Ticketmaster is one of the largest ticket providers for live events around the world. When trying to purchase tickets on their website or mobile app, some users may encounter the frustrating “Unable to complete request on this device” error message. This article will examine the main reasons why Ticketmaster may show this error and provide tips on how to resolve it.
Too Much Traffic
One of the most common reasons for the “Unable to complete request” error is too much traffic on Ticketmaster’s servers. When tickets go on sale for a major event, especially one with limited availability, the Ticketmaster website and apps can get overloaded with requests. This surge of traffic can cause errors or timeout issues when trying to process orders. The volume of requests simply exceeds their capacity at that time.
For high-demand events like playoff games or popular band tours, it’s extremely common for Ticketmaster to struggle with meeting the huge demand. All the incoming requests start slowing down their servers, and they aren’t able to process orders quickly enough. So you may keep getting the “unable to complete request” message even if you repeatedly retry completing the purchase. This tends to resolve itself after the initial rush as traffic dies down, but those first few minutes when tickets go on sale tend to be problematic.
Bot and Scalper Activity
In addition to real fans, Ticketmaster has to deal with bots and scalpers trying to buy up tickets. Bots are automated programs designed to purchase tickets, while scalpers are resellers trying to buy tickets in bulk. Both bots and scalpers will use various tricks to attempt to flood Ticketmaster with requests and snap up as many seats as possible.
To help block this bot and scalper activity, Ticketmaster uses captcha codes, number of ticket limits, and other fraud detection measures. However, these bots and scalpers are constantly evolving new strategies to try to circumvent Ticketmaster’s systems. When they unleash a flood of requests, it can sometimes cause “unable to complete request” errors for regular users as well.
Weak Internet Connection
Your own internet connection speed and stability can also lead to the “unable to complete request” message on Ticketmaster. Considering that millions of fans may be hitting the Ticketmaster website at the same exact time for a on-sale, they need robust internet performance to complete the purchase. Even mild internet lag or jittery service can derail the transaction.
Wi-Fi connections are more prone to signal issues and dead spots compared to wired ethernet. Weak cellular signals or network congestion on mobile devices can also interfere with completing a Ticketmaster request. So if your internet is shaky or inconsistent leading up to the ticket on-sale time, consider switching to a more reliable connection or trying from a different device entirely.
Changed or Incorrect Information
Ticketmaster’s system relies on all the information you provide matching up as you proceed through the purchase process. This includes things like:
- Your name
- Billing address
- Payment details
- Device fingerprinting data
If any piece of data changes or doesn’t match up as their servers process the transaction, it may lead to a “unable to complete request” failure. For example, if you accidentally enter a wrong digit of your zip code, or if your payment provider shows an old billing address, it can sabotage the ticket request mid-process.
Making sure all your personal account info is up to date before a major ticket sale is advisable. Also double check that you’re logging in from the same device you used last time. Changing devices can trigger mismatches with the expected device fingerprinting details.
Payment Blocking
In some cases, the “unable to complete request” error may come down to your payment method being rejected. Banks and credit card providers have their own fraud monitoring systems watching for suspicious charges. When they receive an unusually large or unexpected ticket purchase authorization request, it might get flagged and blocked.
Using a new card, replacement card, or updated expiry date on an existing card account can also lead to payment blocks. The change triggers your bank to be extra cautious about possible fraud. Calling your bank ahead of time to notify them about an upcoming major ticket buy can help reduce the risk of false fraud flags.
Browser Issues
Problems with your web browser can also interfere with completing Ticketmaster ticket requests. Issues like:
- Outdated browser version
- Extensions causing conflicts
- Cookies disabled
- Site cached data
Can all roadblock transactions from going through smoothly. Clearing your browser cache and cookies, disabling any plugins, and updating to the latest browser version are good steps to take before buying tickets.
Also try an alternate browser if your main one seems prone to struggles with Ticketmaster. Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari are typically the best options for stability and compatibility.
Ticketmaster System Glitches
Despite their best efforts, sometimes Ticketmaster’s own systems have technical glitches on their backend that prevent requests from processing correctly. Considering the huge intricate web of systems they use to manage ticket sales worldwide, the occasional bug or outage can occur.
Networking equipment failures, database overload, unexpected software issues, and simple human errors on their end can all pop up unexpectedly. When these system problems emerge during high ticket demand, they tend to magnify the inability to complete requests for many customers.
Getting Around the “Unable to Complete Request” Error
Here are some tips to help avoid or recover from the infamous “unable to complete request” message on Ticketmaster:
Use Multiple Devices
Don’t rely on just one device to purchase tickets. Have a backup mobile phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer ready just in case. Connect each device to a different internet source too if possible, like one on Wi-Fi and one on cellular data.
Try Incognito/Private Browsing Mode
The extra cookie and cache data loaded during a normal browsing session can sometimes interfere with transactions going through. Opening a new incognito or private browsing window keeps things lean and mean.
Disable Browser Extensions
Extensions and add-ons, even essentials like ad-blockers, can unexpectedly block elements of Ticketmaster’s checkout process. Safest bet is to browse with extensions disabled.
Use Ticketmaster Mobile App
The stripped down and optimized mobile app is often more reliable than Ticketmaster’s full website when traffic is spiking. Fewer things can go wrong with the focused app interface and performance.
Retry Cart After 5-10 Minutes
If you get stalled out right as tickets go on sale, don’t keep endlessly retrying. Give it 5-10 minutes for traffic to settle before re-attempting your cart. The frenzy usually calms down quickly.
Try Different Payment Option
Switching to another payment method like a different credit card or PayPal account might help bypass any blocks on your usual go-to option.
Contact Ticketmaster Customer Support
If issues persist, reach out to Ticketmaster’s customer service team for personalized help completing your ticket purchase.
Conclusion
Ticketmaster’s “unable to complete request” errors can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you’re racing to get coveted tickets. But don’t lose hope, as the problem is often temporary and able to be resolved if you employ some of these handy troubleshooting tips. With persistence and flexibility across devices and payment methods, you should ultimately be able to score those tickets you want!