Uber sends a four-digit code by text when you enter your number on the first screen of the Uber or Uber Eats app. If the Uber verification code is not received, the usual causes are a typo in the number, a carrier that blocks short-code texts, or a phone that blocks messages from foreign senders. Uber can also deliver the code by call.
How Uber verifies your number
There is no Uber account without a phone number: the app asks for it on its very first screen. Riders and Uber Eats customers go through the same check.
Uber at a glance
- Virtual numbers
- Depends on the number range
- Code sent by
- SMS · phone call
- Code length
- 4 digits
- Asks for the number again later
- Yes
- One number per account
- Yes
Uber code not received: what to check
- Edit the number, then tap Resend Uber's own help page names a mistyped number as the first cause. Correct it on the verification screen and request a new code.
- Unblock short codes Uber texts from a short code. Some carriers block those by default; ask yours to enable short-code SMS on your line.
- Allow texts from foreign senders If your phone or carrier blocks messages from abroad, the code may never show. Uber specifically asks you not to block them.
- Restart the phone Switch it off and on again, then request one new code.
- Ask Uber If none of this helps, Uber's help page has a form where you leave your number for them to check.
Text or call
Uber can deliver the code by phone call as well as by SMS. A call helps when texts are filtered but your line takes calls normally.
| Text | Call | |
|---|---|---|
| Best when | You can receive short-code SMS | Texts are blocked but calls get through |
| Fails when | Short codes or foreign senders are blocked | The number cannot take calls, like a receive-only number |
SMS For U numbers receive texts only, so with them always choose the text option.
Signing up while travelling
- Roaming on: with your home SIM abroad, texts may not reach you unless roaming is switched on.
- Dual SIM: check which of the two lines you typed in, and that this SIM is active for messages.
- New local SIM: it comes with a new number. Enter that one, or the code goes to the phone you left at home.
Why Uber asks again on a new phone
Uber may ask for your number again later, for example when you sign in on another device. The fresh code then goes to the number on your account, so that number has to still reach you.
- Keep the account number current in your Uber profile, so a new phone does not lock you out.
- One number per account: a number already linked to an Uber account cannot open a second one.
- A temporary number suits a one-off sign-up only. It closes after the code, so it cannot confirm a later login.
Common questions
How many digits is the Uber verification code?
Four.
Can I use Uber without a phone number?
No. Uber asks for a mobile number before anything else, and the account cannot be created without confirming it.
Why won't Uber verify my phone number?
Common causes: a typo in the number, short-code texts blocked by the carrier, or a number that is already linked to another Uber account.
Does Uber Eats use the same code?
Yes. Uber Eats uses the same Uber sign-up and the same text check.
Can a receive-only number take Uber's verification call?
No. A number that only receives texts cannot answer a call, so pick the text option on Uber's verification screen.