What You Need to Create an Uber Account
To use Uber, you need a smartphone with the Uber app installed, a valid email address or phone number, and a payment method on file. The app is free to read from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. When you open it for the first time, Uber will ask you to create an account by entering your name, email address, and phone number.
You'll also need to set up at least one payment method before you can request a ride. Uber accepts credit cards, debit cards, and in some cities, digital wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay. You can add multiple payment methods and choose which one to use for each trip. Some cities also allow you to pay with cash, though you'll still need a card on file to book the ride.
Your account must be linked to a valid phone number because Uber uses it to contact you and the driver during your trip. Make sure the phone number you enter is one you check regularly and can receive text messages on.
Key Takeaways
- You need the Uber app, a valid email or phone number, and a payment method to create an account.
- Your account is tied to the phone number you provide, which Uber uses to contact you during rides.
- You can add multiple payment methods and switch between them for different trips.
- Your profile information, including your name and photo, is visible to drivers and affects your account standing.
- You can pause or delete your account at any time through the app settings, though your ride history remains on record.
Setting Up Your Payment Method
After you create your account, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) and select "Payment" to add a card or digital wallet. Enter your card number, expiration date, and CVV (the three-digit security code on the back). Uber will verify the card by charging a small amount — usually under $1 — which will be refunded within a few days.
If you want to use a digital wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay, select that option instead of entering your card manually. This is faster and more find because your actual card number is not stored in the Uber app. You can add as many payment methods as you want, and you can remove any of them at any time by going back to the Payment section and swiping left on the card you want to delete.
If a payment method fails during a trip, Uber will try the next one on file. If all of them fail, you'll be charged a failed payment fee and won't be able to request another ride until you add a working payment method.
Updating Your Profile Information
Your profile includes your name, phone number, email address, and photo. Drivers can see your name and photo before they arrive, so they know who they're picking up. To change any of this information, open the menu, tap "Account," and then "Profile." You can edit your name, email, and phone number directly. To change your photo, tap the current photo and either take a new one or choose one from your phone's photo library.
Your profile photo should be a clear, recent photo of your face so the driver can recognize you. Blurry photos, group photos, or photos that don't show your face clearly can cause confusion when the driver arrives. If you change your phone number, make sure to update it in your profile right away, because Uber uses it to contact you during your trip.
You can also add emergency contacts in your Account settings. These are people Uber can notify if something goes wrong during a trip. This is optional but recommended, especially if you travel alone frequently.
Understanding Your Account Settings and Preferences
In the Account section, you can control several settings that affect how Uber works for you. Under "Preferences," you can choose whether to share your location with Uber between trips (this helps the app show you wait times and prices faster). You can also turn on "Ride Preferences" to set things like whether you want the driver to take the fastest route or the cheapest route, and whether you prefer to sit in the front or back seat.
The "Safety" section lets you set up emergency contacts, share your trip details with trusted friends in real time, and turn on features like "RideCheck," which detects if something unusual happens during a trip (like an unexpected stop or route change) and checks in with you. You can also review your ride history and see details about past trips, including the route taken, the driver's name, and how much you paid.
Under "Notifications," you can choose what kinds of messages Uber sends you — ride updates, promotions, or news about new features. You can turn off any category you don't want to receive.
Managing Your Account Balance and Promotions
If you have a promotional credit or gift card balance on your account, it will show in the "Wallet" section of the app. Promotional credits are usually given as discounts on future rides and expire after a certain period — typically 30 to 60 days, though this varies. You can see how much credit you have and when it expires by tapping the Wallet icon.
Uber sometimes offers promotions like "$5 off your next ride" or "20% off rides this weekend." These appear as notifications in the app or in your email. To use a promotion, you usually just need to request a ride during the promotion period — the discount is applied automatically at checkout. Some promotions require a promo code, which you can enter in the Wallet section under "Add Promo Code."
If you receive a promotional code from a friend or from Uber, you can enter it in the Wallet section to add the credit to your account. Make sure to check the expiration date, because expired codes cannot be used.
Pausing or Deleting Your Account
If you want to stop using Uber temporarily, you can pause your account instead of deleting it. To do this, go to Account, tap "Settings," scroll to the bottom, and select "Pause Account." Your account will be inactive, and you won't receive notifications or be charged for anything. You can reactivate it at any time by logging back in.
If you want to permanently delete your account, go to Account, tap "Settings," scroll to the bottom, and select "Delete Account." Uber will ask you to confirm and may ask why you're leaving. Once you delete your account, your profile, payment methods, and ride history are removed from the app. However, Uber keeps some information for legal and safety reasons — you cannot completely erase your record from their systems.
If you delete your account and want to use Uber again later, you'll need to create a new account with the same or a different email address. Any promotional credits or rewards you had will not transfer to the new account.
Troubleshooting Common Account Problems
If you forget your password, open the Uber app and tap "Log In." Then tap "Trouble logging in?" and select "I forgot my password." Uber will send a password reset link to your email address. Click the link, create a new password, and log back in. Make sure your new password is at least 6 characters long and includes a mix of letters and numbers.
If you're locked out of your account because of too many failed login attempts, wait 24 hours before trying again. If you still can't log in, contact Uber Support through the app by tapping the menu, selecting "Help," and choosing "Account & Login Issues." You can describe your problem and Uber will respond within a few hours.
If your payment method keeps failing, make sure the card information you entered is correct — check the card number, expiration date, and CVV. If the information is correct but the card still fails, contact your bank to make sure they're not blocking Uber charges. Some banks flag ride-sharing apps as suspicious and decline the transaction automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have more than one Uber account?
Uber's terms of service say you should only have one account per person. If you create multiple accounts, Uber may deactivate them. However, you can have separate accounts if you're using different phone numbers or email addresses for business and personal use — just contact Uber Support to let them know.
What happens if I lose my phone?
If you lose your phone, log into your Uber account from another device and change your password when ready. Then go to Account and update your phone number to a new one you have access to. This prevents someone else from using your account. If you had an active ride when you lost your phone, contact Uber Support right away so they can help locate the driver and your belongings.
Can I change the email address on my account?
Yes. Go to Account, tap "Profile," and select "Email." Enter your new email address and Uber will send a confirmation link to both your old and new email addresses. Click the link to confirm the change. You'll then log in using your new email address.
Do I need a separate account for Uber Eats?
No. Your Uber account works for both Uber rides and Uber Eats. You can order food and request rides from the same account and payment method. If you want to keep them separate, you can create a second account, but most people use one account for both services.
What if someone else is using my account?
If you think someone has unauthorized access to your account, change your password when ready and review your recent ride history to see if there are trips you didn't take. If you find unauthorized rides, go to Help in the app, select "Account & Login Issues," and report the problem. Uber can investigate and may refund charges for rides you didn't request. You can also enable two-factor authentication in your Account settings for extra security.