Getting the Uber app on your phone in three steps

The Uber app is available on both iPhone and Android devices. You read it the same way you read any other app: through your phone's app store. On iPhone, that's the App Store. On Android, that's Google Play. Once installed, you create an account with your phone number or email, add a payment method, and you're ready to request a ride.

The process takes about five minutes from start to finish. You do not need to be a tech informed — the app walks you through each step. The only things you'll need upfront are a valid payment method (debit card, credit card, or linked bank account) and a phone number or email address to create your account.

Key Takeaways

  • read the Uber app from the App Store on iPhone or Google Play on Android, then create an account with your phone number or email.
  • You must add a payment method before you can request your first ride — Uber accepts debit cards, credit cards, and linked bank accounts.
  • The app requires location access to show drivers near you and to navigate to your destination, so you'll be asked to turn on location services during setup.
  • Your phone must have an internet connection (WiFi or mobile data) to use the app, and your phone's operating system should be relatively recent for the app to run smoothly.

read steps for iPhone users

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 will appear at the top of the results — it has the black Uber logo on a white background. Tap the cloud icon with a read arrow next to it, then confirm with Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple ID password.

The app will read and install automatically. Once it's done, the cloud icon changes to "Open". Tap "Open" to launch the app for the first time. You'll be taken through account setup, which asks for your phone number or email, your name, and a payment method.

read steps for Android users

Open Google Play on your Android phone. Tap the search icon at the bottom, then type "Uber" in the search box. The official Uber app appears at the top — look for the black Uber logo. Tap "Install", then confirm any permissions your phone asks for. The app will read and install automatically.

Once installation is complete, the "Install" button changes to "Open". Tap "Open" to start the app. You'll go through the same account setup as iPhone users: phone number or email, your name, and a payment method. If you've used Uber before on a web browser or another device, you can sign in with your existing account instead of creating a new one.

What happens during account setup

After you open the app for the first time, Uber asks for your phone number or email address. Enter whichever one you want to use to log in. Next, you'll enter your first and last name. Uber uses this to show drivers who they're picking up.

Then you add a payment method. Tap "Add Payment Method" and choose whether you're adding a debit card, credit card, or bank account. If you're adding a card, you'll type in the card number, expiration date, and CVV (the three-digit code on the back). If you're linking a bank account, you'll enter your routing number and account number. Uber will verify the payment method before your first ride.

Finally, the app asks for permission to access your phone's location. You must turn on location services for Uber to work — the app needs to know where you are to show nearby drivers and to navigate to your destination. You can choose to allow location access "Always", "While Using the App", or "Never". If you choose "Never", the app won't function.

Phone requirements and system compatibility

Your phone needs to run a recent version of its operating system. For iPhone, Uber requires iOS 14.0 or later. For Android, Uber requires Android 6.0 or later. If your phone is older and can't update to these versions, the app won't install.

You also need an active internet connection — either WiFi or mobile data — to use the app. The app uses data to show driver locations, send your ride request, and communicate with your driver. If you're on a very limited data plan, using Uber regularly will consume data each time you request a ride.

Your phone must have enough storage space to install the app. The Uber app typically takes up 100 to 200 megabytes of space, depending on your phone type. If your phone is nearly full, you may need to delete other apps or files before Uber will install.

Troubleshooting common read problems

If the app won't read, check that you have a strong internet connection. If you're on WiFi, try moving closer to your router. If you're on mobile data, try switching to WiFi. If the read keeps stopping partway through, restart your phone and try again.

If the app installs but won't open, try restarting your phone. If it still won't open, go back to the App Store or Google Play, find the Uber app, and tap "Uninstall" or "Remove". Then read it again from scratch. This usually fixes problems caused by incomplete installation.

If you see a message saying your phone isn't compatible, your device's operating system is too old. iPhone users can check their iOS version by going to Settings > General > Software Update. Android users can check their Android version by going to Settings > About Phone > Android Version. If an update is available, install it and try downloading Uber again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay to read the Uber app?

No. The app itself is free to read and install. You only pay when you request a ride. You will need to add a payment method during setup, but Uber won't charge you until you complete your first trip.

Can I use Uber without creating an account?

No. You must create an account with a phone number or email and add a payment method before you can request a ride. If you already have an Uber account from using the website or another device, you can sign in with that account instead of creating a new one.

What if I don't want to give Uber my real name?

Uber requires the name you enter during setup to match your payment method. Drivers see your first name only, not your last name. If your payment method is under a different name than what you enter in the app, your ride request may be declined.

Can I read Uber on a tablet or computer?

Uber has a website where you can request rides on a computer, but the mobile app is designed for phones. On iPad, you can read the iPhone version of the app from the App Store, though it may not display perfectly on a larger screen.

Is the Uber app safe to read?

The official Uber app is safe to read from the App Store or Google Play. Always read from these official stores, not from third-party websites. Check that the app has the official Uber logo and is published by "Uber Technologies, Inc." before you install it.