Driving for Uber is a great opportunity to make some extra cash or even provide a significant income.
In terms of the investment required, driving for Uber is an extremely cheap option, too, especially when you consider how much you can easily make. Assuming you already have a vehicle, all you need is the right phone.
Fortunately, Uber approves of a number of different models from popular brands.
Uber’s Phone Requirements for Drivers
Uber only has two main requirements for drivers’ phones.
They must have a minimum of 2GB of data available every month and they must have airtime for calling rides (when necessary).
The company also requires that each driver have their own smartphone with its own designated SIM card, so they have access to the Internet, email, whatsapp, and other channels of communication.
Note: You could qualify for free Lifeline phone service and a free phone with Assurance Wireless, a T-Mobile company.
What is Assurance Wireless and why do we like it for you?
Assurance Wireless is a lifeline assistance program for eligible customers. There are no bills, long-term contracts, or activation fees.
New Eligible Assurance Wireless Customers Receive:
- FREE Monthly Data
- UNLIMITED Monthly Texts
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- Plus a FREE Android Smartphone (which qualifies for rideshare and delivery apps)
Click here to apply now.
The 20 Best Phones for Uber Drivers
Uber allows just about 30 different phones for its drivers and doesn’t cite any specific requirements outside of the ones we just covered. So you have a lot of freedom to choose which phone is best for your needs. Some of these can also be fairly pricy.
To help with this, we’ve compiled a list of the 20 best options, broken down by brand, and included the specs that matter most.
Note: with just about any of these phones, you’ll be able to download the free Gridwise app, where you can:
- Effortlessly track all of your rideshare miles to maximize your tax deduction
- Save time by receiving alerts when passengers are arriving at your local airport and check the queue length from anywhere
- See how your earnings break down across services so you know where to focus more of your time on the road
- Compare your earnings to other drivers in your area
- Get alerts about local traffic, weather, and large events going on in your city
- Easily switch between apps from anywhere on your phone (Android only)
Not too bad for a free app huh?
Click here to download the Gridwise app today.
In short, the Uber app isn’t extremely taxing, so capability isn’t much of an issue. Instead, priority was given to phones that are user-friendly and offer a sufficient display for finding your next customer and where they are headed.
Apple
Uber will allow their drivers to use an Apple iPhone 5 or newer.
Obviously, Apple iPhones are extremely popular, but here’s what you need to know about the most current models if you drive for Uber:
o Size: 123.8 x 58.6 x 7.6 mm
o Display Size: 4 inches
o Resolution: 1136 x 640 326 ppi
o Average Price: $219 (16 GB) $245 (32 GB)
o Size: 123.8 x 58.6 x 7.6 mm
o Display Size: 4 inches
o Resolution: 1136 x 640 326 ppi
o Average Price: $349 (32 GB) $499 (128 GB)
o Size: 138.3 mm x 67.1 mm x 7.1 mm
o Display Size: 4.7 inches
o Resolution: 1134 x 750 326 ppi
o Average Price: $449 (32 GB) $549 (128 GB)
o Size: 158.2 x 77.9 x 7.3 mm
o Display Size: 5.5 inches
o Resolution: 1920 x 1080 401 ppi
o Average Price: $549 (32 GB) $649 (128 GB)
o Size: 138.3 x 67.1 x 7.1 mm
o Display Size: 4.7 inches
o Resolution: 1134 x 750 326 ppi
o Average Price: $549 (32 GB) $649 (128 GB)
o Size: 158.2 x 77.9 x 7.3 mm
o Display Size: 5.5 inches
o Resolution: 1920 x 1080 401 ppi
o Average Price: $669 (32 GB) $769 (128 GB)
o Size: 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm
o Display Size: 4.7 inches
o Resolution: 1134 x 750 326 ppi
o Price: $669 (64 GB) $849 (256)
o Size: 158.4 x 78.1 x 7.5 mm
o Display Size: 5.5 inches
o Resolution: 1920 x 1080 401 ppi
o Average Price: $799 (64 GB) $949 (256 GB)
o Size: 143.6 x 70.9 x 7.7 mm
o Display Size: 5.8 inches
o Resolution: 2436x 1125 458 ppi
o Average Price: $999 (64 GB) $1,149 (256 GB)
LG
Another popular brand that needs little introduction is LG. If you prefer Android over iOS devices, LG’s devices are great alternatives.
Uber has approved the following phones from this brand for its drivers:
o Size: 148.9 x 76.1 x 6.3mm
o Display Size: 5.5 inches
o Resolution: 1440 x 2560 538 ppi
o Average Price: $220
o Size: 149.4 x 73.9 x 7.7 mm
o Display Size: 5.3 inches
o Resolution: 1440 x 2560 554 ppi
o Average Price: $650
o Size: 148.9 x 71.9 x 7.9 mm
o Display Size: 5.7 inches
o Resolution: 1440 x 2880 564 ppi
o Average Price: $650
o Size: 131.9 x 66.7 x 8.9 mm
o Display Size: 4.5 inches
o Resolution: 480 x 854 218
o Average Price: $100
o Size: 147 x 72.6 x 7.9 mm
o Display Size: 5.2 inches
o Resolution: 1080 x 1920 423 ppi
o Average Price: $249
Samsung
Finally, the other option that’s popular among Android enthusiasts is Samsung.
Uber approves of seven different phones from this brand:
o Size: 130.1 x 65.5 x 6.9 mm
o Display Size: 4.5 inches
o Resolution: 540 x 960 245 ppi
o Average Price: $250
o Size: 139.3 x 69.7 x 6.7 mm
o Display Size: 5.0 inches
o Resolution: 720 x 1280 294 ppi
o Average Price: $339.99
o Size: 151 x 76.2 x 6.3 mm
o Display Size: 5.5 inches
o Resolution: 1080 x 1920 401 ppi
o Average Price: $399.99
o Size: 143.4 x 70.5 x 6.8 mm
o Display Size: 5.1 inches
o Resolution: 1440 x 2560 577 ppi
o Average Price: $269.95
o Size: 142.1 x 70.1 x 7 mm
o Display Size: 5.1 inches
o Resolution: 1440 x 2560 577 ppi
o Price: $244.99
o Size: 142.4 x 69.6 x 7.9 mm
o Display Size: 5.1 inches
o Resolution: 1440 x 2560 577 ppi
o Average Price: $469.99
o Size: 150.9 x 72.6 x 7.7 mm
o Display Size: 5.5 inches
o Resolution: 1440 x 2560 534 ppi
o Average Price: $449.99
o Size: 148.9 x 68.1 x 8 mm
o Display Size:
o Resolution: 1440 x 2960 570 ppi
o Average Price: $800
Phones Uber Does Not Allow Its Drivers to Use
Uber also expressly forbids the use of certain devices by its drivers. In some cases, it actually bans entire manufacturers.
Here’s the company’s list of phones you cannot use as an Uber driver.
- All Blackberry Devices
- HTC Desire 816G Dual Sim
- Huawei Y550
- Lenovo A606
- Lenovo S660
- Microsoft Devices
- Mobicell Devices
- Motorola Moto E (Dual SIM – XT1022)
- Motorola Moto G
- Samsung Core 2 Duos (SM-G355H)
- Samsung Galaxy Grand prime
- Samsung Galaxy Core prime
- Samsung Galaxy E5
- Samsung Entire J Series
- Samsung Galaxy S Duos 3 VE
- Samsung Galaxy Star 2 Plus (SM-G350E)
- Sony Devices
- Xiaomi Devices
Choosing the Right Phone as an Uber Driver
As you can see, while Uber does ban a number of devices, there are plenty of other options to choose from. From the list of 20 above, you should have no problem finding a phone that works for both your needs as a driver and in your personal life, too, no matter what kind of budget you’re working with.
As a Samsung galaxy j6 holder I been driving for 20 years and never never had a issue with my phone so why can’t we use it what’s the problem
Also what’s the problem with the new Motorola moto phone I am planning to purchase
Thanks
I signed up last night I received a phone stating they were going to send me a back round check to fill out I never received it I’m ready to work
Hey Ronald! Sorry about that, here is the link for you to complete your background check https://app.www.hyrecar.com/profile & enjoy a free background check on us using the promo code FREEBGC at checkout!
What about lg k20 Is that a good phone to use
Can I use samsung galaxy s9 for uber driver
Hi Irfan! It would be best to check with Uber but usually, any smartphone device will work just fine. Thank you for asking!
I’m using a Samsung S9+ with no issues, the S9 Should work fine. I have also tested the Xiaomi Note 5 with Ubers partner app and while it says it’s not supported, it works flawlessly.
The LG G5’s GPS fails when the springs that complete the connection to the antenna get weak. Then Waze will show a fuzzy blue dot that may or may not be where you are.
Hello good morning please am using HTC one phone which i use to perform different functions can it be used for uber, is it accepted,
Hello, If it is a smartphone and can access the apps it will work fine. Please check with uber as well if you have any questions.
Thank you for asking!
Why cant I use my galaxy so? It works on the s8 but not the s9
I use a sony xperia z3v with no problems.
It is not about a phone being user friendly cause iPhone is not user friendly . Can’t give an old person an iPhone if they never used it . Huawei and HTC are user friendly yet not recommend . We need proper info as to what the requirements are . Is it
the ram or processor
Moto G5 works great. I drive for Lyft and Uber and use Waze without any problems. Software loaded without a hitch. Not sure why it would be on the no go list.
Chris
Interested that you are using Moto G5. I am new and using and using an old Moto X. No one told me what I needed. I am having lots of problems with the Uber system and considering a new phone (which should be Republic compatible) I want to run Uber and Lyft. Any advice? Thanks.
Can i use ZTE
Can I use a Blu Vivo XI for Uber driver?
Hello Bob, you can take a look at this list of approved device for Uber https://www.uber.com/en-ZA/drive/resources/approved-devices/. I hope this helps!
What about infinix ?
Hello Aggrey, unfortunately Infinix are categorized as one of the banned devices. You can check out this link to see the complete phone requirements for Uber https://www.uber.com/en-GH/drive/resources/approved-devices/. Do you have any other device that you can use?
I wud like to ask about j4 Samsung ist good to use for uber
Hello, Samsung J4 is not amongst the banned phones according to Uber. So as long as it meets all the other phone requirements, J4 should be good to go. You can see the full requirements in this link https://www.uber.com/en-ZA/drive/resources/approved-devices/. Hope this helps!
I use the LG G5, lots of posts about the GPS antenna losing contact with the rest of the phone.
Xiaomi Devices are no longer on the banned list, but the one with the most accurate phone GPS will not work with Sprint. 🙁
https://www.phoneier.com/
Moto G5 works great. I drive for Lyft and Uber and use Waze without any problems. Software loaded without a hitch. Not sure why it would be on the no go list.
I have the Samsung j 7 which is a j series phone. It is not ban. I don’t think they ban any phones, as long as they can download the app the phone can be used. I only reached this article to see if there wer phones that worked better or had a better battery life while using uber. My phone has gotten older and the battery drains even while plugged in during uber use
This is a great article for us to explore. I, unfortunately, don’t have any advice to offer on that, apologies.
Hello,
Is Samsung A10 a good phone for uber?
Hello! Yes it is!
Pls can I use Samsung A20 for uber
Hello! And how about Google Pixel 3 XL? Am I allowed to use it with Uber?
Hello! Yes, those should work!
Please is Samsung j7 good for uber. Thank you.
Please is Samsung J7 pro okay to be used for uber.
Pls is techno spark 4 good for Uber.
Thanks for sharing this post with us. We recommended phones for drivers on the Uber platform are iPhone 6 and newer, Samsung Galaxy 8 and newer, Google Pixel, LG G and V series, Sony Xperia series. These are excellent brands and models for Uber drivers.
Is not 8 good for using uber .?? Nd samsung A10
Is samsung note 8 good for uber driver??¥
That phone is a good phone for Uber.
I’ve been using the Galaxy J series for years now. The J3 and the J7 while using Boost and Now with Verizon. Why would you say it doesnt work?