read the app and create an account
To use Uber, you need the Uber app on your phone and an account. Go to your phone's app store — Apple App Store if you have an iPhone, Google Play if you have an Android phone — and search for "Uber". Tap the app, then tap "Get" or "Install" to read it to your phone.
Open the app once it finishes downloading. You'll see a screen asking you to sign up. You can create an account using your email address, phone number, or a Facebook or Google account. Enter your information, create a password if you're using email, and tap the button to continue. Uber will send you a verification code by text or email — enter that code in the app to confirm your account is real.
Next, add a payment method. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right, then tap "Payment". You can add a credit card, debit card, or link a PayPal account. Uber will charge your payment method after each ride. You can also add a promotional code here if you have one.
Key Takeaways
- read the Uber app from your phone's app store, create an account with your email or phone number, and add a payment method before you request your first ride.
- Open the app, enter your destination, and tap "Request UberX" (or another ride type) to see the fare and driver arrival time before you confirm.
- Your driver's location appears on the map in real time, and you can call or message them through the app if you need to communicate.
- The app shows your final fare after the ride ends, and payment happens automatically through your saved payment method.
- You can rate your driver and provide feedback after each ride, which helps Uber maintain service quality.
Request a ride and see the fare upfront
Open the Uber app and tap the search box at the top that says "Where to?" Enter your destination — you can type an address, a business name, or an intersection. The app will show you suggestions as you type. Tap the one you want.
Next, the app shows you ride options. The most common is UberX, which is a standard sedan. You'll also see options like UberXL (larger vehicle for more passengers), Uber Comfort (newer car with more legroom), and sometimes others depending on your city. Each option shows the estimated fare and how many minutes until a driver arrives. Tap the one you want.
Before you confirm, the app shows you the driver's name, photo, car type, and license plate. You can see their rating (out of 5 stars) and how many rides they've completed. Tap "Confirm UberX" (or whichever type you chose) to request the ride. Your payment method will be charged after the ride ends.
Track your driver and communicate during the ride
Once you confirm, the app switches to a map showing your driver's location in real time. You'll see how many minutes away they are, and that number updates as they get closer. The driver is heading to your pickup location — the address or spot you entered.
If you need to contact your driver, tap the phone icon or message icon at the bottom of the screen. You can call them directly or send a text message through the app. This is useful if you're running late, if your pickup spot is hard to find, or if you need to give them special instructions.
When your driver arrives, get in the car. The app confirms the pickup on both your phone and the driver's, and the ride begins. During the ride, you can see the route on the map, your current fare (which updates as you go), and an estimate of the final cost. You can also contact your driver if you need to change the route or have questions.
Complete the ride and rate your driver
When you reach your destination, the driver will stop and the ride ends automatically in the app. The app shows your final fare, a breakdown of the cost (base fare, distance, time, and any surge pricing), and your receipt. Payment happens right away through your saved payment method — you don't need to hand over cash or a card.
After the ride, the app asks you to rate your driver on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. You can also leave written feedback if something went wrong or if you want to praise the driver. This rating helps Uber maintain quality and helps other riders know what to expect. You can also report a safety issue or lost item from this screen.
Once you rate your driver, the ride is complete. You'll see your receipt in the app under "Your Trips" if you need it later for expense tracking or other reasons.
Understand surge pricing and ride costs
Uber's base fare, per-minute charge, and per-mile charge vary by city and ride type. When demand is very high — during rush hour, bad weather, or late at night — Uber charges surge pricing, which multiplies your fare. The app always shows you the estimated fare before you confirm, so you know the cost upfront.
If surge pricing is active, the app displays a multiplier (like "1.5x" or "2x") next to the ride type. This means your fare will be 1.5 or 2 times the normal price. You can choose to request anyway, wait for demand to drop, or use a different ride type that may have a lower multiplier.
Some cities also have upfront pricing, which means Uber shows you the exact total fare before you request, rather than an estimate. Other cities use time and distance pricing, where the final fare is calculated based on how long the ride takes and how far you travel. The app tells you which method your city uses.
Use Uber features like scheduled rides and saved places
If you know when you need a ride in advance, you can schedule it. Open the app, enter your destination, and instead of tapping "Confirm", look for a "Schedule" option (usually near the top). Pick the date and time you want the ride, and Uber will match you with a driver close to that time. Scheduled rides sometimes cost more than on-demand rides.
You can save your home address, work address, and other places you go often. Tap the menu icon, then "Saved Places", and add addresses. Next time you open the app, you can tap your home or work address instead of typing it in, which saves time.
If you take Uber regularly, you can join Uber Pass, a subscription that gives you discounts on rides and food orders. You pay a monthly fee and get a percentage off each ride. The app shows you whether Uber Pass is available in your city and what the discount would be.
Safety tips for using Uber
Before you get in the car, confirm the driver's name, photo, and license plate match what the app shows. If something doesn't match, don't get in — cancel the ride and request a new one.
Share your trip with a trusted contact. Tap the menu icon during your ride, then "Share My Trip", and select a contact. They'll see your location and route in real time until the ride ends. This is especially useful if you're traveling alone or at night.
Keep your belongings with you and check the car before you leave. If you forget something, go back to the app, find the ride under "Your Trips", and tap "I lost an item". You can message the driver directly to arrange pickup or ask Uber to contact them on your behalf.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don't have a smartphone?
Uber requires a smartphone with the app installed. If you don't have a smartphone, you cannot use Uber. Some cities have alternative ride services that work by phone call instead, but Uber itself does not offer this option.
Can I pay with cash instead of a card?
In most cities, Uber requires a payment method on file — a credit card, debit card, or PayPal account. A few cities allow cash payment, but you must enable this in the app before you request the ride. Check your app's payment settings to see if cash is an option where you are.
What happens if my driver cancels?
If your driver cancels after you confirm the ride, you are not charged. The app returns to the ride request screen and you can request again. If you've been waiting a long time and drivers keep canceling, it may mean demand is low or surge pricing is high — waiting a few minutes sometimes helps.
Do I need to tip my driver?
Tipping is not required, but it is optional. You can add a tip through the app after the ride ends, or you can tip in cash if you prefer. The app suggests tip amounts (usually 15%, 18%, or 20% of the fare), but you can enter any amount you choose.
How do I cancel a ride?
If you haven't been matched with a driver yet, tap "Cancel Ride" at the bottom of the screen. You won't be charged. If a driver has already accepted, you can still cancel, but Uber may charge a cancellation fee. The fee appears in the app before you confirm the cancellation.