Uber Chat lets you send text messages to your driver without sharing your phone number

Uber Chat is the messaging feature built into the Uber app that lets you contact your driver during a trip. When you open the chat, you see a conversation thread with your driver's name at the top. Messages go through Uber's servers, not directly between your phones, so neither of you exchanges personal contact information. The feature works on both iPhone and Android, and it stays active from the moment you request a ride until the trip ends.

You can use Uber Chat to tell your driver where to pick you up if the GPS location is unclear, ask them to wait a few minutes while you grab your bag, or let them know you're running late. Drivers can also message you — for example, to say they've arrived or to ask for clarification about your destination. All messages stay within the app and disappear after the trip concludes.

Key Takeaways

  • Uber Chat is available only during an active trip, from the moment you request a ride until the driver marks the trip complete.
  • Your phone number and the driver's phone number are never shared; messages pass through Uber's system instead.
  • You can send text, emoji, and photos through Uber Chat, though photo sharing may not be available in all regions.
  • If your driver does not respond or you need when ready help, use the emergency call button or contact Uber support through the app's Help section.

How to open Uber Chat during your trip

Once you have requested a ride and a driver has accepted, open the Uber app and look at the trip screen. At the top, you will see your driver's name, vehicle details, and a small chat icon — usually a speech bubble or message symbol. Tap that icon to open the chat window. If you do not see it, swipe up on the trip card at the bottom of the screen to reveal more options.

The chat window shows your driver's name and photo at the top, with a text input field at the bottom. Type your message and tap send. Your driver will see it appear on their screen in real time. If the driver is actively driving, they may not respond when ready, and that is normal — they should not be reading messages while operating the vehicle.

What you can send and what you cannot

Uber Chat supports text messages and emoji. In some cities, you can also send photos — for example, a picture of your front door to help your driver find the pickup location. To send a photo, look for a camera or image icon in the chat input area. Not all regions have photo sharing turned on yet, so if you do not see the option, it is not available in your area.

You cannot make voice calls or video calls through Uber Chat. If you need to speak to your driver by voice, use the phone icon on the trip screen to call them directly — this routes through Uber's system and still protects your number. You also cannot share files, links, or payment information through chat. Keep messages focused on trip logistics: pickup location, wait time, destination changes, or other details about the current ride.

When Uber Chat is and is not available

Uber Chat only works during an active trip. You cannot message a driver before you request a ride, and you cannot message them after the trip ends and the driver has logged off. If you need to contact a driver about a previous trip — for example, because you left something in the car — you must go through Uber support instead. Open the app, go to the Help section, find the trip in your history, and report a lost item or other issue.

If you request a ride and no driver accepts within a few minutes, you will not see a chat option because there is no driver assigned yet. Once a driver accepts your request, the chat icon will appear. If your driver goes offline or cancels the trip, the chat closes when ready.

What to do if your driver is not responding

If you send a message and your driver does not respond within a reasonable time — say, five minutes — they may be focused on driving, dealing with traffic, or have not seen the notification yet. Wait a bit longer before trying again. If you have an urgent question about your pickup location or a time-sensitive issue, use the phone call button instead. Tap the phone icon on the trip screen to call your driver directly.

If your driver is not responding to calls or messages and you feel unsafe, or if you believe the driver is going the wrong direction, tap the emergency button (usually a red icon or labeled "Emergency") on the trip screen. This connects you to Uber support when ready. You can also report the issue after the trip ends by opening the Help section, finding the trip, and selecting "Report a safety concern" or "Report a problem with this trip."

Privacy and safety with Uber Chat

Uber Chat is designed to keep your phone number private. The driver sees only your first name and the messages you send through the app. They do not see your phone number, email, or home address unless you type it into a message yourself — which you should not do. Similarly, you see only the driver's first name and photo. If a driver asks you to call them on their personal phone or asks for your number, that is a red flag. Report it to Uber support when ready.

Messages sent through Uber Chat are stored on Uber's servers while the trip is active. After the trip ends, the chat history is typically deleted or archived, though Uber may retain records for safety and dispute resolution. Do not share sensitive information — passwords, credit card numbers, Social Security numbers — through any Uber messaging feature. If you need to report a safety concern, use the emergency button or contact Uber support through the Help section, not through chat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I message my driver before they accept my ride request?

No. Uber Chat only appears after a driver has accepted your ride. Before that, there is no driver assigned to your request, so there is no one to message. Once a driver accepts, the chat icon will show up on your trip screen.

Will my driver see my phone number if I use Uber Chat?

No. Uber Chat masks both your phone number and the driver's phone number. The driver sees only your first name and the messages you type. If you accidentally type your phone number into a message, the driver will see it, so avoid doing that.

What happens to my chat messages after the trip ends?

Chat messages are typically deleted or archived after the trip concludes. You will not be able to see the conversation history in the app after the driver marks the trip complete. If you need to reference something discussed during the trip, take a screenshot while the trip is still active.

Can I use Uber Chat to contact a driver about a lost item?

No, because chat closes when the trip ends. If you left something in the car, open the Uber app, go to Help, find the trip in your history, and report a lost item. Uber will try to contact the driver on your behalf and coordinate the return of your belongings.

What should I do if a driver asks me to call them on their personal phone?

Do not do it. Drivers should only contact you through the Uber app. If a driver asks for your personal phone number or wants to communicate outside the app, report it to Uber support when ready by opening Help, selecting the trip, and choosing "Report a safety concern."