Encountering a 401 error code when trying to access your Ticketmaster account can be frustrating. This error indicates that the request requires user authentication, meaning Ticketmaster cannot verify your identity based on the credentials provided.
There are a few common reasons why Error 401 occurs on Ticketmaster and some simple steps you can take to resolve the issue. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain what exactly Error 401 means, why you may be seeing it, and how to troubleshoot and fix the problem so you can access your Ticketmaster account again.
What Does Error 401 Mean on Ticketmaster?
The 401 error code stands for “Unauthorized” and indicates that the server cannot authenticate the request due to invalid credentials. Some key things to understand about Ticketmaster Error 401:
- It occurs when Ticketmaster’s servers receive credentials but cannot verify them. This is often due to incorrect username or password entered.
- 401 errors are client-side errors, meaning the issue is with the request coming from the user’s browser or device, not Ticketmaster’s servers.
- They do not indicate a server issue on Ticketmaster’s end. Rather, the user needs to provide proper credentials for Ticketmaster to authenticate them.
- 401 errors only occur on pages that require authentication. If you receive the error on Ticketmaster’s homepage, it likely means you are still logged in from a previous session.
Essentially, Error 401 means Ticketmaster is saying “I don’t recognize you” when you try to access your account. The next step is providing credentials that Ticketmaster can validate to let you in.
Why am I Getting Error 401 on Ticketmaster?
There are a handful of reasons why Ticketmaster may fail to authenticate your credentials and return the 401 error page. The most common causes include:
Incorrect Username or Password
The simplest explanation is that you have typed in an incorrect username or password when trying to log in or access account-specific pages. Double check that your username and password are entered correctly.
Expired Credentials
If you have not changed your Ticketmaster password in a long time, your login credentials may have expired. Ticketmaster periodically requires users to update passwords for security reasons.
Cookies Disabled
Ticketmaster uses cookies to store login sessions and authentication tokens. If you have cookies disabled on your browser, Ticketmaster may not remember you are logged in.
Using Private/Incognito Mode
Similarly, private or incognito browsing does not store cookies by default. When accessing Ticketmaster in a private session, you may need to reauthenticate yourself each time.
Cache or Browser History Cleared
If your browser’s cache and history have been emptied recently, saved credentials and cookies that Ticketmaster relies on for authentication may have been deleted.
Multiple Tabs Open
When Ticketmaster is open in multiple browser tabs, this can sometimes lead to confusion over which tab contains valid credentials vs which needs reauthentication.
Device Change
If you typically access your Ticketmaster account on one device like a desktop, but are now trying to log in from a new device like a mobile phone, Ticketmaster may not recognize the new device.
Considering the wide range of potential causes, how can you pinpoint why Ticketmaster is giving you the 401 error specifically? The next section goes through some troubleshooting steps to identify the issue.
How to Troubleshoot Ticketmaster Error 401
When Error 401 pops up on Ticketmaster, there are a few simple troubleshooting steps you can take to get to the bottom of the problem:
Check Your Username
First, verify you are using the correct username to login. On Ticketmaster, your username is your email address. Typing in just a display name or incorrect email address will lead to a 401 error.
Try Your Password Again
Next, double and triple check you are entering the right password. Copy and paste your password if needed to ensure accuracy. Check for caps lock or accidental spaces at the beginning or end.
Try Another Browser
Attempt to login using a different web browser like Firefox, Chrome, Safari, or Edge and see if the 401 error persists. This can help identify any browser-specific login issues.
Check for Cookie Blocking
Verify cookies are not being blocked by your browser settings or any browser extensions/addons. You can do this by temporarily disabling any ad blockers or privacy plugins.
Test on a Different Device
See if the 401 error also occurs when trying to access Ticketmaster from another device like a mobile phone, tablet, or computer. This determines if the issue is isolated to a single device.
Clear Cache and Browsing History
Try clearing your browser cache and history entirely, then attempt logging into Ticketmaster again. This will wipe any outdated or corrupt login data from the browser.
Use Ticketmaster Password Reset
If your credentials are just not working, use Ticketmaster’s password reset feature by clicking “Forgot password?” and entering your email. This lets you set a brand new password.
Check Account Security Questions
Log into your Ticketmaster account settings and confirm your security questions are answered correctly. Incorrect security question answers can also lead to 401 errors.
With some diligent troubleshooting, you should be able to determine the source of the Ticketmaster Error 401. The most common fixes are outlined below.
How to Fix Ticketmaster Error 401
Enter Credentials Correctly
If you identified that your username or password were entered incorrectly, simply re-enter them with 100% accuracy when prompted by Ticketmaster upon receiving the 401 error.
Update Expired Password
For an expired password, use Ticketmaster’s password reset tool to create and confirm a new strong password for your account. This refreshes your credentials.
Enable Cookies
If browser cookies are disabled, access your browser settings to allow both first and third-party cookies. Ticketmaster requires cookies to store login information.
Close Extra Tabs
With multiple Ticketmaster tabs open, close out any extras and keep just one tab active to avoid confusion over logged in status.
Log Out and Log Back In
If Ticketmaster seems stuck thinking you’re logged in when you’re not, or vice versa, log out completely in one tab then log back in with your credentials in another tab.
Use Original Device
If 401 happens on a new device, return to the original device where your Ticketmaster account credentials are stored to successfully log in.
Contact Ticketmaster Support
If the 401 error persists despite the above fixes, reach out to the Ticketmaster support team for assistance recovering access to your account.
With consistent 401 errors, it also never hurts to change your Ticketmaster password as a precaution through their account security page.
Troubleshooting Specific Ticketmaster 401 Error Scenarios
In some cases, Error 401 may occur under specific conditions on Ticketmaster. Here is how to troubleshoot some of the unique scenarios that can lead to 401:
401 After Changing Password
If you recently reset your Ticketmaster password but then get a 401 error immediately after, this means you likely logged out in one tab prior to changing the password in another. Close all tabs and log back in with the new password.
401 on Mobile App
Receiving the error after downloading the Ticketmaster mobile app indicates the app does not have valid credentials stored. Re-enter your username and password in the app or reset your password.
401 After Account Deactivation
A 401 error after temporarily deactivating your Ticketmaster account means your credentials are now invalid until the account is reactivated. You will need to go through the account recovery process.
401 After Account Merge
If your Ticketmaster account was recently merged with a Live Nation account, you may need to reset your Ticketmaster password through account settings to sync up credentials.
401 on Single Page
A 401 restricted only to one page, such as events or ticket transfers, often means extra authentication is required for that page. Check for any required security codes.
With additional troubleshooting, you can resolve 401 errors that happen under special circumstances like these.
Preventing Ticketmaster 401 Errors
Once you have fixed the immediate 401 error, there are some best practices you can follow to avoid encountering it again when using Ticketmaster:
- Log out fully after each Ticketmaster session, don’t just close the tab.
- Avoid having multiple account tabs or windows open at once.
- Bookmarks your account dashboard page.
- Delete old tabs with logged in Ticketmaster sessions.
- Be cautious clearing browser history and cache.
- Don’t use private browsing modes on Ticketmaster.
- Create a strong unique password and update it periodically.
- Make sure to fully log out on any shared devices.
- Use caution when deactivating, merging, or transferring your account.
Keeping diligent account hygiene practices will help prevent confusing Ticketmaster about your authentication status and running into 401 snags.
When to Call Ticketmaster for Error 401 Help
If you have followed all troubleshooting steps but the 401 error still persists, it may be time to directly contact Ticketmaster support:
- Account login credentials not working after multiple password resets
- 401 error across all devices and browsers
- Associated account email address has been changed or deactivated
- Cannot answer account security questions correctly
- Authentication code required but not available
- Account shown as deactivated against your wishes
For any account-specific issues requiring investigation by Ticketmaster, customer support can look into the problem and resolve it for you.
Conclusion
Error 401 during Ticketmaster login is always solvable with some targeted troubleshooting to identify the proper fix. In most cases, it comes down to entering correct credentials, updating expired passwords, allowing browser cookies, or logging in from the right device.
Stick with the step-by-step solutions outlined here to get rid of your Ticketmaster 401 error for good. And adopt smart login practices going forward to avoid running into “unauthorized” authentication problems. With the right help, you’ll be back into your Ticketmaster account in no time!
