Key Takeaways
- Uber Driver Phone Requirements: Android phones from 2013 or newer, iPhones with iOS 8 or newer, specifically iPhone 5s and above.
- Recommended Phones for Uber Drivers: Apple iPhone (5s or newer), Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, LG, Nokia.
- Phones Not Allowed by Uber: Older models like Vodafone Smart Prime 7 and Samsung Galaxy Note 3; generally, phones made before 2016.
- Key Phone Features for Uber: Screen size of at least 4.7 inches, SIM card, Internet access, communication apps, A-GPS/GLONASS chip, minimum 2 GB RAM, Snapdragon or Mediatek 8 core processor.
Uber Phone Requirements for Drivers
Uber drivers need a compatible smartphone to run the Uber driver app. The phone should meet these requirements for optimal app performance:
- Android phones should be from 2013 or newer, running on Android 5.0 or above.
- iPhone users need iOS 8 or newer, but avoid using anything older than an iPhone 5; iPhone 5s or newer models are recommended.
Ideal smartphones include iPhone 8, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, and Sony Xperia series.
The Best Phones for Uber Drivers
Uber drivers will need to choose one of the best smartphones out on the market to get the best results when picking up riders.
The five best phones for Uber drivers include the Apple iPhone, Samsung, Google Pixel, LG, and Nokia.
1. Apple iPhone
Steve Jobs first unveiled the Apple iPhone on January 9, 2007, and tens of thousands of iPhones were sold the following June. The following year, the iPhone 3G came out, which made a huge splash as well.
Over the years, the iPhone has made a major impact on how society operates and how people work together.
2. Samsung
The Samsung Android phones first began with the Samsung Galaxy S phone in 2010, according to a guide from Android Authority.
Within the next year, by late 2011, Samsung smartphones took up about 24 percent of the market as a whole.
The Samsung Galaxy S phones are very powerful smartphones with superior camera features. Samsung remains the largest mobile phone manufacturer as of 2023.
3. Google Pixel
The Google Pixel smartphone was first evaluated using the Android 7.1 operating system.
This particular cell phone has a 5-inch touch display, an eight-megapixel selfie camera, a 12.3-megapixel main camera, and 4GB of RAM. It also comes with GPS navigation and 22.7 GB of available storage.
4. LG
LG Electronics manufactures multiple versions of LG phones as well as tablets and televisions.
For example, the LG W41 Pro includes 6GB of RAM and uses a 2.3GHz octa-core MediaTek Helio G35 processor.
Lastly, this smartphone has multiple features including WiFI, GPS tracking, and Bluetooth connectivity.
5. Nokia
Some of the best Nokia smartphones include:
- Nokia 9 PureView
- Nokia 8.3 5G
- Nokia 8.1
- Nokia 8
- Nokia 7.2
- Nokia 7 Plus
- Nokia 5.3
- Nokia 6.1
Some superior features of Nokia smartphones include strong displays, attractive camera capabilities, and durability.
Nokia smartphones that meet Uber phone requirements will help rideshare drivers find their riders and generate profit.
Related: The best apps for Uber drivers
Phones Uber Doesn’t Allow Drivers to Have
Uber restricts the use of certain smartphones for their drivers. This includes older and less compatible models.
Examples of banned phones are the Vodafone Smart Prime 7, Tecno Mobile models like WX3 LTE and Camon C8, Tecno WX4, Samsung Galaxy Note 3, and Samsung Galaxy J5 Prime.
In general, Android phones older than Android 6.0 are not permitted. For iPhone users, models should be iPhone 6 or newer. Typically, phones manufactured before 2016 may not work efficiently with the Uber platform, leading to their exclusion.
Phone Accessories You Should Consider
As an Uber driver, equipping your vehicle with the right cell phone accessories can enhance your driving experience.
Essential items include a fast-charging car charger, a wireless charger, and a phone charger adapter suitable for your vehicle. For long days, a portable charger is a valuable addition.
Protecting your phone is crucial. Choose between lightweight, thin cases for ease of handling, or opt for more robust, durable cases for better protection.
A screen protector is also recommended to prevent scratches and damage to your phone’s screen. For added convenience and improved sound quality, consider wireless earbuds.
They come in various shapes and colors, some offering noise cancellation for busy environments, while others provide quality music playback during drives.
Investing in these accessories can make your Uber driving more comfortable and efficient.
Basic Features Every Uber Phone Should Have
For Uber drivers, certain smartphone features are essential for optimal performance. Key features include:
- A battery with long life and a strong data plan for reliable WiFi connectivity.
- A screen size of at least 4.7 inches for clear visibility.
- A SIM card and internet access for seamless communication.
- Apps like FaceTime and WhatsApp for easy communication with riders.
- An internal A-GPS or GLONASS chip for accurate navigation.
- A minimum of 2 GB RAM for smooth app operation.
- A processor, preferably Snapdragon or Mediatek with 8 cores, for efficient multitasking.
Uber’s app, integral to ridesharing, offers features like VoIP for cost-effective communication, as reported by The Verge in 2018. This tool is similar to FaceTime on iPhones.
The app also includes in-app chat, text messaging, and GPS for efficient rider pickup.
Additionally, it displays areas with higher demand and surge pricing, and features a destination filter usable twice a day, helping drivers increase earnings and efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can two smartphones use the same Uber account?
No, you cannot use the same Uber account on two smartphones with different phone numbers. If both smartphones share the same phone number, then it’s possible.
However, using the account as a rider or driver on multiple devices with different numbers makes it appear as a new user on each device.
Should you get a second phone for Uber?
No, getting a second phone for Uber alone is unnecessary since the same account cannot be used on two different smartphones.
However, if you’re driving for both Uber and Lyft, having two phones can be beneficial for easily switching between the two ridesharing apps.
does either Uber or Lyft recommend I pads?
Everyone keeps recommending the iPhone 12 mini. I just switched to it from an old 6SE and I’m very disappointed. It overheats, then the flash doesn’t work and the flashlight doesn’t work. The battery sometimes won’t last 3-4 hours even when it’s plugged in.