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Navigating the Uber Eats Driver App: A Beginner’s Guide

Learn how the Uber Eats driver app works, from A-Z. We'll cover the main features of the app, how they work, and how to accept and deliver orders.

Key Takeaways

  • Uber Eats driver services are part of the Uber Driver app, not separate, allowing management of both ridesharing and food delivery.
  • Drivers need to adjust settings to accept Uber Eats orders, with some needing to complete UberX trips first.
  • The app allows drivers to view, accept, and manage orders. This is the gateway to the Uber Eats world as a driver.
  • Frequent app updates are required, affecting driver earnings and the efficiency of managing orders.

A Quick Clarification: The Uber Driver and Uber Eats App are the Same

As a delivery driver, the gateway to your delivery world filters through one thing – the Uber Eats driver app. It is what allows you to do everything required in order to accept and fulfill Uber Eats deliveries.

The Uber Eats driver services are part of the Uber Driver app, not a separate application. This means drivers manage both ride-sharing and food delivery services within the same platform.

1. Signing In and Setting Up

Upon downloading the Uber Eats driver app, you’ll need to sign in with your Uber account.

If you’re new, you’ll have to go through a quick registration process. Make sure your profile is complete and up-to-date, including your vehicle details and payment information.

The app enables drivers to manage and track their delivery orders. However, some drivers faced challenges with the app freezing or glitching, particularly during multi-part deliveries.

Accepting Uber Eats Delivery Orders

In order to be eligible to accept delivery orders on the Uber driver app, Uber Eats drivers must adjust their preferences to accept these types of orders.

This includes toggling on the option for ‘Deliveries’ if they wish to do Uber Eats. Doing so is simple.

  • First, select the hamburger menu at the top left portion of the screen.
  • From the menu that appears, select “Account”.
  • After that, tap into “Work Hub”.
  • A list of services that you are eligible for appears. Select “Deliveries”.

You should now see deliveries enabled, and your screen should look something like this:

a screenshot showing how to toggle on Uber Eats deliveries within the Uber Eats driver app

If so, you are set and ready to deliver orders with Uber Eats. Make sure that the delivery option is checked on. When you go Online, you should start to receive deliveries.

I’ve heard some drivers report that they were required to complete a certain number of UberX trips before being able to switch to Uber Eats deliveries.

I am a long-standing Uber driver, so I was able to simply log in and toggle the deliveries on. But if you do not have this option and there doesn’t appear to be a way to opt in, try applying for Uber Eats separately.

2. Going Online

To start receiving delivery requests, simply tap ‘Go Online’. Once you’re online, you’ll see a map screen that shows your location and delivery status.

a screenshot showing the homepage map within the Uber Eats driver app

The app uses your location to send you order requests nearby. If you receive a delivery request, it will pop up on the screen.

One cool feature worth noting is what Uber calls “Opportunities”. Uber aggregates helpful data that allows you to determine when the best times to drive, and where, are.

To access it, simply tap the hamburger menu on the top left-hand portion of your screen, then select “Opportunities” from the menu.

a screenshot showing sidebar menu within the Uber Eats driver app

From there, you can see earnings trends at a high level, broken out by day. This is helpful because you can quickly determine when the best time to drive each day is.

a screenshot showing the earnings opportunities within the Uber Eats driver app

They also have upcoming opportunities like concerts, sports games, and events. These can help you determine when to drive, and areas to seek out – or avoid – during times of high demand.

a screenshot showing earnings opportunities within the Uber Eats driver app

I use this feature a lot. I am a bit of a contrarian, so I go to the opposite side of town when an event is happening. Most drivers will seek events, so I stay away from them, either taking people to them, or fulfilling the demand for rides elsewhere.

3. Accepting Orders

When an order comes in, the app provides key details: the restaurant’s location, the order’s contents, and the delivery address.

You have a limited time to accept or decline the order. You can accept by pressing the green “Accept” button, or

a screenshot showing an Uber Eats order request within the Uber Eats driver app

Pro Tip: Pay attention to the estimated earnings and the distance before accepting. I like to calculate an hourly rate based on the estimated delivery time and order value.

Be careful with high tips, this could be tip-baiting. If a tip sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

4. Navigation and Pickup

Once you accept an order, the app guides you to the restaurant with built-in GPS navigation. Personally, I like to use Google Maps or Waze, as the native Uber navigation can sometimes route drivers in odd ways.

Once the restaurant, simply verify the order details on your app and pick up the items. Before you leave, always make sure the order is complete and correctly packed.

During this time, the app allows for communication with customers. If you need to send any updates or clarify order details, this is the time to do it.

However, I sometimes notice interruptions due to pop-up notifications within the app, making communication a bit difficult. So I try to only send messages when absolutely necessary.

5. Delivering to the Customer

Once you have the order in your vehicle, the Uber Eats driver app will provide a navigation route directly to the customer’s drop-off location.

As I mentioned before, I usually don’t use the native navigation within the driver app because it can sometimes be buggy and send me on weird routes.

I like to use a third-party service – at least going from the restaurant to the customer – because incorrect navigation doesn’t make hungry customers happy. They want their food as soon as possible, so I try to get it to them ASAP and avoid delays in the process.

Customers will have selected what type of delivery they want from their driver, like “Leave at door” or “Hand it to me.” Make sure to follow these instructions correctly. They might dock your rating if you don’t.

6. Earnings and Ratings

After completing a delivery, your earnings are immediately updated in the app. As you do more deliveries, your earnings will continue to grow.

By default, earnings are paid out once weekly via direct deposit. However, by setting up Uber instant pay, you can instantly withdraw earnings for a small fee. This is a great feature for paying for expenses while driving.

You can also see and monitor the ratings that customers and restaurants give you overall. These are important because ratings can lead to more frequent delivery requests.

The rating system is fairly simple – based on the last 100 ratings from customers and restaurants, using a thumbs up or thumbs down.

Drivers rate their experiences too. You’ll get a rating box after every delivered order, allowing you to share your feedback.

Average ratings are visible in the app, and consistent low ratings may lead to deactivation. Factors like speed, service, and communication impact ratings.

7. Support and Help

Lastly, if you are encountering issues with orders, the app includes a help section for drivers. Whether it’s a problem with an order, a customer query, or an app glitch, you can find assistance here.

a screenshot showing the various options for help and support within the Uber Eats driver app

This section is packed with guides and tutorials that will help you solve your problem on your own. But, if these still don’t answer your problem, you can reach out to support using a couple different options, such as a ticketing system.

Alternatively, you can also schedule an appointment with a virtual Greenlight Hub to get virtual help with bigger issues that Tier 1 support might not be able to help with.

Over the years, this section has gotten far more robust and helpful than it used to be when Uber Eats first launched.

While it is not perfect, it is getting better. But, I still wish there was a better feedback mechanism within the app to report bugs or issues.

Final Thoughts

The Uber Eats driver app is designed to make your delivery experience as straightforward as possible. With a bit of practice, you’ll find navigating the app and completing deliveries a breeze.

Remember, every delivery is an opportunity to earn and provide great service. Happy delivering!

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