Ticketmaster errors can be frustrating when trying to purchase event tickets online. There are a few common issues that can occur and ways to troubleshoot and resolve them.
Common Ticketmaster Errors
Some common errors when using Ticketmaster include:
Timeout errors
If you get a timeout error message, it typically means the request took too long and timed out. This usually occurs if there is a lot of traffic on the site. Trying again in a few minutes when traffic may have reduced often resolves a timeout error.
“Sorry, another fan beat you to those tickets”
This disappointing error message indicates that the tickets you were trying to purchase sold out before you could complete your transaction. It could be another fan purchased the last remaining tickets just before you. The best way to avoid this is to try and purchase as soon as tickets go on sale, check for presales you may have access to, or use the Ticketmaster Verified Fan program which can give you early access to purchase.
CAPTCHA errors
Ticketmaster may prompt you to complete a CAPTCHA to verify you are human if it detects suspicious activity from your IP address. Carefully complete the word verification prompt and submit again. If you continue having issues, try clearing cookies, using a different browser, or connecting from a different network.
Payment errors
If there is an issue processing your payment, you may see an error when checking out. Double check that your payment information is correct. Try a different card or payment method if the issue persists. Contact your bank to ensure there are no blocks on attempting purchases from Ticketmaster.
Error Message | Possible Cause | Solution |
---|---|---|
Timeout error | High traffic volume | Retry in a few minutes |
“Sorry, another fan beat you to those tickets” | Tickets sold out | Purchase right when tickets go on sale or use presales/Verified Fan |
CAPTCHA error | Suspicious activity detected | Carefully complete CAPTCHA verification |
Payment error | Invalid payment details | Double check payment info, try different payment method |
Why do I keep getting Ticketmaster errors?
There are a few reasons you may repeatedly encounter errors trying to use Ticketmaster:
- High demand for a popular event – More people trying to purchase limited tickets increases likelihood of errors.
- Internet connectivity issues – Slow/unreliable connection can lead to timeout errors.
- Outdated web browser – Older browsers may not work well with Ticketmaster’s site.
- Cookies/cache – Too many cookies or corrupted browser cache can cause problems.
- Suspicious activity – Unusual usage patterns may trigger CAPTCHAs or blocks.
If problems persist, trying connecting from different network, updating your browser, clearing cookies and cache, or contacting Ticketmaster customer support.
How can I avoid Ticketmaster errors?
Here are some tips to help avoid some common Ticketmaster errors:
- Purchase tickets right when they go on sale to avoid sell outs.
- Use a stable/fast internet connection on a desktop computer if possible.
- Make sure you are using an up-to-date web browser.
- Disable any ad blockers, as these can sometimes interfere.
- Enter payment details carefully and verify information is correct.
- Be patient and don’t refresh constantly, this can trigger CAPTCHAs.
Following these best practices won’t guarantee you never encounter an error, but can help minimize issues.
What should I do if I can’t fix a Ticketmaster error?
If you continue experiencing Ticketmaster errors that you cannot resolve, here are some steps to take:
- Contact Ticketmaster Customer Support – They may be able to assist if you cannot resolve an error.
- Try on a different device – Attempt the purchase on a mobile device or different computer.
- Use a different web browser – Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc may have better luck.
- Clear cookies/cache – Removing browsing data could help if it’s corrupted.
- Try over a different network – Cellular data instead of WiFi sometimes can resolve issues.
- Purchase in person – Buy tickets at the venue box office to avoid online errors.
As a last resort, reaching out to the event organizer about ticket availability may be an option if issues with the Ticketmaster website cannot be resolved.
Why do I have to verify I’m not a robot on Ticketmaster?
Having to complete a CAPTCHA or “I am not a robot” verification on Ticketmaster is annoying but sometimes necessary to confirm you are a genuine human user, not an automated bot or scalper.
Some reasons you may have to verify you are not a bot:
- Your usage patterns look suspicious or bot-like
- You are attempting to purchase a very high demand event
- You are rapidly searching or refreshing event listings
- Your IP address has been linked to suspicious activity
- Bots are targeting the on-sale you are attempting to access
Completing the CAPTCHA is required to proceed with your access. Going through this verification helps Ticketmaster block scalpers and ensure more real fans can obtain tickets.
What should I do if I’m having problems with the CAPTCHA?
The CAPTCHA verification box can sometimes be difficult to complete, especially if the text or images are distorted. Here are some tips if you are struggling:
- Refresh the CAPTCHA – Get new images or text to identify by clicking the refresh icon.
- Use the audio option – Click the speaker icon and type what you hear.
- Check your browser extensions – Some ad blockers can interfere with CAPTCHAs.
- Enable images – If you have images disabled, CAPTCHAs may not load properly.
- Try a different device or browser if it continues to be illegible.
With some patience, you should be able to pass the “I am not a robot” filter and continue with your Ticketmaster access. Contact customer support if no versions of the CAPTCHA are working for you.
I’m unable to select tickets on Ticketmaster. What should I do?
If you are having issues selecting and adding tickets to your cart on Ticketmaster, try these troubleshooting steps:
- Refresh the page – This will reload the ticket inventory.
- Double check the ticket quantity – Make sure you did not exceed limits.
- Try lower quality tickets – The best tickets may be held or sold out.
- Open in a different browser – Browser conflicts can sometimes interfere.
- Disable extensions/addons – These can sometimes block content loading.
- Clear your cookies and cache – Fixes cached issues blocking interactions.
If still unable to add tickets to cart, there is likely high demand and limited quantity left. Keep trying as others may have tickets in their carts that will expire.
Why does my Ticketmaster cart say I have no tickets?
If you had tickets in your Ticketmaster cart but they are no longer showing, here are some potential reasons why:
- Another fan purchased the held tickets you had added to your cart
- The tickets expired from your cart after the allowed time limit
- You cleared your browser cookies or switched browsers
- You did not fully complete the captcha verification
- There was a temporary glitch or error with the website
Unfortunately once carted tickets disappear for any reason, they cannot be recovered. The best option is to quickly complete your purchase as soon as you add tickets to avoid losing them from your cart.
How can I fix payment errors on Ticketmaster?
Payment errors when checking out Ticketmaster purchases can be caused by:
- Incorrect payment information entered
- Card declined by your bank
- Failed CVV/security code verification
- Expired credit card date
- Reached your credit limit
To resolve, double check all your payment details are entered correctly, or try a different card. Contact your bank to ensure there are no blocks on the transaction, and that the card has not expired or exceeded a credit limit. Adding an alternate form of payment like PayPal may also help avoid payment errors.
Fixing specific payment errors
For specific error codes like “CVV check failed”, ensure you have the correct 3 or 4 digit code from your card entered. For a “Do not honor” decline, your bank blocked the purchase so you will need to contact them to allow transactions on the card.
What should I do if tickets sell out while I’m trying to checkout?
Seeing tickets vanish from your cart or getting marked as sold out during the Ticketmaster checkout process is incredibly frustrating. This unfortunate issue is usually caused by:
- Very high demand for limited tickets
- Bots or scalpers snatching up inventory
- Timing out during the checkout steps
If you miss out in this situation, there are a couple things you can try:
- Keep trying as others may release tickets from their expired carts.
- Get on the waitlist in case more tickets are released.
- Check secondary ticket sites though prices may be higher.
Your best bet is to checkout as quickly as possible when purchasing high demand events in the future. Having an account already logged in can help speed up the process.
Why do I have to wait in a virtual queue on Ticketmaster?
For very popular events, Ticketmaster will sometimes use a virtual queuing system to handle the high volume of traffic attempting to access tickets.
This means you are assigned a place in a digital line when you land on the event page. You then wait for your turn in the queue before gaining access to view and purchase tickets.
Queues help control traffic spikes and give everyone a fair chance at tickets rather than whoever refreshes fastest. Typically the earlier you join when the queue opens, the shorter your wait time will be. Just be patient for your turn to access tickets when you reach the front of the line.
Dealing with long wait times
If you end up with a very long estimated wait time, here are some tips:
- Open your place in queue on multiple devices to increase chances
- Periodically refresh to see if your position improves
- Don’t give up as queue position can jump around
- Enter the pre-queue as early possible for future events
With high demand events, queues can be unavoidable. But they do help make the process more fair compared to everything selling out instantly.
What causes the “Another fan beat you to those tickets” error?
This frustrating Ticketmaster error occurs when other fans purchase the last remaining event tickets before you can complete your transaction.
Some common causes of losing out on tickets due to another fan include:
- Very limited ticket inventory for a popular event
- Getting stuck in captcha verifications too long
- Failing to checkout fast once tickets are added to your cart
- Getting held up by page timeouts or glitches
Unfortunately if you see this message it means the tickets already sold out to someone else first. Your only option is to keep checking if any new tickets are released for the event.
To avoid missing out in the future, be ready right at the on-sale time, breeze through CAPTCHAs, and complete the checkout process as quickly as possible before other fans can beat you to those coveted tickets!
Conclusion
Troubleshooting Ticketmaster errors requires patience and persistence. Start by determining the type of error you are receiving and the possible solutions outlined here. Trying at less busy times, on different devices, with varied payment methods, or over other networks can often resolve temporary glitches. For ongoing issues, contacting customer support or the event organizer may be needed. Implement preventative steps like using the latest browser, disabling extensions, double checking info entered, and purchasing quickly once tickets are in your cart. While Ticketmaster errors can be frustrating, being prepared and proactively addressing problems will help maximize your chance of success purchasing those coveted tickets.