What Uber Teen is and who can use it

Uber Teen is a version of the Uber app designed for riders aged 13 to 17 who do not have their own Uber account. A parent or guardian creates and controls the Teen account from their own Uber app, and the teenager can request rides using a separate login. The parent receives notifications when the ride starts and ends, and can see the route in real time.

Uber Teen is available in most US cities where Uber operates, though availability varies by location. You can check whether it is available in your area by opening the parent's Uber app, tapping the account icon, and looking for the option to add a teen account. If you do not see it, the feature is not yet available where you live.

The teenager must be at least 13 years old and have a valid email address to set up the account. They do not need their own phone — they can use a parent's phone, a tablet, or any device that can run the Uber app. However, most families set up the teen with their own phone so they can request rides independently.

Key Takeaways

  • A parent creates and controls the Teen account from their own Uber app, and the teenager logs in separately to request rides.
  • The parent receives real-time notifications when each ride starts and ends, and can see the route on a map.
  • Rides are paid from the parent's payment method on file, and the parent can set spending limits or turn off the account at any time.
  • Teen accounts can only request UberX or Uber Comfort rides — not UberEats, Uber Eats delivery, or other Uber services.
  • The teenager's account is linked to the parent's account and cannot be used independently once the teen turns 18.

How to set up a Teen account

To create a Teen account, open the Uber app on the parent's phone and tap the account icon in the bottom right. Scroll down and tap "Add a teen account" or "Invite a teen" — the exact wording varies by app version. You will be asked to enter the teenager's email address and date of birth to confirm they are between 13 and 17.

Uber will send an invitation email to the teenager's email address. The teenager opens that email and taps the link to create their login. They will set a password and can then log into the Uber app on their own device using that email and password. Once they log in, they can request rides when ready — the account is ready to use.

The parent's payment method is automatically linked to the Teen account. Every ride the teenager requests will be charged to the parent's card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or other payment method on file. The parent can add a spending limit in the Teen account settings if they want to cap how much can be spent per week or per month, though Uber does not enforce a hard cap — it is a reminder tool only.

What the parent can see and control

When a teenager requests a ride, the parent receives a notification on their phone. The notification tells the parent that a ride has been requested and shows the pickup and dropoff locations. Once the driver accepts and is on the way, the parent can open the Uber app and see the driver's location, the car details, and the estimated arrival time — the same view a rider would see.

During the ride, the parent can watch the route in real time on a map. The parent can see when the ride starts, and receives another notification when the ride ends. The parent can also see the fare, the distance traveled, and the driver's rating after each trip. This information stays in the parent's Uber app under the ride history.

The parent can turn off the Teen account at any time by going to account settings and disabling it. If the teenager loses their phone or the parent wants to prevent rides temporarily, disabling the account is faster than changing the password. The parent can also remove the Teen account entirely, which deletes the teenager's login and prevents any future rides.

What rides and services are available

Teen accounts can only request UberX (standard Uber rides) or Uber Comfort (rides in newer, higher-end cars). They cannot request UberXL, Uber Black, or any premium service. They also cannot order food through Uber Eats, request Uber Eats delivery, or use any Uber service other than rides.

The teenager can see available drivers and estimated wait times just like an adult rider would. They can choose their pickup and dropoff locations, add stops along the way, and communicate with the driver through the app's messaging feature. They cannot change the payment method or add a tip after the ride — tips must be added through the parent's account or not at all, depending on how the parent has set up the account.

If a ride is cancelled by the teenager, the parent receives a notification. If the driver cancels, the teenager can request another ride. If the teenager is not picked up within a certain time, the ride request expires and they will need to request again.

Safety features and driver screening

Drivers who accept Teen rides go through the same background check and vehicle inspection as drivers for adult riders. Uber does not assign special "teen-only" drivers — any driver on the platform can accept a Teen ride request. The parent's real-time tracking means the parent always knows where the teenager is during the ride.

The teenager can contact the driver through the app's messaging feature, and can call the driver using the in-app phone number if they need to communicate. The teenager can also contact Uber support directly through the app if there is a problem during the ride. The parent receives a copy of the trip receipt and can report issues to Uber after the ride ends.

If the teenager feels unsafe at any point, they can cancel the ride before the driver arrives, or ask the driver to stop and end the ride early. Cancelling a ride before pickup does not result in a cancellation fee. Ending a ride early will charge the fare up to that point.

Cost and payment

Uber Teen rides cost the same as regular UberX or Uber Comfort rides in your area. Pricing is based on distance, time, and demand — the same factors that explore to adult riders. The parent's payment method is charged automatically after each ride, and the parent can see the fare before the teenager accepts the ride (the teenager sees it too).

The parent can set a weekly or monthly spending limit in the Teen account settings as a reminder, but Uber does not block rides that exceed the limit. If the parent wants to prevent spending beyond a certain amount, they will need to disable the account or monitor rides closely. Some parents set a limit and check the account weekly to see if it has been exceeded.

Surge pricing applies to Teen rides the same way it applies to adult rides. If demand is high, the fare will be higher. The teenager will see the surge multiplier before confirming the ride, so they know the cost will be higher than usual.

What happens when the teenager turns 18

When the teenager turns 18, the Teen account automatically converts to a standard Uber account. The teenager can no longer log in using the Teen account credentials. Instead, they will need to create their own independent Uber account using their own email address and payment method.

The parent's access to the account ends when the conversion happens. The teenager's ride history from the Teen account may or may not transfer to the new account — this depends on how Uber handles the transition, and the details vary. The teenager should create their own account and set up their own payment method before turning 18 to avoid any gaps in service.

If the teenager wants to continue using Uber after turning 18, they will be responsible for paying for their own rides unless the parent adds them as an authorized user on a shared payment method or continues to pay for rides through a different arrangement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my teenager use Uber Teen if they do not have their own phone?

Yes. The teenager can use a parent's phone, a tablet, or any device that runs the Uber app. They will log in with their own Teen account credentials. However, they will only be able to request rides when they have access to that device. Most families give the teenager their own phone so they can request rides whenever they need them.

What if my teenager requests a ride to a location I do not approve of?

You can see the pickup and dropoff locations in real time and can contact your teenager through the app or by phone to discuss where they are going. You can also disable the Teen account to prevent rides. However, Uber does not allow parents to block specific locations or destinations — you will need to set those rules with your teenager directly.

Can I set a spending limit that Uber will enforce?

You can set a weekly or monthly spending limit in the Teen account settings, but Uber treats it as a reminder only and does not block rides that exceed it. If you want to enforce a hard limit, you will need to monitor the account regularly or disable it once the limit is reached.

What if the driver is rude or makes my teenager uncomfortable?

Your teenager can end the ride at any time by asking the driver to stop. After the ride, you can report the driver to Uber through the app by tapping the trip, selecting "Report a safety concern," and describing what happened. Uber will investigate and may deactivate the driver if the report is substantiated.

Can my teenager add their own payment method to the Teen account?

No. The Teen account is linked to the parent's payment method only. The teenager cannot add, change, or remove payment methods. All rides are charged to the parent's card or payment account on file.