How Do I Use the Uber Driver App for the First Time?

Whether it’s your primary or additional income, driving for Uber can be profitable. The platform offers a flexible schedule and various incentives, such as surge pricing at peak hours. Even if you have only a few hours per day, you surely won’t mind some extra money.

It’s necessary to meet the platform’s requirements to get started with Uber. If you passed all individual and vehicle checks, it’s time to start driving. You’ll need to know how to use Uber driver app because you get all the work done through it. Here is what first time Uber drivers should know about this software!

The Uber Driver App Explained

It all begins with the basics, so the first step to using the Uber driver app is installing it. The software is free for both iOS and Android. It looks similar on both operating systems and won’t take much room on your device.

While there are some basic explanations, there’s no detailed tutorial on how to use Uber driver app. That’s why we have vital instructions ready for you below!

Get Comfortable with the Interface

If you want to learn how to use the Uber driver app, give yourself a few minutes to get to know it. The initial screen is a map, and you have the GO button to start working. Before you click it, stay offline and try various app options. This will help you be comfortable with using it once you go online.

The upper part of the screen offers information about your last trip payment, completed routes, etc. You can access your profile to get more info about your account, but also withdraw funds and make other adjustments.

Using the Destination Filter

In the upper-left corner, you’ll find a Destination Filter. It can be useful for first-time Uber drivers since you can position yourself in the city easily. The experts recommend choosing a busy area as the destination. You only have two filters daily, so be careful about how you use them. Once you choose the preferred option, you’ll see the available riders. 

Accepting and Completing your First Trip

Are you ready to go online? If you already feel that you know how to use the Uber driver app, hit that GO button. It takes a bit of patience, but it rarely takes more than a few minutes to get pinged. The app offers an option to accept the ride request. If you do, you’ll see the pick-up address.

The software has its own navigation system. If you don’t feel comfortable with it, you can switch to Waze or Google Maps. Choose the desired option in the lower-right section.

Once you reach the destination, the app notifies the driver. They have a few minutes to enter, and you have the right to a waiting fee if they are late. You can send a polite reminder or call them via the app. After the passenger enters, start the ride and follow the directions.

An important step in the guide on how to use the Uber driver app is the Shield button. It’s in the lower-left corner and allows you to call 911 if you feel like you are in danger.

Did you make it to the final destination? You can end the ride by swiping the available option. The only remaining thing is to rate your passenger. If you want to keep driving, stay online and wait for the next rider!

FAQs

What If the Rider Wants to Change Destinations or Make Multiple Stops?

What if your passenger receives information that their meeting has been canceled in the middle of the drive? Instead of going to the destination, they might want to head home. The passenger will need to change the destination during the trip. Most customers will communicate to ask you if it would be okay to adjust the route. As soon as they enter the destination change, you’ll see it in your app. The directions will adjust accordingly.

A passenger ordering can Uber can add the final destination and up to two stops before it. You’ll see all stops in the app, and the initial directions take you to the first place to visit. Once you reach the destination, you choose “Confirm Stop.” This will initiate waiting time, and you get paid for any extra time spent there.

If you are ready to continue, pick “Start Trip,” and you’ll see directions to the next destination. The only trick is that you need to do that while using the Uber driver app, which means that it should be active. If you are using another navigation option, make sure to open the software and perform the necessary actions.

My Rider Wants Me to Wait. What Should I Do?

Uber has a wait-time fee for every minute you spend waiting. It activates several minutes after you arrive at the location. The same rule applies if the rider wants to stop along the way. Make sure to check the exact guidelines in your location since wait-time fees might vary.

When and How Do I Get Paid?

First-time Uber drivers might wonder how the platform will pay them. You have two options available within the app:

1. Choose direct bank account deposits. You can pick weekly payment cycles within the app. Once you finish the cycle, Uber sends the payment to your debit card or bank account. You might need to be patient and wait for a few business days until the money arrives.
2. Cash-out your funds at any moment. Some locations have this option available inside the app. It allows you to request money outside of the regular schedule.

You can check your payment history and statements in your Uber wallet.

What If My App Isn’t Working?

Are you having problems starting or using the Uber driver app? Here is what can fix the problem:

• Restart the app or your phone. Begin by exiting the software and opening it again. If that doesn’t help, try a phone restart.
• Check if an internet connection is available. Try switching networks if that’s an option.
• Reinstall the app. Try to erase all app’s memory, delete it, and install it on the device again.
• Update your phone. Is it possible you are not using the latest OS version?

If this doesn’t help, check if Uber released any official statements about the app not working. The last resort would be to take the phone to a repair shop or use another device.