How to Use Uber

To use Uber:

Detailed instructions on how to use the Uber app

How to request an Uber ride

1. Find the Uber app on your mobile device and tap it to open it.

2. The first thing that you’ll need to do is select the level of Uber service that you want (see our UberX vs. UberSelect vs. UberTaxi vs. UberBlack article), and select where you want to be picked up.

Tap one of the options along the bottom of the screen to select what type of Uber service you want. (For UberX or UberBlack, you will also have to choose between UberX/UberXL and UberBlack/UberSUV, as seen here).

Next, tap the location on the map above (you can press, hold, and move your finger to drag the map view to another location) to select where you wish to be picked up. You can also tap the location name and then use your mobile device’s keyboard to type in an exact location. Uber will give you an estimate on how fast an Uber car can get to you; tap Set Pickup Location to confirm.

3. Next, you’ll need to select a location that you want to be dropped off at. Tap the “+” that appears next to the name of your pickup spot to make a destination box appear (or it may do so automatically). Tap in this box and type in the name of the place where you’d like to go (the Google-powered search function will make suggestions to help you find nearby places; tap one to select it easily). You may also be able to tap a different location on the map and then tap Set Pickup Location again to set a destination.

4. You will now be asked to confirm your Uber ride request. You can tap Change beside your payment option to switch to a different one (e.g. switch between a credit card and PayPal), tap Fare Estimate to get an approximate idea of what your ride will cost, or Promo Code if you wish to enter a coupon code and apply it to this ride.

When you’re ready to submit your Uber ride request, tap Request [your chosen Uber service].

What to do during and after your Uber ride

1. While your Uber driver is en route to pick you up, you can see their name, profile picture, license plate number, and type of car. This ensures that you know the right car to get into when your Uber driver arrives.

You can also see where they are on the map, and approximately how long it will take them to get to you.

2. If you tap your driver’s details, you can tap Contact to call or text-message your driver, tap Split Fare to divide the cost of the ride among the people who are riding with you (if you are riding with multiple people), or tap Cancel Ride to cancel your request for an Uber car (see our How to Cancel an Uber Ride tutorial).

3. The Uber app will notify you when your driver has arrived. They will wait for about 2 to 5 minutes or so after they arrive for you to get in, or else they will leave and your trip will automatically be cancelled.

4. While you’re on your Uber trip, you can see a map that shows where you currently are, as well as your destination and the estimated time until you reach it.

You can tap Share My ETA to send a copy of this map to someone via email. This is useful if someone is expecting you at your destination, or if you’re updating a friend for safety reasons.

5. When your Uber ride is over, you will be asked to rate your driver. Tap one of the stars on this screen to submit your rating. You can also tap the box that says “Leave a Comment” and type in something specific that you want to say about your driver. Then click Submit.

You can also tap Need Help? if you had an issue with your ride and want to report it. 

That’s a brief walkthrough of how to use Uber to get a personal taxi, from start to finish!