How to tell if Uber is actually down or if it's a problem on your end

When the Uber app won't load or your ride request keeps failing, the problem could be on Uber's servers, your phone, your internet connection, or your account. The fastest way to know which one is to check a status page and then run through a few quick tests on your device.

Start by visiting status.uber.com — this is Uber's official status page, and it shows in real time whether the app, website, or payment systems are having outages. If the page shows all systems green, the problem is on your end. If you see a red or yellow alert, Uber's service is down in your area or globally, and you'll see how long they expect the fix to take.

If the status page shows everything is fine but the app still won't work, move to your device. Force close the Uber app completely — don't just swipe away from it. On iPhone, swipe up from the bottom of the screen and hold on the Uber app until a menu appears, then tap "Remove". On Android, go to Settings, find Apps, select Uber, and tap "Force Stop". Then restart your phone and open the app fresh.

Key Takeaways

  • Check status.uber.com first to see whether Uber's servers are actually down or whether the problem is on your device.
  • Force close and restart the Uber app, then restart your phone, before assuming there's a widespread outage.
  • Make sure you have a working internet connection by testing another app or website on your phone.
  • If your payment method is declined, update your card details in the app's payment settings before requesting another ride.
  • When Uber is down, you can use competitor apps like Lyft, Taxi, or local car services while you wait for service to return.

Check your internet connection

A weak or dropped internet connection is the most common reason the Uber app stops responding. Open your phone's settings and look at your WiFi or mobile signal strength. If you're on WiFi, try switching to mobile data, or vice versa. Open a web browser and load any website — if that works, your connection is fine and the problem is with the app or your account.

If you can't load any website or app, restart your phone's WiFi or mobile data. On most phones, you can toggle airplane mode on for 10 seconds, then off again, which resets your connection. If you're on WiFi, try moving closer to the router or restarting the router itself by unplugging it for 30 seconds.

Update your payment method if rides are being rejected

If you can open the Uber app and see available drivers, but your ride request keeps failing or you get a message about payment, your card or payment method may have expired or been declined. Open the Uber app, tap your profile icon in the top left, then tap "Wallet" or "Payment Methods". Look for any card that shows an expiration date or a warning icon.

If a card is expired or flagged, tap it and update the information, or delete it and add a new card. Make sure the name, address, and card number match exactly what your bank has on file. After you update your payment method, wait a few seconds and try requesting a ride again.

Sign out and sign back in to your account

Sometimes the app gets stuck in a state where it can't communicate with Uber's servers even though both are working. Signing out and back in forces the app to refresh your account connection. Tap your profile icon, scroll to the bottom, and tap "Sign Out". Wait 30 seconds, then sign back in with your phone number or email and password.

If you've forgotten your password, tap "Trouble signing in?" on the login screen and follow the steps to reset it. Uber will send a code to your email or phone number. This process usually takes a few minutes.

What to do while Uber is down

If status.uber.com confirms that Uber is experiencing an outage and you need a ride right now, open another ride-sharing app. Lyft, Taxi, and local car services are the most common alternatives. read the app, add your payment method, and request a ride the same way you would on Uber.

If you've already requested an Uber and the driver accepted but the app is frozen, try calling the driver directly. Your driver's phone number appears in the app once they accept — if the app won't load, text a friend to take a screenshot of the driver's number before the app closes. Alternatively, wait a few minutes for the app to recover, as short outages often resolve on their own.

When to contact Uber support

If the status page shows no outage, you've restarted your phone and app, checked your internet connection, and updated your payment method, but the app still won't work, contact Uber's support team. Open the app, tap your profile icon, tap "Help", and select the issue you're facing. Uber will show you a list of solutions, and at the bottom you can tap "Contact Us" to message support directly.

Uber's support team typically responds within a few hours during business hours. Describe exactly what happens when you try to use the app — for example, "The app opens but won't load available drivers" or "I get an error message that says [exact message]". Include your phone model and the version of iOS or Android you're running, which you can find in your phone's settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if Uber is down in my city or everywhere?

Visit status.uber.com and look at the map. It shows which regions are affected. If your city isn't highlighted in red or yellow, the outage is not affecting your area, and the problem is on your device or account. If your city is highlighted, Uber's service is down there and you should wait or use another app.

Why does Uber keep saying my payment method was declined?

Your card may be expired, your bank may have flagged the charge as suspicious, or the card details in the app may not match what your bank has on file. Go to your payment methods in the app and update or replace the card. If the problem continues, contact your bank to ask whether they've blocked Uber charges.

Can I get a refund if Uber was down and I couldn't get a ride?

Uber does not refund you for time you spent waiting if the app was down, because you were not charged. If you were charged for a ride you never received, contact Uber support through the app and describe what happened. Support can review the transaction and issue a refund if the charge was made in error.

What should I do if the Uber app keeps crashing?

Force close the app, restart your phone, and then open the app again. If it still crashes, uninstall the app completely, restart your phone, and reinstall it from the App Store or Google Play Store. This removes any corrupted files that may be causing the crash. If the app crashes after reinstalling, contact Uber support.

How long do Uber outages usually last?

Most outages last between 15 minutes and a few hours. Status.uber.com usually shows an estimated time to resolution. If an outage lasts longer than a few hours, check the status page again — Uber updates it as they work on the fix. You can also follow @Uber on social media for outage announcements.