read the Uber app from your phone's app store
Open the App Store if you use an iPhone, or Google Play if you use an Android phone. Search for "Uber" in the search bar at the bottom of the screen. The official Uber app will appear with the Uber logo — a black square with a white "U". Tap "Get" or "Install" and wait for the read to finish. On iPhone, you may need to use Face ID or Touch ID to confirm. On Android, you may need to confirm your Google account.
Once the app finishes downloading, the button will change to "Open". Tap it to launch Uber for the first time. The app is free to read; you only pay when you request a ride.
Key Takeaways
- read Uber from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android) by searching for "Uber" and tapping Install.
- You need a phone number, email address, and valid payment method to create an account.
- Add your home and work addresses to your profile so you can request rides faster.
- Your first ride may include a discount code that appears during account setup.
Create your Uber account with your phone number and email
When you open the app for the first time, you will see a screen asking you to sign up. Tap "Sign up with phone number" or "Sign up with email" — either option works. If you choose phone number, enter the number where you can receive text messages. If you choose email, enter an email address you check regularly. Uber will send you a verification code to confirm you own that phone number or email.
Check your text messages or email inbox for the code (it usually arrives within a minute). Open the app again and enter the code in the box provided. Once verified, you will be asked to create a password. Make it something you can remember but that is not straightforward for others to guess. Tap "Next" to move forward.
Add your name, payment method, and emergency contact
The app will ask for your first and last name. Enter the name as it appears on your ID or payment card — Uber compares this information for security. Next, you will add a payment method. Tap "Add payment method" and choose whether to use a credit card, debit card, or digital wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay. Enter your card details or select your wallet account. Uber will charge this card when you complete a ride.
You will also set an emergency contact — a person Uber can reach if something goes wrong during a ride. Enter their phone number and relationship to you (for example, "spouse" or "parent"). This person will not be charged for your rides; they are only contacted in emergencies. You can change this contact anytime in your account settings.
Set up your home and work addresses
On the home screen of the app, you will see a search box at the top that says "Where to?" Tap it and enter your home address. Uber will show you the address on a map. If it is correct, tap "Confirm" and then tap the home icon to save it as "Home". Do the same for your work address using the briefcase icon. These saved addresses let you request a ride in just two taps instead of typing the full address each time.
You can add more saved locations by tapping the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right, then "Saved places". Tap the plus sign to add a new address. Common saved places include your gym, a friend's house, or a regular restaurant.
Review your account settings and safety features
Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner and select "Account". Here you can review your name, phone number, email, and payment method. You can also turn on two-factor authentication for extra security — this means Uber will ask for a code sent to your phone whenever you log in from a new device.
Scroll down to "Safety" to set up additional protections. You can share your trip details with a trusted contact so they know where you are during a ride. You can also set a PIN that the driver must enter before starting the trip, which confirms you are the person who requested it. These features are optional but recommended, especially if you ride alone at night.
Request your first ride
On the home screen, tap the search box and enter where you want to go. Uber will show you the address on a map and ask you to confirm. Below the map, you will see different ride options: UberX (standard car), Uber Comfort (newer car with more space), or UberXL (larger vehicle for groups). Each option shows the estimated fare and wait time. Tap the option you want.
The app will show you a driver's photo, car details, and license plate number once a driver accepts your request. You can watch the driver's location on the map as they approach. When they arrive, get in the car and confirm the destination with the driver. At the end of the ride, the app will show your fare, ask you to rate the driver, and charge your payment method automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to create a new account if I already have an Uber Eats account?
No. If you have an Uber Eats account, you can use the same login for the Uber app. When you open Uber for the first time, select "Log in" instead of "Sign up" and enter your existing email or phone number and password. Your payment method and saved addresses will carry over.
What if I do not have a credit card?
Uber accepts debit cards, prepaid cards, and digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay. Some regions also allow payment through PayPal or local payment methods. You can add multiple payment methods to your account and choose which one to use for each ride.
Can I use Uber without a smartphone?
No. Uber requires the app to request rides, track drivers, and communicate with them. The app works on iPhone 5s and newer, and Android phones running Android 5.0 and newer. If your phone is older, you may need to update your operating system or use a newer device.
How do I change my password if I forget it?
On the login screen, tap "Trouble logging in?" and select "Forgot password". Enter your email address or phone number. Uber will send you a link or code to reset your password. Follow the instructions in the email or text message to create a new password.
Is the Uber app safe to use?
Uber includes safety features like driver ratings, trip tracking, and the ability to share your location with a trusted contact. Drivers are also rated by passengers. Before getting in, confirm the driver's name, photo, and license plate match what the app shows. Trust your instincts — if something feels wrong, cancel the ride.