Ticketmaster is one of the largest ticket providers for live entertainment events. When you purchase tickets through Ticketmaster, the tickets will be sent to you electronically and contain a barcode that can be scanned for entry at the event. Scanning your ticket barcodes with Ticketmaster allows for a smooth, contactless entry to concerts, sports games, theater shows, and other events. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to scan barcodes using the Ticketmaster app on your smartphone.
Check if your ticket has a barcode
The first step is to check if your Ticketmaster ticket actually contains a scannable barcode. You should have received an email confirmation from Ticketmaster after purchasing your tickets. Open the email and look for an attached PDF file containing your tickets.
Open the PDF and look at each ticket. There should be a long barcode at the bottom or along the side. This unique barcode is what will be scanned by the venue to verify your ticket purchase. If you do not see a barcode on your Ticketmaster tickets, you likely purchased traditional print-at-home tickets without barcodes. In this case, you will need to print out the PDF tickets and bring the paper printouts to be scanned at the event.
Download the Ticketmaster app
In order to scan the barcodes, you will need to download the Ticketmaster app on your smartphone. The app is available for both iPhone and Android devices. On an iPhone, go to the App Store and search for “Ticketmaster”. Download the app. On an Android, go to the Google Play Store and search for “Ticketmaster” to download.
Once downloaded, open up the Ticketmaster app on your phone. You will need to create an account if you don’t already have one. Follow the on-screen instructions to sign-up for a free Ticketmaster account and login.
Add your tickets to the app
After creating your Ticketmaster account, you need to add your ticket purchase to the app.
Manually entering ticket information
Tap the menu icon in the upper left corner. Select “My Tickets” then tap “Add Tickets”. Choose “Enter Ticket Details Manually”. You will need to carefully enter the ticket information including the order number, section, row, and seat numbers. Make sure to enter this accurately according to what is listed on your PDF ticket.
Transferring tickets to your account
If the tickets were purchased by someone else but transferred to you, choose “Transfer Tickets” instead. You will need the order number and the original purchaser’s email address or mobile number associated with their Ticketmaster account.
Linking to your Ticketmaster account
If you purchased the tickets yourself via your Ticketmaster account online or through the app, tap “Link to My Account”. This will automatically pull in any tickets purchased under your account.
Activating the tickets for scanning
Once your ticket purchase is added to the Ticketmaster app, you need to activate the tickets for scanning. To activate, open the app and tap on the upcoming event you want to activate tickets for. Make sure the correct date is selected if there are multiple dates.
Tap “Use Mobile Entry” and select each ticket you want to activate. Activating locks the barcode to your account so it can be scanned from your device. If you need to transfer any tickets to friends after activating, you will have to deactivate the ticket in the app first.
Activated tickets will show a moving barcode icon indicating they are now ready to be scanned. Non-activated tickets will show a static barcode icon.
Scan your ticket at the event
When arriving at the venue, open your Ticketmaster app and access your ticket for the event. Bring your activated mobile ticket screen to the gate or door.
The staff member will use a barcode scanner or manually enter the barcode to scan your ticket. You may need to zoom in or brighten your screen to ensure quick scanning.
Once successfully scanned, you will receive a notification on your phone. In some cases, you may also need to show ID that matches the name on the ticket purchase.
Troubleshooting barcode scanning issues
If you are having issues getting your Ticketmaster tickets to properly scan at the gate, here are some tips:
Refresh the ticket
Go back into the ticket in the app and pull down to refresh. This will reload the barcode in case there were any errors.
Check your internet connection
Make sure your phone has a strong WiFi or mobile data connection. The venue may also have WiFi you can connect to if needed. The barcode needs an internet connection to reload.
Adjust your screen brightness
Make sure your screen brightness is increased to the maximum level. This helps the scanner properly read the barcode. Avoid glare on your screen from sunlight.
Zoom in on the barcode
The scanner may have an easier time reading your barcode if you zoom in so the barcode takes up the entire screen. Double check that the numbers are large and clear.
Turn off battery saver mode
Some phones will go into battery saver mode when the charge gets low. This may interfere with the scanner properly reading your screen. Make sure battery saver is disabled in your settings.
Re-activate the ticket
If all else fails, you can re-activate the ticket which resets the barcode. Go back into your tickets and choose “activate” again next to the problematic ticket.
Contact Ticketmaster for assistance
If your Ticketmaster tickets still won’t scan after trying the troubleshooting tips, you will need to contact their customer support for further assistance.
Within the Ticketmaster app, go to the “Help” section and select “Contact Us” to get in touch with a representative. You can also call their support line at +1 800-653-8000.
Be prepared to provide the ticket order number, section/row/seat, and any other important details. They may be able to troubleshoot further or reissue new tickets if needed.
Scan other kinds of barcodes with Ticketmaster
In addition to event tickets, the Ticketmaster app can scan several other types of barcodes:
Parking passes
If you purchased parking through Ticketmaster, you can scan your parking pass barcode to gain entry and exit from the parking lot or garage. Activate the parking pass ticket like you would an event ticket.
Fan experiences
Special fan experiences like VIP tours and meet-and-greets will have barcodes that can be scanned from the app. Follow the activation process before heading to the experience.
Merchandise
Some venues allow you to preorder merchandise through Ticketmaster. Scan your merchandise voucher barcode at the stand to collect your items.
Transferring tickets with barcodes
If you need to transfer a Ticketmaster ticket with an active barcode to someone else, you will need to deactivate it first. Open the ticket details and select “Transfer”. Choose “Deactivate” which will allow you to transfer the inactive ticket.
The recipient will then need to activate the ticket under their own Ticketmaster account before the barcode can be scanned at the event. Make sure to fully transfer or sell your ticket so you don’t have duplicate copies under different accounts.
Purchasing tickets with barcodes
Going forward, if you want barcoded mobile tickets available through Ticketmaster, choose “Mobile Entry” when purchasing your tickets. This will generate a barcode along with seat and row numbers.
Avoid selecting “Print at Home” when buying tickets unless you do not mind carrying around paper tickets instead of using your phone.
Some venues and events will only sell mobile entry tickets with barcodes for convenience and security. Check when buying your tickets to confirm what formats are available.
Alternative uses for Ticketmaster barcodes
In addition to getting into events, there are some other creative ways you could potentially use your Ticketmaster ticket barcodes:
– Use as a bookmark with the event date or location
– Scan into a concert journaling app to record shows attended
– Add to a vision board for an event you are excited about
– Scan to instantly log the event in your calendar or journal
– Attach to a printed photo or ticket stub as memorabilia
While your barcoded ticket serves the primary purpose of event entry, don’t forget about the other unique ways you can get additional use out of scanning it.
The pros of digital barcoded tickets
Ticketmaster’s mobile entry ticketing using scannable barcodes provides several benefits:
Convenience
You don’t have to worry about forgetting, losing, or damaging a paper ticket. Your ticket is easily accessible on your smartphone.
Security
The unique barcode prevents duplication and fraud. Tickets can only be scanned once, under one account.
Efficiency
Venues can quickly validate tickets by scanning barcodes instead of having to handle paper tickets.
Environmentally Friendly
Digital tickets reduce waste since printed paper tickets are avoided.
Organization
All your tickets are stored in one place within the app rather than spread across emails or printers.
Sharing
Sending extra tickets to friends is simple by transferring through the app.
The cons of digital barcoded tickets
However, there are also some potential disadvantages:
Technology Issues
You need an adequate smartphone, data connection, battery charge and properly functioning app.
Restrictions
You can’t sell or swap tickets as easily last minute since they are locked to an account.
Fees
There are usually additional “convenience fees” charged for mobile ticket delivery.
Learning Curve
If you are unfamiliar with smartphones and apps, there may be a learning curve.
Accessibility
Forgetting your smartphone or having technical issues prevents access to your tickets.
Conclusion
Ticketmaster mobile entry ticketing provides a convenient way to gain access to events by scanning a unique barcode from your smartphone. The process involves downloading the Ticketmaster app, adding your ticket purchase details, activating the barcode, and then simply opening your ticket screen for scanning at the gate.
Troubleshooting tips like refreshing the screen, adjusting brightness, zooming in, and re-activating can typically resolve any issues with scanning. Digital barcoded tickets offer advantages like convenience and security, but also come with some drawbacks such as reliance on technology. With some preparation and knowledge of the process, you can successfully utilize mobile entry barcodes for your next concert, game, or event.
| Ticketmaster Mobile Entry Tickets – Pros and Cons | |
|---|---|
| Pros | Cons |
| Convenience | Technology issues |
| Security | Ticket restrictions |
| Efficiency | Added fees |
| Environmentally friendly | Potential learning curve |
| Organization | Lack of accessibility if phone dies |
| Easy sharing |
