Ticketmaster is notorious for being difficult to purchase tickets from, especially for popular events that sell out quickly. This is because Ticketmaster employs bot detection measures to try to ensure real fans have access to tickets instead of scalpers using bots to buy up large quantities. However, sometimes even real fans get mistaken for bots and get blocked or have their orders cancelled. So how can you make sure Ticketmaster recognizes you’re not a bot when trying to buy tickets? Here are some tips:
Use a supported browser
Ticketmaster’s website works best on mainstream browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge. Avoid older browsers or more obscure ones, as these are more likely to trigger bot suspicion. Also make sure your browser is up to date.
Don’t use auto-refresh extensions or scripts
Browser extensions or scripts that auto-refresh the Ticketmaster sales page repeatedly are a red flag for bots. Avoid these even if your intention is just to save yourself from manually refreshing. The excessive rate of requests can get you flagged.
Limit number of tabs open
Having many tabs trying to access Ticketmaster at once looks suspect. Keep it to one or two browser windows with one tab open in each.
Go easy on page refreshes
Excessively hammering the refresh button prior to and at sale time can also attract bot detection. Limit yourself to refreshing occasionally in the minutes leading up to the sale. Once tickets go on sale, you likely only need to try once or twice.
Clear cookies/site data
Bots don’t store cookies or site data, so having an empty cache can serve as a signal you’re human. Clear this prior to attempting to buy.
Don’t use developer tools
Having your browser’s developer console open while interacting with Ticketmaster may also trigger bot alarms. Make sure it’s closed.
Double check URL
Typosquatting sites with misspelled Ticketmaster URLs are common tactics of scalpers using bots. Carefully check the address before entering any info.
Registering an Account in Advance
Having a Ticketmaster account already registered with your info, payment details, and verified can help prove your humanity. Last minute new account registrations are more bot-like behavior. Take a few minutes prior to the on-sale to create and validate your Ticketmaster profile.
Use a strong password
When creating your Ticketmaster account, use a strong password. Simple or common passwords are easier for bots to crack.
Provide accurate personal details
Fill out your real name, address, email and other info. Bots simply skip or auto-fill this stuff. Accurate data shows you’re a real person.
Add payment details
Linking genuine payment sources like credit cards or PayPal in advance makes the ticket buying process faster compared to last minute entry. Speed is important when competing against bots.
Verify your account
Ticketmaster will send an email to validate your new account. Follow the verification steps to prove you’re real before sale time.
Sign up for fan alerts
Opting into artist or venue email newsletters demonstrates you’re an actual fan interested in shows. Bots don’t sign up for anything.
Purchasing Tickets Strategically
When it comes time to actually purchase tickets, there are some additional tactics you can try to avoid seeming bot-like:
Don’t panic buy
Frantic spam clicking the moment tickets go on sale is what bots excel at. Stay calm and limit yourself to 1-2 clicks to add to cart and checkout.
Stick to ticket limits
If there are ticket purchase quantity limits, follow them. Bots try to buy whatever quantities they can. Show you’re playing by the rules.
Use CAPTCHA intelligently
If CAPTCHAs appear, solve them slowly and deliberately. Bots try to blast through them at inhuman speeds.
Avoid sales day account creation
Creating a brand new Ticketmaster account when tickets go on sale looks highly suspicious. Use your pre-prepared account instead.
Beware third party sellers
Scalpers and bots often offload tickets through third party resellers. Stick to official Ticketmaster resales when possible.
Using Mobile Devices
Purchasing from your smartphone or tablet can avoid some anti-bot measures since fewer bots target mobile. However, you still need to be careful:
Use official apps
Download and use Ticketmaster’s official iOS and Android apps rather than third party versions or mobile websites. More likely to bypass bot checks.
Enable fingerprint/face ID
Using biometric logins like fingerprint or face recognition adds a layer of humanity that bots can’t replicate. Enable on your device if possible.
Only use one device
Attempting ticket purchases simultaneously across multiple mobile devices can trigger suspicion. Stick to just your smartphone or tablet.
Connect to mobile data/5G
If possible, use mobile data instead of WiFi when purchasing. Bots more commonly run on desktops with WiFi connections. Mobile data signals you’re on an actual phone.
Update your operating system
Make sure your OS and apps are up to date. Outdated software is prone to bot vulnerabilities. Newer OS versions have better bot protections.
What to Do if You Get Flagged as a Bot
If you follow all the right precautions but still have your Ticketmaster order cancelled or get flagged as high risk by their system, don’t panic. Here are some options:
Contact customer support
Explain to Ticketmaster support what happened. If it was a mistake, they may be able to overturn the bot determination after a manual review.
Try again with a different account
Your specific account may have been flagged. Attempt the purchase again with a new or different Ticketmaster account.
Use a different payment method
Your credit card or payment details may have been flagged if used previously by potential scalpers. Try another payment source instead.
Clear cookies and cache
Wipe your browser history, cookies and site data completely before trying again. This may help reset any mistaken bot flags.
Try a different device
Your specific laptop, phone or tablet could be marked as bot-like if you tried too many times. Attempt again on another trusted device.
Conclusion
Avoiding bot detection when buying coveted tickets on Ticketmaster requires patience, care and humanity. Resist the urge to spam refresh or purchase madly once tickets go on sale. Instead, prepare your account ahead of time, stick to posted limits and rules, use mobile when possible, and don’t panic. If you are careful and strategic, Ticketmaster should recognize you as a real fan, not a bot. With some luck and perseverance, you can score those hard-to-get tickets.
Here are some key takeaways:
– Register and verify your Ticketmaster account in advance with accurate data
– Use supported, updated browsers and apps with extensions/tools disabled
– Limit tabs open and refrain from excessive page refreshes
– Follow ticket purchase quantity restrictions carefully
– Consider mobile device purchase via official apps on cellular data
– Stay calm during the ticket buying process and avoid panic spam clicking
– If mistakenly flagged, try alternate accounts, devices, payment methods
– Contact support if you believe your bot determination was in error
Getting tickets these days may not be easy, but following these tips should help convince Ticketmaster you’re just an enthusiastic human fan, not a sneaky bot. With persistence and caution, you can overcome the bot traps and challenges. Happy concert going!
