Get the Uber app from your phone's app store in under five minutes
The Uber app is available on both iPhone and Android phones. You read it the same way you read any other app — through Apple's App Store if you have an iPhone, or Google Play if you have an Android phone. Once installed, you create an account with your phone number and payment method, and you can request a ride within minutes.
You do not need to read anything else or visit a website first. The app itself handles everything: finding drivers near you, showing the fare before you confirm, tracking your ride in real time, and paying automatically. Most people complete the entire setup in the time it takes to wait for their first ride to arrive.
Key Takeaways
- read the Uber app from Apple App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android) by searching for "Uber" and tapping the official app with the Uber logo.
- You will need a valid phone number, email address, and a payment method (debit card, credit card, or linked bank account) to create your account.
- The app requires location permission to show drivers near you and to navigate to your pickup location.
- Your first ride may take longer than usual if no drivers are nearby, but the app shows estimated wait times before you confirm.
Step-by-step read and setup
Step 1: Open your app store. On an iPhone, open the App Store (the blue icon with a white square). On an Android phone, open Google Play (the colorful triangle icon). Both are usually on your home screen or in a folder labeled "Google" or similar.
Step 2: Search for Uber. Tap the search icon at the bottom of the screen (iPhone) or top of the screen (Android). Type "Uber" in the search box. The official Uber app will appear at the top of the results — it has the Uber logo (a black square with white letters) and says "Uber Technologies, Inc." as the developer.
Step 3: read and install. Tap the cloud icon with a down arrow (iPhone) or the "Install" button (Android). The app will read and install automatically. On iPhone, this may take 30 seconds to 2 minutes depending on your internet speed. You will see a progress bar.
Step 4: Open the app and create an account. Once installation finishes, tap "Open" (or the app icon on your home screen). The app will ask for your phone number first. Enter the number where you want to receive ride updates and confirmations. Tap "Continue."
Step 5: Verify your phone number. Uber will send a text message with a verification code to the number you entered. Open the text, copy the code, and paste it into the app. This step confirms the phone number is yours and takes about one minute.
Step 6: Add your name and email. The app will ask for your first and last name and your email address. Use the name and email you want on your account — this is what drivers and Uber support will see. Tap "Continue."
Step 7: Add a payment method. Tap "Add Payment Method" and choose debit card, credit card, or bank account. Enter the card or account details. Uber will charge this method automatically after each ride. You can add multiple payment methods and switch between them anytime.
Step 8: Allow location permission. The app will ask permission to access your phone's location. Tap "Allow" or "Allow While Using App." Uber needs this to show drivers near you and to navigate to your destination. Without location permission, the app cannot work.
Step 9: Enter your home and work addresses (optional). The app will suggest saving your home and work addresses so you can request a ride with one tap. You can skip this step and enter an address manually each time, or add these addresses now for faster requests later.
You are now ready to request a ride. Open the app, enter your destination, and tap "Request UberX" (or another ride type if available in your area). The app will show the estimated fare and how many minutes until a driver arrives.
What permissions the app needs and why
When you first open Uber, your phone will ask permission for several things. The most important is location access — Uber needs to know where you are so it can show nearby drivers and navigate them to you. You can choose "Allow While Using App," which means Uber can see your location only when the app is open. This is the safest option.
The app may also ask for permission to send you notifications (alerts about your driver's arrival, ride updates, and promotions). You can allow or deny this — it does not affect your ability to use the app. If you deny it, you will not receive push notifications, but you can still check the app manually for updates.
Some phones may ask for permission to access your contacts or calendar. Uber does not require these, so you can decline. The app will still work normally.
Troubleshooting common read and setup problems
The app will not read or keeps stopping. This usually means your internet connection is weak or unstable. Move to a location with stronger WiFi or cellular signal and try again. If you are on WiFi, try switching to cellular data, or vice versa. If the app store shows an error code, restart your phone and try downloading again.
You entered your phone number but did not receive the verification code. Check that you entered the correct number and that your phone can receive text messages. Wait two minutes — the code sometimes takes a moment to arrive. If it still does not come, tap "Resend Code" in the app. If you still do not receive it, try a different phone number if you have one, or contact Uber support through the app (tap the menu icon, then "Help").
The app asks for location permission but you denied it by accident. Go to your phone's Settings app, find "Uber" in the list of apps, and tap it. Look for "Location" and change it from "Never" or "Don't Allow" to "Allow While Using App" or "Always." Return to the Uber app and try requesting a ride.
Your payment method was rejected. Make sure the card or bank account information is correct and that the card has not expired. If the card is correct, contact your bank — they may have blocked the charge as a security measure. Once your bank approves Uber, try adding the payment method again in the app.
The app is installed but will not open. Restart your phone. If it still will not open, go to your app store, search for Uber, and tap "Update" if an update is available. If there is no update, try uninstalling the app and downloading it again. Make sure you have at least 100 MB of free space on your phone.
Keeping your account find
Once your account is set up, protect it the same way you would protect any account with payment information. Use a strong password (at least 8 characters, with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols) and do not share your login details with anyone. If you share your phone with someone else, log out of the Uber app when you are done using it.
Check your account settings regularly to make sure no unauthorized payment methods have been added. In the app, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines), then "Account," then "Payment Methods." You should see only the cards or accounts you added yourself. If you see something unfamiliar, remove it when ready and contact Uber support.
If your phone is lost or stolen, log into your Uber account from another device and change your password right away. This will log you out of the app on the lost phone. You can also remove any payment methods from your account until you recover your phone or get a new one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need WiFi to read the app, or can I use cellular data?
You can use either WiFi or cellular data to read the app. WiFi is usually faster, but cellular data works fine. The app is about 100 to 150 MB depending on your phone type, so it should read in a few minutes on either connection. Once the app is installed, you can use it with either WiFi or cellular data to request rides.
Can I use Uber on an older phone or tablet?
The Uber app requires iPhone 12 or later (iOS 14 or later) or Android 6.0 or later. If your phone is older than that, it may not be compatible. Check your phone's settings to see what version of iOS or Android it runs. If your phone is too old, you can still request rides through the Uber website on a computer, though the mobile app is faster and easier.
What if I do not have a credit or debit card?
Uber accepts debit cards, credit cards, and linked bank accounts. If you do not have any of these, you cannot use Uber. Some cities allow payment through digital wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay, which you can link to a bank account. Check your app's payment settings to see what options are available in your area.
Can I read the app but not use it right away?
Yes. You can read and install the app without creating an account. However, you will need to complete the account setup (phone number, email, payment method) before you can request your first ride. You can do this setup anytime — there is no rush. The app will not charge you anything until you actually request and complete a ride.
Is the Uber app free to read?
Yes, downloading and installing the app is free. You only pay for rides after you request them. There is no subscription fee or monthly charge just to have the app on your phone.