What the Uber app does and how to start
The Uber app is a mobile process that lets you request a ride from a driver in your area. You open the app, enter where you want to go, and a nearby driver accepts your request and picks you up. The app shows you the driver's location in real time, tells you how many minutes until they arrive, and calculates the fare before you confirm the ride.
To use Uber, you need a smartphone with the app installed, a valid payment method on file (a debit card, credit card, or linked bank account), and a phone number to receive ride confirmations. The app works on both iPhone and Android devices. You create an account using your email address or phone number, add a payment method, and you're ready to request your first ride.
The app is free to read. You only pay when you request and complete a ride. Uber charges a base fare, a per-minute charge, and a per-mile charge — the exact amounts vary by city and time of day. Surge pricing applies during busy periods, which means fares are higher than usual.
Key Takeaways
- The Uber app shows you the driver's location and estimated arrival time before you confirm the ride, and you can see the fare estimate before you pay.
- You need a smartphone, a valid payment method, and a phone number to create an account and request rides.
- Fares include a base amount plus per-minute and per-mile charges, and prices are higher during busy times.
- The app tracks your ride in real time and sends you a receipt with the final fare and trip details after the ride ends.
- You can set a pickup location, add a stop along the way, and share your trip details with a contact before you ride.
Setting your pickup and dropoff locations
When you open the Uber app, the first screen shows two text fields: one for your pickup location and one for your destination. The app uses your phone's location to fill in the pickup field automatically, but you can change it by tapping the field and typing a new address, intersection, or landmark. The app will show you a list of matching locations as you type.
For the destination field, type the address where you want to go. Again, the app suggests matching locations as you type. If you're not sure of the exact address, you can enter a business name (like a restaurant or hotel) and the app will find it. Once you've entered both locations, tap the button to see the fare estimate and available ride types.
If you need to stop somewhere along the way, you can add a stop after you've entered your destination. Tap the option to add a stop, enter the address, and the app will calculate a new fare that includes the detour. You can add multiple stops on a single ride, though each stop adds time and cost to your fare.
Choosing a ride type and confirming your fare
After you enter your locations, the Uber app shows you the ride types available in your area. The most common option is UberX, which is a standard sedan. Other types may include UberXL (a larger vehicle for more passengers), Uber Comfort (a newer car with extra legroom), and Uber Black (a premium sedan). Each ride type has a different base fare and per-mile rate, so the total cost varies.
The app displays the fare estimate for each ride type. This is not a may provide — your final fare may be higher or lower depending on traffic, the exact route the driver takes, and surge pricing at the time of your ride. Once you choose a ride type, the app shows you how many minutes until a driver arrives and begins matching you with nearby drivers.
Before the driver arrives, you can cancel the ride without charge if you change your mind. Once a driver accepts your request, canceling may result in a cancellation fee. The app will notify you when a driver has been matched to your ride, and you'll see their name, photo, vehicle details, and real-time location on the map.
Tracking your driver and communicating during the ride
Once a driver accepts your ride request, the app shows a map with the driver's current location and their route to you. You can see how many minutes away they are, and this estimate updates as they drive. The driver's name, photo, and vehicle information appear at the top of the screen so you know who to look for.
If you need to contact the driver, you can tap the phone icon in the app to call them directly. You can also send a message through the app — for example, to let them know you're running a few minutes late or to describe what you're wearing so they can spot you. The app does not show your phone number to the driver unless you call them.
During the ride, the app continues to show your location and the route to your destination. You can see the fare meter updating in real time as you travel. If the driver takes a significantly different route than expected, you can contact them through the app to ask about it. At the end of the ride, the driver will mark it complete in the app, and you'll receive a receipt with the final fare.
Payment and receipts after your ride
Uber charges your payment method automatically when the ride ends. The charge appears on your debit card or credit card statement within a few days, depending on your bank. If you linked a bank account instead of a card, the charge may take longer to process. You do not hand cash or a card to the driver — payment is handled entirely through the app.
After the ride, the app shows you a receipt with the trip details: the pickup and dropoff locations, the distance traveled, the time the ride took, and the fare breakdown. The breakdown shows the base fare, the per-mile charge, the per-minute charge, and any surge pricing that applied. If you were charged a cancellation fee or a tolling fee, those appear on the receipt as well.
You can rate the driver and leave a comment about your experience. The rating is private — the driver sees your rating but not your name. You can also report a problem with the ride, such as a safety concern or a route issue, by selecting the option to contact Uber support. Ratings and comments help Uber maintain driver quality and can affect whether a driver continues to work with the platform.
Adding payment methods and managing your account
To add or change a payment method, open the Uber app and tap the menu icon (usually three horizontal lines) in the lower right corner. Select "Wallet" or "Payment" to see your current payment methods. You can add a debit card, credit card, or bank account by entering the card number or bank details. Uber will verify the payment method before you can use it to pay for rides.
You can set a default payment method, and Uber will charge that method for each ride unless you change it. If a payment method fails or expires, Uber will ask you to update it before you can request another ride. You can also add a promotional code or gift card balance to your account, and Uber will use that credit before charging your payment method.
Your account settings also let you update your name, phone number, and email address. You can turn on or off notifications for ride updates, promotions, and account activity. If you want to delete your account, you can do that through the settings menu, though you'll lose any unused credit or promotional codes.
Safety features and sharing your trip
The Uber app includes a safety feature called "Share My Trip" that lets you send your ride details to a contact. Before you request a ride or during the ride, you can tap the share icon and select a contact from your phone. That person will receive a link that shows your real-time location and the driver's information. The link stops working when the ride ends.
The app also has an emergency button that you can tap to contact emergency services directly. This feature is available during your ride and for a short time after. You can also report a safety concern to Uber support through the app, and Uber will review the report and take action if needed.
Before you get in the vehicle, confirm that the license plate and car color match what the app shows. Check the driver's name and photo. If something doesn't match or you feel unsafe, cancel the ride and request a new one. Trust your instincts — Uber encourages riders to prioritize their safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don't know the exact address of where I'm going?
You can enter a business name, landmark, or intersection into the destination field, and the app will search for matching locations. If you're going to a restaurant, hotel, or store, type the name and the app will show you nearby results. You can also tap the map to select a location by pointing to it directly.
Can I change my destination after the ride has started?
Yes. During the ride, you can tap the destination field and enter a new address. The app will recalculate the fare based on the new route and show you the updated estimate. The driver will see the new destination on their map and adjust their route accordingly.
What happens if the driver goes offline or cancels?
If a driver cancels after accepting your ride, you'll be notified when ready and the app will begin matching you with another driver. You won't be charged a cancellation fee if the driver cancels. If no drivers are available, the app will tell you and you can try requesting again in a few minutes.
How do I know if surge pricing is in effect?
The app shows the fare estimate before you confirm the ride, and it will note if surge pricing is active. Surge pricing appears as a multiplier — for example, 1.5x means fares are 50 percent higher than normal. You can see this on the fare estimate screen before you request the ride.
Can I request a ride for someone else?
Yes. In the app menu, you can add contacts as "Saved Riders" and request a ride for them. The ride will be charged to your payment method, but the other person will receive the trip details and can track the driver. This feature is useful if you're sending a family member or friend somewhere.