What you need to create an Uber account
You need a smartphone with the Uber app installed, a valid email address or phone number, and a payment method. Uber accepts credit cards, debit cards, and in some cities, digital wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay. You will also need to be at least 18 years old and have a valid government-issued ID if you plan to drive for Uber rather than just request rides.
The sign-up process takes about five minutes. Open the Uber app, enter your phone number or email, create a password, and add your payment information. Uber will send a verification code to confirm your phone number or email address. Once you verify it, your account is active and you can request a ride when ready.
If you are signing up to drive for Uber instead of using it as a passenger, the process is longer. You will need to provide your driver's license, vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and a Social Security number for a background check. This can take one to two weeks to process.
Key Takeaways
- You need a smartphone, email or phone number, and a valid payment method to create a passenger account in minutes.
- Driver accounts require your license, vehicle documents, insurance proof, and Social Security number, and take one to two weeks to be approved.
- You can add multiple payment methods to your account and switch between them when you request a ride or make a delivery.
- Your account settings let you change your name, phone number, email, and payment information at any time without losing your ride history.
- If you forget your password, use the "Forgot password" link on the login screen to reset it by email or text message.
Adding and changing payment methods
You can store multiple payment methods in your Uber account. Open the app, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines), select "Wallet," and then tap "Add payment method." Enter your card details or link a digital wallet. Uber will charge your default payment method unless you switch to a different one before you request a ride.
To change your default payment method, go to Wallet and tap the payment method you want to use as your primary option. A checkmark will appear next to it. You can also remove old or expired cards by tapping the three dots next to the card and selecting "Remove."
If a payment fails, Uber will try the next payment method on file. If all methods fail, your ride or delivery will be canceled. You can update your payment information at any time, even after a ride has been requested but before the driver arrives.
Updating your personal information
Your name, phone number, and email address can be changed in your account settings. Tap the menu icon, select "Account," and then "Personal information." You can edit each field directly. If you change your phone number, Uber will send a verification code to the new number to confirm the change.
Changing your email address works the same way. Uber will send a confirmation link to your new email. Click the link to complete the change. Your old email will no longer be associated with your account.
If you change your name, the new name will appear on ride receipts and in your driver's profile if you drive for Uber. For driver accounts, name changes may require additional verification depending on your location.
Understanding your ride and delivery history
Every ride and delivery you complete appears in your trip history. Open the app, tap the menu icon, and select "Your trips" to see a list of all past rides and deliveries. Each entry shows the date, time, pickup and dropoff locations, distance, duration, and the amount you paid or earned.
You can tap any trip to see more details, including the driver's name and rating, the route taken on a map, and a breakdown of charges. If you used a promotion code or Uber Cash, it will show how much discount you received. This history stays in your account permanently unless you delete it.
If you need a receipt for a ride or delivery, tap the trip and select "Receipt." You can email the receipt to yourself or share it. Receipts are useful for expense reports or reimbursement from your employer.
Managing your profile rating and reviews
As a passenger, drivers rate you after each ride on a scale of one to five stars. Your average rating appears in your profile. Drivers can see your rating before accepting your ride request, and a low rating may cause some drivers to decline your requests. You can view your rating by tapping the menu icon and selecting "Account," then "Your rating."
You cannot see individual reviews from drivers, but you can see your overall rating and the number of rides you have completed. If your rating drops below 4.6 stars in many cities, Uber may deactivate your account. To maintain a high rating, be ready when your driver arrives, treat the vehicle respectfully, and follow the driver's instructions.
If you are a driver, passengers rate you the same way. Your driver rating is visible in your driver profile and affects how many ride requests you receive. Ratings below 4.6 stars can result in deactivation from the driver platform.
Resetting your password and securing your account
If you forget your password, open the Uber app and tap "Forgot password?" on the login screen. Enter your email address or phone number, and Uber will send a reset link or code. Click the link or enter the code, then create a new password. Your new password takes effect when ready.
To change your password without forgetting it, tap the menu icon, select "Account," then "Security," and choose "Change password." Enter your current password and your new password twice. Use a password that is at least eight characters long and includes numbers and letters.
You can also enable two-factor authentication for extra security. In the Security section, toggle on "Two-factor authentication." Uber will send a code to your phone or email each time you log in from a new device. This prevents someone else from accessing your account even if they know your password.
Troubleshooting common account problems
If your account has been deactivated, Uber will send an email explaining why. Common reasons include a low rating, canceling too many rides, or a failed background check for drivers. You can appeal the decision by replying to the email or contacting Uber support through the app. Go to the menu, select "Help," and choose "Account and profile" to find the contact option.
If you cannot log in, make sure you are using the correct email address or phone number. If you have multiple accounts, you may be trying to log into the wrong one. Try resetting your password. If the problem continues, contact Uber support and describe what happens when you try to log in.
If you see charges on your account that you did not authorize, report them when ready. Tap the menu, select "Help," find the ride or delivery in question, and choose "Report a problem." Describe the unauthorized charge and Uber will investigate. Do not ignore unexpected charges, as they may indicate account fraud.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have more than one Uber account?
Uber's terms of service do not allow multiple accounts per person. If you create a second account, both may be deactivated. If you need to switch email addresses or phone numbers, contact Uber support and ask them to update your existing account instead of creating a new one.
What happens if I delete my Uber account?
Deleting your account removes your personal information and payment methods, but your trip history and ratings remain in Uber's system. You can request account deletion through the app by going to Account, then "Delete account." The process takes about 30 days. After deletion, you can create a new account with the same phone number or email.
How do I contact Uber support about my account?
Open the Uber app, tap the menu icon, and select "Help." Choose the category that matches your problem — "Account and profile," "Payments," "Safety," or "Rides." Uber will show you answers to common questions and a button to contact support. Response times vary, but Uber usually replies within a few hours.
Can I change my account type from passenger to driver?
You cannot convert a passenger account to a driver account. You must create a separate driver account with the same or different email address. Both accounts can exist at the same time, and you can switch between them in the app by tapping the menu and selecting "Switch to driving" or "Switch to requesting rides."
What should I do if someone else is using my account?
Change your password when ready and enable two-factor authentication. Check your trip history and payment methods for unauthorized activity. If you see rides or deliveries you did not make, report them to Uber support as fraudulent. Consider removing old payment methods and adding a new one. If the problem continues, contact Uber support and ask them to review your account security.