What Uber's website does and who should use it
Uber's website (uber.com) lets you book rides, track drivers, and manage your account from a computer instead of the mobile app. You can request UberX, Uber Eats, or other Uber services depending on what your city offers. The website works in most countries where Uber operates, though some features vary by location.
The website is useful if you prefer a larger screen, need to book a ride from a desktop at work, want to review your account history without opening an app, or are troubleshooting a problem that the app won't solve. You do not need a separate account — your Uber login works on both the app and the website.
You will need an active internet connection, a valid payment method on file, and a phone number to receive ride confirmations and driver contact details. If you have never used Uber before, you can create an account directly on the website using an email address or phone number.
Key Takeaways
- The Uber website and app use the same account and payment methods, so you can switch between them without setting up twice.
- You can book a ride, track your driver in real time, and see the estimated fare before you confirm the request.
- Account settings on the website let you update your payment methods, emergency contacts, and ride preferences that carry over to the app.
- Some cities and ride types may not be available on the website; the app sometimes has features the website does not yet support.
- If a ride goes wrong, you can contact Uber support through the website and attach receipts or photos to your report.
How to book a ride on the Uber website
Go to uber.com and sign in with your email or phone number. If you do not have an account, click "Sign up" and follow the prompts to create one. You will need to enter a valid payment method (credit card, debit card, or linked bank account) before you can request your first ride.
Once you are signed in, you will see a map with your current location. Enter your pickup address in the "Where to?" field at the top. If Uber does not recognize your exact address, type the nearest cross street or landmark. Then enter your destination address in the second field. The website will show you available ride types — usually UberX (standard sedan), UberXL (larger vehicle), or Uber Comfort depending on your city.
Select the ride type you want. The website will display the estimated fare, pickup time, and driver details once a driver accepts. Review the price and confirm by clicking "Request [Ride Type]." You will receive a confirmation number and can watch the driver's location on the map in real time. The driver will also see your pickup location and can contact you through the app if they need directions.
Managing payment methods and account settings
Click the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top left corner and select "Account" to access your profile. From there you can add, remove, or change your default payment method. Uber accepts most major credit and debit cards, and in some cities you can link a bank account or use digital wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay.
You can also update your name, email address, phone number, and emergency contact information from the Account section. These changes sync to the app immediately. If you want to set a default pickup location (like your home or office), you can save it as a favorite and select it quickly when booking.
Your ride history appears under "Trips" in the menu. You can view receipts, see how much you paid, and check the route the driver took. If you need to report a problem with a ride — a wrong charge, a safety concern, or a lost item — click the trip and select "Report an issue." You can type a description and attach photos or documents to support your report.
Differences between the website and the mobile app
The website and app share the same core features, but some tools work better on one or the other. The app usually gets new features first, so cutting-edge options like scheduled rides or certain promotions may appear on the app before the website. The website is better for reviewing detailed account history, managing multiple payment methods, and reading full terms and policies without scrolling through small text.
Some ride types or services may not be available on the website in your city. For example, Uber Eats delivery ordering is sometimes app-only in certain regions. If you cannot find a service on the website, try the app or check whether Uber operates that service in your location.
The website does not have push notifications the way the app does, so you may miss real-time updates about driver arrival or promotions. If you book on the website, keep your email and phone nearby so you see confirmation messages and driver contact information.
What to do if the website is not working
If you cannot sign in, clear your browser's cache and cookies, then try again. If that does not work, try a different browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge). Make sure your internet connection is stable — a weak connection can cause the map or booking screen to freeze.
If the website loads but you cannot see available rides, check that your pickup and destination addresses are correct and that Uber operates in that area. Some cities have limited service hours or do not offer certain ride types. You can verify service availability by checking the Uber app or visiting the Uber website's service map for your city.
If you see an error message when trying to book, it usually means your payment method failed, your account has a restriction, or there is a temporary system issue. Try refreshing the page. If the problem persists, contact Uber support through the website by clicking the menu and selecting "Help." You can describe the problem and Uber will respond via email or in-app message.
Security and privacy on the Uber website
Uber's website uses encryption to protect your payment information and location data. Your password should be strong and unique — do not use the same password for Uber that you use for other accounts. If you log in on a shared or public computer, always sign out when you are finished and do not check "Remember me."
You can review what data Uber collects about you and adjust your privacy settings in the Account menu under "Privacy." You can turn off location sharing between rides, limit how Uber uses your data, and delete your account entirely if you no longer want to use the service. Uber keeps records of your rides, payments, and communications for legal and safety reasons even after you delete your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I book a ride on the website if I do not have the app?
Yes. The website works independently of the app. You can create an account, add a payment method, and book rides entirely through uber.com. The app is optional — many people use only the website or only the app depending on their preference.
Will my ride history and saved addresses show up if I switch between the website and app?
Yes. Both use the same account, so your payment methods, saved addresses, ride history, and preferences appear on both. Changes you make in one place show up in the other within seconds.
What if I book on the website but need to cancel?
Click the trip details and select "Cancel Ride." If the driver has not started moving toward you, cancellation is free. If the driver is already en route, Uber may charge a cancellation fee depending on how far they have traveled and your city's policy.
Can I use the website to order Uber Eats food delivery?
In most cities, yes — you can order food through uber.com just as you would through the app. Enter your delivery address, browse restaurants, and pay through the website. Some cities or restaurants may only accept orders through the app, so if you cannot find what you want on the website, try the app.
Is it safe to use Uber's website on public WiFi?
Uber's website encrypts your payment information, but public WiFi is not secure for other data. Avoid logging in on public WiFi if possible. If you must, use a VPN (virtual private network) to protect your connection, and do not access sensitive account information like payment details on unsecured networks.