How To Use The DoorDash Driver App

While customers rely on the DoorDash consumer app to make orders, one of the platform’s rules for Dashers is to use the Dasher app to manage deliveries.

The Dasher app is currently available on both Android and iOS platforms. 

Downloading the app

On iPhone / iOS

1. First, make sure you have signed up as a Dasher.
2. Open this link to the app on the App Store; or
   1. Open the Apple App Store, enter "DoorDash Dasher" in the search bar, and tap search.
   2. Find the app titled "Dasher" with the DoorDash logo in the search results..
3. Tap the download icon and install the app.
4. Open the app, and create a new account.
5. DoorDash will then take you through a verification process, starting with email confirmation. Follow the on-screen instructions and you will eventually have access to do Dashes (subject to Dasher approval and local availability).

Here is how the app looks, so you know you are downloading the right one:

On Android

1. First, make sure you have signed up as a Dasher.
2. Open this link to the Google Play Store; or
   1. Go to the Google Play Store and use the search bar to type "DoorDash Dasher." Press the magnifying glass icon or hit enter to search.
   2. Identify the "Dasher" app with the DoorDash logo in the search results.
3. Open it, and tap "Install" to download the app.
4. Once installed, launch the Dasher app and proceed to sign up. 
5. After registration, verify your account via the confirmation email. Follow the on-screen instructions and you will eventually have access to do Dashes (subject to Dasher approval and local availability).

Here is how the app looks, so you know you are downloading the right one:

Doing a delivery using the app

Upon logging into the Dasher app, Dashers can choose to either “Dash Now” or “Schedule a Dash” for later. If you schedule a Dash for later, then you will want to come back during your scheduled time and select “Dash Now”.

After you click “Dash Now”, you enter a virtual queue and await incoming delivery orders. A notification appears whenever an order arrives, disclosing details like the restaurant name, customer location, and estimated earnings for the delivery.

After accepting an order, the app's navigation guides the Dasher to the restaurant using the fastest routes, based on current traffic conditions. At the pickup point, they’re never required to pay for orders. Ryan Shaw explains that in the four years he’s dashed, restaurant bills have always been settled automatically by DoorDash beforehand. That means during pickup, his only job is to confirm and collect customers’ orders.

En route from the restaurant, the app provides the customer’s address and any special delivery instructions – like gate codes or the preferred drop-off points. Then upon successful delivery, Dashers mark the order as completed in the app to make themselves available for the next request.

“Customers’ payments are mostly processed through their DoorDash integrated cards,” adds Ryan. “Your dashing dues, including any tips, are then remitted to your Dasher direct account.” 

The opposite applies to cash transactions. Once you accept the payment physically, DoorDash proceeds to deduct the order amount from your Dasher Direct account. You then get to retain your base earnings plus tips. 

Do drivers have to keep the app open?

The Dasher app is built to run even in the background, allowing you to interact with other apps or turn off your phone screen without missing potential orders. It’ll be alerting you about any new deliveries that come up in your area. 

Keep in mind, though, that the app should not be “killed” or forcibly closed. Doing so will break communication with DoorDash’s servers, subsequently locking you out of order opportunities. 

A Reddit thread, however, reveals varied Dasher experiences regarding app functionality when minimized. Some have voiced concerns about missing out on orders when the app is not active on the screen, while others continue to share workarounds to optimize its operations in the background.

Changing your location in the app

The app uses GPS technology to pinpoint your location, upon which it calculatedly offers orders that make logistical sense. However, there are instances where a Dasher might want to change their starting point or Dash in a different city or region. Here’s how that can be achieved. 

Manual location change

1. Open the Dasher app and go to the map screen.
2. You'll see various colored zones, each representing a different dashing area.
3. Select your preferred dashing area by tapping on it.
4. If the "Dash Now" button appears in red, the area is busy and experiencing a relatively high demand for Dashers. 

Scheduling a Dash in a different location

If you're planning to dash in a different city or region, it’s possible to schedule your operations ahead of time. Just follow these steps:

1. Go to the “Schedule” tab within the app.
2. You'll initially see available dashing slots in your current location. To change it, tap on the location name at the top.
3. A dropdown menu will appear, displaying the available cities or regions. This is where you select your desired location.
4. You can then explore available Dashing slots for the new location. Choose your preferred time, and confirm the schedule.

Such location changes might expose you to different customer demands, Peak Pay, and restaurant partnerships – all of which could substantially influence your earnings and dashing experience.

Changing your vehicle in the app

DoorDash provides a variety of vehicle options, ranging from cars and motorcycles to scooters and mopeds. Each caters to different logistical needs and urban environments.

For instance, larger vehicles can accommodate bigger orders, while smaller ones are better suited for quicker, smaller deliveries. You should therefore select an appropriate vehicle type for your delivery preferences and logistical capabilities.

There are two stages to changing a vehicle on DoorDash. The vehicle must be integrated into your account, after which you’ll be allowed to make the switch. 

Adding a new vehicle

1. Open the Dasher app and go to the “Account” tab.
2. Tap “Vehicles,” then “Add Vehicle.”
3. Select your desired vehicle type and enter all the necessary vehicle details.
4. Submit any required documents, like your driver’s license, for verification.

Switching between vehicles

1. Under the “Account” tab, tap “Vehicles.”

2. Choose the vehicle you wish to use for your dashes.

Always remember that additional documentation, such as special license classes, may be required for certain vehicle types and will be subject to DoorDash’s verification. 

How to clear the Dasher app cache

The cache stores temporary data to expedite load times and enhance the user experience, but some Dashers report that the cache can sometimes accumulate redundant files. Over time, that pile-up can cause lags or malfunctions. 

By periodically clearing the cache, you get to purge those unnecessary files, free up memory, and maintain the app’s optimal functionality.

This is how to do it on your Android device::

1. Launch the “Settings” app and head to the “Apps” or “Applications” section. The precise name might differ based on your device or Android version.
2. Search for "Dasher" in the list or grid of apps. If there's a search function, use it for quicker access.
3. Tap on the Dasher app, and then select the “Storage” option to view the app’s storage breakdown. This is where you’ll find its cache settings.
4. Tap “Clear Cache” and confirm any prompts. After clearing, open the Dasher app to verify it operates correctly and that your settings remain unchanged.

This is not something you would typically need to do on an iOS device.

How to log out of the app

The Dasher app contains vital information about your earnings, work schedules, and personal details. You should therefore always remember to log out from any shared or public devices hosting your account. That’ll keep it secure and prevent unauthorized access. 

On iPhone / iOS

1. Tap the Account icon, usually found at the bottom of the app interface.
2. In the Account section, proceed to the 'Settings' tab that contains various app configurations and account details.
3. Scroll to find the 'Log Out' option and tap it. Confirm the action when prompted.

For added security, periodically review active sessions, especially if you've logged into your Dasher account from multiple devices. If you spot any unfamiliar devices or locations, log out from those sessions and consider updating your password.

On Android

As for Android devices:

1. Tap the menu icon, which is typically three horizontal lines in the top left corner of the app interface.
2. Scroll through the expanded menu options to locate 'Log Out'.
3. Tap 'Log Out' and confirm when prompted to successfully sign out of your account.

Changing your email in the app

Unfortunately, you can’t change your email address through the Dasher app. You should, instead, use the main DoorDash web platform as detailed below

1. On your mobile browser, go to DoorDash.com.
2. Use your Dasher credentials to log in.
3. Click on the three lines (often referred to as the hamburger icon) on the top left corner. Then from the subsequent dropdown menu, select "Account".
4. In the account settings, you'll find an option to update your email address. You'll then need to complete a 2-factor authentication verification before finalizing the changes. 

Changing your DoorDash Red Card

The DoorDash Red Card is a prepaid card that Dashers use to pay for orders at certain restaurants or stores during pickup. It operates independently from your Dasher personal account, with DoorDash replenishing its funds to maintain uninterrupted pickups.

“In my experience, the only time the red card is needed is for grocery orders from places like Target, Walgreens, CVS, etc,” clarifies Ryan. “The Red Card is just for orders that can't be picked/packed by the staff of the store.”

Scott Jones, a Dasher of five years, corroborates that and even adds, “You can also get a new Red Card from the Dasher store for free anytime. But, while there are no limits to the number of replacements, you can only have one card attached to your Dasher account at a time.”

That means if your Red Card is replaced at any point, you’ll need to update its details on the app.

On iPhone / iOS

Adding or Changing the DoorDash Red Card

1. Launch the Dasher app on your iPhone.
2. Tap on the 'Account' icon at the bottom of the screen.
3. Find and select the 'Red Card' section within the account settings.
4. You'll be prompted to enter the new Red Card's details.
5. Confirm and save the changes.

Activating the Red Card

1. After adding the new card details, stay in the 'Red Card' section of the app.
2. You'll see an 'Activate' button or option. Tap on it to initiate the activation process.
3. Type in the last four digits of your new Red Card and any other required information.
4. Fulfill the subsequent prompts to conclude the process.

On Android 

Adding or Changing the DoorDash Red Card

1. Open the Dasher app on your Android device.
2. Tap the menu icon, which is represented by three horizontal lines in the top left corner.
3. Find and tap the 'Red Card' section.
4. Enter the new card’s details.
5. Save the changes to update your account.

Activating the Red Card

1. After updating the card details, remain in the 'Red Card' section.
2. Look for an 'Activate' option and tap on it.
3. You'll be asked for the last four digits of your Red Card and possibly other details. Input them as prompted.
4. Follow any subsequent prompts or steps. Once done, your Red Card is activated and ready to facilitate payments for your DoorDash orders.

Editing your name in the app

As of January 2024, the DoorDash help article on this topic suggests that you cannot change your name without contacting support - but this is outdated information.

Ryan explains: “The steps to do it are exactly what's described in the help article above, the very first section that says "if you’re updating only your phone number". But rather than only being able to change the phone number, the "first name" and "last name" fields are also editable. The "email address" field is grayed out and cannot be edited.”

Ryan is on an Android, so it is possible to make the change on Android. Although it is not possible to change your name directly on iOS, you can log in to doordash.com with your Dasher account on your computer and change it there in a similar manner.

Troubleshooting technical difficulties with the app

Is the DoorDash driver app down?

Common signs that the app is down include:

• Authentication Errors: Denied access even with correct login details.
• Continuous Crashes: The app crashes upon launch or during specific tasks.
• Feature Malfunctions: Issues like being unable to start or end a Dash, a non-responsive 'Pause' feature, or missing order completions on the earnings page.

Before jumping to conclusions, try consulting websites like Downdetector or Downoutages. They offer real-time feedback from users worldwide, helping you ascertain if the problem is widespread or specific to your device. You can also run a search for “recent posts” on X.com (formerly known as Twitter) with a search query like “dasher app”.

When the app is not updating your location

If the app isn't updating your location, you might miss out on potential orders. To troubleshoot common culprits:

• Check Your Internet Connection: Make sure you have a stable data or Wi-Fi connection. If one isn't working, try switching to the other.
• Review App Permissions: Go to your device settings, find the Dasher app, and confirm it has permission to access the location.
• Restart Your Device: A simple restart might recalibrate the GPS and resolve location discrepancies.
• Update the App: Use the latest Dasher app version to avoid potential location-related bugs.

Can’t log in or stuck on loading?

Login issues can be pretty frustrating, especially during peak delivery times. If you're stuck on a loading screen or can't sign into your Dasher account:

• Identify the Problem: Pay attention to any error messages. A '401 Unauthorized' error, for instance, indicates invalid login credentials. 
• Reset Password: If you suspect it's a password-related issue, use the 'Forgot Password' option on the login screen and follow the reset instructions.
• Clear Cache and Data: On your device, go to the app's settings and clear its cache and data. This action removes any temporary files that might be causing the login issue. But, remember that you'll need to re-enter your login credentials afterward.

When the DoorDash driver app keeps crashing

Frequent app crashes can interrupt a Dasher's workflow, resulting in missed orders and decreased earnings.

To address the problem:

• Check Error Logs: If possible, check the app’s error logs in your device settings to identify any recurring issues or specific error codes.
• Update the App: Ensure you're running the latest version of the Dasher app. Its developers often release updates to fix known bugs.
• Reinstall the App: If the issue persists, consider uninstalling and then reinstalling the app. For iOS users, press and hold the Dasher app icon and select 'Remove App'. For Android users, proceed to settings, locate the app, and choose 'Uninstall'.
• Examine Device Compatibility: Make sure your device meets the Dasher app's technical specifications. The app might not run smoothly on older or less powerful devices.

Scott himself admits to bearing the brunt of app crashes while working. In his words, “After years of restarting and manually stopping it, I now find it's easier to just uninstall, download, it and install it again. That’s exactly what DoorDash representatives will tell you to do if you chat with them.”

Start earning via the Dasher app

Now that you're familiar with the basics of the app, it's the perfect time to get started earning. Sign up now and get on the road within days (subject to Dasher approval and local availability).