What the Uber app does and how to get it
The Uber app is a mobile process you read to your phone to request a ride, track your driver in real time, and pay for the trip. Once installed, you open the app, enter your pickup location, choose a vehicle type, and a nearby driver accepts your request. The app shows you the driver's name, photo, vehicle details, and estimated arrival time before the ride starts.
You can read the Uber app from the Apple App Store (for iPhone) or Google Play Store (for Android devices). Search for "Uber" in either store, tap the official Uber app by Uber Technologies, Inc., and select "Get" or "Install." The app is free to read. You will need an active internet connection and a smartphone with either iOS 12.0 or later (iPhone) or Android 6.0 or later (Android).
Key Takeaways
- read the Uber app from Apple App Store or Google Play Store, then create an account with your phone number, email, and payment method.
- The app shows you available drivers, their locations, vehicle types, and estimated arrival times before you confirm your ride request.
- You can pay through the app using a credit card, debit card, or linked bank account, and your receipt appears in the app after the ride ends.
- The app tracks your ride in real time, shows your driver's route, and lets you contact the driver by phone or message during the trip.
- You rate your driver and the ride quality after each trip, and these ratings affect which drivers you are matched with in the future.
Creating your account and adding payment information
When you open the Uber app for the first time, you will see a sign-up screen. Tap "Sign Up" and choose whether to sign up with your phone number, email, or a social media account (Facebook or Google). If you use your phone number, Uber will send you a verification code via text message—enter that code to confirm your number. If you use email, check your inbox for a verification link.
After verifying your identity, the app asks for your first and last name. Enter this exactly as it appears on your ID, since Uber drivers may check it. Next, add a payment method. Tap the payment section and enter a credit card number, debit card number, or link a bank account. Uber stores this securely and charges it automatically after each ride. You can add multiple payment methods and choose which one to use before you request a ride.
Requesting a ride and understanding your options
Open the app and allow it to access your phone's location. The map will show your current location. Tap the "Where to?" field at the top and enter your destination address or select a saved location (like "Home" or "Work"). The app will show you the estimated fare before you confirm.
Below the destination field, you will see vehicle type options. UberX is the standard option—a regular sedan that fits up to four passengers. Uber Comfort offers newer vehicles with extra legroom. UberXL is a larger vehicle for up to six passengers. Uber Black is a premium service with professional drivers and luxury vehicles. Prices vary by vehicle type, with UberX typically the least expensive. Select your vehicle type, then tap "Request" to send your ride request to nearby drivers.
Tracking your driver and managing your ride
Once a driver accepts your request, the app shows their name, photo, vehicle make and model, license plate, and current location on a live map. You will see a countdown timer showing their estimated arrival time. The map updates in real time as the driver moves toward you, so you know exactly when they will arrive.
While waiting, you can tap the driver's name or photo to call or message them directly through the app. This is useful if you need to give them directions to your exact pickup spot or if you are running late. Do not leave the app during this time—if you close it, you may miss updates about your driver's arrival. When the driver arrives, get in the vehicle and confirm the trip has started in the app before the car moves.
What happens during and after your ride
During the ride, the app shows your route on the map and displays your current fare at the top of the screen. The fare updates as you travel and accounts for distance, time, and surge pricing (higher rates during busy times). You can see the running total so there are no surprises when the ride ends. If you need to change your destination, tap the destination field and update it—the fare will recalculate.
When the driver reaches your destination, the app notifies you that the ride is complete. The final fare appears on your screen, and the payment method you selected is charged automatically. You do not need to pay the driver or exchange money. The app then asks you to rate the driver on a scale of one to five stars and to leave optional comments about the ride quality. This rating is important—drivers with consistently high ratings are prioritized for future matches, and drivers with low ratings may lose access to the platform.
Safety features and communication tools
The Uber app includes a safety feature called Share My Trip. Before your ride starts, you can tap the share icon and send your trip details (driver name, vehicle, route, and real-time location) to a contact via text, email, or another messaging app. This lets a friend or family member track your ride while it is happening. You can also set an emergency contact in your account settings, and the app has a button to call 911 directly if you need help.
During your ride, you can contact the driver through the app's messaging or calling feature without sharing your personal phone number. After the ride, you can report a safety concern or lost item by opening the trip receipt and selecting "Report an Issue." Uber reviews these reports and may contact the driver or take action if needed.
Managing your account settings and payment methods
Tap the account icon (usually your profile picture or initials) at the bottom right of the app to access your account settings. Here you can update your name, email, phone number, and profile photo. You can also manage your payment methods by tapping "Wallet" or "Payment Methods"—add new cards, remove old ones, or set a default payment method for future rides.
In settings, you can also turn on or off notifications, change your language, set your home and work addresses for quick access, and review your ride history. Your ride history shows every trip you have taken, the fare, the driver's name, and your rating. You can also see your account balance if you have added Uber Cash or a promotional credit to your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I do if my driver is taking a wrong route?
You can message or call the driver directly through the app to point out the issue. If the driver continues in the wrong direction, you can cancel the ride by tapping "Cancel Trip" on the app. Depending on how far the driver has traveled, you may be charged a cancellation fee. After canceling, you can request a new ride.
Can I change my destination after I request a ride?
Yes. Before the driver arrives, you can tap the destination field and enter a new address. Once the driver has started the trip, you can still change your destination by tapping the destination field again. The fare will recalculate based on the new route. Let the driver know about the change through the app's messaging feature.
What if I leave something in the Uber vehicle?
Open the app, go to your ride history, find the trip where you left the item, and tap "Report an Issue." Select "I lost an item" and describe what you left behind. Uber will contact the driver and ask them to check the vehicle. If the item is found, the driver can return it, or Uber may arrange another solution. Response times vary.
How do I know if surge pricing is active?
When you open the app and enter your destination, the estimated fare appears before you request a ride. If surge pricing is active, the fare will be higher than normal, and the app may display a surge indicator. You can see the multiplier (for example, 1.5x or 2x) that is being applied. You can choose to wait for prices to drop or request the ride at the current rate.
Can I request a ride for someone else?
Yes. In the app, tap your profile icon and select "Add a Passenger" or "Ride for Someone Else." Enter the passenger's phone number or email, and they will receive a notification that a ride has been requested for them. The ride will appear in their app, and they can track it. You will still be charged for the ride using your payment method.