Key Takeaways
- Use the Uber Driver app or the account deletion link on Uber’s website to initiate the process.
- In the app, go to Menu > Help > Account Settings > Delete your account.
- If password is forgotten, use the “Forgotten Password” feature via app or website before deletion.
- Post-deletion, Uber keeps data for a legally required period (often 7 years) before permanent removal.
Reasons for Deleting an Uber Account
There are a few common reasons drivers delete their Uber accounts. Below is an overview.
- Career Changes: Sometimes delivery people undergo career changes. In this case, there’s no more need for the Uber platform.
- Dissatisfaction With the Platform: Negative rider experiences may prompt drivers to deactivate their account.
- Personal Circumstances: Uber accidents or family emergencies may lead drivers to stop a rideshare gig.
- Platform Switching: As an active rider, you may want to switch to alternative services or other platforms.
- Privacy Concerns: Other Uber drivers close their accounts for privacy concerns. This is so they can keep their driver history and driver earnings hidden.
- Excessive Email Notifications: Uber sends email updates about weather forecasts and traffic jams. These email notifications can annoy some drivers.
- Legal Reasons: Uber closes accounts for legal reasons. You may encounter account deactivation for drug abuse, food theft, or poor ratings from users.
How to Delete an Uber Driver Account
Deleting an Uber driver account is very simple, and only takes a small handful of steps to complete. This is a very similar process to how customers delete Uber accounts.
1. How to Delete an Uber Driver Account Using the Uber Driver App
- Open App: Launch the Uber Driver app on your device.
- Menu: Tap on the three-line menu icon at the top-left corner of the screen.
- Help Section: Select “Help” at the bottom of the menu.
- Account Settings: Choose “Account and Payment” from the help topics.
- Change Settings: Tap on “Changing account settings.”
- Deletion Option: Select “I want to delete my account.”
- Answer Questions: Indicate “Yes” or “No” to whether you wish to delete your rider account along with your driver account.
- Reason for Deletion: Toggle the appropriate switch for your reason for leaving and provide an explanation if you select “Other.”
- Submit: Once all details are confirmed, tap “Submit” and, if prompted, re-enter your password to finalize the deletion.
2. How to Delete an Uber Driver Account via Website
Alternatively, you can delete your Uber driver account using the Uber website. This follows nearly the same process as the process above:
- Visit Help Page: Go to the Uber help page designated for account deletion and sign in.
- Fill Out Form: Respond to the prompts with “Yes” or “No” regarding whether you wish to delete your driver account, rider account, or both.
- Confirmation: After answering all questions and typing your email in the required field, click or tap “Submit.”
- Email Confirmation: You will receive an email to confirm your request for account deletion or deactivation. Re-enter your password if prompted to confirm the action.
Important Note: After you submit an account deletion request, there is a 30 day waiting period before the account is permanently deleted.
During this time, the account is not immediately deleted, so you should plan accordingly if you intend to create a new account soon after.
Deleting a driver account will also delete your customer accounts too. If you drive for Uber, but also use any of Uber’s services, these accounts will also be deleted.
3. How To Delete an Uber Driver Account Without a Password
If you’ve forgotten your password and wish to delete your Uber account, first reset your password via the app by selecting “Forgotten Password” or through the website using your phone or email.
Verification through your registered email or phone is required for security purposes. If you lack access to both, reach out to Uber support for assistance.
What Happens After Deletion?
When you successfully delete your main Uber driver account, all attached accounts, such as the one for Uber Eats, get deleted. In short, you lose access to the driver app. Plus, you’ll lose your driver history and star ratings!
Note that Uber will have backups of your information for up to seven years due to legal reasons. However, you only get 30 days to recover your account.
In case you have pending payments from Uber, the customer support team will ensure you get your money before they deactivate your account. They will also email you the necessary information so you can do your taxes.
If Uber deactivated your account without your knowledge, you should check your email. There should be an explanation in your inbox. When this happens, you may dispute the deactivation and request a review.
Can You Make a New Account After Deletion?
Yes. You can make a new account after the complete deletion of your Uber driver account. When this happens, you must use a different email and phone number.
Do note that delivery people undergo another background check to make a new account.
If the reason for your previous deactivation involved a crime, your social security number will be on Uber’s record. In this case, your application will be rejected.
Meanwhile, those with lesser issues may need to attend a course before reactivating.
Because it may be harder to get into the Uber platform the second time, you should consider your options before deleting your account.
Here’s our advice for those who want to take a break or for delivery people switching to other rideshare platforms. Keep your Uber driver accounts active, and only delete them when you’re 100% sure you’ll never use the Uber platform again!
Note that a few of these reasons have remedies. Consider that deleting your account could have consequences. It’s best to try solving the issue before permanent account deletion.
The Impact of Ratings on the Decision to Delete a Driver Account
Some drivers consider deleting their accounts due to low ratings, hoping to start fresh. However, Uber’s system makes it challenging to reset ratings through account deletion.
This is one of the reasons that I stress the importance of driver ratings to pretty much everybody I talk to. The long-term impact of customer feedback matters, big time.
High ratings can provide leverage in customer disputes, while low ratings increase the risk of deactivation. Reaching the point of deactivation as a driver is not good.
While there is an appeal process, it’s much easier to follow the rules and remain in good standing than have to argue your case with support.
That said, instead of deleting a driver account, drivers can improve their service to enhance ratings.
Uber only calculates the last 100 ratings, so consistent quality service can gradually overshadow past negative feedback.
If you have a low rating, don’t worry. There are plenty of things you can do to increase it. Watch the video below for an overview of my suggestions.
Additionally, being aware of seasonal fluctuations in demand is important as well.
I see many drivers that hastily delete their accounts during low seasons, not quite realizing the potential for increased work during peak times.
If you’re getting frustrated because you don’t have enough rides or things seem slow, hold the line and simply improve your strategies.
I recently wrote a a huge list of the best times to drive for Uber, so make sure to check that out before deleting your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Uber Driver Accounts Deleted Permanently?
Uber driver accounts are deleted permanently only after meeting the specific legal retention requirements, which typically extend to seven years. The duration varies by region, so contacting Uber support can provide exact timeframes.
Once permanently deleted, the account cannot be reactivated or recovered, although you may be able to create a new profile.
Can You Delete an Uber Driver Account If You’ve Been Deactivated?
If your Uber driver account has been deactivated for violations or due to low ratings, you cannot delete it to remove these records.
Once deactivated, the account is tied to your identity, and you won’t be able to sign up anew with the same credentials. The appropriate step is to consider different employment opportunities.
Troubleshooting: Why Can’t I Delete My Uber Account?
If you find yourself unable to complete the account deletion process, there is likely a significant issue with your account that will require personally walking through the issue with customer service. In these cases, your best option is to reach out to the company’s customer support.
The most likely problem here is trouble with obtaining the verification code Uber is sending you. If you sent the code to your email, make sure you have checked your junk or spam folder before reaching out to customer support.
If you use an email software with an “All Mail” functionality that allows you to view your messages outside their folders, checking that can be especially useful here.
Alternative Options to Account Deletion
Below are some alternative options for delivery people who want to close their accounts.
- Unsubscribe to Emails and Texts: Sometimes texts and emails from Uber can get annoying. You can unsubscribe from these alerts at any time.
- Take a Break: Delivery people may take a break from Uber without deleting the account. Avoid opening the app and stop push notifications on your phone.
- Switch Platforms: Switch to other platforms in the meantime. Come back to the Uber platform when you’re ready.
- Uninstall the App: Uninstalling your driver app removes it from your phone, but doesn’t wipe your data. You can reinstall Uber, login, and resume work whenever you want.
Final Thoughts
How do you delete an Uber Driver account?
In summary, to delete your account, look for the delete button in your app or on the website. You’ll need to give Uber a reason for the deactivation, and you may have to wait for confirmation from customer support.
Once you delete your account, you may still retrieve it within 30 days. After the grace period, you lose all data and you’ll have to create a new account again.
This means re-taking background checks and re-doing courses. What’s more, you’ll lose your driver history and ratings.
Because of this, it’s better to weigh your options before proceeding with a permanent deletion!
