You can message your Uber driver through the app before pickup and during the ride, but not after it ends
Open the Uber app and go to your active trip. You'll see a chat icon (speech bubble) at the bottom of the screen. Tap it to open a text conversation with your driver. Messages appear in real time, and your driver gets a notification each time you send one. This works from the moment the driver accepts your request until the trip officially ends — once you've been dropped off and the fare is calculated, the chat closes.
The messaging feature is built into the app itself. You don't need your driver's phone number, and they don't see yours. All communication stays within Uber's system, which also means Uber can see the conversation if there's ever a dispute about what was said.
Key Takeaways
- The chat icon appears in your active trip screen as soon as a driver accepts your request.
- You can message your driver to give directions, ask them to wait, or let them know you're running late.
- Messages are only available during the active trip — the chat closes once the ride ends and payment is processed.
- Your actual phone number stays private; all messages go through Uber's app.
When to message your driver before they arrive
Use the chat if your pickup location is unclear or if you need to tell your driver something before they reach you. Common reasons include letting them know you're at a side entrance rather than the main door, asking them to wait a few minutes while you finish getting ready, or warning them about a difficult parking situation at your location.
If you're running late, message as soon as you know. Drivers can cancel if they've been waiting too long, and a message gives them the choice to stay. Some drivers will wait longer if they know you're on your way; others may cancel anyway. A message doesn't may provide they'll stay, but it gives them the information to decide.
How to give directions or change your route during the ride
If you want to take a different route than what the app shows, or if you need to make a stop, message your driver rather than shouting directions. Type out where you want to go or what you need. Your driver can read it clearly and won't have to guess what you said over road noise.
For a stop — like picking up a friend or grabbing something quickly — message first and ask if they're willing. Not all drivers will wait, especially if it's not on your original route. If they agree, let them know how long you'll be. If you take much longer than you said, they may leave.
What happens if your driver doesn't respond
Drivers aren't required to read or reply to messages while driving. Many keep their eyes on the road and won't look at the chat until they're stopped or parked. If your message is urgent — like you're at the wrong location — calling might be faster, though some drivers prefer not to take calls while driving.
If your driver seems to be ignoring a message about pickup location and you think they're going to the wrong place, call them. If they don't answer and you're genuinely concerned about the pickup, you can cancel the trip and request a new driver. You won't be charged if you cancel before the driver arrives.
Messaging after your trip ends
Once the trip is complete and you've been dropped off, the chat closes and you can't send new messages. If you left something in the car or need to contact your driver about the ride, you'll need to go through Uber's support system instead. Open the trip in your ride history, tap the three dots menu, and select "Report a Lost Item" or "Contact Support."
Uber will try to reach your driver on your behalf. This is the official channel, and it protects both you and the driver because Uber documents the conversation. Don't ask for the driver's personal contact information — Uber won't provide it, and drivers aren't required to share it.
Tips for clear, useful messages
Keep messages short and specific. Instead of "I'm here," try "I'm at the north entrance by the blue awning." Instead of "Can you wait?" try "Can you wait 5 minutes? I'm grabbing my bag." Drivers appreciate knowing exactly what you need and how long it will take.
Avoid messages that are rude or demanding. Your driver is more likely to help if you're polite. If something goes wrong — your driver takes a wrong turn, forgets to unlock the door, drives recklessly — you can message about it in the moment, but also report it through Uber's support system after the ride ends. The report goes on record and helps Uber track patterns.
What you can't do through the chat
You can't use the chat to negotiate the fare, request a refund, or report a safety issue. For those, you need Uber's support system. Go to your ride history, find the trip, and tap the menu to report a problem or contact support. Safety concerns should also be reported when ready — if you feel unsafe during a ride, you can call 911 or Uber's safety line depending on the situation.
You also can't message a driver after you've rated them and closed the trip. If you rated them one star and then realized you wanted to explain why, or if you rated them five stars and want to add a comment, the chat is already closed. Uber's support team can note your feedback, but the driver won't see a follow-up message from you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I message an Uber driver before I request a ride?
No. The chat only appears after a driver has accepted your request. You can't contact a driver before you've booked a trip. Once you request a ride and a driver accepts, the chat icon becomes available.
Will my driver see my phone number if I message them?
No. All messages go through Uber's app, and your phone number stays hidden. Your driver sees only your name and the message itself. This protects your privacy and keeps communication within Uber's system.
What if I message my driver and they never read it?
Drivers aren't required to read messages while driving. If your message is time-sensitive — like you're at the wrong pickup spot — call your driver instead. If they don't answer and you're concerned, you can cancel the trip and request a new driver without being charged.
Can I get my driver's contact information from the chat?
No. Uber doesn't share driver phone numbers or personal contact details through the app. If you need to reach your driver after the trip ends, report the issue through Uber's support system, and they'll contact the driver on your behalf.
Does Uber keep a record of my messages?
Yes. Uber stores all messages sent through the app. If there's a dispute about what happened during a ride, Uber can review the chat history. This is why it's useful to message about important details — you have a record of what was said.