Is Uber Down? How to Check Uber Status for Riders & Drivers

Quick Answer: To check if Uber is down right now, visit apistatuscheck.com/api/uber for real-time Uber service monitoring, or check the official Uber status page. If you're experiencing issues with the Uber app (can't request rides, driver app not loading, GPS errors, or payment failures), verify your internet connection, check for app updates, and confirm whether it's a widespread outage or a localized issue affecting only your account.

How to Check if Uber is Down

When you can't book a ride or the driver app won't load, the first question is: "Is Uber down, or is it just me?" Here's how to find out immediately:

1. Use API Status Check for Real-Time Uber Monitoring

API Status Check provides real-time monitoring of Uber's services and gives you instant visibility into whether Uber is experiencing widespread issues. You get:

• Real-time uptime status for Uber's rider and driver platforms
• Instant outage notifications via email, Slack, or webhook
• Historical uptime data to see if Uber has been experiencing recurring issues
• Outage detection faster than social media — know about problems before Twitter explodes

The platform monitors Uber's API endpoints and web services continuously, detecting issues within seconds of them occurring.

2. Check Uber's Official Status Page

Uber maintains a status page at status.uber.com (or through their support channels) that reports known issues. However, status pages are often updated after users start experiencing problems, sometimes with a delay of 15-30 minutes.

3. Check Social Media and Outage Trackers

When Uber goes down, users immediately flock to social media:

• Search Twitter/X for "Uber down" — Real-time reports from riders and drivers
• Check DownDetector — Crowdsourced outage reports with heatmaps
• Reddit r/uber or r/uberdrivers — Community discussion about ongoing issues

The downside: Social media can create false positives during peak hours when demand simply exceeds available drivers (not a technical outage).

4. Test From Multiple Devices or Locations

Before assuming Uber is down:

• Try a different device — Test on another phone or the web app
• Switch networks — Move from WiFi to cellular data (or vice versa)
• Check with a friend — Ask someone in your area to test the app
• Clear app cache — Sometimes corrupted data causes app-specific failures

If Uber works on other devices or networks, the issue is likely with your device, not Uber's services.

Common Uber Issues: Riders and Drivers

Uber issues affect riders and drivers differently. Here's a breakdown of the most common problems and what they mean:

Common Rider Issues

1. App Not Loading or Crashing

Symptoms:

• Uber app opens but shows blank screen or loading spinner indefinitely
• App crashes immediately after opening
• Map doesn't load or shows "Network Error"

Possible Causes:

• Uber server outage (check real-time status)
• Outdated app version (update via App Store/Google Play)
• Poor internet connection (verify WiFi/cellular works for other apps)
• Device storage full (can cause app crashes)
• Corrupted app data (clear cache or reinstall)

Fix:

1. Check apistatuscheck.com/api/uber to see if it's a widespread issue
2. Force-quit the app and reopen
3. Update to the latest version
4. Clear app cache: Settings → Apps → Uber → Storage → Clear Cache (Android) or delete/reinstall (iOS)
5. Restart your phone

2. Can't Request a Ride / No Drivers Available

Symptoms:

• "No cars available" message even in busy areas
• Request times out without finding a driver
• Unable to tap "Request" button

Possible Causes:

• Actual shortage — High demand during peak hours, events, bad weather
• Account issue — Suspended account, payment method expired, outstanding balance
• Location services — GPS not working or location permissions disabled
• Uber outage — Backend systems failing to dispatch rides
• Regional service disruption — Natural disasters, protests, regulatory issues

Fix:

1. Check if other ride types (UberX, Uber Comfort, Uber Black) are available
2. Wait 2-3 minutes and try again — demand fluctuates
3. Move to a busier pickup location (main streets, intersections)
4. Verify payment method in the app (Profile → Wallet)
5. Check location permissions: Settings → Uber → Location → Always or While Using
6. Try scheduling a ride 15-30 minutes in advance

3. Payment Issues / Credit Card Declined

Symptoms:

• "Payment method declined" error
• Unable to add new payment methods
• Ride completes but payment fails, blocking future rides

Possible Causes:

• Expired credit card
• Insufficient funds
• Bank flagging Uber charges as fraud (especially after traveling)
• Uber payment processing outage
• Outstanding balance from previous ride

Fix:

1. Verify card expiration date and update if needed
2. Contact your bank to ensure Uber charges aren't blocked
3. Add an alternative payment method (another card, PayPal, Venmo)
4. Pay outstanding balance in the app
5. If cards won't add, wait 30 minutes and try again (may be temporary Uber processing issue)

4. GPS Issues / Wrong Pickup Location

Symptoms:

• App shows you in wrong location
• Can't set accurate pickup or dropoff address
• Driver goes to wrong location

Possible Causes:

• Phone GPS inaccurate (indoor locations, tall buildings, poor signal)
• Uber's geocoding service issues
• Map data outdated

Fix:

1. Go outside or near windows to improve GPS signal
2. Manually drag the pin to correct location on the map
3. Enter the full address instead of relying on "Current Location"
4. Zoom in on the map and verify the pin placement before requesting
5. Enable "High Accuracy" location mode in phone settings

5. Surge Pricing Issues / Unexpected High Fares

Symptoms:

• Extreme surge pricing (3x-5x+ normal fare)
• Fare estimate changes dramatically after requesting
• "High demand" message won't go away

Possible Causes:

• Legitimate surge during peak hours or events
• Algorithm glitch causing incorrect surge multipliers
• Dynamic pricing calculation errors during Uber outages

Fix:

1. Wait 5-10 minutes for surge to decrease
2. Walk a few blocks away from the high-demand area
3. Check competing apps (Lyft, local taxis) for price comparison
4. Schedule ride in advance to lock in current pricing
5. Use public transit or other alternatives if surge is unreasonable

Common Driver Issues

1. Driver App Won't Go Online

Symptoms:

• "Go" button grayed out or unresponsive
• "Unable to go online" error
• App opens but shows offline status immediately

Possible Causes:

• Account under review (background check, document verification)
• Regional restrictions (geofencing outside approved areas)
• Uber server outage preventing driver connections
• App version outdated or glitched

Fix:

1. Check for app updates in App Store/Google Play
2. Verify account status: Open app → Account → Documents (ensure all green checkmarks)
3. Confirm you're in an area where you're approved to drive
4. Force-quit and reopen app
5. Check apistatuscheck.com/api/uber for service status
6. Contact Uber support via the app if issue persists beyond 30 minutes

2. Not Receiving Ride Requests

Symptoms:

• App shows "online" but no requests coming in
• Long waits between rides (longer than normal for your area)
• Other drivers reporting steady requests

Possible Causes:

• Low acceptance rate or cancellation rate affecting queue priority
• Uber favor drivers with higher ratings or longer streaks
• Demand genuinely low in your current location
• Driver account flagged or shadowbanned (rare)
• Backend dispatch system issues during outages

Fix:

1. Move to higher-demand areas (airports, downtown, event venues)
2. Drive during peak hours (morning/evening commute, Friday/Saturday nights)
3. Check acceptance rate and cancellation rate in app (aim for >85% acceptance)
4. Ensure you have ride preferences turned on (UberX, Comfort, XL, etc.)
5. Wait it out — slow periods happen, especially midday on weekdays

3. GPS or Navigation Issues

Symptoms:

• Navigation not loading or showing incorrect routes
• Can't mark arrival at pickup/dropoff
• "GPS signal lost" errors

Possible Causes:

• Phone GPS weak or inaccurate
• Uber's mapping service integration issues
• Network connectivity problems

Fix:

1. Ensure location permissions set to "Always" for Uber Driver app
2. Enable "High Accuracy" GPS mode in phone settings
3. Restart phone to refresh GPS connection
4. Use external navigation app (Google Maps, Waze) if Uber nav fails
5. Pull over safely and force-quit/reopen app to refresh

4. Payment or Earnings Issues

Symptoms:

• Completed trips not showing earnings
• Instant Pay not working
• Bank deposit delayed or missing

Possible Causes:

• Uber payment processing delays (especially during outages)
• Bank account verification issues
• Instant Pay daily limit reached ($5,000/week cap)
• Fare adjustments or rider disputes pending

Fix:

1. Check "Earnings" tab for trip details — sometimes there's a display lag
2. Verify bank account linked correctly (Profile → Payment)
3. Wait 24 hours — some earnings sync delays resolve automatically
4. Contact Uber support through app for missing payments
5. Use Instant Pay only when necessary (fees add up)

What to Do When Uber is Down

Step 1: Confirm It's Actually an Outage

Before panicking:

1. Check API Status Check — Visit apistatuscheck.com/api/uber for real-time status
2. Search "Uber down" on Twitter/X — See if others are reporting issues
3. Test alternative ride types — Try UberX, Comfort, or Uber Black
4. Check DownDetector — View outage heatmap to see affected regions

Step 2: For Riders — Alternative Transportation

If Uber is confirmed down:

• Lyft — Primary competitor, often shares infrastructure but has independent systems
• Local rideshare apps — Via, Curb, Juno (varies by city)
• Traditional taxis — Call dispatch or use apps like Curb or Arro
• Public transit — Bus, subway, train if available in your city
• Rental scooters/bikes — Lime, Bird, Citi Bike for short distances
• Walk or wait — If the destination is close or the outage seems temporary

Step 3: For Drivers — Maximize Downtime

If Uber's driver platform is down:

• Switch to Lyft or other platforms — Multi-app drivers can pivot instantly
• Check driver forums — Reddit r/uberdrivers for updates and ETAs
• Document the downtime — Screenshot earnings loss for potential compensation claims
• Take a break — Rest, fuel up, or position yourself for when service restores
• Contact Uber support — Report the issue (though expect slow response during major outages)

Step 4: Stay Updated

• Monitor Uber's status page — Check for official updates
• Set up alerts — Use API Status Check to get notified when Uber is back online
• Watch for "service restored" announcements — Uber typically tweets when major outages resolve

Step 5: Report Issues to Uber

Even during outages, report what you're experiencing:

• Riders: Help → Account and Payment → Report a bug
• Drivers: Help → Account → Report an issue
• Include screenshots — Visual proof helps support teams diagnose issues

Uber Outage History: Past Incidents

Understanding Uber's outage patterns helps you anticipate and prepare for future issues:

Major Uber Outages

2023 Global Outage (September):

• Duration: ~2 hours
• Impact: Riders couldn't request rides; drivers couldn't go online
• Cause: Backend infrastructure failure affecting ride dispatch systems
• Regions affected: United States, Canada, Europe

2022 New Year's Eve Surge Failure:

• Duration: 4 hours during peak demand
• Impact: Surge pricing glitches, failed ride requests during busiest night of the year
• Cause: Payment processing bottleneck under extreme load
• Regions affected: Major cities globally

2021 AWS Outage Collateral Damage:

• Duration: 5+ hours
• Impact: Uber app partially down during widespread AWS us-east-1 outage
• Cause: Dependency on AWS services that failed
• Regions affected: Primarily North America

Common Outage Patterns

Peak Hour Overload: Uber systems sometimes struggle during:

• New Year's Eve (highest demand night globally)
• Major sporting events (Super Bowl, World Cup)
• Severe weather (everyone avoiding walking/transit)
• Weekend nights (Friday/Saturday 10 PM - 2 AM)

Regional Infrastructure Issues:

• City-specific outages due to local server problems
• GPS/mapping failures in specific geographic areas
• Airport surge pricing glitches (high-density demand)

App Update Rollout Problems:

• Buggy app versions causing crashes
• Server-side updates causing temporary compatibility issues
• iOS/Android platform updates breaking functionality

How API Status Check Monitors Uber

API Status Check provides comprehensive monitoring of Uber's service infrastructure to detect outages before they impact your rides or earnings.

What We Monitor

Uber API Endpoints:

• Rider app authentication and session management
• Ride request and dispatch systems
• Driver app connectivity and availability
• Payment processing endpoints
• GPS and mapping services integration

Health Check Frequency: We ping Uber's critical endpoints every 60 seconds to ensure:

• Sub-minute detection of outages
• Real-time status updates on your dashboard
• Immediate alerts when services degrade

How We Detect Issues

Our monitoring system distinguishes between:

• Complete outages — Uber's API returns errors or timeouts
• Performance degradation — Increased latency or slow response times
• Regional failures — Issues affecting specific cities or countries
• Partial service disruption — Some features down while others work

Automated Alerts

When Uber goes down, you get notified instantly via:

• Email — Immediate outage notification with details
• Slack/Discord — Team channels for coordinated response
• Webhook — Integrate with your own systems or dashboards
• SMS — Paid tier for critical alerts (coming soon)

Historical Uptime Data

Track Uber's reliability over time:

• 30-day uptime percentage
• Incident history with duration and severity
• Response time trends (detecting performance issues)
• Mean time to recovery (MTTR) for outages

Why External Monitoring Matters

Uber's status page lags: Official status updates often appear 15-30 minutes after users report issues. API Status Check detects problems within 60 seconds.

Proactive planning: Historical data helps you anticipate issues (e.g., Uber struggles during peak hours) and plan alternative transportation.

Driver earnings protection: Drivers can document downtime using our incident reports for potential compensation claims.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often does Uber go down?

Uber experiences minor service disruptions several times per year, with major outages (affecting millions of users) occurring 2-3 times annually. Most issues are regional or affect specific features (payment processing, GPS) rather than complete platform failure. Uber's uptime is typically above 99.5%, but given its scale, even 0.5% downtime affects millions of rides.

Can I get refunded or compensated if Uber is down?

For riders: If you're charged for a ride that failed due to an Uber outage, you can request a refund through the app (Help → Trip Issues → I was charged for a ride I didn't take). Uber typically refunds charges related to technical failures.

For drivers: Uber does not typically compensate drivers for lost earnings during outages. However, documenting downtime with screenshots and incident reports can support claims if Uber offers compensation programs after major incidents.

What's the difference between "no drivers available" and Uber being down?

"No drivers available" means Uber's systems are working, but there aren't enough drivers in your area to fulfill requests. This happens during peak demand, in low-density areas, or during driver shortages.

"Uber is down" means the app or backend systems are failing — you can't load the app, request rides, or drivers can't go online. Technical errors (not just "no cars") indicate an outage.

Should I use Lyft when Uber is down?

Yes! Lyft is the primary alternative in North America and often remains operational during Uber-specific outages. However, if the issue is infrastructure-related (like AWS going down), both services may be affected. Having both apps installed gives you redundancy.

How can I monitor Uber status automatically?

Instead of manually checking status pages or social media:

1. Use API Status Check — Get instant email, Slack, or webhook alerts when Uber goes down
2. Subscribe to Uber status updates — Some cities have official Uber status notification systems
3. Set up Twitter alerts — Follow @Uber_Support and enable notifications for tweets mentioning "outage"
4. Join driver forums — Communities like r/uberdrivers often report issues in real-time

The best approach is automated monitoring through API Status Check — you'll know about outages within 60 seconds, often before riders or drivers flood social media with complaints.

Does Uber work offline?

No. Uber requires an active internet connection (WiFi or cellular data) for both riders and drivers. The app needs to:

• Communicate with Uber's servers for ride requests and dispatch
• Load real-time maps and navigation
• Process payments
• Update GPS location

If you're in an area with poor connectivity, the app may appear to be "down" when it's actually just unable to connect. Try switching between WiFi and cellular, or moving to an area with better signal.

Stay Ahead of Uber Outages

Don't let Uber downtime ruin your plans or cost you earnings. API Status Check monitors Uber 24/7 and sends instant alerts the moment issues are detected.

Get started free:

• Real-time monitoring of Uber and 100+ other APIs (Lyft, Stripe, OpenAI, AWS, and more)
• Instant alerts via email, Slack, or webhook
• Historical uptime data and incident reports
• Public status pages for your team or customers

Start monitoring Uber for free →

Or subscribe to Uber status alerts to get notified immediately when issues are detected — whether you're a rider trying to catch a flight or a driver maximizing earnings during peak hours.