We rely on data to help riders and drivers get from A to B, and we work hard to protect your privacy in the process. Our Privacy Policy sets forth the details, and these principles are our guide.

Yes, the Lyft app requires a constant mobile data connection to function for both riders and drivers. For a rider, the app uses data to communicate your GPS location to the server, fetch real-time driver locations, calculate dynamic pricing (Prime Time), and process payments. For drivers, the data usage is much more significant, as the app must constantly refresh the map, provide turn-by-turn navigation (often through third-party apps like Google Maps or Waze), and maintain a "heartbeat" connection to the Lyft system to receive new ride requests. In 2026, with higher-resolution maps and real-time safety features like "Emergency Help," a full-time driver can easily consume 3GB to 5GB of data per month just on the Lyft platform. While you can technically use the app on public Wi-Fi to book a ride, the connection will likely drop once you enter the vehicle and move away from the hotspot, potentially causing issues with tracking your trip or contacting your driver.