You can cancel your Uber account through the app or website in about two minutes, but the steps differ depending on whether you want to pause your account temporarily or delete it permanently
Uber offers two separate paths: deactivating your account (which pauses it and lets you reactivate later) and deleting your account (which removes your data and is permanent after 30 days). Most people who want to stop using Uber choose deactivation because it is faster and reversible. Deletion takes longer and involves a waiting period before Uber removes your information from their servers.
The method you use depends on what you want to happen to your account. If you think you might use Uber again in six months, deactivation is simpler. If you want your personal information removed and have no plans to return, deletion is the right choice. Both are free and do not affect any pending trips or payments.
Key Takeaways
- Deactivating your account through the app takes two minutes and can be reversed anytime by logging back in.
- Deleting your account is permanent after 30 days and removes your name, phone number, email, and payment methods from Uber's systems.
- You cannot deactivate or delete your account if you have an active trip, so finish or cancel any current rides first.
- Deactivation does not refund unused Uber Cash or credits, but deletion may return them depending on your account status.
How to deactivate your account through the Uber app
Open the Uber app and tap the account icon (usually a person silhouette) in the lower right corner. Scroll down and look for "Settings" or a gear icon. Tap it, then scroll to the bottom of the Settings page and select "Deactivate Account." Uber will ask you why you are leaving and may offer you a discount to stay — you can skip this or accept it.
After you confirm deactivation, your account goes inactive when ready. You will not be able to request rides, but your data stays on Uber's servers. You can reactivate by opening the app and logging in with the same email and password. There is no time limit on reactivation — you can come back after a week or a year.
How to deactivate your account on the Uber website
Go to uber.com and log in. Click your profile picture or initial in the top right corner, then select "Account Settings." Scroll down to find "Deactivate Account" and click it. You will see the same prompts as in the app. Confirm your choice, and your account will deactivate.
The website method works the same way as the app — your account pauses, your data remains, and you can log back in anytime to reactivate. Some people find the website easier to navigate if they have trouble finding the option in the app.
How to permanently delete your Uber account
Permanent deletion is more involved than deactivation. Log into your Uber account on the website (uber.com), go to Account Settings, and look for "Delete Account" — this is separate from the deactivate option. Click it and Uber will ask you to confirm your email address and password. After you do, Uber sends a confirmation email to the address on file.
Click the link in that email within 30 days to complete the deletion. If you do not click the link, your account stays active and the deletion request expires. Once you click the link, Uber begins removing your personal information — name, phone number, email, payment methods, and ride history — from their active systems. This process can take several weeks.
After 30 days from when you click the confirmation link, your account and associated data are permanently gone. You cannot reactivate a deleted account. If you want to use Uber again, you will have to create a new account with a new email address.
What happens to your money and credits when you cancel
Deactivating your account does not touch your Uber Cash or promotional credits. They stay in your account and are still there if you reactivate. However, you cannot use them while your account is deactivated.
When you delete your account, Uber's policy on refunding unused credits varies. If you have Uber Cash that you paid for with real money, you may be able to request a refund, but this is not automatic. Promotional credits (discounts Uber gave you) are usually forfeited when you delete. Contact Uber Support through the app or website before you delete if you have a significant balance and want to know whether you can get it back.
What to do if you cannot find the cancel option
If the deactivate or delete option does not appear in your Settings, your account may have restrictions. The most common reason is an active or recent trip — you cannot cancel while a ride is in progress or within a short window after one ends. Cancel or complete any pending rides first, wait a few minutes, and try again.
Another reason the option might be hidden is if you have an outstanding balance or dispute with Uber. If you owe money from a ride or a payment failed, Uber may lock the account until you resolve it. Check your payment methods and make sure there are no failed charges. If you still cannot find the option after checking these things, contact Uber Support through the app — tap your profile icon, scroll to "Help," and select "Account & Settings."
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel my Uber Eats account separately from my Uber rides account?
No. Uber Eats and Uber rides use the same account login. If you deactivate or delete your Uber account, both services stop working. You cannot pause one without pausing the other.
Will canceling my account affect my Uber driver account if I have one?
If you have both a driver and rider account under the same email, deactivating or deleting will affect both. If you only want to stop using Uber as a rider, contact Uber Support and ask them to deactivate only the rider portion of your account while keeping your driver account active.
How long does it take for Uber to delete my data after I confirm deletion?
Uber begins the deletion process when ready after you click the confirmation email link, but it can take several weeks for all your information to be removed from their servers. After 30 days from confirmation, your account is considered permanently deleted, though some data may still be in backup systems for a longer period.
Can I cancel my account if I have a scheduled ride coming up?
No. You must cancel or complete any scheduled rides before you can deactivate or delete your account. If you have a ride booked for later today, cancel it first through the app, wait a few minutes, then proceed with account cancellation.
What if I deactivate my account but change my mind?
You can reactivate anytime by logging back into the app or website with your original email and password. There is no penalty for reactivating, and your payment methods and ride history will be restored when ready.