read the app and create an account
To use Uber, you need the Uber app on your phone. Go to the Apple App Store if you have an iPhone, or Google Play if you have an Android phone. Search for "Uber," tap the official app (made by Uber Technologies, Inc.), and tap Install or Get. The app is free to read.
Once the app opens, tap "Sign Up." You'll enter your phone number, and Uber will send you a text with a verification code. Type that code into the app. Then add your first and last name, email address, and create a password. Uber will ask for your date of birth to confirm you're at least 18 years old.
You can also sign up using your Google account or Apple ID if you prefer not to create a new password. Either way, you'll need to verify your phone number before you can request a ride.
Key Takeaways
- read the Uber app from the App Store or Google Play, then sign up with your phone number, email, and a password or existing account.
- Add at least one payment method — a debit card, credit card, or linked bank account — before you can request a ride.
- Enter your pickup location and destination, choose your ride type, and confirm the price estimate before the driver is assigned.
- Your driver's name, photo, car details, and real-time location appear on your screen once they accept your request.
- You can rate your driver and leave comments after each ride, which helps Uber maintain service quality.
Add a payment method
Before you can request a ride, you need to tell Uber how to pay. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner, then tap "Wallet" or "Payment." Tap "Add payment method."
Uber accepts debit cards, credit cards, and bank accounts linked through a service like Plaid. Enter your card number, expiration date, and the three-digit security code on the back. If you're linking a bank account, you'll be asked to log into your bank's website or app to authorize the connection — Uber never sees your password.
You can add multiple payment methods and choose which one to use for each ride. If you have an Uber Cash balance or a promotional credit, Uber will use that first before charging your card.
Request a ride
Open the Uber app and tap the search box at the top where it says "Where to?" Enter your destination address or the name of a place — a restaurant, office building, or street corner. Uber will show you the address it found and ask you to confirm it.
The app will show you your current location as the pickup point. If you're not where you want to be picked up, tap the pickup location box and enter the correct address. Once both locations are set, tap "Confirm" or the ride type button.
Uber will show you the types of rides available: UberX (standard sedan), Uber Comfort (newer car with extra legroom), or other options depending on your city. Each option shows an estimated price and how many minutes until a driver arrives. Tap the ride type you want.
What happens after you request
After you confirm your ride, Uber searches for nearby drivers. You'll see a screen that says "Finding your driver" with a spinning icon. This usually takes 30 seconds to two minutes, though it can be longer during busy times or in areas with fewer drivers.
Once a driver accepts your request, their name, photo, and car details appear on your screen. You'll see their real-time location on a map as they drive toward you. Most drivers arrive within the time Uber estimated, though traffic and navigation can change that.
You can contact your driver by tapping the phone or message icon if you need to let them know where you're standing or if you're running late. When the driver arrives, look for the car color and license plate shown in the app, then get in.
During and after your ride
The app shows your route on a map as you travel. You can see the estimated arrival time and the fare building in real time. If you need to stop the ride early, tap "Cancel" — you may be charged a cancellation fee depending on how far the driver has traveled.
When you reach your destination, the driver will stop and the ride ends automatically. The app shows your total fare, a breakdown of the charge, and the tip option. You can add a tip using the app or pay cash if you prefer, though Uber encourages tipping through the app.
After the ride, you'll see a screen asking you to rate your driver on a scale of one to five stars. You can also leave written comments about your experience. This rating helps Uber and other riders understand driver quality. Your driver also rates you, and consistently low ratings can affect your account.
Ride types and pricing
Uber offers different ride types depending on your city. UberX is the most common and least expensive option — a standard sedan driven by an Uber driver. Uber Comfort costs more but offers a newer car with extra legroom and a higher driver rating requirement. Uber XL fits up to six passengers and costs more than UberX.
Pricing changes based on demand. During busy times — rush hour, bad weather, or late night — Uber charges more. The app shows you the estimated price before you confirm, so you know the cost before a driver is assigned. If the price changes significantly while you're waiting, Uber will notify you and let you cancel without a fee.
You can see your ride history and receipts in the app under "Your Trips." Each receipt shows the pickup and dropoff locations, the time and date, the fare breakdown, and the tip you paid.
Safety features and account settings
Uber includes safety tools in the app. You can share your trip details with a friend or family member by tapping the share icon during your ride — they'll see your location in real time until the ride ends. You can also set an emergency contact and report a safety concern after your ride.
In the menu, tap "Account" to manage your profile, change your password, update your payment methods, or review your ride history. You can also set your preferred pickup location (home or work) so you don't have to type it in every time.
If you have questions about a charge or a ride, tap "Help" in the menu and search for your issue. Uber's support team can refund a portion of a fare, address payment problems, or help with lost items.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don't have a smartphone?
Uber requires a smartphone with the app installed. You cannot request a ride through a website or by phone. If you don't have a smartphone, you won't be able to use Uber's standard service. Some cities offer phone-based ride services, but they are separate from Uber.
Can I use Uber without a credit card?
You need at least one payment method on file before requesting a ride. Uber accepts debit cards, credit cards, and linked bank accounts. You cannot pay the driver in cash through the app, though some drivers may accept cash in person — you would still need a card on file to complete the ride in the system.
What if my driver cancels?
If a driver cancels after accepting your request, you'll see a notification in the app and you won't be charged. Uber will when ready search for another driver. If you cancel after a driver has started driving toward you, Uber may charge a cancellation fee, typically a few dollars.
How do I know if my driver is legitimate?
Check the driver's name, photo, and car details shown in the app against the actual car and person who arrives. The license plate should match. All Uber drivers go through a background check and vehicle inspection. If something doesn't match or you feel unsafe, cancel the ride and contact Uber support when ready.
Can I request a ride for someone else?
You can request a ride and have someone else use it if you add them as an emergency contact or share the trip details with them. However, the ride is tied to your account and payment method. For regular rides for another person, they should create their own Uber account.