Here’s why Uber says your phone number is not supported and how to fix that:
There are a few reasons why Uber says your phone number is not supported.
Potentially, your phone number is already in use, or it is an invalid number.
Or sometimes, it is because you are unable to get through to its 2-step verification process, which of course results in being unable to sign into Uber.
So if you want to learn all about why you can’t use your phone number for Uber and how to fix that, then you’re in the right place.
Let’s get started!
Why Does Uber Say Your Phone Number Is Not Supported?
Uber is a great service.
If you need a ride, a friendly driver will pick you up.
Are you hungry, but your favorite restaurant doesn’t deliver?
Don’t worry! Uber will deliver your meal to your front door.
Sometimes though, you might encounter a problem with Uber.
Seemingly out of the blue, an error message pops up saying your mobile number isn’t supported.
Now, you’re not getting a ride or having your food delivered.
There are a few reasons why an Uber phone number isn’t valid.
Some are easy fixes, while others can take a little time to resolve.
Here’s what you need to know if your mobile number isn’t supported by Uber.
Why Can’t I Use My Mobile Number for Uber? (3 Reasons)
Your mobile number is your lifeline. It connects you to friends and family via phone calls and text messages.
It’s also what lets you contact Uber.
Without a mobile phone number, Uber won’t respond.
Instead, you’re stuck without a ride, or worse, without lunch or dinner.
So, why can’t you use your mobile number with Uber?
Let’s take a look at the possible reasons and see which one applies to your problem.
#1 Your Phone Number or Email Address Is Already In Use
Wait a minute! Does this mean someone else is using your information?
Chances are, if you get this message from Uber, you’ve already registered for an account.
The company does recommend you only have one Uber account for both rides and food delivery.
You can get the same error message as a new Uber user.
If this happens, it doesn’t mean your identity was stolen.
Chances are the problem is with the app recognizing the mobile number.
Uber has made it simple for new users to register their mobile numbers.
Simply take a screenshot of your phone number and answer a couple of verification questions.
The rideshare platform will resolve the problem for you.
Now you can get a ride and something to eat.
#2 Your Phone Number Isn’t Valid
When you’re starving, and Uber Eats is not accepting your phone number, it can seem like the end of the world.
Getting a message stating Uber your phone number isn’t valid is confusing and frustrating.
You’re still making and receiving calls, and Uber can reach you via text.
So, why won’t the app let you order dinner?
When this message appears, it’s usually because you’ve changed your phone number since the last time you used one of Uber’s services.
Thankfully, it’s a quick fix.
Access your account and update your contact info.
Don’t go into a panic if this easy fix doesn’t work. Uber is there to help.
If you can’t update your mobile number, use the tried and true method. Take a screenshot of your new phone number and text it to Uber.
It shouldn’t take more than a few minutes before you’re back to browsing local restaurant menus.
#3 The 2-Step Verification Is a Pain
Okay, you appreciate the security you get with a 2-step verification process.
However, there are times when it’s a pain to set up and use.
Sometimes it makes signing in to your Uber account impossible.
Other times it won’t let you add a new device, even if it has the same number.
If you run into verification problems, don’t throw your phone in frustration.
Instead, follow a few simple steps.
Uber Won’t Let You Sign Into Your Account
Without a verification code that’s part of the two-step process, you can’t access your Uber account.
Since the verification comes via text message, double-check that you entered the right phone number. You’d be surprised at how often this is the problem.
You might also want to check with your mobile provider. Make sure that your mobile account is set up to receive short code SMS. Once you receive the code, you can complete the verification process.
Uber Won’t Let You Register a New Device
A new device with the same registered phone number shouldn’t confuse Uber.
However, it happens, and it’s a pretty straightforward fix.
Here’s a simple fix if your mobile number is not supported by the Uber hack.
- On the Uber screen requesting a verification code, type “I’m having trouble.” Yes, this will work.
- Click on “Resend code via SMS’.
- Enter the received 4-digit code.
- Supply your password to finish signing in.
See, it’s pretty easy to register a new device even with 2-step verification.
Can’t Switch to a Security App for 2-Step Verification
Sometimes you want to use the security app instead of a text message.
It is a little more secure, but it doesn’t always work the way it should.
When you want to switch to a security app, it’s a quick 4-step process:
- In your Uber menu, go to the rider app. The icon is located in the upper left corner.
- Choose “Settings” and then select “Security.”
- Click on “Two-Step Verification.”
- Finally, in “Delivery Settings” select “Edit” and choose how you want the verification code delivered.
You Forgot Which Security App I Used for the Two-Step Verification
Don’t feel embarrassed if you can’t remember which security app you used.
You’re not the first person to lose track of all the apps they’ve downloaded.
Thankfully, it’s not hard to figure out which one you used.
The best way is to check your phone.
Look under your installed apps.
Open each of the security apps and check if the Uber Rider App is installed.
If you’re still not sure about the app’s name, some common ones are:
- Google Authenticator
- DuoMobile
- LastPass
Why Isn’t Uber Eats Accepting My Number? (2 Things)
Getting food delivered to your door or at work from your favorite restaurants is one of the perks of using Uber.
You don’t even have to change out of your pajamas to enjoy a delicious meal.
Everything is great until your mobile number is not supported by Uber.
So, why doesn’t Uber accept my phone number?
It could be due to a simple mistake.
When you can’t order food or get a ride, check how you entered your information.
Often the problem is how it was entered.
An Uber mobile number may not be supported by Google voice.
It’s a convenient feature, but it’s often not clear enough for the Uber app to understand.
Go back to the old-fashioned method of entering your mobile number manually.
You shouldn’t have any problems using the phone’s keypad to access your account.
#1 Using Uber Eats Without a Phone Number
Did you lose your mobile phone?
Or are you trying to avoid people and don’t have a phone number?
Guess what, you can still use Uber Eats and schedule rides.
You will need Wi-Fi access and a connected device.
You still have to download the app onto your laptop, iPad, or Android tablet.
Once you’ve downloaded the app, it will ask for your phone number.
You can use a fake phone number or a friend’s, but problems arise when the driver can’t contact you.
Another option that makes more sense is to use your Google or Facebook account to contact Uber drivers for food and rides.
You can still receive messages from your driver and don’t have to give out your real phone number.
#2 My Phone Number Is Not Supported By Uber When I’m On Vacation
You don’t want to get stuck at an unfamiliar location when you’re out of town.
Even though a non-VOIP number is free and accepted by Uber, it’s not always your best option.
Most mobile carriers don’t charge extra usage fees as long as you’re vacationing in the country.
However, overseas charges can turn a short, inexpensive Uber ride into a costly trip.
Surcharges for using your mobile phone to order Uber are enough to make you reconsider walking.
How to Get Uber to Support Your Mobile Number on Vacation
You will need to have a plan before you leave on your trip.
Don’t worry it’s an easy step to add to your departure to-do list.
A day or two, you’ll need at least 24 hours, contact Uber’s customer support.
It’s surprisingly easy, and you’ll get help immediately.
The reason you’re contacting customer support is to see if you can use the Uber app without your smartphone.
You will be asked to verify all your account information, including your name, email, and mobile phone number.
Once you’ve verified your identity, you should double-check to make sure Uber will allow you to use the app without your phone.
You don’t want to wait until you’re on vacation to discover you can’t contact Uber.
Here’s what you need to do before you leave on your trip.
- Log in to the uber website at m.uber.com
- Verify that the information you supplied is correct.
- Use your tablet or laptop, whichever device you’re taking with you, to schedule a test ride.
- Don’t forget to cancel the ride. If you cancel in under a minute, your account won’t be charged. It can take up to one business day for the refund to go through.