Where to find and download Uber

The Uber app is available through your phone's official app store — the App Store if you use iPhone, or Google Play if you use Android. Search for "Uber" in either store, tap the official Uber app (the one with the black background and white "U" logo), and tap the download button. The app is free to download and install.

On iPhone, the download button says "Get" and will ask you to confirm with Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple password before the download starts. On Android, the button says "Install" and may ask for permission to access certain phone features like your location and contacts — this is normal and necessary for the app to work.

The download typically takes one to three minutes on a standard internet connection. You do not need to pay anything during this process. Once installation finishes, the button will change to "Open," and you can launch the app immediately.

Key Takeaways

  • Download Uber from the App Store on iPhone or Google Play on Android by searching for "Uber" and tapping the official app with the black background and white logo.
  • The app is free to download, and the installation process takes a few minutes on most internet connections.
  • After installation completes, you will need to create an account or sign in with an existing one before you can request a ride.
  • The app will ask permission to access your location, contacts, and phone features — these permissions are required for Uber to function.

Creating your Uber account after installation

Once the app opens for the first time, you will see a screen asking you to sign in or create a new account. If you already have an Uber account, enter your email address or phone number and your password. If you are new to Uber, tap "Sign up" and enter your phone number or email address.

Uber will send you a verification code by text or email depending on which you chose. Enter that code into the app to confirm your identity. Then add your first and last name, and set a password if you used email to sign up.

You will also need to add a payment method — a credit card, debit card, or linked bank account. Uber stores this securely and charges it after each ride. You can add multiple payment methods and switch between them anytime.

Granting permissions the app needs

During setup or on your first ride request, Uber will ask for several permissions. The most important is location access, which the app needs to show your current position on the map and let drivers find you. You can set this to "Always," "While Using the App," or "Never" — choosing "While Using the App" is the most common option.

The app may also ask for permission to access your contacts (so you can share your trip with someone), your calendar (to see when you scheduled a ride), and your microphone (for driver communication). You can grant or deny these individually, and you can change any permission later in your phone's Settings app.

Troubleshooting download and installation problems

If the download stalls or fails, check that you have a stable internet connection — try switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data to see if one works better. Close any other apps running in the background, then return to the app store and try downloading again.

If you see a message that says "Insufficient storage," your phone does not have enough free space. Delete unused apps, photos, or videos to free up room, then try again. Uber typically requires 100 to 200 megabytes of free space depending on your phone model.

If the app crashes immediately after opening, try restarting your phone and downloading again. If it still does not work, uninstall the app completely, restart your phone, and download it fresh from the app store.

Keeping your app up to date

The App Store and Google Play automatically update apps by default, but you can also check for updates manually. On iPhone, open the App Store, tap your profile icon in the top right, scroll down to find Uber, and tap "Update" if one is available. On Android, open Google Play, tap your profile icon, select "Manage apps & device," find Uber in the list, and tap "Update."

Updates usually include bug fixes, new features, and security improvements. Keeping Uber current ensures the app works smoothly and protects your account information.

What to do if Uber is not available in your area

Uber operates in most major cities across North America, Europe, Asia, and other regions, but not everywhere. If you search for Uber in your app store and see no results, or if the app opens but says your location is not served, Uber does not currently operate where you are.

You can check Uber's website to see which cities it serves, or you can contact Uber support through the app (if you have already downloaded it) or through their website to ask about future availability in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay to download the Uber app?

No. The app itself is free to download and install. You only pay for rides after you request one. Payment goes to the driver and Uber's service fee, not for the app.

Can I download Uber on a tablet or computer?

Uber is designed for phones and works best on iPhone or Android. You can access your account through Uber's website on a computer to check ride history or manage payment methods, but you cannot request a ride from a web browser — you need the mobile app.

What if I forget my password after creating an account?

On the Uber sign-in screen, tap "Forgot password?" and enter your email address or phone number. Uber will send you a link or code to reset your password. Follow the instructions in that message to create a new one.

Can I use Uber without sharing my location?

Uber requires location access to show drivers where to pick you up and to calculate your fare. You can deny the permission, but the app will not function for requesting rides. You can set location to "While Using the App" so Uber only accesses it when the app is open.

How much storage space does the Uber app use?

The Uber app typically uses 100 to 200 megabytes of storage after installation, depending on your phone model and operating system version. This is relatively small compared to other apps and should not cause problems on most modern phones.