Uber SMS VERIFICATION Receive the Uber code on a rented number.

Uber opens a rider account with a phone number and a texted code, and the same account works for Uber Eats. The number lets drivers and couriers reach you during a trip or a delivery, and Uber sends codes to it when you sign in on a new phone. A rented number helps when you want an account for a trip abroad, a work profile kept apart, or a test account for a delivery integration.

In many cities Uber masks both numbers when a rider and driver call or text through the app, so neither side sees the other's real line. The number on the account still matters for sign-in, so plan for how you will log in after the rented number returns to the pool.

How sign-in works on Uber

Enter a number, get a four-digit code by SMS or WhatsApp, and Uber asks for an email and name to finish. On later sign-ins from a new device, Uber sends a code to the number or the email. Adding a password and confirming the email in the account settings means a code to the email can replace the SMS.

Uber refuses many VoIP numbers and numbers from free SMS sites. The numbers rented here come from real mobile carrier ranges. When Uber offers WhatsApp or SMS for the code, pick SMS.

One account, many countries

An Uber rider account works in every country Uber operates in, so most travellers keep their home account and pay with the same card. A local number helps when a driver needs to call you and international calls are a problem, or when a local payment method or promotion expects a local number. People visiting Spain or the United Kingdom sometimes add one for that reason.

A business profile inside the same account keeps work trips on a company card. Uber for Business sets this up without a second account, and it is the cleaner choice for separating expenses.

Riders, drivers and the rules

Driver and courier accounts are a different process. They require identity documents, a background check and in many cities a licence, and a phone number does not replace any of that. This page covers rider and Uber Eats customer accounts only.

Uber removes rider accounts for fraud, promotion abuse and unsafe behaviour. Creating new accounts to claim first-ride discounts repeatedly breaks its terms, and Uber matches accounts by payment card and device. Food delivery apps such as Deliveroo run similar checks.