Keep your number private with phone anonymisation.

Need to contact a rider before a trip? We’ve got you covered. Whether you need to confirm the rider’s pickup location or let them know that you’re waiting for them, you can call or text them while maintaining the privacy of your number with Uber.

Here are some of the most important questions raised during focus groups about this new feature – and how it will affect you.

Phone number anonymisation is a safety precaution, ensuring that the privacy of both driver-partners and riders is considered at all times. This is done by using software to connect calls between a driver-partner and a rider that anonymises both cell phone numbers.

Phone number anonymisation complies with Uber’s Community Guidelines which promotes mutual respect between riders and driver-partners. This is done by ensuring that your personal contact details are protected during every trip so that there is never any unwanted contact post-trip.

Now, when a rider and driver contact each other regarding a trip, both phone numbers will be anonymised – meaning that you will no longer see each other’s personal contact details.

When a rider or driver contact each other regarding a trip, the call is first connected to the anonymisation provider, which use Kenyan landline numbers. Thus, the charges will vary according to your current mobile phone plan.

The free call or Uber call option will connect you to your riders through the Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) in the Uber app. You will have the ability to make calls within the Uber app itself rather than through mobile service provider. In selecting this option, you’ll use data to make your call rather than using the traditional mobile service provider’s call minutes (airtime).

If you find an item that you suspect a rider has left behind you can report lost items in-app and we’ll assist you. A tip is to check your vehicle after each trip for any items a rider might have left behind.