Many people want to create a Ticketmaster account to buy tickets for concerts, sports events, and more. However, Ticketmaster requires a phone number when signing up for an account. This can be frustrating if you don’t have a phone number you can use or don’t want to provide your real number.
The good news is there are a few workarounds that allow you to create a Ticketmaster account without providing a phone number. Here are the main options to consider:
Use a Google Voice Number
One of the easiest ways to get a phone number for your Ticketmaster account is to use Google Voice. This free service from Google provides you with a real US phone number that can receive calls and text messages.
Here’s how to get a Google Voice number:
- Go to voice.google.com and sign in with your Google account.
- Click “Get a number” and follow the steps to choose your area code and get a new number assigned.
- Verify the number using one of the methods provided by Google.
- Once verified, you can use this number when creating your Ticketmaster account.
The advantage of using Google Voice is you don’t have to provide your real personal number to Ticketmaster. All calls and texts to your Google Voice number will be forwarded to your linked email account.
Use a Free Online Phone Number
Another option is to use a free online phone number service. Sites like TextNow or Pinger allow you to generate a free phone number you can use for verification purposes.
To get a number from one of these services:
- Go to the website and sign up for a free account.
- Choose your area code and select a phone number.
- Follow the verification steps to confirm the number.
- Use this number when creating your Ticketmaster profile.
The number usually works for both calls and texts. Just keep in mind these free numbers may eventually be reassigned if not used regularly.
Use a Friend or Family Member’s Number
If you don’t want to go through the process of getting a virtual phone number, another option is to use a phone number belonging to a friend or family member. Here’s how it works:
- Ask them if you can use their number to get a Ticketmaster account.
- Let them know Ticketmaster will send a one-time verification code via text when you sign up.
- When prompted for a phone number during Ticketmaster registration, enter their number.
- Have your friend/family member provide you the verification code sent to their phone.
- Enter the code to complete your account setup.
This allows you to verify your account without having to use your personal number. Just remember to only use a number from someone you trust, and let them know ahead of time you’ll need their help to receive the verification text.
Use a Number from a Non-US Country
Ticketmaster requires a US phone number when creating an account. However, there is a workaround where you can enter a non-US number that starts with +1 during registration.
For example, Canadian phone numbers start with +1, so you could borrow a Canadian number from a friend to receive the verification text. Other countries like Barbados, Bahamas, and some Caribbean islands use +1 numbers as well.
As long as the non-US number you enter starts with +1, Ticketmaster’s system should send the verification text message. This bypasses the US number requirement since +1 is the country code for North America.
Use a VoIP Number
Another option is to get a virtual phone number through a Voice over IP (VoIP) service. Companies like Skype, Vonage, and RingCentral provide VoIP numbers you can use to get text verifications.
To go this route:
- Sign up for a VoIP account and choose a phone number with a US area code.
- Configure the number to receive SMS messages.
- Use the VoIP number when creating your Ticketmaster profile.
- Reply to the verification text using the VoIP service’s messaging capabilities.
VoIP numbers let you bypass the phone verification requirement since they’re capable of sending and receiving text messages.
Use a Number from a Second Phone or Device
Do you have an old cell phone, spare smartphone, or tablet lying around? You can reuse a number from one of these devices to create your Ticketmaster account.
Simply insert the SIM card from the second device into your main phone. This links the phone number to your primary phone so you can receive the SMS verification. After your Ticketmaster account is setup, you can remove the extra SIM card.
Alternatively, you can download the Ticketmaster app directly on the secondary device to sign up using that phone number. Just make sure the device has cellular data or WiFi connectivity to receive the text message.
Use a New Number from a Prepaid SIM Card
Another approach is to purchase a prepaid SIM card with a new phone number. Wireless providers like T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon sell prepaid plans with limited data and minutes. The advantage is they provide you with a phone number you can use for verification purposes.
To use this method:
- Buy a prepaid SIM card from a major carrier.
- Activate the SIM to get your new phone number.
- Insert the SIM into your current phone or a spare device.
- Provide the new prepaid number when signing up for Ticketmaster.
- Use the SIM to receive the verification text message.
After you complete registration, you can let the prepaid service expire. This avoids having to pay for an ongoing plan.
Use an Online SMS Service
There are services like SMSReceiveFree and Receive SMS Online that provide free online phone numbers capable of receiving text messages.
To use one of these services:
- Go to the website and choose a US number.
- Select the number to reveal the inbox.
- Provide this number when signing up for Ticketmaster.
- Check the inbox on the website for the verification code.
- Enter the code to complete your account setup.
This lets you receive the Ticketmaster verification text without needing a real phone number or SIM card. The downside is these online numbers tend to get blocked quickly.
Try Alternate Verification Methods
If receiving an SMS for verification isn’t working, there are a couple alternate methods you can try:
- Verification email – After inputting a phone number, choose to get the verification code sent to your email instead. This code can be used to confirm your account.
- Help desk – Contact Ticketmaster support and explain your situation. They may be able to override the verification process and manually activate your account.
However, these options aren’t guaranteed to work. Getting an SMS verification code is still the main method used by Ticketmaster.
Sign Up In Person
As a last resort, you may need to create your Ticketmaster account in person at a box office location. Venues that sell tickets through Ticketmaster will be able to process registrations without a phone number verification.
To register your account:
- Go to a box office location during business hours.
- Provide photo ID and personal information for identity verification.
- The box office can directly activate your Ticketmaster account without SMS verification.
This is really the only foolproof way to get a Ticketmaster profile without a phone number. Just be aware that box office hours are limited.
Get Creative to Avoid Providing Your Personal Number
Ticketmaster makes it challenging to register without a phone number to optimize security and prevent bots. However, as you can see, there are still some creative workarounds like using virtual numbers from VoIP or online services.
Your best options are to either borrow a friend/family member’s number temporarily, or sign up using a secondary device’s number. This allows you to keep your personal number private while still completing Ticketmaster’s verification process.
With persistence and some clever thinking outside the box, you can find a way to get a Ticketmaster account without having to hand over your own phone number.