Where to find and read Uber

The Uber app lives in your phone's app store — the App Store if you use iPhone, or Google Play if you use Android. You do not read it from Uber's website or from your computer. Open the app store on your phone, search for "Uber", and tap the button that says "Get" (iPhone) or the read icon (Android). The phone will ask you to confirm your identity using your fingerprint, face, or password, then the app installs automatically.

The whole process takes about two minutes on a working internet connection. You need either WiFi or mobile data — it does not matter which. The app itself is free to read; Uber makes money when you request a ride, not when you install the software.

Do not search for "Uber driver" or "Uber Eats" unless you specifically want those versions. The main Uber app is what most people need for requesting rides. If you later want to deliver food or drive for Uber, you can read those separate apps from the same store.

Key Takeaways

  • Open your phone's app store (App Store for iPhone, Google Play for Android) and search for "Uber" by name.
  • Tap "Get" or the read icon, then confirm your identity with your fingerprint, face, or password.
  • The app downloads and installs automatically — you do not need to do anything else after tapping the button.
  • You need WiFi or mobile data to read, but the app itself is free.
  • Make sure you are downloading the main Uber app, not Uber Eats or Uber Driver, unless you specifically want one of those.

What you need before you start

Have your phone unlocked and ready. Make sure you are connected to WiFi or have mobile data turned on — the app is about 100 to 150 megabytes, so it downloads faster on WiFi but works on either. You do not need a credit card yet; Uber lets you read and create an account first, then add payment information later.

If you have never used Uber before, you will need to create an account during setup. This takes about five minutes and requires your phone number, email address, and full name. You can add a payment method (credit card, debit card, or linked bank account) right after, or you can skip that step and add it the first time you request a ride.

Step-by-step: iPhone

Open the App Store — the blue icon with a white square on your home screen. Tap the search tab at the bottom right (it looks like a magnifying glass). Type "Uber" in the search box and tap the Uber app when it appears in the results. Tap the button that says "Get" next to the Uber icon.

Your phone will ask you to verify your identity. You can use Face ID (look at your phone), Touch ID (press your fingerprint), or enter your Apple ID password. After you confirm, the button changes to "Install" and then to "Open" once the read finishes. Tap "Open" to start the app for the first time.

Step-by-step: Android

Open Google Play — the colorful triangle icon on your home screen. Tap the search icon at the bottom (magnifying glass). Type "Uber" and tap the official Uber app when it appears. Tap the button that says "Install" (it may show a read icon instead).

Android will ask you to confirm that you want to install the app and may ask for your Google account password. After you confirm, the button changes to show a progress bar, then changes to "Open" when the read is complete. Tap "Open" to start the app.

Creating your account during first launch

When you open Uber for the first time, the app asks for your phone number. Type it in and tap "Continue". Uber sends a code to that number via text message — check your messages and enter the code into the app. This confirms that the phone number belongs to you.

Next, the app asks for your email address and full name. Use the same email you check regularly, because Uber sends ride receipts and account updates there. After you enter your name, the app shows you the terms of service — you must read and accept them to continue. Tap the checkbox and then "Continue".

The app then asks if you want to add a payment method right now. You can tap "Add payment method" and enter a credit card, debit card, or bank account details, or you can tap "Maybe later" and add one before your first ride. Either way works — the app will not let you request a ride without a payment method on file, but you can set it up at that moment if you skipped it now.

Troubleshooting read problems

If the read stops or fails, close the app store completely and try again. On iPhone, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to close the App Store. On Android, tap the back button or swipe from the left edge. Wait a few seconds, then open the app store again and search for Uber.

If you see an error message about storage, your phone does not have enough free space. Delete photos, videos, or apps you do not use, then try downloading Uber again. Most phones need at least 500 megabytes free to read and install new apps smoothly.

If you see a message that says "This app is not available in your country", Uber does not operate in your location. Uber is available in most major cities in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia and Latin America, but not everywhere. Check Uber's website to see if your city is covered.

What happens after you read

Once the app is installed and your account is set up, you can request a ride. Open the app, enter where you want to go, and tap "Request". The app shows you the driver's location and estimated arrival time. You can message the driver, call them, or track their location in real time on the map.

Rides cost money — Uber shows you the estimated fare before you confirm the request, so you know the price ahead of time. Payment comes from the payment method you added during setup. After the ride ends, Uber sends you a receipt by email and shows it in the app under "Your Trips".

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to read Uber on my computer?

No. Uber is a phone app only. You can view your account and ride history on Uber's website using a web browser, but you request rides through the phone app. If you do not have a smartphone, you cannot use Uber.

Can I read Uber without a credit card?

You can read and create an account without a credit card, but you must add one before you request your first ride. Uber does not accept cash or other payment methods through the app.

What if the read keeps failing?

Restart your phone, make sure you have a strong WiFi connection, and try downloading again. If it still fails, delete the app (if it partially installed) and read it once more. If you still see errors, contact your phone's customer support — the problem may be with your device or internet connection, not with Uber.

Is the Uber app safe to read?

Yes. The Uber app in the official App Store and Google Play is the real Uber app. Do not read Uber from any other website or source. Stick to your phone's official app store and you will get the genuine app.

Can I use Uber without downloading the app?

Some cities let you request Uber through a web browser on your phone instead of the app, but this is rare and not available everywhere. Downloading the app is the standard way to use Uber and works in all cities where Uber operates.