Ticketmaster displaying an error message can be frustrating for customers trying to purchase tickets. There are a few common reasons why you may see “An error occurred” or other error messages when trying to buy tickets on Ticketmaster.
Server or Website Errors
One of the most common reasons for error messages on Ticketmaster is a technical issue on their end. With the huge volume of traffic Ticketmaster servers handle, especially for hot shows or events, sometimes errors or crashes can occur. This can result in generic “An error occurred” messages or trouble processing orders. These problems are usually temporary and tend to resolve themselves quickly as Ticketmaster’s technical team works to address any issues.
High Demand Crashes the Site
For extremely popular events like playoffs, big concerts, or exclusive presales, the rush of customers trying to purchase tickets all at once can sometimes overload Ticketmaster’s servers. Too many requests at once can cause slow loading times, timeouts, and error messages for some users. This tends to resolve itself after the initial rush as volume dies down. Trying again in a few minutes is your best bet if a high demand event sale is crashing the site.
Event Sells Out
In some cases, those error messages mean the tickets you were trying to purchase have sold out or are no longer available. Retrying your purchase over and over if this is the case won’t help. Sold out or unavailable inventory is the most common cause of errors during busy onsales. If you see messages about tickets being unavailable in that section or price level, the tickets you wanted are likely gone.
Browser Caching Issues
Sometimes errors can occur if your browser has cached outdated Ticketmaster pages or data. Try clearing your browser cache and cookies, closing all browser windows, and opening a new window to access Ticketmaster again. If cached data from a previous visit is causing conflicts, this can force a fresh start. Also make sure you have the latest browser version and try disabling any ad blockers temporarily.
Connection Problems
Your own internet connection can also be the root of Ticketmaster errors, especially during high traffic sale times. Issues like network congestion, unreliable Wi-Fi, or intermittent connectivity can prevent you from reliably accessing Ticketmaster. Make sure you have a strong, high-speed 4G/5G mobile or broadband connection when purchasing high-demand tickets. Testing your connection speed ahead of time can avoid problems.
Misconfigured Account
Sometimes error messages are tied to your Ticketmaster account rather than the website. Being logged into multiple browsers or devices simultaneously, having an outdated default payment method, or confusion between multiple Ticketmaster accounts can result in errors. Ensure you’re logged into the proper account, update your payment methods, and log out of any other browsers to avoid account conflicts.
Tips for Avoiding Ticketmaster Errors
Here are some tips for minimizing error messages and other issues when purchasing tickets on Ticketmaster:
- Use a desktop/laptop over mobile when possible – The full website tends to work better than the app.
- Ensure your Ticketmaster account is up to date with proper payment methods and login info
- Log into your account ahead of time – Don’t wait until the onsale
- Clear your browser cache and cookies before purchasing
- Use a fast, reliable internet connection
- Be patient and keep trying if errors occur – Don’t rapidly refresh or reopen tabs
- If all else fails, try calling Ticketmaster support for assistance
Following these tips can help minimize errors and improve your chances of getting through congested onsales. But at extremely high traffic times, some degree of errors is inevitable.
Why do Ticketmaster errors occur?
There are a few key reasons why you may encounter errors on Ticketmaster:
| Reason | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Websitetechnical issues | Glitches, crashes, or temporary outages on Ticketmaster’s servers |
| Trafficoverload | Too many users accessing Ticketmaster at once for a popular event |
| Sold out tickets | The tickets you tried to purchase are no longer available |
| Browser problems | Cached data or other browser issues on your end |
| Internet connectivity | Unreliable connection or network congestion on your end |
| Account conflicts | Logged in on multiple devices or outdated payment info |
Understanding the potential sources of errors can help you troubleshoot issues when they occur.
Examples of common Ticketmaster error messages
Some examples of error messages you may encounter on Ticketmaster and their typical causes include:
| Error Message | Likely Cause |
|---|---|
| “An error occurred. Please try again.” | General technical issues on Ticketmaster’s end |
| “Unable to process your request. Please try again.” | High traffic overloading servers |
| “Another fan beat you to those tickets.” | Tickets sold out |
| “There was a problem with your request. Refresh and try again.” | Browser caching problems |
| “Lost connection. Please check your internet connection.” | Unreliable internet on your end |
| “Your account can’t be used right now. Please try again.” | Multiple logins or account confusion |
Being familiar with these common messages can help you diagnose the issue when errors occur.
Steps to fix Ticketmaster error messages
If you encounter an error on Ticketmaster, try these steps to resolve it:
- Refresh the page – This clears any cached data.
- Clear your browser cache and cookies – Forces Ticketmaster to reload fresh data.
- Check if tickets went on sale already – Errors often mean tickets sold out.
- Try another browser – Tests if the issue is your browser specifically.
- Check your internet connection – Switch to ethernet or disconnect WiFi.
- Log out then log back into Ticketmaster – Fixes account conflicts.
- Contact Ticketmaster support if issues persist.
Following these troubleshooting steps can help identify and resolve many common Ticketmaster errors.
How to avoid Ticketmaster errors
You can minimize Ticketmaster errors by:
- Using a wired ethernet connection for reliable connectivity
- Closing extra tabs and browser windows to maximize available bandwidth
- Making sure your Ticketmaster account payment info is up to date
- Logging into your Ticketmaster account ahead of the onsale time
- Using the desktop site instead of the mobile app when possible
- Being patient and pacing your clicks – don’t rapidly refresh
While errors can never be avoided completely, following these tips will reduce your chances of running into issues.
Contacting Ticketmaster Customer Support
If you continue experiencing error messages that prevent you from purchasing tickets, contacting Ticketmaster customer support directly can help. You can reach their support team by:
- Calling +1 800-653-8000 (toll-free in the US)
- Initiating a live chat on their website during business hours
- Emailing them through their online contact form
- Visiting a Ticketmaster ticket office in person
Their support team can further troubleshoot cryptic or persistent error messages and resolve account-specific issues. They can also assist if errors prevented you from getting tickets you wanted.
Conclusion
Ticketmaster errors can be annoying but are often temporary or caused by heavy traffic overload. Refreshing, clearing your cache, checking your internet connection, and logging out and back into your Ticketmaster account can resolve many issues. If problems persist, contacting their customer support team can help get to the bottom of things. With the right troubleshooting and preventative measures, you can minimize errors and have the best shot at purchasing tickets on Ticketmaster.
