How to use uber app step-by-step

We think ride sharing App's like Uber are a great new resource that can help older adults get around more easily. This article (with videos) will describe how to get a ride using the Uber smart phone application, after first downloading the App and setting it up.

Índice Show

• Just do it: Uber
• Uber Step by Step
•  Download and setup
• Choose the type of ride
• Choose a pickup location
• Get a fare estimate
• Set your destination
• Summon the Ride
• On the Move
• When the Ride is Over
• Want More Like This?
• The step-by-step guide
• How to Use Uber Online

You can see a comparison of several of these ride sharing Apps here, but our reviewers decided they liked Uber best, so we did this "How To" series of videos.

We have also discussed these Apps quite a bit in our Longevity Explorer circles. While many of our Explorers like Uber, a sizable minority prefer an App that summons a taxi instead of a private car, and those Explorers are using an App called Flywheel for that.

In this article we provide a series of very short videos that will demonstrate each step in the process of setting up and then using the Uber App. You can watch the videos as you read the article and come back to view them again any time you have a question about Uber.

Just do it: Uber

If you already have the Uber app on your smart phone, this first video will give you a quick, “let’s just do it” overview of using Uber. Start here if you are a savvy smartphone user and just want to know: What is Uber?, or How does Uber work?

Uber Step by Step

 Download and setup

To use Uber you first download their free app to your smart phone and sign up for a free account.

Apple iPhone, iPad:  Click to get Uber on your Apple device

Android phones and tablets:  Click to get Uber on your Android device

Choose the type of ride

When you want a ride you open the app and select the type of ride you want.

 Uber offers several kinds of service in their app:

• UberX: basic ride service for 1-4 people
• UberXL: basic ride service for up to 6 people
• Black Car: limousine style ride – a bit more formal
• Access: drivers trained to assist riders with mobility issues

UberX is the least expensive service and works great. The other Uber services will cost you more and will probably take longer for the driver to arrive. The basic UberX ride service is available in the most areas, so if you live away from an urban core, the UberX service may be your only viable choice.

Choose a pickup location

Once you have selected the type of ride you want (the cheapest option is UberX) then you have to tell Uber where you want to be picked up. The app uses GPS to know where you are, but you need to make sure the location is accurate.

Get a fare estimate

A common question we get asked is: "How much is an Uber ride?". Uber will give you an estimate of the cost of your ride, if you want. The actual price will depend on traffic conditions – the same way a taxi meter works.

Set your destination

Once you have used Uber a few times you might want to skip the fare estimate part and just specify your destination. There are a couple of different ways you can do this. You can type in where you want to go, or you can use the interactive map.

Summon the Ride

If you tap the final step to arrange the ride, then in a few seconds a driver is selected by Uber and headed to pick you up. The app displays a small photo of the driver and the car – you can see who and what is coming to pick you up. The app also displays a map showing where the driver is and you can watch him approach your location.

On the Move

When your ride arrives you can look at the app to verify that this is the right car for you. Uber drivers should have the Uber logo displayed in their front window. Now open the back seat door and get in. Sit back and enjoy the ride. Your driver will probably be using his own smart phone with GPS driving directions to get you to your destination.

When the Ride is Over

At the end of the ride you step out and the application automatically charges the ride to your credit card. Today Uber rides typically cost about 15% less than a traditional taxi ride. It’s all easy and simple to understand. The hardest part is remembering to not reach for your wallet at the end of your ride.

One last, important, step is that the app will ask you to rate your ride with 1 to 5 stars. Anything less than 5 stars will cause some concern at the company, and if you rate the ride 3 or less then the company will talk to your driver about what happened. Drivers who get too many 3 star ratings are banned by the company. 5 stars does not mean “exceptional,” it means “everything went as expected.” Unless the ride really was bad, then you should rate your ride with 5 stars.

Summary

The bottom line: Uber is a very good service that will quickly respond to your need for a ride. We recommend that you download the app and go somewhere soon. Why not take a ride today?

Apple iPhone, iPad

• Click to get Uber on your Apple device

Android phones and tablets

• Click to get Uber on your Android device

Want More Like This?

Visit our Useful Apps Club.

The Uber app has been one of the most enjoyable of its kind for some time. Not only is it offering an easy way to get yourself from A to B without too many problems, it removes the usual clunky nature of normal taxis. Whilst many cab drivers disagree with the morality or even the legality of Uber, it’s a hugely popular module for quick transport.

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Like all new things, though, Uber can be a little daunting to try and operate at first. Not sure where to start? Then consider how to manage Uber by using this guide.

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The step-by-step guide

1. Start off by signing up. Visit the Uber website and make an account – it takes a few seconds and just needs some basic information.
2. If you sign up using a friend’s Uber referral code, then you can get up to $20 credit to use on your first ride/fare. You also need to provide a credit card or PayPal account to sign up to use the Uber service.
3. Run through the terms and conditions of the Uber program, ensure that you are happy with it, and then hit ‘Sign Up. Once you are verified etc. then you can get the chance to log in for the first time.
4. To hire a driver, you need to log in via your mobile device. Log in using the Uber app which you downloaded. Once there, sign into the Uber app and be prepared to request your ride using Uber.
5. You start off by choosing the kind of vehicle that you would like to be using. There are five styles to pick from, allowing you to get a more classic look to something a bit less formal. You use the slider to choose the vehicle that you would like to use. This changes and is determined by the city and also vehicle availability.
6. Then, provide your location. This allows you to set your pickup location – you can choose it manually or use your GPS to make it automatic. Once you have confirmed where you want to be picked up at, you will have to confirm the order.
7. Once you confirm the order you will be taken to the point of reference whereby you will make payment for the services. You can pay with Uber credit or you can pay with your actual account – the options are down to you.
8. Wait in front of the street address for your cab to arrive. You can use your phone to keep track on the driver’s location, average waiting times and various other stats and facts regarding your drive. This makes it easy to know how long you have to get ready and prepared before your arrival is here.

How to Use Uber Online

What if your phone is dead, is there another way to request Uber?
If your phone is dead, or your Uber app is acting up, you can make a request for an Uber online. You can use your laptop, desktop, or even your tablet or iPads to ping for an Uber. Obviously, you’d have to have internet access.   Here’s how to use uber online to request for an Uber:

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• Go to https://m.uber.com
• Enter your login info. (click on “Allow” for automatic location detected in your browser)
• If your device can’t detect your exact location; in other words if the automatic location does not work, you can enter your current location in the search box
• You can also move the “set pickup location” pointer or pin on the map to where you want to be picked up.
• That’s it! Enjoy your ride! This is how to use Uber to request for your ride.

Remember that if you wish to cancel, you can be charged a fee if you cancel more than five minutes later.

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As you can see, learning how to use Uber is pretty easy. If you start with the details above, then you can quickly get to grips with hiring an Uber cab to make your journeys far less stressful.

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Featured photo credit: Priscilla Du Preez via unsplash.com