What to Do When No Cars are Available in Uber? (Why the Error and How to Fix)

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Have you ever needed to go to a meeting, fraternity party, or gender reveal, but Uber said there were “No Cars Available?”

It’s particularly aggravating if you’re stuck in a less-than-vibrant part of town or on the outskirts of town since you don’t have any other way to get there (if you wish to travel at night).

What do you do if you keep checking Uber and it says there are “No Cars Available?” In this article, I will explain several possible solutions to this issue, as well as ways to avoid them.

But before we get there, it’s important to understand why you’re seeing the “No Cars Available” message on Uber in the first place.

Why does Uber say ‘No Cars Available’?

Several potential causes of the ‘No Cars Available’ message in Uber have been sorted out below:

Uber Taxi

P.c: Pixabay

1. Out of Service/Remote Locations

Isolated or Areas Without ServiceIt goes without saying that the Uber app will display “No Cars Available” if you have recently gone to a place that is not within Uber’s service scope.

Locations on the outskirts of cities, in the countryside, or areas with poor or nonexistent public transit options are often not serviced by Uber. Given this, it should come as no surprise that these areas do not have access to automobiles.

There’s also a chance that you’re in a location where there are never any cars available at a certain time of day.

An area may experience “No Cars Available” because, for example, Uber drivers may opt not to work late at night when there is less demand for their services.

2. Out-of-date App

Inadequate software you haven’t updated to the most recent version of the Uber app in a while, you may see the message “No Cars Available” when you try to order a ride.

Therefore, even when it is broad daylight or simply very unlikely that you will not locate an Uber taxi where you are, it is conceivable that you will see no automobiles near you due to the antiquated version.

3. Bad Weather

Poor WeatherWhen severe weather strikes, including a prolonged downpour, a flood, or a hailstorm, Uber may temporarily suspend its services until the storm passes.

If your city has issued a severe weather warning, it’s also possible that Uber and similar apps would show you the message “No Cars Available.”

4. Policy Violation by the User

Policy Breach by UserTaxi companies has a “no ride” list where they subtly notify you that you cannot utilize their services.

If your Uber rating is low or if you have a history of poor conduct (but not bad enough to be banned), the app will continue to report “No Cars Available” even when you know there are dozens of cars waiting nearby.

You may often get the ‘No Cars Available’ message if you breach Uber’s ‘Terms of Use or the User Community Guidelines.

Riders provide feedback for drivers after each trip, and drivers leave feedback for riders, so if you have low ratings, other drivers may be hesitant to pick you up.

5. Network Issues

Problems with the NetworkHaving inconsistent network connections might lead Uber to display “No Cars Available” more frequently than not.

Do some online research to determine whether you are experiencing network problems; if so, that might be why you are seeing a “No Cars Available” message.

6. ‘Phantom Cars’ that don’t exist

Unrealized “Ghost Cars”The unanswerable issue here is whether or not there are NEVER any taxis when Uber reports “No Cars Available.” The unambiguous response is “no.”

One may reasonably question, “If I can see this many vehicles on the map, why does Uber state ‘No Automobiles Available,’ anyway?” if they are seeing ghost cars clogging the map and moving about on their screen.

It’s possible that these “ghost automobiles” don’t exist at all. Recent polls have shown that Uber’s strategy of showing “No Cars Available” even when there are none is designed to keep consumers engaged with the app.

The benefit to Uber is how exactly? Users will be fooled into thinking that a taxi is available even if none really is by the presence of these imaginary vehicles.

Meanwhile, there is a good chance that by the time the user waits, at least one real-time Uber partner will be present in the area, allowing the user’s trip request to be accepted.

7. Other Reasons

The Existence of Additional MotivesThere might be no vehicles available on Uber for a variety of social and random causes.

When Uber drivers are on strike or there is a worldwide health emergency that prevents people from traveling, the app will display the message “No Cars Available.”

What should I do when No Cars are Available in Uber?

The eight reasons why you may be seeing “No Cars Available” while trying to use Uber have been outlined, along with some potential remedies to the issue.

No Cars are Available in Uber

1. Put out an update for the app

Check whether the issue persists after updating the app if you are using an earlier version. If you are using an older version of the app, you will likely be prompted to upgrade as soon as you launch it. Currently under revision:

  • Please visit the App Store or Google Play. To find uber, just use the app’s top search bar to type the word.
  • Press the search button, then choose “Uber” from the list of results that appears (identified by its logo).
  • After the update has finished downloading, open the app and try calling a taxi again.

2. Fixing a Network Problem

As was previously reported, Uber’s ‘No Cars Available’ message might appear if there are connection difficulties. Verify the strength of your data SIM by counting the number of bars.

To check whether the WiFi icon in the notification bar has an exclamation point next to it, or if there is a message reading “no internet” below the WiFi icon’s circle, try toggling the bar down.

If using mobile data or WiFi, try switching to that instead and refreshing or reopening the app. Examine the situation to see whether it has been fixed.

3. You Should Still Ask for a Ride

Requesting a ride when it’s obvious there aren’t any available is one way to get around the “No Cars Available” message. Even if there are no vehicles around, you may still use Uber to request a trip.

Therefore, there is still a possibility that when you send out the request for a trip, you locate a vehicle, even if it may take some time for an Uber driver to pick up your answer.

What is the mechanism behind this? When you order an Uber in an area where there are “No Cars Available,” Uber increases competition and offers drivers a 50% discount on their journey.

If the driver is in a close-by neighborhood, they will have a strong motivation to come to your location to pick you up for your journey.

This is a method that has a high success rate if you have the time to spare; nevertheless, if you need a solution immediately, this may not be the best choice since it isn’t infallible.

4. Switch to a different Uber vehicle or ride

It’s likely that you won’t be able to book a certain Uber trip, such as an Uber XL, simply because SUVs are less common than regular cars.

Depending on the region, it’s also conceivable that no pet-friendly Uber Pools or Uber taxis are available. If one Uber isn’t accessible, you may always attempt to reserve a new trip using the app.

If there are ‘No Cars Available’ when you attempt to book an Uber XL, you may increase your chances of success by reserving two Uber Go vehicles instead.

In a similar vein, if you are the only passenger and you can’t locate an Uber Pool, you may book an Uber Moto, which is not only cheaper but also just as convenient.

5. Change Your Login and Try Again

It’s possible that you’re seeing “No Cars Available” because you’ve recently had a tense relationship with Uber, which you’ve hopefully worked to mend.

To find out, have a friend or family member get onto their Uber account and pretend to be you so you can see whether they are given trips.

You have probably been flagged by Uber if you are experiencing the ‘No Cars Available’ problem while others are not (i.e. if you have violated some of their policies lately).

Considering you don’t have infinite time to make amends and get back on good terms with Uber, switching to a new account is your best bet if you want to get out of this jam.

The methods below outline how to switch to a new account, or sign up for a new account altogether.

The methods below outline how to switch to a new account, or sign up for a new account altogether.

  • Launch the Uber app by touching the menu button (the three horizontal lines) in the upper left corner.
  • Select “Settings” and look toward the bottom of the screen.
  • The words “Sign Out” will appear at the very bottom of the page. To sign out of your current account, tap the button.
  • Just click the “Sign Up” button and fill out the required fields.
  • Change your phone number from the one you used to register for the site.
  • Likewise, you should use a separate email address. Make sure the number you choose to create the account is a current one; most people have two numbers.

You’ll have to pass a verification step before you can join. As soon as you’ve joined up, you can see whether the problem has been fixed.

Don’t bother making a new account if you already have one (that hasn’t been blacklisted). Here are the measures to take:

  • Follow the instructions in the section above on making a new account to log out.
  • Select “Sign In” to continue.
  • When sent to the login screen, you may decide whether to enter your email address, and phone number, or use a third-party service like Google or Facebook.
  • After logging in, observe whether the problem still occurs.

6. Test a Fix for Privacy Leakage

If you’ve been tagged for violating Uber’s user community guidelines or policies but don’t want to give up your account, you may try contacting support and showing them proof that you’ve completed a “civility course.”

For a nominal charge, you may take a course online that will certify you as a civil person. Talk to Uber’s customer service representatives nicely, and you just may get off the “no ride” list and have your ride requests granted again.

7. Remove the app and reinstall it

If you have tried calling an Uber driver and get the message “No Cars Available,” quitting the app and restarting it a minute or two later may fix the problem.

If it doesn’t work, try deleting the app and reinstalling it. If the problem can be traced back to a server issue, reinstalling the Uber app should solve it.

8. Change to a new setting or app

It’s not the end of the world if you can’t get an Uber; there are other options, such as the bus or a No-Refusal Taxi. If you can arrange it with a friend, try sharing a carpool.

In addition, there are other ridesharing apps, like Lyft, that you may use to go where you need to go. Sometimes Lyft is more costly than Uber, but it’s still preferable to getting the “No Cars Available” message.

Let’s talk about that.

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Conclusion: What should I do when No Cars are Available in Uber?

Don’t freak out if you get the “Uber: No Cars Available” message. If at first, you don’t succeed, consider waiting a few minutes and trying again.

Put rides on the calendar in advance from now on. That way, the likelihood of that occurring is less, and you have more time to prepare for another form of transportation if it does occur.

Hope we did justice to your expectations with this article, and you might have found the solution to your problem.

If still there is any query, suggestion or advice then do let us know in the comment section below. Thank you!

Diksha

A graduate of the IIMC, Diksha enjoys testing out new tech products and services. Her goal is to help others make more informed purchases of tech products and services. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, watching movies, and listening to music. An ardent reader loves to be surrounded by technology. You can follow her on LinkedIn and Instagram

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