What Uber Messenger is and who can use it
Uber Messenger is Uber's in-app messaging feature that lets you communicate with your driver before and after a ride. You send and receive text messages through the Uber app itself rather than exchanging phone numbers. The feature is built into the Uber app on both iPhone and Android, and you can use it on any ride you book through Uber or Uber Eats.
You do not need to do anything special to turn on Messenger — it appears automatically in your app once you book a ride. Your driver can message you, and you can message them. The conversation stays within the app and disappears after the trip ends, so neither of you keeps a permanent record of the exchange.
Messenger works the same way whether you are the passenger or the driver. If you drive for Uber, you can message passengers who have booked a ride with you. If you order food through Uber Eats, you can message the delivery driver about your order.
Key Takeaways
- Uber Messenger is a text feature inside the Uber app that activates once you book a ride, letting you contact your driver without sharing your phone number.
- Messages are only available during the active trip and disappear after the ride ends, so you cannot retrieve old conversations.
- You can use Messenger to tell your driver where to pick you up, ask them to wait, or let them know you are running late.
- Messenger works on both iPhone and Android and is included with every Uber account at no extra cost.
- Drivers can see your message notifications in real time and can respond while driving, though they should not read or type while the vehicle is moving.
When you can message your driver
Messaging becomes available the moment your ride is confirmed and your driver is assigned. You can message before they arrive at your pickup location, while they are driving to you, during the ride, and for a short time after you are dropped off. Once the trip officially ends in the app, the chat closes and you lose access to that conversation.
The most common reason to message is to give pickup instructions. If your driver cannot find your location, you can send a message saying you are on the corner of Fifth and Main, or that you are wearing a blue jacket. You can also message to say you are running late and ask the driver to wait, or to let them know you are coming down now.
During the ride, you might message to ask the driver to take a different route, adjust the temperature, or let them know where you want to be dropped off if it is different from what you entered in the app. After the ride ends, you have a brief window to message if you left something behind or need to clarify something about the trip.
How messages appear to your driver
When you send a message through Messenger, your driver sees a notification on their phone and in their Uber app. The notification pops up even if they are using another app or if their phone screen is off. Drivers can read your message and type a response without leaving the Uber app.
Drivers are instructed not to read or compose messages while the vehicle is moving, but the app does not prevent them from doing so. If your driver does not respond right away, they may be focused on the road or dealing with traffic. A message about pickup instructions or a request to wait is usually more urgent than a message during an active ride.
Your driver can see your name, photo, and rating in the app, just as you can see theirs. When you message, your name appears above the message so they know it is from you and not from another passenger.
Privacy and what happens to your messages
Uber Messenger does not share your actual phone number with the driver. This is the main privacy benefit — you can communicate without giving out your contact information. The driver sees only your name and photo as they appear in your Uber account.
Messages sent through Messenger are stored on Uber's servers while the trip is active. Once the trip ends and a certain amount of time has passed, Uber deletes the conversation from both your app and the driver's app. You cannot scroll back and read old messages from past trips, and neither can the driver. If you need to keep a record of something discussed during a ride, you should take a screenshot before the trip ends.
Uber can see the content of your messages as part of its normal data practices. If you report a safety issue or a problem with a trip, Uber may review the message history as part of its investigation. Messages are not encrypted end-to-end, meaning Uber and potentially other parties with access to Uber's systems can read them.
Messenger versus calling or texting directly
You have three ways to contact your driver: through Messenger, by calling the driver's number, or by texting the driver's number. Messenger is the default option because it keeps your phone number private. When you call or text, Uber provides a temporary phone number that masks both your real number and the driver's real number, but it is still a direct connection outside the app.
Messenger is faster for quick messages because notifications appear when ready in the app. A call or text might get missed if the driver is focused on the road or has their phone on silent. Messenger also creates a record within the trip itself, so if there is a dispute about what was said, Uber can review the messages.
If Messenger is not working or you need to reach your driver urgently, you can call using the phone number provided in the app. That number works for the duration of the trip and then disconnects.
Troubleshooting when Messenger is not working
If you cannot see the Messenger option in your app, check that your Uber app is up to date. Messenger requires a recent version of the app on both your phone and the driver's phone. Go to your phone's app store, search for Uber, and install any available updates.
If the Messenger button appears but messages are not sending, check your internet connection. Messenger uses data or Wi-Fi to send messages, not SMS text. If you are on a weak connection, try moving to a location with stronger signal or switching from Wi-Fi to mobile data.
If your driver is not responding to messages, they may not have seen the notification yet, or they may be unable to respond while driving. You can also call the driver using the phone number in the app if the message is urgent. If you believe there is a technical problem, you can report the issue to Uber through the app's help section after the trip ends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I message my driver before they are assigned to my ride?
No. Messenger only becomes available once a driver has been matched to your ride and is on the way to pick you up. Before that point, you cannot send messages through the app.
What if I need to contact my driver after the trip is over?
Once the trip ends, the Messenger chat closes and you lose the ability to message that driver. If you left something in the car or need to reach them, use the help section in the Uber app to report a lost item or contact Uber support, and they can try to reach the driver on your behalf.
Does my driver see my phone number when I message?
No. Your driver sees only your name and photo from your Uber account. Your actual phone number is not shared through Messenger. If you want to give your driver your real phone number, you would have to type it into a message, but that is not required.
Can I use Messenger to report a safety problem during a ride?
Messenger is not the right tool for safety emergencies. If you feel unsafe, call 911 when ready. For non-emergency safety concerns, you can report them to Uber after the trip ends through the app's safety reporting feature, which allows you to describe what happened and upload evidence.
Is Messenger available for Uber Eats deliveries?
Yes. When you order food through Uber Eats, you can message your delivery driver using the same Messenger feature. The chat works the same way — it is available during the delivery and closes once the order is complete.