How to use Uber

Your guide to getting everything you can from Uber

Uber is a great way to travel from A to B, but it can be a complicated service to use. That’s especially true if you’ve never used it before, but there are also some confusing elements even if you’re a regular user.

We’ve put together this guide to take you through every step in the process, from signing up to Uber all the way through to playing your music on your ride or even deleting your account altogether.

Below you’ll find a selection of the different tips we’ve included, as well as how to use a promo code to get money off your first Uber ride.

How to sign up to Uber

The first step of getting Uber is downloading it to your mobile device. You’ll want to head into either the Google Play Store on Android phones or Apple App Store on iPhone and search for Uber.

Once it has fully installed on your phone you’ll be able to sign up for an Uber account within the app.

You’ll need to enter your phone number so Uber can send you a code. Enter that code when you’ve received it and the app will then ask you to enter an email address to associate with your account.

You can also sign up for an Uber account on the official website if you’d prefer to use a computer for this part of the process. You can then sign in on your mobile device to access your account.

How to use Uber promo codes to get free rides

Before you rush to take your first ride: stop! You can get free Uber rides using a promo code from the company. You’ll need to ensure it’s your first ride though, so don’t request an Uber just yet.

Instead, head into the Uber app, press on the menu icon in the top left and tap on payment – there you’ll find a section called ‘Add Promo/Gift Code’ and in here is where you’ll want to enter your promo code.

At the time of writing, Uber’s promo code for the US is ‘HITTHEROAD’ and offers you a journey of up to $15 for free. In the UK, the code is VBOX15 and allows you to get a £15 discount on your first ride.

If these codes don’t work for you, head to Google and search for ‘Uber Promo Codes’ to find a relevant code to enter.

How to order an Uber

Now you’ve got your free credit, it’s time to order your first Uber. This is easy to do but it’s good to make sure you do it right the first time, so we’ve made this guide as clear as possible.

You’ll see a map of your location with a blue dot for where you’re standing – it’s a good idea to check this is exactly where you are. You’ll also be able to see a number of cars driving around you, this is a representation of the drivers who are available nearby to pick you up.

We’re not certain if these positions are entirely accurate, but it gives you a general idea of how many drivers are near you.

Above the map is a box that says ‘Where to?’ and this is what you’ll want to tap next.

In that box, enter the location you want to visit. It will start to auto fill answers, but if you press on one it’ll show it on the map so you can be sure it’s the right location.

Once you’re certain it’s where you want to go, it’s now time to choose the type of car you’d like to use.

How to use UberX

UberX is the most popular service on Uber and should be the default option you’ll see when you get to this stage. It’s usually the cheapest of the private cars on Uber and can take up to four passengers.

Under the UberX car logo it will show you an estimate of your fare – this is subject to change if you’re at a busy location – as well as the estimated time that you should arrive at your destination.

Then under that is the payment details you’ll be using and a button to request the car. When you’re happy with all of your settings, tap on ‘request UberX’.

How to use Uberpool

Uberpool is the cheapest option available on Uber, but will mean you’ll be sharing your ride with other people who want to travel along your route. These will likely be strangers and it means you can only bring along one guest with you on your trip.

If you’re looking to save money, this is the best option for you and should be quite a popular technique for getting around when you’re in a larger city.

It does mean it’s not always a direct journey though, as while the person you’re sharing with will be headed in the same general direction, they may want to go to a slightly different location.

To use Uberpool, just tap that option at the bottom of your screen, then the process of requesting a ride is the same as when using UberX.

What is UberXL, Exec, Lux, Assist and Access?

If you’re looking to take more people on your journey, you should choose the UberXL option, which will allow you up to six people in the car at any time.

Uber also offers two premium services that cost more money but offer up nicer cars with extra features and hopefully a more comfortable riding experience.

These are called Exec and Lux, with the latter of the two being the most expensive and therefore the most high-end of the services.

For anyone who has accessibility issues there’s also Uber Assist, which comes with a driver who’s willing, trained and able to assist you. If you’re disabled there’s Uber Access, which will provide a car with a wheelchair ramp for easy access.

Note that Uber Assist vehicles won’t have a wheelchair ramp, but will have a driver who’s trained to assist riders into vehicles and can accommodate a folding wheelchair.

Now just ride in your Uber

You’ve now learnt everything you need to know about ordering an Uber and it’s just a case of awaiting your car and riding to your destination.

There’s lots more you can do while you’re on your way, so be sure to flick over to the next page of this guide for the full tips and tricks on how to get the most out of your Uber journey.