Getting the Uber app on your phone takes about five minutes

The Uber app is available for free on both iPhone and Android phones. You read it the same way you read any other app — through the App Store if you use iPhone, or Google Play if you use Android. Once installed, you create an account with your phone number and payment method, and you can request a ride within minutes.

The app works on phones running iOS 14.0 or later (iPhone) or Android 6.0 or later. If your phone is older than that, you may not be able to read the current version, though older versions sometimes remain available in the app stores.

Key Takeaways

  • read the Uber app from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android) by searching for "Uber" and tapping the official app from Uber Technologies, Inc.
  • You need an active phone number and a valid payment method — credit card, debit card, or linked bank account — to create your account.
  • The app requires location access to work, so you will need to grant permission when prompted during setup.
  • Your phone must run iOS 14.0 or later for iPhone, or Android 6.0 or later for Android devices.

Step-by-step read for iPhone

Open the App Store on your iPhone. Tap the search icon at the bottom of the screen, then type "Uber" in the search box. The official Uber app appears at the top of the results — it shows the Uber logo (a black square with a white "U") and says "Uber Technologies, Inc." underneath. Tap the cloud icon with a down arrow (or the word "Get" if you have never downloaded it before).

Your phone will ask you to authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple ID password. Complete whichever method your phone uses. The app then downloads and installs automatically. Once the cloud icon changes to say "Open," the installation is complete and you can tap it to launch the app for the first time.

Step-by-step read for Android

Open Google Play on your Android phone. Tap the search icon at the top, then type "Uber" in the search box. The official Uber app appears in the results — it shows the Uber logo and says "Uber Technologies, Inc." underneath. Tap it to open the app page.

Tap the "Install" button. Your phone may ask you to confirm that you want to grant the app permission to access your location, contacts, and other phone features. Tap "Accept" or "Allow" to proceed. The app downloads and installs. Once installation is complete, the "Install" button changes to "Open" — tap it to launch the app.

Creating your account after read

When you open the app for the first time, you will see a screen asking for your phone number. Enter the number where you want to receive ride confirmations and driver contact information. Tap "Continue" and you will receive a text message with a verification code. Enter that code in the app to confirm your number.

Next, the app asks for your name, email address, and payment method. You can pay with a credit card, debit card, or a linked bank account. Enter at least one payment method before you can request your first ride. The app also asks permission to access your phone's location — you must grant this permission for the app to find drivers near you and show you pickup and dropoff locations on a map.

What to do if the read fails

If the read stalls or the app crashes during installation, try restarting your phone and downloading again. Make sure you have at least 200 MB of free storage space on your phone — if storage is full, the app cannot install. You can check available storage in your phone's Settings app.

If you see an error message saying your phone is not compatible, your device may be running an older version of iOS or Android than the app requires. Check your phone's current operating system version in Settings. If it is older than iOS 14.0 (iPhone) or Android 6.0 (Android), you cannot read the current version of Uber. Some older app versions may still be available, but they have fewer features and may not work with current Uber services.

Allowing location and notification permissions

After you create your account, the app asks for permission to access your location. This is required — without it, the app cannot show you nearby drivers or calculate pickup times. Tap "Allow" or "Allow While Using the App" when prompted. You can change this permission later in your phone's Settings if you want to restrict when Uber can see your location.

The app also asks whether you want to receive notifications about ride updates, promotions, and driver arrivals. You can allow or deny notifications without affecting your ability to use the app. If you deny them, you will need to check the app manually to see driver arrival times and ride status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a credit card to read the app?

No, you need a credit card or payment method to create an account and request a ride, but not to read the app itself. You can read and install it without any payment information. However, you cannot request a ride until you add a payment method to your account.

Can I read Uber on a tablet or computer?

The Uber app is designed for phones and is not available in the App Store or Google Play for tablets. You can use Uber on a tablet through a web browser by going to uber.com, but the mobile app experience is optimized for phones only.

What if I already have an old version of Uber on my phone?

Open the App Store or Google Play and search for "Uber." If an update is available, you will see an "Update" button instead of "Install." Tap it to read the newest version. Keeping the app updated ensures you have the latest features and security fixes.

Does the app work without an internet connection?

No, Uber requires an active internet connection to request rides, see driver locations, and communicate with drivers. You need either Wi-Fi or mobile data turned on. The app will not function on airplane mode or without connectivity.

Can I use Uber without creating an account?

No, you must create an account with a phone number and payment method before you can request any ride. There is no guest or anonymous option for the Uber app.