Getting tickets to your favorite concert, show, or sporting event can be exciting but also confusing if you’re not sure how to access your tickets. Many people purchase tickets through Ticketmaster and then wonder if they need to use the Ticketmaster app to retrieve their tickets or if they can get them another way. Here’s what you need to know about getting your Ticketmaster tickets with or without the app.
Can I get my Ticketmaster tickets without using the app?
Yes, you can absolutely get your Ticketmaster tickets without using the Ticketmaster app. There are a few different ways to access your tickets without needing the app:
Printed tickets
If you purchased traditional paper tickets, they can be printed at home through your Ticketmaster account, or shipped to you if you chose that option at checkout. You don’t need the app to access printed paper tickets that were mailed to you or that you printed yourself.
Mobile entry
Many venues now allow mobile entry where you can display your ticket on your phone screen to be scanned instead of needing a printed paper ticket. If you bought this type of mobile ticket through Ticketmaster, you’ll receive an email with your mobile ticket barcode that you can display on your phone for entry. You don’t need the Ticketmaster app to access mobile entry tickets.
Digital wallet
Ticketmaster offers digital wallets through Apple Wallet or Google Pay that allow you to store your tickets for easy access. You can add your Ticketmaster tickets to your digital wallet without needing the Ticketmaster app. Your tickets will appear in your Apple Wallet or Google Pay app and can be scanned from there directly.
Box office pickup
If you chose to pick up your tickets at the box office, you simply need to present your confirmation number and payment card. The box office will be able to look up and print your tickets without you needing to use the Ticketmaster app.
When do I need the Ticketmaster app?
While the Ticketmaster app is not required to access your tickets in most cases, there are some instances where you may want to use the app:
Digital tickets
Some venues now exclusively use mobile digital tickets that must be displayed in the Ticketmaster app and include moving visual elements that can’t be screenshot. If your ticket states it’s a mobile ticket, you will need the Ticketmaster app to gain entry.
Ticket transfers
Transferring a ticket to another person is very simple through the Ticketmaster app. Without the app, you’d have to know the recipient’s Ticketmaster login to transfer.
Sell or re-list tickets
If you can no longer attend an event and want to sell or re-list your tickets, this is seamlessly done through the Ticketmaster app. It’s much more difficult without the app.
Key benefits of the Ticketmaster app
While not required in every situation, there are some useful benefits provided by the Ticketmaster app:
- Stores tickets in one centralized location
- Allows easy ticket management and transfers
- Displays interactive digital tickets
- Enables resale of tickets through official marketplace
- Provides venue maps, event information, and updates
Ticket storage
The Ticketmaster app stores all your tickets in one place for easy access. You don’t have to dig through emails or your wallet to find them. They’ll all appear in the app for the upcoming events you have tickets for.
Ticket management
Managing, transferring, selling, or re-listing tickets is simple with a few taps in the app. You can easily transfer tickets directly to friends if needed.
Interactive digital tickets
Some modern venues now exclusively use digital tickets that have moving graphics or elements that can’t be screenshot. These types of tickets must be displayed directly within the Ticketmaster app.
Official ticket resale
If you can no longer use your tickets, the Ticketmaster app provides an official resale marketplace to post them for other fans to buy. You can’t resell or relist tickets without the app.
Event information
The Ticketmaster app provides maps of the venue and your seating location. You can also get updates on event changes, parking information, and other useful details through the app for the events you have tickets for.
Tips for accessing tickets without the app
If you don’t want to use the Ticketmaster app, here are some tips for accessing your tickets by other methods:
- Print tickets at home to avoid will call lines
- Save your mobile ticket barcode to your photo gallery if allowed
- Add tickets to Apple Wallet or Google Pay for easy access
- Take a screenshot of the ticket barcode as a backup
- Arrive early in case of any ticket issues
Printing tickets
Avoid box office will call lines by printing your tickets at home ahead of time through your Ticketmaster account. Be sure to print on clean white paper for best scanning.
Saving barcode
For mobile entry tickets, save the ticket barcode image from your confirmation email to your phone’s photo gallery for easy access if you don’t want to use the app.
Digital wallet
Make sure to add your tickets to Apple Wallet or Google Pay if available for streamlined access right from your device’s wallet.
Screenshot
Some venues allow screenshots or photos of ticket barcodes for entry. Take a screenshot of your ticket barcode as a backup option.
Arrive early
Give yourself extra time in case you run into any issues accessing your ticket without using the app to be sure you don’t miss the event!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I access my Ticketmaster tickets without an account?
No, you need a Ticketmaster account to access tickets purchased through Ticketmaster. The tickets are tied specifically to the account you used to purchase them. You will not be able to access the tickets without signing into your Ticketmaster account.
What if I lost my printed Ticketmaster tickets?
If you lose your paper tickets, you can log into your Ticketmaster account and reprint them if time allows before the event. If it’s too late to reprint, you will need to go to will call at the venue with your ID and order confirmation to have replacement tickets printed.
Can someone else use my digital Ticketmaster tickets?
No, your digital tickets are tied specifically to your Ticketmaster account just like printed tickets. If you can no longer attend, you would need to formally transfer the tickets to someone else through your Ticketmaster account.
What if my Ticketmaster tickets are wrong?
If there is an issue with your Ticketmaster tickets, such as the wrong date or seat assignments, contact Ticketmaster’s customer service right away to get the problem resolved. They can reissue tickets if needed.
How do I know if my Ticketmaster tickets are mobile entry?
When you purchase a mobile entry ticket through Ticketmaster, the confirmation page and email receipt will specify “mobile entry ticket” instead of a PDF option. Mobile entry tickets must be displayed on your phone screen.
Can Ticketmaster tickets be refunded or exchanged?
In most cases, Ticketmaster tickets cannot be refunded or exchanged unless the event is canceled or rescheduled. You would need to resell or relist the tickets through Ticketmaster’s resale marketplace instead.
The bottom line
The Ticketmaster app provides some convenient features for storing, managing, and transferring tickets, but it is not required in all cases. You can access printed tickets, mobile entry barcodes, digital wallet passes, and box office pickups without needing the Ticketmaster app. Just make sure to double check your ticket requirements to see if you do need the app for certain interactive digital tickets at some venues.
Comparing ticket access with and without the Ticketmaster app
| Access Method | Needs App? | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Printed tickets | No | – No app needed – Can reprint if lost |
– Can be lost – No digital record |
| Mobile entry | No | – Convenient digital access | – Small barcode harder to scan |
| Digital wallet pass | No | – Stored in existing apps – Simple access |
– Not available for all events |
| Box office pickup | No | – Guaranteed ticket access | – Wait in will call line |
| Ticketmaster app | Yes | – Interactive digital tickets – Easy transfers – Resale marketplace |
– Requires app download and account |
