Opening Your Account and Getting Started
The Uber app is a mobile process you read to your phone to request rides or offer rides to passengers. When you first open the app, you will create an account using your phone number or email address, add a payment method, and confirm your identity. For riders, that is all you need before you can request your first trip. For drivers, the setup takes longer — you will need to upload documents like your driver's license, proof of insurance, and vehicle registration, and Uber will run a background check before you can go online.
The app works on both iPhone and Android devices. You can read it from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store by searching "Uber". Once installed, open the app and tap "Sign up" to create your account. You will be asked to choose whether you are a rider, a driver, or both. This choice is not permanent — you can switch roles later in your account settings.
Key Takeaways
- Riders request a trip by entering a pickup location and destination, then accept a driver and pay through the app after the ride ends.
- Drivers must upload documents and pass a background check before they can accept rides, which typically takes three to five business days.
- The app shows you the estimated fare before you confirm the ride, and you can see your driver's location and rating in real time.
- Both riders and drivers can rate each other after each trip, and ratings below 4.6 stars may result in account restrictions.
- You can contact Uber support through the app if a ride goes wrong, and disputes over fares or lost items are handled through the Help section.
How Riders Request and Pay for Trips
To request a ride, open the app and tap the search box at the top. Type or say your destination, then tap "Confirm" when the address appears. The app will show you the estimated fare, how many minutes until a driver arrives, and the vehicle type — UberX is the standard option, while UberXL seats more passengers and costs more. Tap "Confirm" again to send your request to nearby drivers.
Once a driver accepts, you will see their name, photo, car details, and real-time location on a map. You can call or message them through the app without sharing your phone number. When the driver arrives, get in and confirm the trip has started. During the ride, you can watch the route on the map and see the fare climbing in real time. When you reach your destination, the driver will end the trip, and the app will show your total fare. You can pay with a credit card, debit card, or digital wallet that you added during signup — the charge happens automatically.
After the trip, you will be asked to rate your driver on a scale of one to five stars and can leave a comment. Your driver will also rate you. These ratings are visible to both of you and affect your account standing. Riders and drivers with ratings below 4.6 stars may lose access to the app.
How Drivers Go Online and Accept Rides
Before you can drive, you must complete the signup process, which includes uploading a photo of your driver's license, proof of insurance, vehicle registration, and a recent photo of yourself. Uber will also run a background check through a third-party company. This process usually takes three to five business days, though it can take longer if documents are unclear or if the background check raises questions. You will receive an email when your account is approved.
Once approved, open the app and tap the "Go Online" button to start accepting rides. The app will show you ride requests from nearby passengers. Each request displays the passenger's pickup location, destination, and estimated fare. You can accept or decline the request — declining does not penalize you, but accepting and then canceling after the passenger has waited more than two minutes may lower your rating. When you accept, the passenger can see your location and vehicle details, and you can message or call them through the app.
Drive to the pickup location and tap "Arrived" when you get there. The passenger will come to your car. Once they are inside, tap "Start Trip" to begin the ride. The app will guide you turn-by-turn to the destination. When you arrive, tap "End Trip" and the fare is calculated automatically. The passenger pays through the app, and you will see the amount in your earnings. You can then rate the passenger and go back online to accept the next ride.
Understanding Fares and Earnings
Rider fares are calculated based on distance, time, and demand. The app shows you an estimated fare before you confirm your trip, though the final amount may be slightly different if traffic or route changes occur. Surge pricing happens during busy times — the app will show you a multiplier (such as 1.5x) that increases the base fare. You can see this multiplier before you confirm the trip.
Driver earnings depend on the fare charged to the passenger, minus Uber's commission, which varies by city and service type. Uber typically takes 25 to 30 percent of each fare, though this percentage changes. You will see a breakdown of your earnings in the app after each trip — the amount shown is what you will receive after Uber's cut. Drivers also earn tips, which passengers can add through the app up to one hour after the trip ends. Tips go entirely to the driver.
Ratings, Cancellations, and Account Safety
Your rating is one of the most important numbers in the Uber app. Riders and drivers both have ratings that start at 5.0 and drop when the other person gives you fewer than five stars. A low rating can result in warnings, temporary deactivation, or permanent removal from the platform. You can see your rating by tapping your profile picture, then "Ratings". You cannot see individual ratings from specific trips, but you can see your overall average.
Cancellations affect your rating and may result in fees. If a rider cancels after a driver has started driving to pick them up, the rider may be charged a cancellation fee. If a driver cancels after accepting a ride, their rating may drop and they may be charged a fee if they cancel too many rides in a short time. The app will warn you about cancellation fees before you confirm the cancellation.
Uber has safety features built into the app. Riders can share their trip details with a contact, and both riders and drivers can report safety concerns through the Help section. The app records the route and time of each trip. If something goes wrong — a lost item, a fare dispute, or a safety issue — you can report it through the app within 24 hours of the trip, and Uber will investigate.
Resolving Problems and Contacting Support
If something goes wrong during or after a trip, open the app and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines), then "Help". You will see a list of common issues like "I lost an item", "I was charged incorrectly", or "I had a safety concern". Tap the issue that matches your problem, and the app will guide you through reporting it. For lost items, you can message the driver directly through the app, and Uber will also try to contact them on your behalf.
For fare disputes, explain what happened and Uber will review the trip details — distance, time, and route — to determine if an adjustment is warranted. Adjustments can take several business days. If you are unhappy with Uber's decision, you can appeal through the Help section, though Uber's decision is usually final.
For account issues like a locked account or a payment problem, the Help section will show you troubleshooting steps or the option to contact Uber support directly. Response times vary, but Uber typically replies within 24 to 48 hours. You can also contact support through the website if you prefer not to use the app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Uber without a smartphone?
No, the Uber app requires a smartphone with internet access. There is no web version for riders to request trips, though drivers can view some account information on the website. If you do not have a smartphone, you cannot use Uber.
What happens if my payment method fails?
If your card is declined at the end of a trip, Uber will try the payment method again within 24 hours. If it fails a second time, your account may be suspended until you update your payment information. You can add a new card through the app under "Payment Methods".
How do I delete my Uber account?
Open the app, tap your profile picture, scroll to the bottom, and tap "Delete Account". You will be asked to confirm. Once deleted, your account cannot be recovered, though you can create a new one with the same phone number or email after 30 days.
Can I request a ride for someone else?
Yes, you can request a ride and have someone else ride in the car. The person riding does not need their own Uber account. However, you will be charged for the ride, and you are responsible for the passenger's behavior.
What should I do if I see an error in my fare?
Go to the trip in your trip history, tap it, and tap "Report a Problem". Explain what happened and Uber will review the distance, time, and route. If an error is found, Uber will refund the difference to your original payment method within three to five business days.