Getting started with Uber
How to create an account
Step 1: Open the App Store or Google Play
On your iPhone, select the App Store icon (it's a blue square with a white 'A' inside).
On your Android, select the Google Play icon (it's a multicoloured triangle).
Step 2: Search for Uber
At the bottom of the screen, select the Search tab (it's the magnifying glass). In the search bar at the top, type Uber and press Search.
Step 3: Download the Uber app
You should get the Uber app in the search results (it has a black background with the word 'Uber' on it in white). Choose Get next to the Uber app. You may be asked to enter your Apple ID password or use Face ID or Touch ID to confirm. Once it's ready, select Open to launch the Uber app.
Step 4: Allow location services
You will be prompted to share your location with Uber. It’s important to allow this feature while using the app so our drivers can locate you accurately when you request a ride.
Step 5: Enter in your phone number
Uber needs your phone number for account verification and safety measures, as well as for potential communication during rides.
Step 6: Enter the verification code sent to your mobile
Uber will send a verification code to the phone number you entered. Check your text messages for the code, then enter it in the app.
Step 7: Fill out remaining details
Enter your first name, surname and email address. Choose Next after filling in each section.
Step 8: Add a payment method
Then, you'll need to add a payment method (this is required to pay for your rides).
You can enter a credit card or debit card, or link your Apple Pay or PayPal account.
Your account is ready
Now you have successfully created an Uber account, you can take your first trip now or even schedule it in advance. For more information on booking your first trip, follow the instructions below.
How to request a ride on demand
Step 1: Open the Uber app and select 'Where to?'
The 'Where to?' button is near the top of the screen.
Step 2: Select your pick-up location
If the app doesn’t automatically detect where you are, or you want to change your pickup location, you can enter your address or move the pin on the map to set a different location. This is where your driver will pick you up.
Step 3: Enter your destination
In the Where to? box, type the address or name of the place where you want to go.
Step 4: Choose the type of ride
After entering your destination, the app will show different ride options based on availability in your area. If you'd like to get the full product list, select the link below.
Step 5: Confirm your ride
Once you’ve chosen your ride type, you’ll get the estimated fare you will be charged for the trip. And above the Choose Uber button (which will request your ride) will be the payment method that will be used.
Step 6: Wait for your Uber to arrive
After you confirm, you'll get the car's details (like the model, colour and licence plate) and the driver's name and photo.
The app will show you the estimated time of arrival for your Uber. You can track the car's movement on the map.
Step 7: Check your ride, every time
Before you hop in, take a second to double-check the app for your driver’s information.
- Match the license plate number
- Match the car make and model
- Check the driver photo
Step 8: Rate your ride
Once the ride is complete, you’ll have the option to rate the driver (1 to 5 stars), leave feedback and a tip if you want to. You’ll receive a receipt by email with the details of your ride.
How to save an address
Step 1: Open Uber app and locate your account menu
The account logo is located in the bottom-right corner of the screen.
Step 2: Scroll down to Settings
Step 3: Select shortcuts
Step 4: Choose what type of address you want to save
Add your home or work address, or add other places under Other saved places. You can give it whatever name you prefer.
Step 5: Saving an address
To save an address, enter it in the Address field and name it what you prefer. Select Save.
Now the address is saved for easy access next time you book a trip.
Using your saved addresses
The next time you want to take a trip to that saved address, choose Where to? and then Home, Work or the name of the saved place from your favourites. The address will automatically fill in and you can quickly confirm the ride.
How to book a trip in advance
With Uber Reserve, you can schedule your ride up to 90 days in advance.*
Step 1: Open Uber app and enter your destination
In the Where to? box, enter the address of the place where you’re going.
Step 2: Choose your ride option
You’ll be shown different ride options, like UberX, UberXL or others. Select the one that suits you.
But instead of selecting Choose, select the calendar icon next to the Choose button.
Step 3: Schedule your ride
You can then select the date and time you want to be picked up – or select when you want to be dropped off, and Uber will give you a pick-up time to ensure that you arrive at your destination on time.**
Step 4: Review and confirm your ride
Select Next, review the trip information and choose Reserve Uber will show you a confirmation screen with all the details of your scheduled ride, including the time, pickup location and ride type.
If everything looks good, select Confirm to finalise the reservation.
Await your scheduled ride
You'll now have a ride scheduled in advance. The app will send you a reminder before the ride, and when the time arrives, you'll also get your driver's details.
Scheduled rides can be edited or cancelled. If you need to change the time or cancel the ride, you can do it easily in the app by going to Activity and selecting the scheduled ride.
How to update your payment method
Step 1: Open Uber app and select 'Account'
You can find it in the bottom-right corner of the screen.
Step 2: Select ‘Wallet’
This will give you access to your payment settings.
Step 3: Add or edit your payment method
To add a new payment method, choose Add payment method . This allows you to add a credit card or debit card, link your PayPal account or use other available options.
To edit an existing one (for example, updating a card number or expiry date), select the card or method, then choose edit.
When you take a ride, Uber automatically uses the payment method that was most recently used. If you add a new payment method, make sure to check for it when you're requesting a ride.
How to add a promo code
Step 1: Open account menu
Open Uber app and select the Account icon in the bottom-right corner of the screen.
Step 2: Select wallet
This is where you manage your payment methods, rewards and promotions.
Step 3: Find promotions
Scroll down to the find the section labelled Promotions and tap on Add a promo code.
Step 4: Enter promo code
If you have a promo code (Uber might have sent it to you, or you might have received it through email or another offer), enter it in the box, then choose Add.
This promo will then automatically apply to your next ride.
Viewing your active promotions
After the promo code is successfully applied, you can check the Promotions menu option to see any active promo codes.
Promo codes often have specific terms and conditions, like being valid only for certain types of rides, only within certain locations, or only for a limited time. Make sure to read the details of the promotion to understand how and when you can use it.
How to access receipts
Step 1: Open Uber and select the Activity
You can find Activity at the bottom of the screen.
Step 2: Choose the trip you want the receipt for and select Receipt
This will give you the fare breakdown. If you would like to save as PDF or resend to your email, scroll to the bottom of the page.
These receipts are also sent to your email after every ride.
How to contact a support agent
Open the Uber app and go to Account
Select Help
Choose what topic your issue relates to
If your issue is related to a specific trip, you can select that trip, otherwise you can select one of the general help topics (like Account or Accessibility) to access that specific topics help resources.
Contact support
If you can’t find an answer to your question in the help topic articles, look for Contact support which will appear within specific issue categories or help with a trip.
How to keep your account safe
Recognising these potential threats is the first step to safeguarding your account and personal information.
- Tip 1: Never share personal information
Uber will never ask for your payment information or other personal details such as healthcare or government ID via text, email or unsolicited phone calls.
- Tip 2: Verify email addresses
Pay attention to sender email domains and check the message for obvious spelling mistakes. These are common indicators of a phishing email.
- Tip 3: Use a trusted device
Always make sure you have the latest software update and are using a trusted device to access our platform, as well as a reliable and secure internet connection.
*When you request a Reserve trip, the trip price you get will be an estimate that includes a variable reservation fee. The exact amount of the reservation fee may vary depending on the location of the pick-up address, and/or the day and time of your trip. This fee is paid by riders for their driver’s additional wait time and time/distance spent travelling to the pick-up location.
**Times are estimated based on predicted traffic. Actual traffic may affect your drop-off time. Cancel for free up to an hour before pick-up.
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