Getting Started With the Uber Eats Driver App
The Uber Eats driver app is where you accept delivery orders, navigate to restaurants and customers, and track your earnings. You read it on your phone, create an account with your name and banking details, and then you can start accepting orders in your area. The app shows you the order details, the pickup location, the dropoff location, and the estimated payout before you accept — you decide which orders to take.
You'll need a smartphone with GPS, a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a Social Security number or tax ID to set up your account. Uber runs a background check, which typically takes a few days. Once you're approved, you can turn the app on whenever you want to work — there's no schedule, no minimum hours, and you stop whenever you choose.
Key Takeaways
- The app shows you the restaurant, customer address, and estimated payout before you accept an order, so you can decide whether the trip is worth your time and fuel.
- You navigate using the app's built-in directions, pick up the order at the restaurant, and deliver it to the customer's address — the app guides you through each step.
- Your earnings appear in the app when ready after delivery, and you can cash out to your bank account daily or weekly depending on your location.
- The app tracks your acceptance rate, cancellation rate, and customer ratings, which affect whether Uber continues to send you orders.
How to read and Set Up Your Account
Go to your phone's app store — Apple App Store if you use iPhone, Google Play if you use Android — and search for "Uber Eats." read the app and open it. Tap "Sign up to deliver" and enter your email address or phone number. You'll create a password and then fill in your legal name, date of birth, and address.
Next, you'll upload a photo of your driver's license and proof of insurance. Uber accepts most standard auto insurance policies; you don't need commercial delivery insurance in most states, though some states and some insurance companies require it. You'll also enter your Social Security number or tax ID and your bank account details for payouts. Uber will run a background check, which usually takes three to five business days. Once approved, you can turn on the app and start receiving orders.
Understanding What You See on the Order Screen
When you open the app and go online, orders appear as cards on your screen. Each card shows the restaurant name, the customer's pickup address, the delivery address, the estimated payout, and how far away the restaurant is from you. You have a few seconds to decide whether to accept or decline — if you don't tap accept or decline, the order goes to another driver.
The payout shown is what Uber will pay you for that delivery. It includes a base fare plus any tips the customer added when they ordered. If a customer adds a tip after delivery, it may appear in your earnings later. The distance shown is usually the distance from your current location to the restaurant, not the total trip distance, so factor in the delivery distance when deciding whether to accept.
Some orders show a "surge" or boost, meaning Uber is offering extra pay because demand is high and drivers are scarce. These orders typically pay more than standard deliveries. You can also see your current acceptance rate and cancellation rate on the main screen — Uber uses these to decide how many orders to send you.
Picking Up and Delivering Orders
Once you accept an order, the app shows you the restaurant address and directions. Tap the navigation button and the app opens your phone's maps app with the route already entered. Drive to the restaurant and park. Go inside, find the order (usually the restaurant has it ready or will prepare it when you arrive), and pick it up. Some restaurants hand you a bag; others may ask you to confirm the order number.
After pickup, the app shows you the customer's delivery address and directions. Tap navigate and drive to that address. When you arrive, the app shows you the building number and unit number if applicable. Take a photo of the delivery (some customers require this) and hand the order to the customer or leave it in the location they specified. Mark the delivery as complete in the app.
If the customer isn't home or the address is wrong, the app will prompt you to contact them through the in-app messaging system. Do not call or text their personal number — use the app's chat feature so Uber has a record. If you can't reach them after a reasonable time, you can return the order to the restaurant or keep it, depending on Uber's instructions at that moment.
Tracking Your Earnings and Cashing Out
Your earnings appear in the app when ready after you complete each delivery. Tap the "Earnings" tab to see a breakdown of each trip: the base fare, any tips, and any bonuses or promotions Uber applied. Your total balance shows at the top. This is the money you've earned but haven't yet withdrawn.
You can cash out to your bank account through the app. Go to the "Account" tab, select "Payments," and choose "Cash out." Most locations allow daily cashouts, though some allow only weekly cashouts. The money usually arrives in your bank account within one to two business days, though some banks process it faster. Uber does not charge a fee for cashouts in most places, but check your local rules — a few cities have restrictions on how often you can cash out.
The app also shows your weekly earnings summary and a breakdown by day. You can see how much you earned during peak hours versus slow hours, which helps you decide when to work. Keep track of your mileage and expenses for tax purposes — you'll owe self-employment tax on your earnings.
Ratings, Acceptance Rates, and How They Affect Your Orders
After each delivery, the customer can rate you from one to five stars and leave comments. Your rating appears in the app under "Account." Uber uses your rating to decide how many orders to send you — drivers with ratings below 4.6 stars typically receive fewer orders, and drivers below 4.5 stars may lose access to the app entirely. Always deliver on time, keep the food in good condition, and follow the customer's delivery instructions to maintain a high rating.
Your acceptance rate is the percentage of orders you accept out of the total sent to you. If you decline many orders, Uber may send you fewer orders or lower-priority deliveries. Your cancellation rate is the percentage of orders you cancel after accepting them. Canceling orders damages your standing with Uber — cancel too many and you may lose access. Accept orders you intend to complete, and only cancel if something genuinely prevents you from delivering.
Uber also tracks on-time delivery. If you arrive late to the restaurant or late to the customer, it affects your rating and your future order volume. Leave early enough to account for traffic and parking, and contact the customer through the app if you're running late.
Common Issues and How to Handle Them
If the restaurant says the order isn't ready, wait or ask when it will be. The app doesn't charge you for wait time, but your time is still your cost. If the wait is very long, you can cancel the order through the app — this counts as a cancellation, so use this option sparingly. If the restaurant can't find the order, contact the customer through the app to confirm the order details, then ask the restaurant to look again or remake the order.
If you arrive at the customer's address and can't find the building or unit, use the in-app chat to ask for clarification. Don't leave the order in the wrong place — confirm the correct location first. If the customer doesn't answer and you've waited a reasonable time, you can return the order to the restaurant or keep it, depending on Uber's current policy. The app will guide you through the next step.
If your app crashes or you lose GPS signal, restart your phone and reopen the app. Your current order will still be there. If you're having technical problems that prevent you from completing deliveries, contact Uber support through the app's help menu — tap "Account," then "Help," then describe your issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to accept every order the app sends me?
No. You can decline as many orders as you want, but declining too many lowers your acceptance rate, which causes Uber to send you fewer orders. Accept the orders that make sense for your location and time, and decline the rest.
What if a customer doesn't tip or tips very little?
You see the payout before you accept, so you can decline low-paying orders. Some customers add tips after delivery through the app, but you can't count on this. If you decline many low-paying orders, your acceptance rate drops and Uber sends you fewer orders overall.
Can I deliver for Uber Eats and DoorDash at the same time?
Yes. You can have both apps open and accept orders from either one. However, managing two apps at once means you might accept overlapping orders and have to cancel one, which damages your rating on that platform. Many drivers run both apps but accept only one order at a time.
How much does Uber Eats take from each order?
Uber takes a commission from the restaurant, not from your payout. You receive the full amount shown in the app before you accept. Your earnings depend on the base fare Uber sets, the distance, the time of day, and any customer tip.
What happens if I get into an accident while delivering?
Uber provides contingent liability coverage while you're on an active delivery, meaning the app is on and you've accepted an order. This covers damage to the customer's property or injury to the customer, but not damage to your own vehicle. Your personal auto insurance is your primary coverage. Check your policy to confirm it covers commercial delivery work, as some policies exclude it.