtotal, and scroll down to see the delivery fee, service fee, and any small-order fee. The app shows the estimated delivery time. Tap "Checkout," confirm your payment method and delivery address, and tap "Place Order." You will receive a confirmation on screen and by email or text.
Tracking your order and what happens next
After you place an order, the app shows you the status: "Confirming order," "Preparing," "Pickup," and "On the way." Once a driver accepts the order, you can see their name, photo, vehicle, and real-time location on a map. You can tap the driver's profile to call or message them through the app.
Most orders arrive within 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the restaurant's prep time, distance, and traffic. During busy times (lunch, dinner, weekends), delivery may take longer. The app updates the estimated arrival time as the driver gets closer.
When the driver arrives, they will ring the doorbell or knock. Some restaurants include utensils, napkins, and condiments in the bag; if you need extras, you can message the driver before they arrive. Once you receive the order, tap "Confirm Delivery" in the app to complete the transaction.
Understanding fees and how much you will pay
Your total cost includes four parts: the restaurant's menu price, a delivery fee, a service fee, and sometimes a small-order fee. The delivery fee is usually $2 to $5 depending on distance and demand. The service fee is typically 10–15% of your subtotal and goes to Uber Eats, not the driver.
If your order subtotal is below a restaurant's minimum (often $10 to $15), Uber Eats adds a small-order fee of $1 to $3. During busy times or bad weather, Uber Eats may add a surge fee, which increases the delivery charge. The app shows all fees before you pay, so you can see the full total and decide whether to proceed.
Drivers do not receive the full delivery fee. Uber Eats keeps a portion and pays the driver the rest, plus tips. If you want to tip your driver, you can add a tip in the app after you place the order or after delivery is complete. Tips are optional but are the main way drivers earn extra income.
What to do if something goes wrong with your order
If your order arrives late, damaged, incomplete, or cold, open the app, go to your order history, and tap the order. Scroll down and tap "Report an Issue." Select the problem from the list (missing items, wrong items, damaged food, late delivery) and describe what happened. You can add a photo if needed.
Uber Eats will review your report, usually within a few hours. If they confirm the issue, they will offer a refund to your original payment method or a credit toward your next order. The amount depends on what went wrong — a missing item might get a partial refund, while a completely wrong order might get a full refund.
If you do not hear back within day or two, you can contact Uber Eats support through the app. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines), scroll to "Help," and select "Contact Us." You can message support or request a call. Keep screenshots of your order and the problem to show support if needed.
Uber Eats Pass and discounts
Uber Eats Pass is a paid membership that waives delivery fees on most orders. It costs $9.99 per month (or $99.99 per year) and requires a minimum order of $15 before fees. If you order from Uber Eats several times a month, the membership can save money; if you order rarely, it probably will not.
Uber Eats also offers promotions and discounts through the app. Tap the "Promotions" or "Offers" section to see current deals — these might be percentage discounts, free delivery, or free items with a minimum purchase. Some restaurants offer their own discounts through the app. Promo codes can sometimes be entered at checkout to reduce your total.
The app also shows restaurants with special badges like "Deals" or "Promotions," meaning they have active offers. Scroll through to find them, or search for a specific restaurant to see if it has a current deal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Uber Eats if I do not have a smartphone?
No. Uber Eats requires the mobile app; there is no phone number to call and place an order. You need an iPhone or Android phone with the app installed. If you do not have a smartphone, you may want to look into local restaurants that take phone orders or other delivery services.
What if my delivery address is outside the service area?
The app will tell you if your address is not covered. You can try entering a nearby address (a friend's house, a workplace) if it is within the service area, but the order will be delivered there, not to your home. Some restaurants deliver outside Uber Eats' official zone, but you would need to contact them directly.
Can I change my order after I place it?
It depends on how fast the restaurant is. If the order is still in "Confirming" or "Preparing" status, you can tap the order and select "Edit Order" to add or remove items. Once the driver picks up the order, you cannot change it. Contact the driver through the app right away if you need to cancel or modify before pickup.
How do I report a driver who was rude or unsafe?
After delivery, the app asks you to rate the driver and leave feedback. You can give a low rating and describe the problem in the comments. You can also go to your order history, tap the order, and select "Report an Issue," then choose "Driver behavior" or a similar option. Uber Eats reviews these reports and may deactivate drivers who violate their standards.
Is there a way to get cheaper delivery?
Order during off-peak hours (mid-afternoon, late night) when surge fees are less likely. Order from restaurants close to you to reduce the delivery fee. Use Uber Eats Pass if you order regularly. Look for restaurants with active promotions or discounts. Combine multiple items into one order to avoid small-order fees. Tipping is optional, so you control that cost.