The short answer: download the Uber or Lyft app, create an account with your email address and phone number, type where you’re going, confirm your pickup spot and request the ride (Uber, Lyft). Before you get in, check that the license plate, car and driver photo match the app (Uber). Both companies now offer simpler versions of their apps for older riders, and Uber also takes bookings by phone.
What you need
- A smartphone with the Uber or Lyft app from the App Store or Google Play. Uber can also be booked from a web browser (Uber).
- An email address and a phone number for your account (Uber).
- A credit or debit card in the app. You pay automatically at the end of the trip, and the app shows you the price before you confirm (Uber).
No smartphone? Skip to booking Uber by phone.
How to request an Uber
- Open the Uber app and type your destination in the Where to? box.
- Check the pickup location and tap to confirm it. You can type a new address or drag the pin on the map.
- Tap Confirm again to be matched with a nearby driver.
- Watch the map. When the driver is a few minutes away, go to your pickup spot (Uber).
Uber suggests waiting inside until the app shows your driver has arrived (Uber).
How to request a Lyft
- Open the Lyft app and tap Search destination. Enter where you’re going.
- Choose a ride type, then tap Select Lyft.
- Confirm or change your pickup location, then tap Confirm and request (Lyft).
If your building has a gate code, add it in the pickup notes (Lyft). To save Home and other addresses, tap your profile at the bottom right, then Settings (Lyft).
Use the simpler senior versions
Uber senior account and Simple mode
Simple mode has larger text and buttons, fewer ride choices and your saved places on the home screen (Uber). To turn it on, open the Uber app, go to Account, tap Seniors, then Set up my senior account. In a senior account you can also choose how the driver lets you know they’ve arrived (calling out your name, honking, flashing lights or contacting you), and in some cities you can ask for cars with a lower step-in (Uber).
Lyft Silver
Lyft Silver is a simpler version of the Lyft app with larger text and live phone support from 8 AM to 9 PM Eastern Time (Lyft). To turn it on, tap your profile at the bottom right of the Lyft app, then tap Lyft Silver. With it on, you can choose Silver Select, which matches you with cars that are easy to get in and out of (Lyft).
Book an Uber by phone (no app needed)
- Call 1-833-USE-UBER (1-833-873-8237) from a mobile phone that can receive texts. Landlines don’t work.
- A team member helps you set up an account if you don’t have one, adds a payment method and books the ride. You can speak English or Spanish.
- You get a text with the driver’s name, car type, license plate and arrival time, and another text when the driver arrives (Uber).
You can call for a ride now or book up to 90 days ahead. This number only books rides and isn’t customer service. Uber says to use only this number to book by phone (Uber). The phone line can only book rides for the account holder (Uber). Check Uber’s page for the current calling hours.
For family and caregivers
- Uber: in your app, tap Account > Family, then Add new member > Senior and choose your parent from your contacts. Once they accept, you can book and pay for their rides, manage their saved places, follow the trip live and contact the driver (Uber). They get a text with a link to download the app (Uber).
- Lyft: set the destination, tap Change rider and choose them from your contacts (Lyft). You can also send a Lyft Silver invite from the Lyft Silver menu, with an optional gift card (Lyft).
Stay safe on every ride
- Check your ride. Match the license plate, car make and model, and driver photo with the app. Never get in a car that doesn’t match (Uber).
- Ask “Who are you here to pick up?” The driver sees your first name in their app (Uber).
- Sit in the back and wear your seat belt (Uber).
- Share your trip. In Uber, tap Share trip status so a family member can follow your ride (Uber). In Lyft, add trusted contacts in your safety settings so they can track your ride in real time (Lyft).
- Pay only in the app. Uber rides can only be requested through the app or the official phone line, so ignore anyone offering a ride on the street or on a different phone number (Uber, Uber).
Getting calls or texts about a ride you didn’t book? See why you should never click links in text messages.
Questions people ask about Uber and Lyft
Do I need a smartphone to use Uber?
No. In the U.S. you can call 1-833-USE-UBER (1-833-873-8237) to book a ride, but you must call from a phone that can receive text messages. It won’t work from a landline (Uber).
Can my son or daughter book rides for me?
Yes. With Uber, a family member can add you to their Family profile as a senior and book and pay for your rides (Uber). With Lyft, they can tap ‘Change rider’ and send a ride to you (Lyft).
Can I book a ride ahead of time?
Yes. In the Uber app you can schedule up to 30 days ahead (Uber). By phone at 1-833-USE-UBER you can book up to 90 days ahead (Uber).
What if the car or driver doesn’t match the app?
Don’t get in. Uber says to match the license plate, car make and model, and driver photo every time, and never get into a car that doesn’t match (Uber).
Is there an option for wheelchair users?
Yes. Uber WAV offers wheelchair-accessible vehicles (Uber), and Lyft Access is for fixed-frame wheelchairs (Lyft). Availability depends on where you live.
Keep learning
- How to Use Google Maps for Navigation
- How to Use Digital Tickets on Your Phone
- Smartphone Help for Seniors
