Uber Verification Code: Phone Number Rules and Fixes

Uber texts a verification code to your phone when you create an account, when you change your number, and at sign-in if you turn on 2-step verification. If you’d rather not give Uber your personal number, a second mobile number can receive the Uber verification code for you.

Here’s what Uber requires, which numbers work, and how to keep access later.

Does Uber need a phone number?

Yes, for every rider. Uber’s help center says: “Creating an Uber account requires a valid email address and phone number.” You add your name, number and language, and then “we send a text SMS to verify your phone number.”

Here’s when a code comes up:

Uber also allows one account per person. Its terms say “you may only possess one Account”, and its help center adds: “Users are only able to create one Uber account for both Rides and Uber Eats.”

Which phone numbers work for Uber?

Uber’s advice: “we recommend using a number associated with a wireless mobile phone provider.” Your number lets you “connect with drivers for phone calls and SMS text messaging.”

A non-VoIP number from PVADeals is a real mobile number from a carrier, so Uber sees an ordinary mobile number. PVADeals numbers receive SMS only, though, so a driver’s call won’t reach you on it. Keep the Uber app open at pickup.

How to get the Uber verification code on a PVADeals number

1. Create a free PVADeals account and add credits: crypto from $3, or a card through Stripe from $5.
2. Choose Uber and the country: the United States or the United Kingdom.
3. Pick a rental. A long-term number (3, 7, 14 or 30 days) keeps receiving Uber’s texts. A short-term number lasts 20 minutes.
4. Sign up in the Uber app with your name, the number (+1 for the US, +44 for the UK) and your language.
5. Copy the code from your PVADeals dashboard, where it appears as soon as it arrives, and type it into the app.
6. Add a payment method and confirm your email. Uber emails you to confirm the registration.

Short-term or long-term?

A short-term number gets you through sign-up. After that, Uber may text the number again for 2-step verification, account changes or security checks. Plan for the day the number is gone:

• Keep your email up to date. If your phone number changes, Uber lets you log in with your email instead.
• Use a security app for 2-step verification. With one, Uber says “you don’t need a phone number attached to your account.” Save your backup codes too.
• Rent long-term and turn on auto-renew if you want the same number to keep receiving Uber’s texts.

To change the number later, go to Manage your account, then Personal info. Uber texts a code to confirm the change.

Drivers and couriers: a number isn’t enough

This guide is for rider and Uber Eats accounts. To drive or deliver in the US, Uber requires a background check, being 18 or over, a photo ID and a valid Social Security number. After that, “drivers and couriers are regularly prompted to take a selfie that we match against their verified profile photo.” A phone number can’t replace any of that.

If the Uber verification code doesn’t arrive

Start with Uber’s own fixes:

• Check the number. Edit it if needed and tap Resend on the verification screen.
• On your own phone? Your carrier may be blocking the short code SMS that Uber uses, so ask your provider. Restarting the phone can also help.
• “Already in use”? Uber says “you may have already registered for an Uber account.” Sign in to it instead of making a new one.
• Still nothing? Submit your number through Uber’s help form.

On a PVADeals number, if an eligible number receives no SMS during the rental, its cost comes back to your balance automatically as store credit.

Keep your personal number off Uber

A non-VoIP number from PVADeals receives Uber’s verification code without your personal number. See our US and UK phone numbers, or the prices below. Using other apps to get around? Read our guides for Lyft and DoorDash.