It can be incredibly frustrating when you’re trying to purchase tickets on Ticketmaster and keep getting blocked by bot detection measures. The “Ticketmaster thinks I’m a bot” error essentially means Ticketmaster’s system has flagged your browsing behavior as suspicious and potentially bot-like. This automated bot detection is meant to combat scalpers using bots to buy up tickets, but often ends up impacting real human users too.
There are a few main reasons why you may be getting the “Ticketmaster thinks I’m a bot” error message:
Using Chrome browser
One of the most common triggers for Ticketmaster’s bot detection is using the Chrome browser. Something about the way Chrome works seems to get flagged by Ticketmaster’s systems. So if you try to buy tickets on Chrome, Ticketmaster may assume you’re an automated bot rather than a real person.
The best solution here is to simply use a different browser like Firefox, Safari, or Edge when accessing Ticketmaster. As long as you stay away from Chrome, you’re much less likely to have problems with Ticketmaster’s bot detection.
Using an anonymous/incognito browsing session
Browsing Ticketmaster in an anonymous, incognito mode can also raise red flags with their bot detection systems. When you’re in an incognito browser session, Ticketmaster can’t access cookies or other identifying info to confirm you’re a real human visitor. So it’s best to make sure you’re browsing Ticketmaster in a regular window, not an incognito/private one.
Accessing Ticketmaster too frequently
If you’re repeatedly refreshing a Ticketmaster page or search over and over in quick succession, this rapid automated-like activity may get picked up as suspicious bot behavior. Try to limit how often you manually refresh or re-submit searches on Ticketmaster. And avoid using any auto-refresh browser extensions or scripts when on Ticketmaster.
Using a proxy, VPN, or Tor
Masking your IP address with a proxy, VPN, or Tor will also make it look like you’re trying to hide your digital footprint, which Ticketmaster may interpret as sneaky bot activity. Make sure any VPN services or proxy connections are disabled when you access Ticketmaster.
Having multiple tabs open
The more tabs you have open to Ticketmaster in your browser, the more likely their systems are to detect this as bot-like behavior. Try to limit yourself to one Ticketmaster tab at a time when searching for tickets.
Tips to avoid the “Ticketmaster thinks I’m a bot” error
Here are some tips to minimize the chances of getting flagged as a bot on Ticketmaster:
- Use Firefox, Safari, Edge – avoid Chrome
- Disable any VPN, proxy, Tor connections
- Browse in a normal window – not incognito/private mode
- Limit to one Ticketmaster tab open at a time
- Don’t rapidly refresh pages or resubmit searches
- If accessing on mobile, use the app rather than mobile site
- Ensure cookies are enabled in your browser
- Try a different device if one seems to get flagged more
Clearing your cookies and cache
One other tactic that may help is fully clearing out your cookies and cache related to Ticketmaster before trying to purchase tickets again. This gives their bot detection a clean slate to work with next time around.
Here are instructions for how to clear Ticketmaster cookies and cache on some popular browsers:
Chrome
- Click the 3 dots in upper right & go to Settings
- Click “Privacy and security” in left menu
- Click “Clear browsing data”
- Select “Cookies and other site data” and “Cached images and files”
- Set time range to “All time”
- Click “Clear data”
Firefox
- Click the 3 lines in upper right & go to Options
- Go to Privacy & Security
- Under Cookies and Site Data click “Clear Data”
- Select “Cookies” and “Cache”
- Set time range to “Everything”
- Click “Clear”
Safari
- Click Safari in menu bar and go to Preferences
- Click the “Privacy” tab
- Under “Manage website data” click “Remove All”
- Check boxes for “Cookies and other website data” and “Caches”
- Click “Remove Now”
After fully clearing out old Ticketmaster cookies and cache, close and re-open your browser before attempting to purchase tickets again. This may help reset your bot score with Ticketmaster and avoid getting flagged again.
Using Ticketmaster’s mobile app
One other workaround is to purchase tickets directly through Ticketmaster’s mobile app rather than through a desktop browser. For whatever reason, the bot detection seems to be less stringent on mobile. So downloading the Ticketmaster app on your smartphone and buying tickets through the app can help circumvent some of these bot blocking issues.
Contacting Ticketmaster customer support
If you continue having problems getting past the bot check even after trying the tips above, you may need to directly contact Ticketmaster for support. Explain your situation and they may be able to manually override the bot flag on your account so you can complete your ticket purchase.
You can contact Ticketmaster customer service by:
- Calling +1 800-653-8000 (toll free in US & Canada)
- Initiating a chat at https://www.ticketmaster.com/contact
- Emailing them at [email protected]
Just be patient when reaching out to support, since Ticketmaster tends to get slammed with inquiries around popular events or ticket sales. The key is to be polite but persistent in explaining your situation and that you’re a real fan trying to buy tickets, not a bot!
Using other verified ticket resale platforms
If you absolutely can’t get past Ticketmaster’s bot checks even after exhausting all options, there are some other reputable places you can look for primary market or verified resale tickets. While prices may be higher, sellers on these platforms still need to verify they are human too.
Some alternatives to look at include:
- StubHub
- Vivid Seats
- SeatGeek
- TickPick
- RazorGator
- ACE Ticket
- Gametime
Make sure to compare prices across platforms, as pricing can vary. And be wary of non-verified secondary marketplaces like Craigslist, eBay, or Facebook groups, as you lose protections against fraud.
Preparing your account ahead of time
To avoid bot issues in the future, some other tips are to:
- Set up and verify your Ticketmaster account before ticket sales open.
- Add payment methods and shipping addresses ahead of time.
- Ensure your billing addresses match if using multiple payment methods.
This gives Ticketmaster’s systems a chance to validate you’re a real user account ahead of high-demand events. It also speeds up the checkout process by having your info pre-populated.
Using presale codes and fan clubs
Finally, take advantage of any presale opportunities through fan clubs or promo codes when available. Presales typically have inventory reserved before the general onsale time, so you’re competing with fewer bots attempting to buy tickets.
Just keep trying different tactics, be patient, and don’t lose hope! With persistence and the right strategy, you can overcome Ticketmaster’s pesky bot protection measures and get those coveted tickets in your hands!