Where to find and download Uber
The Uber app lives in the same place you get all your other apps: the App Store if you have an iPhone, or Google Play if you have an Android phone. Open whichever store matches your phone, search for "Uber", and tap the download button. The app is free to download — you only pay when you request a ride.
On an iPhone, you'll see a cloud icon with a down arrow instead of a price. On Android, you'll see a button that says "Install". Either way, tap it once and wait for the download to finish. Your phone will show a progress bar while it's working.
If you're not sure whether you have an iPhone or Android, look at the bottom of your home screen. iPhones show a row of dots or a dock with rounded corners. Android phones usually show a grid of app icons or a dock with sharper edges. You can also go to Settings and look for "About Phone" (Android) or "About" (iPhone) to confirm.
Key Takeaways
- Download Uber from the App Store on iPhone or Google Play on Android — both are free.
- The download takes a few minutes depending on your internet speed and phone storage space.
- You'll need to create an account with your phone number, email, and payment method before you can request your first ride.
- If the download fails, check that you have enough storage space and a stable internet connection, then try again.
What you need before you start
Before you download, make sure your phone has enough free storage. Uber takes up roughly 150 to 200 megabytes of space, depending on your phone type. If your phone is nearly full, you may need to delete photos, videos, or other apps first to make room.
You'll also need a working internet connection — WiFi or mobile data both work. The download itself is faster on WiFi, but either one will get the job done. Once the app is installed, you can use it over WiFi or data whenever you need a ride.
Setting up your account after installation
Once the app finishes downloading and installing, tap "Open" to launch it for the first time. Uber will ask you to create an account. You'll need your phone number, an email address, and a payment method — either a credit card, debit card, or a linked bank account.
Enter your phone number first. Uber will send you a code by text message to confirm it's really you. Type that code into the app. Then add your email address and create a password you'll remember.
Next, add a payment method. Tap the payment section and enter your card details, or link your bank account if you prefer. Uber won't charge you anything during setup — it just needs this information on file so it can pay for your rides when you request them.
Troubleshooting a failed download
If the download starts but doesn't finish, the most common reason is that your phone ran out of storage space or lost its internet connection. Check your WiFi or data connection and try again. If you're on mobile data, moving closer to a window or going outside sometimes helps the signal.
If storage is the problem, go to your phone's Settings, find Storage or Device Care, and delete apps or photos you don't need. You only need 200 megabytes free, so even clearing out a few old photos usually works. Then return to the App Store or Google Play and tap the download button again.
If the download keeps failing after you've checked both storage and connection, try restarting your phone. Turn it off completely, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. Then open the App Store or Google Play and try downloading Uber one more time.
Updating Uber after you've installed it
After you've been using Uber for a while, the app will periodically release updates. Your phone will usually notify you when an update is ready, or you can check manually by going back to the App Store or Google Play, searching for Uber, and looking for an "Update" button.
Updates are free and usually take just a few minutes. They fix bugs, add new features, and improve security. You don't have to update immediately, but doing so within a week or two keeps your app running smoothly and protects your account information.
Using Uber on older phones or devices
Uber requires a minimum version of iOS or Android to run. If your phone is very old, the App Store or Google Play may tell you "This app is not compatible with your device" when you search for it. This means your phone's operating system is too outdated for the current version of Uber.
If this happens, you have two options. You can check whether your phone can be updated to a newer version of iOS or Android — go to Settings and look for "Software Update" or "System Update". If your phone can update, do that first, then try downloading Uber again.
If your phone cannot update any further, Uber may still work on an older version of the app. Contact Uber support through their website to ask whether an older version is still available for your device. Alternatively, you can use Uber through a web browser on your phone by visiting uber.com, though the app experience is usually smoother.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a credit card to download Uber, or only to use it?
You only need a payment method to use Uber, not to download it. The download itself is free and doesn't require any payment information. You can add your card or bank account after you've installed the app and created your account.
Can I download Uber on a tablet or computer?
Yes. On an iPad, download from the App Store the same way you would on an iPhone. On an Android tablet, use Google Play. On a computer, you can visit uber.com and request rides through the website, though you won't get the full app experience.
What if I accidentally delete the Uber app?
You can download it again anytime from the App Store or Google Play. Your account information and payment method will still be saved, so you won't have to set everything up again — just log in with your phone number and password.
Does Uber work without WiFi after I've downloaded it?
Yes. Once the app is installed, you can use it over mobile data. You don't need WiFi to request rides, though your phone does need an active internet connection to communicate with Uber's servers.