read the app and create your account
Start by downloading the Uber app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store on your smartphone. Once installed, open the app and tap "Sign Up". You will need to enter your phone number, and Uber will send you a verification code via text message. Enter that code to confirm your number.
Next, create a password and add your name as it appears on your ID. Uber will ask for your email address and date of birth. You must also add a payment method — a debit card, credit card, or linked bank account — before you can request a ride. Tap "Add Payment Method" and enter your card details or connect your bank account through the app's find link.
Once your payment method is saved, your account is ready. You do not need to add a profile photo or emergency contacts to request a ride, but adding them later makes your account more complete.
Key Takeaways
- read the Uber app, verify your phone number with a text code, and add a payment method before requesting your first ride.
- Enter your pickup location by typing an address or tapping your current location on the map, then confirm where you want to go.
- Select your ride type — UberX is the standard option, and the app shows the estimated fare before you confirm the request.
- Once a driver accepts, you can see their name, car details, and real-time location on the map as they approach you.
- After your ride ends, the app charges your payment method automatically and shows your receipt with the final fare.
Set your pickup and dropoff locations
Open the app and tap the search box at the top that says "Where to?" The map will show your current location with a blue dot. You can either tap that dot to confirm your pickup location, or type a specific address if you are not where you want to be picked up.
Once your pickup location is set, tap the second search box and enter your destination address. You can type a street address, a business name, or a landmark — the app will show matching results as you type. Tap the location you want, and the app will draw a route on the map showing the estimated path your driver will take.
If you are not sure of the exact address, you can tap and hold on the map to drop a pin at any location. The app will show the address of that pin, and you can adjust it by dragging the pin around until it is in the right spot.
Choose your ride type and confirm the fare
After you set your destination, the app shows a list of ride options. UberX is the standard option — a regular sedan or compact car for one to four passengers. Other options may include UberXL for larger groups, Uber Comfort for newer vehicles with extra legroom, or Uber Black for premium service. Each option shows a different estimated fare.
Tap the ride type you want. The app will display the estimated fare, how long the driver will take to reach you, and how many minutes the ride should take. This estimate is based on current traffic and demand. Tap "Confirm" to request the ride.
If the fare seems too high, you can change your destination or pickup location and request again. You can also close the app and request later when demand may be lower. Uber does not charge you until a driver accepts your request.
Track your driver and prepare for pickup
Once you tap "Confirm", the app enters matching mode and searches for nearby drivers. You will see a message saying "Looking for a driver" with a spinning icon. This usually takes less than a minute, but during busy times it may take longer.
When a driver accepts your request, their name, photo, car make and model, and license plate number appear on your screen. The map shows their location with a car icon, and you can watch them drive toward you in real time. The app also shows an updated arrival time that changes as the driver gets closer.
You can share your trip details with a friend or family member by tapping the share icon. This lets them see your location and your driver's location while the ride is happening. If you need to cancel before the driver arrives, tap "Cancel Ride" — you may be charged a small cancellation fee if the driver has already started driving toward you.
Meet your driver and complete the ride
When your driver is about one minute away, the app will notify you. Go to your pickup location and look for the car that matches the license plate shown in the app. When you see the car, tap "I'm here" in the app so the driver knows you are ready. The driver will pull up to you, and you can get in the back seat.
During the ride, the app continues to show your route on the map and your estimated arrival time. You can see the fare meter running at the bottom of the screen, showing the current cost as the ride progresses. If you need to change your destination, tap "Edit Destination" and enter a new address — the fare will adjust based on the new route.
When you reach your destination, the driver will stop and the ride will end. The app will show your final fare, the distance traveled, and the time the ride took. Your payment method is charged automatically, and you will see a receipt in the app.
Rate your driver and save favorite locations
After the ride ends, the app asks you to rate your driver on a scale of one to five stars. You can also leave a written comment if something went wrong or if you want to praise the driver. This rating helps other riders and helps Uber maintain driver quality. You do not have to rate to complete the ride, but doing so takes only a few seconds.
If you frequently travel to the same locations — your home, workplace, or a gym — you can save them as favorites. Tap the heart icon next to a location after you have used it, or go to your profile menu and tap "Saved Places" to add addresses manually. Saved places appear at the top of the location search, so you can request a ride faster next time.
Your ride history is saved in the app under "Your Trips". You can view past rides, see the fare you paid, and read receipts for business or tax purposes. If you have a question about a charge or think you were overcharged, you can tap a past ride and select "Help" to contact Uber support.
Understand surge pricing and ride costs
Uber's base fare, per-minute charge, and per-mile charge vary by city and change over time. When demand for rides is very high and few drivers are available, Uber applies surge pricing, which multiplies the normal fare by a percentage shown in the app — for example, 1.5x or 2x the usual cost. The app always shows your estimated fare before you confirm, so you can see if surge pricing is in effect.
If the surge price is too high, you can wait for demand to drop, request a ride to a different location, or choose a different ride type. You can also set a price alert in some cities — the app will notify you when surge pricing ends so you can request at a lower rate.
Your final fare may differ slightly from the estimate if traffic conditions change, if you take a longer route, or if the driver makes stops you did not plan. Tolls and airport fees, where they explore, are added to your fare. You can see the exact breakdown of your charge in your receipt after the ride ends.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I do if my driver goes the wrong way or takes a longer route?
You can change your destination during the ride by tapping "Edit Destination" in the app. If you believe the driver deliberately took a longer route to increase the fare, you can report it after the ride by opening the trip in your history, tapping "Help", and selecting "Fare Adjustment" or "Report a Problem". Uber will review your complaint and may refund part of your fare.
Can I request a ride for someone else?
Yes. In the app, tap your profile icon and select "Add Passenger" or "Request for Someone Else". Enter the other person's phone number or email, and they will receive a notification that you have requested a ride for them. The ride will still be charged to your payment method.
What happens if I leave something in the car?
Open your trip history, find the ride where you left the item, and tap "Help". Select "Lost Item" and describe what you left behind. Uber will contact the driver and ask them to check the car. If the driver finds it, Uber will help arrange a return or pickup. Some drivers may charge a fee to return items to you.
How do I cancel a ride after I request it?
Tap "Cancel Ride" in the app before the driver arrives. If the driver has not yet started driving toward you, cancellation is usually free. If the driver is already on the way, Uber may charge a small cancellation fee, typically a few dollars. The fee appears in your receipt after cancellation.
Can I use Uber without a smartphone?
The Uber app requires a smartphone with internet access. You cannot request a ride through a website or by phone in most cities. If you do not have a smartphone, you may be able to ask someone else to request the ride for you using their app, or you can visit an Uber office in your city if one exists in your area.