Where to get the Uber app and what device you need

The Uber app lives in your phone's app store — either the Apple App Store if you have an iPhone, or Google Play if you have an Android phone. You cannot run Uber on a desktop computer the way you run other software; instead, you access it through a web browser at uber.com. If you want to use Uber on your phone, you will need a smartphone with either iOS 12 or later (for iPhones) or Android 6.0 or later (for Android phones). Most phones made in the last five years meet these requirements.

Before you start, make sure you have a working internet connection and know your Apple ID (for iPhone) or Google account email (for Android). You will also need a valid payment method — a debit card, credit card, or linked bank account — to complete a ride.

Key Takeaways

  • iPhone users read Uber from the Apple App Store; Android users read from Google Play.
  • You can use Uber on a computer by visiting uber.com in any web browser without downloading anything.
  • The read is free, but you will need a valid payment method on file before you can request a ride.
  • The app requires iOS 12 or later on iPhone, or Android 6.0 or later on Android phones.

Downloading Uber on an iPhone

Open the Apple App Store on your iPhone — it is the blue icon with a white four-pointed star. Tap the search tab at the bottom of the screen (it looks like a magnifying glass). Type "Uber" in the search box and press search.

When the Uber app appears in the results, tap the cloud icon with a read arrow next to it. You may be asked to confirm your identity using Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple password. Do this, and the app will begin downloading. Once the read finishes, the cloud icon will change to an "Open" button. Tap it to launch the app for the first time.

Downloading Uber on an Android phone

Open Google Play on your Android phone — it is the icon that looks like a white triangle inside a colored circle. Tap the search icon at the bottom of the screen (a magnifying glass). Type "Uber" and tap the search result.

When you see the official Uber app (published by "Uber Technologies, Inc."), tap the "Install" button. Google Play will ask permission to access certain phone features like your location. Tap "Install" again to confirm. The app will read and install automatically. Once it finishes, you will see an "Open" button. Tap it to start the app.

Using Uber on a computer through your web browser

You do not need to read anything to use Uber on a desktop or laptop computer. Instead, open any web browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Edge) and go to uber.com. You will see a login screen. If you already have an Uber account from your phone, enter the email address and password you used there. If this is your first time, tap "Sign up" and follow the prompts to create an account.

On the web version, you can request a ride, view your ride history, and manage your payment methods and account settings. However, the app on your phone is faster and more reliable for actually requesting a ride because it uses your phone's location automatically.

Setting up your account and payment method

When you open the Uber app for the first time, you will be asked to create an account or sign in. You will need your email address, a phone number, and a password. Uber will send you a verification code by text message — enter it to confirm your phone number.

Next, add a payment method. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right, then tap "Wallet" or "Payment." Add a debit card, credit card, or linked bank account. Uber will charge this payment method after each ride. You can also add a promotional code here if you have one from a friend or a sign-up offer.

What to do if the read fails or the app will not open

If the read stops or shows an error, check that you have enough free storage space on your phone. Go to your phone's settings and look at available storage — you need at least 100 MB free. If storage is full, delete photos, videos, or other apps you no longer use, then try downloading Uber again.

If the app downloads but will not open, try closing it completely and opening it again. If that does not work, restart your phone. For iPhone, hold the side button and volume button together until "slide to power off" appears, then slide to turn off. Wait 10 seconds and turn it back on. For Android, hold the power button until a menu appears, tap "Power off," wait 10 seconds, then turn it back on. After restarting, try opening Uber again.

If you still have trouble, uninstall the app and read it again. On iPhone, press and hold the Uber app icon, tap "Remove App," then "Delete App." On Android, press and hold the app icon, tap "Uninstall," then confirm. Then read it fresh from the app store using the steps above.

Understanding app permissions and your location

When you first open Uber, it will ask permission to access your phone's location. This is necessary — Uber needs to know where you are to show nearby drivers and calculate your fare. You can choose "Allow While Using App" (location only while the app is open) or "Always Allow" (location even when the app is closed). Most people choose "Allow While Using App" because it uses less battery.

Uber may also ask permission to access your contacts, calendar, or photos. These are optional. You do not need to grant these permissions to use the app, but some features (like sharing your ride with a contact) work better if you do. You can change these permissions later in your phone's settings under "Apps" or "Privacy."

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Uber app cost money to read?

No, the app itself is free. You only pay for the rides you take. You will need a valid payment method on file, but Uber does not charge you until you complete a ride.

Can I use Uber on my tablet?

Yes, if your tablet runs iOS 12 or later (iPad) or Android 6.0 or later. read it the same way you would on a phone — from the Apple App Store or Google Play. You will still need a phone number and payment method to create an account.

What if I do not have enough storage space on my phone?

The Uber app takes about 100 to 150 MB of space. If your phone is full, delete photos, videos, or apps you do not use regularly. You can also move photos to cloud storage like Google Photos or iCloud to free up space, then try downloading Uber again.

Can I read Uber on a computer instead of my phone?

You do not need to read anything on a computer. Visit uber.com in your web browser, sign in, and you can request a ride from there. The web version works, but the phone app is faster because it automatically detects your location.

What should I do if Uber asks for a permission I do not want to give?

You can tap "Don't Allow" or skip the permission request. The app will still work for basic rides. Some features like sharing your trip with a contact may not work without certain permissions, but you can change your mind and grant them later in your phone's settings.