If you’ve ever tried to purchase tickets on Ticketmaster and received the dreaded “something went wrong” error message, you’re not alone. This vague and unhelpful error is one of the most common issues Ticketmaster users face when trying to buy tickets online.
The “something went wrong” message essentially means there was an error during the ticket transaction process that prevented your order from going through properly. There are a few main reasons why you might encounter this error on Ticketmaster:
High traffic and demand
One of the most common triggers for the “something went wrong” error is extremely high traffic and demand for a particular event. When ticket sales first open for a hot concert, show, or sporting event, the Ticketmaster website and app can get hammered with millions of fans all trying to buy tickets at once.
This massive influx of traffic in a short period of time can sometimes overwhelm the Ticketmaster servers, causing errors like “something went wrong” to pop up during the ordering process. The more popular the event, the more likely you are to run into this issue due to high demand from other buyers competing to get tickets.
Internet connectivity issues
Your own internet connection can also be a factor behind the “something went wrong” message. If you’re attempting to buy tickets over a weak WiFi signal, mobile data with poor coverage, or an unreliable network connection, it may cause errors during the Ticketmaster checkout process. The page could fail to load properly or have trouble processing the transaction, leading to the vague “something went wrong” message.
Always make sure you have a strong, stable internet connection when purchasing tickets on Ticketmaster. Use Ethernet if possible, or get as close to the router as you can on WiFi. Running a speed test of your connection first can also help identify any issues.
Multiple browsers or devices
Trying to buy tickets on multiple browsers or devices simultaneously can sometimes trigger the “something went wrong” message on Ticketmaster. Their system may detect duplicate purchases coming from the same network and IP address, causing it to throw an error as a security precaution against bots or scalpers.
Your best bet is to only use one browser on one device when purchasing tickets through Ticketmaster. Don’t open multiple tabs or run Ticketmaster on your phone and laptop at the same time, as this can confuse the system and potentially lead to a failed transaction.
Payment issues
Problems with your credit card or payment method can also interfere with the ticket buying process and cause the “something went wrong” error. Maybe your card expired, your billing address doesn’t match, you hit your credit limit, or there was just a glitch processing your payment.
Before trying to buy tickets, double check that your payment info is up to date and correct in your Ticketmaster account wallet. Contact your card issuer to confirm your card is active and has available funds. Consider using a different payment method as well, in case there is an issue with your primary card.
Cookies and cached files
Outdated cookies and cached files on your web browser can sometimes disrupt the Ticketmaster transaction process and result in errors. Try clearing your browser cookies and cache before attempting to purchase tickets again.
You may also need to log out of Ticketmaster and then log back in again to reset your session. Make sure you don’t have multiple tabs open to Ticketmaster as well.
Ticket limits
Trying to exceed the ticket limit for an event is another common reason for getting the “something went wrong” message on Ticketmaster. Limits are imposed to discourage scalpers and give more fans a chance to buy tickets.
If you’re attempting to purchase more tickets than the event allows per customer, you will likely get an error. Check the event page for any ticket limit details before ordering.
Technical issues
In some cases, the “something went wrong” error may occur due to technical problems on Ticketmaster’s end. Server outages, app crashes, or temporary glitches can all cause transactions to fail intermittently.
There may not be much you can do when Ticketmaster is having widespread technical difficulties. Trying again later or contacting customer service are your best options.
Expired tickets
If you receive the “something went wrong” error after waiting too long at the checkout screen, it could mean those ticket listings have now expired or been claimed by another buyer. Ticketmaster’s system has safeguards that will release tickets from your cart after a certain period of inactivity.
When you find available tickets, try to complete the checkout process as quickly as possible. Don’t leave tickets sitting in your cart unattended for too long.
Incorrect presale codes
Using an invalid or incorrect presale code can also interfere with the ticket buying process and cause “something went wrong” errors. Double check that you have the correct presale password before attempting to access a special presale.
Keep in mind presale codes are typically tied to the Ticketmaster account they were sent to. Make sure you’re logged into the account that received the presale code when trying to make a purchase.
Bot security protections
Ticketmaster employs various bot security measures to detect and block suspicious bulk purchases or scalping activity. If their systems flag your transaction as high risk or potentially fraudulent, it may fail and show the “something went wrong” message as a security precaution.
Making large bulk purchases from new or infrequently used accounts is more likely to trigger Ticketmaster’s bot defenses. Using an established account with prior real ticket purchases can help avoid this issue.
Incompatible platforms and browsers
Using an unsupported browser or operating system can potentially interfere with transactions on Ticketmaster. Make sure you are using a modern, updated browser from a desktop/laptop computer for the most reliable experience.
Mobile browsers and apps may be more prone to errors, as are outdated platforms like Internet Explorer or early versions of Chrome, Firefox, etc. Keep your software updated.
What to do when you get the “something went wrong” error
When that dreaded “something went wrong” message pops up, don’t panic. Here are some tips for recovering and successfully getting your tickets:
- Refresh the page and try again – a quick refresh can clear transient errors.
- Clear your browser cache and cookies – remove outdated site files stored locally.
- Try another web browser – Chrome, Firefox, Edge all behave differently.
- Ensure all Ticketmaster pages are fully loaded.
- Double check your payment details are correct.
- Try a different payment method if issues persist.
- Use a wired internet connection for fastest speeds.
- Too many open Ticketmaster tabs can cause conflicts.
- Wait a few minutes and attempt the purchase again.
- If issues continue, contact Ticketmaster customer service for help.
Following these troubleshooting steps can often resolve many cases of the “something went wrong” error during the ticket buying process. Just stay patient and keep trying – you’ll get those tickets eventually!
How to avoid the “something went wrong” error in the future
While not always avoidable, there are some steps you can take to reduce the chances of seeing the “something went wrong” message when purchasing tickets on Ticketmaster:
- Use a desktop/laptop computer rather than mobile device.
- Make sure you have a stable, high-speed internet connection.
- Log into your Ticketmaster account before buying tickets.
- Double check your payment method is valid before purchasing.
- Add your payment info to your Ticketmaster wallet for faster checkout.
- Only use one browser on one device at a time.
- Don’t open multiple tabs to Ticketmaster when buying tickets.
- Avoid trying to buy tickets right as the sale starts, wait 5-10 mins if possible.
- Clear your browser cookies/cache frequently to avoid conflicts.
- Follow all ticket limit rules imposed on the event.
- Only access Ticketmaster through secure networks to avoid spoofing.
While the Ticketmaster systems are not always perfect, following these best practices can help minimize errors during the ticket buying process. With high demand events, patience and persistence are key!