What to do if you forgot something in an Uber or DiDi and how to get it back

Forgetting a personal item in a ride-hailing vehicle can be a stressful experience. However, both Uber and DiDi have systems designed to help you recover your lost belongings . Whether it's a cell phone, wallet, backpack, or keys , it's important to know what to do and what your options are.

Time is of the essence. The sooner you report the lost item, the greater the chances of recovering it . If you're still in contact with the driver or have just gotten out of the vehicle, try contacting them immediately using the app or another device.

Both platforms allow you to contact the driver directly , but with some differences.

Follow these steps if you forgot something during an Uber trip:

1. Open the Uber app.
2. Go to the menu (☰) and select “Your trips” .
3. Choose the trip where you think you lost the item.
4. Scroll down to the “Forgot something?” option and select it.
5. Press “Contact the driver about a lost item.”
6. Enter a phone number (it can be different from the one on your account) so Uber can automatically call your driver.

If you left your phone in the Uber , you can log in from another device or from a browser at help.uber.com and follow the same steps.

Uber will attempt to contact you within several hours. If you don't receive a response, you can submit a more detailed description of the item in the same section for support. You can also call 01-800-228-8122 (in Mexico) from another phone.

The process is similar for DiDi, although it may vary slightly depending on whether you used DiDi Passenger or DiDi Food . For items left behind on a DiDi ride:

1. Open the DiDi app.
2. Go to the “My Trips” tab.
3. Select the route where you lost the item.
4. Click on the “Report lost item” option.
5. Enter the details of the item and request contact with the driver.

The app will give you the option to call the driver directly or have DiDi call you. If you can't get through, DiDi support can manually intervene and help you mediate.

• Be clear and specific when describing the lost item (color, size, location within the vehicle).
• If possible, provide a safe meeting point for the driver to return the item to you.
• Remember that drivers are not required to return the item to you immediately, so please be respectful and patient.
• Avoid offering money as a reward from the first contact; it can be misinterpreted. If the driver is very helpful, you can rate them 5 stars and leave a tip from the app.

Neither Uber nor DiDi can guarantee that you'll recover your lost items, as it depends on the driver finding them and wanting to return them. However, both services offer trip history and data protection , which reduces the risk if you forget a phone or wallet.

If what was lost was a device with your personal data, we recommend:

• Lock or track your phone with tools like Find My Device (Android) or Find My (Apple) .
• Change passwords for linked banking apps or social networks.

Losing something on an Uber or DiDi ride doesn't mean it's lost forever. The platforms are ready to help , but it's crucial to follow the right steps and maintain clear communication. Acting quickly and courteously can mean the difference between getting your item back or never seeing it again .