You can message or call your Uber driver through the app before pickup and during your ride
Once you request a ride and a driver accepts, the Uber app gives you two ways to reach them: a messaging feature for text and a phone call button. The messaging option appears immediately after a driver is assigned. The call button works the same way — tap it and your phone connects to the driver's number through Uber's system, which keeps both of your real phone numbers private.
You can contact the driver from the moment they accept your request until about five minutes after the ride ends. After that window closes, the contact options disappear from the app. If you need to reach a driver after a ride is complete, you'll need to use a different method.
Key Takeaways
- Open the active ride in your Uber app and tap the message icon to send a text or the phone icon to call your driver.
- Messages and calls go through Uber's system, so your real phone number stays hidden from the driver.
- You can contact a driver from the moment they accept your request until about five minutes after drop-off.
- If you need to reach a driver after the contact window closes, contact Uber support through the app instead.
- Drivers see your message or incoming call on their driver app, which works slightly differently than the passenger version.
How to send a text message to your driver
Open the Uber app and look at your active ride screen. You'll see the driver's name, photo, car details, and a map showing their location. Below the map or near the top of the screen, you'll find a message icon — it looks like a speech bubble or chat symbol. Tap it.
A text box appears where you can type your message. Keep it brief and clear: "I'm at the corner of Main and 5th" or "Running 5 minutes late" work well. Tap send. The message goes to the driver through the Uber app, not as a regular text message. The driver receives it on their driver app and can reply the same way.
Messages are useful when you need to give directions, let the driver know you're running late, or describe where you're waiting. They're better than calling if the driver is actively driving and can't safely take a call.
How to call your driver
On the same active ride screen, look for a phone icon. It's usually near the message icon or at the top of the screen. Tap it. Your phone will dial the driver's number, but you won't see their actual phone number — Uber masks it and routes the call through their system.
The call connects just like a regular phone call. You can hear each other clearly, and either person can hang up at any time. Calling is faster than messaging if you need to give detailed directions or if the driver has a question about your pickup location.
If the driver doesn't answer, the call goes to voicemail. You can leave a message, but messaging through the app is usually more reliable because the driver gets a notification on their driver app even if they're not actively looking at their phone.
What to do if the driver doesn't respond
If you've sent a message or called and the driver hasn't responded within a minute or two, try the other method. A driver who didn't see your message might answer a call, or vice versa. If the driver still doesn't respond and you're concerned about your safety or the pickup, cancel the ride and request a new one.
If you've already been picked up and the driver is taking you the wrong way or you feel unsafe, tap the emergency button on your ride screen (usually a red icon at the bottom). This alerts Uber support immediately. You can also message or call the driver to clarify the route — sometimes drivers take turns you didn't expect, and a quick conversation clears it up.
Contacting a driver after your ride ends
The message and call buttons disappear from your ride screen about five minutes after you're dropped off. If you left something in the car or need to reach the driver after that window, open the Uber app and go to your ride history. Find the completed ride and tap it.
Look for a "Contact Driver" option or a support button. Not all completed rides show a direct contact option — it depends on your app version and whether the driver is still active on the platform. If you don't see a contact button, tap "Report an Issue" or "Help" and describe what you need. Uber support can forward a message to the driver or help you recover a lost item.
Why Uber hides your real phone number
When you call or message through the Uber app, your actual phone number never reaches the driver. Uber's system acts as a middleman, routing the call or message through their servers. This protects your privacy — the driver can't contact you outside the app or save your number for later.
The same protection works in reverse: the driver's real number stays hidden from you. If you try to call the number that appears on your phone during an Uber call, it won't work after the ride ends. This design keeps both passengers and drivers safer by preventing contact outside the platform.
Common reasons to contact your driver
Most passengers message or call to give directions, say they're running late, or describe their pickup location. "I'm wearing a blue jacket outside the coffee shop" helps a driver find you faster than waiting for them to circle the block. If you're running behind, a quick message lets the driver know you're coming and prevents them from canceling.
Drivers sometimes message passengers too — to ask for clarification on the pickup address, to let you know they're arriving, or to ask you to meet them at a specific spot. You'll see their message pop up on your ride screen. Respond quickly so the driver knows you're ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the driver see my real phone number?
No. Calls and messages go through Uber's system, which keeps your actual phone number hidden. The driver sees a masked number that only works during the ride and for a few minutes after. Once the ride ends, that number stops working.
What if I need to contact the driver days after my ride?
You can't reach them through the app after the five-minute window closes. Go to your ride history, find the ride, and tap "Help" or "Report an Issue." Uber support can forward a message about a lost item or other concerns, but there's no may provide the driver will see it.
Can I text my driver before they accept my ride request?
No. The message and call buttons only appear after a driver has accepted your request. Once a driver is assigned, you can contact them immediately. Before that, you can only wait or cancel and request again.
What happens if I call and the driver is driving?
The call goes through normally — drivers are expected to use hands-free or pull over safely. If the driver can't take the call, it goes to voicemail. Sending a message instead is often better because the driver can read it when it's safe, without needing to answer a call.
Does the driver know my name when I message or call?
Yes. Your name appears on the driver's app along with your pickup location and destination. They know who you are, but they don't have your phone number or any contact information beyond what's in the Uber system.