Delivery services such as Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Postmates provide their customers with a reliable and convenient way to order takeout. However, these platforms are susceptible to security breaches, making some customers concerned about providing their personal information.
Delivery apps require personal information such as your phone number for security, verification, and communication purposes. If you’re concerned about providing sensitive data, read on for workarounds.
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Ordering Uber Eats Without a Phone Number
Unfortunately, you will need to provide a phone number to order delivery from Uber Eats. However, the phone number you use does not have to be your primary number. There are also other workarounds if you don’t want to enter a phone number.
Why Does Uber Eats Need a Phone Number?
Uber Eats asks for a phone number upon registration like many other delivery services. Your phone number is partially used for two-step verifications and to make sure you’re a real person. Uber Eats also requires a phone number so your delivery driver can contact you in case of emergency or error.
Workarounds and Solutions
If you don’t have a valid cellphone number or you don’t wish to provide one, there are workarounds you can implement. VoIP services are in place for these exact scenarios. Options like Google Voice, Skype Number, and Zoom Phone can make great alternatives if you don’t have a valid cellphone number.
Google Voice
One of the workarounds available is Google Voice. Google Voice is a cloud-based phone line that allows you to make and receive phone calls, text messages, and more. The service is free if you aren’t making international calls. However, you’ll need a Google account to register a phone number. Follow these simple steps to begin:
- Go to the official Google Voice website.
- Log into your Google Account or create one if necessary.
- Read and review the prompts and policies. Click Continue to move forward.
- Search for an available number in your city or area code. If a number isn’t available near you, you can try a nearby zip code or town.
- Click Select when you’ve found a suitable number.
- From there, follow the on-screen prompts.
Skype Number
Another VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) option available is a Skype Number. This option is very similar to Google Voice and will provide most of the same benefits. However, a Skype Number isn’t free and costs around $10. You can find instructions on how to set up a Skype Number here.
Zoom Phone
Another popular VoIP service is Zoom Phone. Unlike the classic Zoom video calling software, Zoom Phone provides you with a separate phone number to make and receive calls, texts, and more. However, the service costs around $20 per month, depending on the subscription model you choose. You can learn more about Zoom Phone and sign-up here.
Other Options
There are other VoIP services available with various features and price points. However, the brands mentioned above are some of the more reliable and trustworthy options. Other VoIP services such as Ringblaze and Grasshopper are designed with small businesses in mind. This design choice makes them less convenient for the single consumer.
Google Voice Is A Good Option
Compared to the other VoIP services mentioned and the competitors on the market, Google Voice seems to be the best option. Google Voice is free in most scenarios, easy to set up, and accessible. All you need to set up a Google Voice number is a Google account and a stable internet connection.
There Are Many Alternatives
To order delivery from Uber Eats, you’ll need to provide a phone number upon registration and checkout. Uber Eats requires a phone number for security, verification, and communication purposes. However, there are workarounds if you don’t have a valid cellphone number or you don’t wish to provide one.
Google Voice, Zoom Phone, Skype Number, and other VoIP services make excellent alternatives for phone numbers. Keep in mind; some of these options are subscription-based and require monthly fees. If you don’t wish to pay a monthly fee, Google Voice is your best bet.