Getting the Uber App on Your Android Phone
You can read the Uber app to your Android phone through the Google Play Store, which is the official app marketplace for Android devices. The app is free to read and install. Once installed, you'll need to create an account or sign in with an existing one before you can request a ride.
The read takes just a few minutes on most connections, and the app works on Android phones running version 6.0 or newer. After installation, the app takes up roughly 100 to 150 megabytes of storage space on your phone, depending on your device model.
Key Takeaways
- Open Google Play Store on your Android phone, search for "Uber," and tap Install to read the app for free.
- You'll need an active Google account on your phone to read apps from the Play Store.
- After installation completes, open the app and create an account using your phone number, email, and payment method.
- The app requires location services to be turned on so Uber can find your pickup location and match you with drivers.
- You can also read the app by visiting uber.com on your phone's web browser and following the link to Google Play Store.
Step-by-Step read Process
Start by opening the Google Play Store app on your Android phone. This app comes pre-installed on most Android devices and has a colorful triangle icon. If you don't see it on your home screen, swipe up to open your app drawer and look for it there.
Tap the search icon at the bottom of the screen (it looks like a magnifying glass) and type "Uber" into the search box. The official Uber app will appear at the top of the results — it has the white Uber "U" logo on a black background. Tap on it to open the app's store page.
On the app page, you'll see a blue button labeled "Install." Tap this button to begin the read. The button will change to show a progress bar as the app downloads and installs. This usually takes one to three minutes depending on your internet speed.
Once installation finishes, the "Install" button will change to "Open." Tap "Open" to launch the app for the first time, or you can close this screen and find the Uber app in your app drawer later.
Creating Your Uber Account
When you open the Uber app for the first time, you'll see a screen asking you to sign up or log in. Tap "Sign up" if you don't already have an account. You'll be asked to enter your phone number first — this is how Uber will contact you about your rides.
After you enter your phone number, Uber will send you a text message with a verification code. Open that text and copy the code, then paste it into the app. This confirms that the phone number belongs to you.
Next, you'll enter your first and last name, then your email address. You'll also need to set up a payment method — Uber accepts credit cards, debit cards, and in some cities, other payment options. Enter your card details or choose an alternative payment method if available.
Before you can request your first ride, you must turn on location services for the Uber app. When the app asks for permission to access your location, tap "Allow" or "Allow all the time." Uber uses this to show your pickup location to drivers and to track your ride in progress.
What You Need Before Downloading
Your Android phone must have Google Play Store access, which requires a Google account. If you don't have one, you can create a free Google account through the Google Account sign-up page on any web browser, or during the setup of a new Android phone.
You'll need an active internet connection — either Wi-Fi or mobile data — to read the app and to use it afterward. The app itself doesn't work without an internet connection, since it needs to communicate with Uber's servers to find drivers and process your ride request.
Make sure you have at least 200 megabytes of free storage space on your phone. You can check this by opening Settings, tapping Storage or Device Care, and looking at the available space. If you're running low, you may need to delete other apps or files first.
Troubleshooting read Problems
If the "Install" button doesn't appear or the read won't start, check that you're signed into your Google account. Open Settings, tap Accounts, and confirm that your Google account is listed. If it's not, add one by tapping "Add account" and following the prompts.
If the read starts but gets stuck, close the Google Play Store completely and reopen it. You can do this by swiping up from the bottom of your screen (or tapping the back button repeatedly) to close all open apps, then reopening Google Play Store and trying again.
If you see an error message saying "This app is not available in your country," Uber may not operate in your location. You can check Uber's website to see which cities it serves. If Uber does operate where you are, try restarting your phone and checking that your location settings are correct.
If your phone storage is full, the read may fail partway through. Delete unused apps or files, then try downloading Uber again. You can also move photos and videos to cloud storage like Google Photos to free up space.
After Installation: First Steps
Once your account is set up and location services are on, you're ready to request a ride. Open the app and you'll see a map showing your current location. Tap the search box at the top and enter your destination, or tap and hold on the map to set a pickup or dropoff point.
The app will show you the estimated fare and the type of vehicle available (such as Uber X or Uber XL). Tap "Request" to send your ride request to nearby drivers. You'll see a screen showing the driver's name, photo, car details, and real-time location as they head toward you.
Keep the app open during your ride so you can see your driver's location and communicate with them if needed. After the ride ends, you'll see the final fare, a map of your route, and an option to rate your driver and leave a comment.
Keeping Your App Updated
Google Play Store automatically updates apps when new versions are released, but you can also check for updates manually. Open Google Play Store, tap your profile icon in the top right, tap "Manage apps & device," and look for Uber in the list. If an update is available, you'll see an "Update" button next to it.
Updates usually include bug fixes, new features, and security improvements. It's a good idea to keep the app updated so you have access to the latest features and to may support the app runs smoothly on your phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Google account to read the Uber app?
Yes, you need an active Google account on your Android phone to read apps from Google Play Store. If you don't have one, you can create a free Google account at accounts.google.com or during Android phone setup. Once you have a Google account, you can read Uber and any other app from the Play Store.
Can I read Uber without using Google Play Store?
You can visit uber.com on your phone's web browser and tap the link to read from Google Play Store, which will open the Play Store app. You cannot read the official Uber app directly from Uber's website to your Android phone — it must come through Google Play Store. Downloading apps from other sources can be unsafe.
How much data does the Uber app use?
The app itself uses about 100 to 150 megabytes of storage space. During a ride, it uses mobile data to track your location and communicate with Uber's servers — typically a few megabytes per ride. If you're on a limited data plan, using Wi-Fi when possible can help reduce data usage.
What if my Android phone is too old to run the Uber app?
Uber requires Android 6.0 or newer. If your phone runs an older version, you won't see the Uber app in Google Play Store. You can check your Android version in Settings under About Phone. If your phone is too old, you may need to upgrade to a newer device to use the Uber app.
Can I use Uber without turning on location services?
No, the Uber app requires location services to be on. Uber uses your location to show drivers where to pick you up and to track your ride. When you first open the app, it will ask for permission to access your location. You must grant this permission to request a ride.