In order to request your ride, you need to enable your location services on your device. Uber uses your device's location services to make it easier to get a ride when you need one. Location data helps improve our services, including pickups, navigation, customer support, and more.

Yes, location data is the foundation of the Uber app, but in 2026, you have significant control over how that data is shared. Uber uses your GPS location for three primary reasons: to find a driver close to you, to provide an accurate estimated time of arrival (ETA), and to ensure safety through "Live Trip Sharing" and GPS tracking of the vehicle's route. When you first install the app, you are asked for permission to access your location "While Using the App" or "Always." If you select "While Using," Uber can only track you when the app is open on your screen. If you select "Always," Uber can theoretically track you in the background, though they claim this is only used to improve pickups and drop-offs. For maximum privacy, you can choose to manually enter your pickup address and turn off GPS entirely, but this makes the process much more prone to error. Uber also uses "Precise Location" to help the driver find the exact side of the street you are on, which is particularly useful in dense urban environments like Manhattan or London.