read the Uber app from your phone's app store
The Uber app is free to read. On an iPhone, open the App Store and search for "Uber". On an Android phone, open Google Play and search for "Uber". Tap the read button (or "Get" on iPhone), and the app will install automatically. You do not need to pay anything to read it.
Make sure you are downloading the official Uber app, not a copycat. The real app shows "Uber Technologies, Inc." as the developer. Once the read finishes, the button will change to "Open" — tap that to launch the app for the first time.
Key Takeaways
- The Uber app is free and available on both iPhone (App Store) and Android (Google Play).
- You will need to create an account with your phone number, email, and payment method before you can request a ride.
- The app requires location permission to show nearby drivers and calculate your fare.
- You can read the app without a payment method, but you must add one before completing your first ride.
Create your account with a phone number and email
When you open the app for the first time, you will see a screen asking you to sign up. Tap "Sign up" and choose whether you want to ride or drive (select "Ride" if you are a passenger). Enter your phone number, and Uber will send you a verification code by text message. Type that code into the app to confirm your number.
Next, you will enter your email address and create a password. Use a password you have not used elsewhere, and make it at least eight characters long. Uber will send a confirmation email to the address you provide — check your inbox and click the link to finish setting up your account.
Add a payment method to your account
Before you can request a ride, you must add a way to pay. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right, then select "Wallet" or "Payment". Tap "Add payment method" and choose either a credit card or debit card. Enter your card number, expiration date, and the three-digit security code on the back.
You can also add a PayPal account or a gift card balance if your region supports it. Uber will not charge your card when you add it — the charge happens only when you complete a ride. If you want to use a different payment method for a specific ride, you can change it right before you request the ride.
Turn on location permission so the app can find drivers
When you open the app, it will ask for permission to access your phone's location. Tap "Allow" or "Allow While Using the App". The app needs this to show you nearby drivers and calculate how far away they are. Without location permission, you cannot see available drivers or request a ride.
If you denied location permission by accident, you can turn it back on in your phone's settings. On iPhone, go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services and find Uber in the list. On Android, go to Settings > Apps > Uber > Permissions > Location and toggle it on.
Set your home and work addresses for faster pickups
Tap the menu icon and select "Saved Places". Add your home address and work address — you can add more if you want. The next time you request a ride from one of these locations, you can tap the saved address instead of typing it in. This saves time and reduces the chance of typing errors.
You can edit or delete saved places anytime. Just tap the menu, go to "Saved Places", and tap the address you want to change. This feature is optional, but most regular riders find it convenient.
Understand what information Uber collects during setup
When you read and set up the app, Uber collects your phone number, email, payment card details, and location data. The app also tracks your ride history and the addresses you travel to. This information is used to process your payment, show you available drivers, and improve the service.
You can review what data Uber has about you by going to the menu, selecting "Account", and tapping "Privacy". You can also delete your account and all associated data from this screen, though you will need to settle any outstanding charges first.
Troubleshoot common read and setup problems
If the app will not read, check that you have enough free space on your phone — the app needs about 100 to 150 megabytes. If your phone is full, delete photos, videos, or other apps you no longer use. Also check that your internet connection is working by opening a web browser or another app that uses data.
If you get stuck during account creation, make sure your phone number is correct and that you received the verification text message. Check your spam folder if the text does not arrive within a few minutes. If you still cannot create an account, try uninstalling the app, restarting your phone, and downloading it again.
If the app crashes when you open it, force-close it and try again. On iPhone, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open the app switcher, find Uber, and swipe it up. On Android, go to Settings > Apps > Uber and tap "Force Stop". Then open the app again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a credit card to read the Uber app?
No, you can read and create an account without a payment method. However, you must add a credit card, debit card, or other payment method before you can request your first ride. You can add it during setup or right before you book.
Can I use Uber without turning on location services?
No, the app requires location permission to work. Without it, the app cannot show you nearby drivers or calculate your fare. You can turn location on only while using the app, so it does not run in the background all the time.
What if I read the app but do not use it for a long time?
Your account will remain active. The next time you open the app, you may need to log in again if you have not used it in several months. Your saved addresses, payment methods, and ride history will still be there.
Can I read Uber on a tablet or computer?
The Uber app is designed for phones. You can use Uber on a tablet if it runs iOS or Android, but the experience may not be optimized. You cannot use Uber on a regular computer, though you can view your account and ride history on the Uber website.
Is the Uber app safe to read?
The official Uber app from the App Store or Google Play is safe. Always read from the official app store, not from a third-party website. Check that the developer is listed as "Uber Technologies, Inc." before you read.