If you are trying to buy tickets on Ticketmaster and get placed in the virtual waiting room or queue, you may be wondering if you can switch devices or browsers once you are in line. The short answer is yes, you can switch devices or browsers while waiting in the Ticketmaster queue, but there are some important factors to consider.
How the Ticketmaster Queue Works
The Ticketmaster queue system is used for high-demand events when a large number of people are trying to purchase tickets at the same time. It helps control traffic to the website and prevents crashes. When you attempt to buy tickets for an event using the queue, here is what happens:
- You select the number of tickets you want and click “Find Tickets.”
- You are assigned a place in the virtual line or waiting room.
- You wait in the queue and when it’s your turn, you are let into the ticket-buying screen.
- Once in the ticket selection and purchase screens, you have a limited time (usually around 10 minutes) to finalize your order before your session expires.
Can You Use Multiple Devices in the Queue?
When you join the Ticketmaster queue, their system tracks certain identifiers like your IP address, browser cookies, and device fingerprints to maintain your place in line. So if you try to join the queue on multiple devices all at once, their system will detect and cancel out the duplicates.
However, once you are already waiting in the queue, you can carefully switch devices or browsers and pick up where you left off. The key things to keep in mind are:
- Only have one active session in the queue at a time.
- Make sure to fully close out the queue on your old device before switching.
- Clear your cookies and cache when switching browsers.
- Use the same Ticketmaster account login across devices.
As long as you follow those steps, your session in the queue should successfully transfer over to your new device or browser.
When to Consider Switching Devices
The most common reasons you may want to switch devices or browsers while in the Ticketmaster queue include:
- Switching to a computer – If you join the queue on your phone, you may want to switch to a computer later on for an easier ticket-buying experience.
- Battery running low – Hop over to a device that’s fully charged so your queue session doesn’t expire.
- Stronger internet connection – If your wifi or cell signal is spotty, move to a device with a more reliable connection.
- Browser issues – Sometimes browsers crash or freeze up. Switching to a different browser can let you rejoin the queue seamlessly.
The key is to time it right by switching over when you still have a comfortable amount of time left in the queue. You generally want to avoid switching devices when you are close to the front.
Step-by-Step Guide to Switching Devices
Follow these steps for the smoothest way to switch devices or browsers mid-queue:
- Join the queue – Get in line for your tickets on Device #1.
- Fully close queue on old device – Make sure to completely close out of the queue on Device #1, including the tab, browser, or app.
- Open queue on new device – On Device #2, log into your Ticketmaster account and navigate back to the event page.
- Look for countdown timer – You should see your place in line pick up right where you left off with the countdown timer intact.
- Clear history on new device – To be safe, clear your browsing history, cookies and cache.
- Buy tickets! – When it’s your turn, you can securely purchase your tickets on Device #2.
The key things again are to fully close out of Device #1 before moving over and logging into the same Ticketmaster account on Device #2. As long as you have one active session, you can bounce around safely.
Tips for Switching Devices Smoothly
Keep these tips in mind for a smooth transition when changing devices mid-queue:
- Don’t wait until the last minute – Switch over with ample time still left in the queue.
- Use the same web browser if possible – Try to use Chrome on both devices instead of switching from Safari to Chrome, for example.
- Check for errors – Make sure you fully closed Device #1 and aren’t getting errors on Device #2 before advancing.
- Book tickets right away – Don’t dawdle once you’re in the ticket selection screens or your session may expire.
- Stay logged in – Keep your Ticketmaster account logged into both devices so you can easily pick back up.
It also helps to do a test run by joining a fake queue for an event you don’t need tickets for. This lets you safely practice switching devices without the stress of a real ticket purchase.
Potential Issues When Switching Devices
While you can switch devices in most cases, here are some potential downsides to be aware of:
- Lost spot if done improperly – If you don’t fully close Device #1 before moving to Device #2, you could lose your place in line.
- Queue restarting – In rare cases, the queue may refresh and start over, bumping everyone back to the start.
- Extra time needed – It takes extra time to close everything on Device #1 and reopen the queue on Device #2.
- Unexpected errors – You could run into technical glitches that interrupt the transfer process.
The best way to avoid issues is to switch at an opportune time, follow the steps exactly, and have Device #2 ready to go before leaving Device #1.
Switching Accounts or Tickets Numbers
In general, you cannot switch Ticketmaster accounts or ticket numbers once in the virtual queue – you need to stick with what you started with. Some key points:
- Stick with same account – Your queue session is tied to the specific Ticketmaster account you logged in with. Logging out or using a different account will lose your spot.
- Can’t merge sessions – You can’t merge queue spots from two different accounts.
- No ticket transfers – You can’t transfer or sell unpurchased tickets while still in the queue.
- Limit ticket changes – You typically can’t change the ticket quantities or sections once queued up.
For the fairest process, Ticketmaster tries to limit last-minute ticket manipulations while people are waiting in the virtual line. Just pick your tickets and account at the start and stick with them.
Is It Worth Switching Devices in Queue?
Whether it’s ultimately worth the hassle of switching devices or browsers mid-queue comes down to your specific situation. The convenience of switching to acomputer or stronger internet may make it worthwhile. But if you have a stable setup to begin with, just ride it out on one device without any unnecessary risks. Either way, follow the steps closely and be patient for the best experience.
With some care taken, you can successfully pick up your virtual queue spot on a new device or browser if needed. Just be sure to close everything fully on the old device first while keeping your Ticketmaster account intact. Avoid errors by switching at an opportune time with plenty of queue still remaining. While not always necessary, switching devices can provide more options and peace of mind in your ticket-buying journey when done properly.