There are a few potential reasons why you may be seeing the “Unfortunately we were unable to complete the request on this device” error message when trying to purchase tickets on Ticketmaster.
Outdated Browser or App Version
One of the most common reasons for this error is that you may be using an outdated version of your web browser or the Ticketmaster app. Ticketmaster regularly updates their website and app to stay compatible with the latest browser and device versions. Using an outdated browser or app can sometimes cause issues with completing requests properly.
Try updating your browser or app to the latest version and then attempt your ticket purchase again. For example, make sure you have the most current version of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc. on your computer. Or if you’re using the app, go to the app store and install any available updates.
Site Traffic Overload
When ticket sales first open for a major event, Ticketmaster often gets hit with extremely high traffic volumes. This can potentially overload the site and cause occasional errors like this one. If you receive the message when trying to buy high-demand tickets right as sales begin, site traffic may be a factor.
Try waiting a few minutes and retry the purchase. Much of the initial traffic surge dies down relatively quickly. Refreshing and submitting again typically works once some users clear out. The site should be able to handle your request once traffic returns to a more normal level.
Payment Processing Failure
In some cases, this error can mean there was a problem processing your ticket purchase on the backend. Issues like insufficient funds, expired cards, fraud triggers, and payment gateway failures can all lead to this error.
Double check that your payment information is correct and up-to-date. Try submitting with a different card or payment method if possible. Also contact your bank to make sure they are not blocking the transaction. Ask them to allow the charge and try ordering again.
Too Many Tabs Open
Having too many browser tabs or programs open can also overload device memory and cause issues with completing ticket transactions. Try closing unused tabs and apps before purchasing tickets. Streamlining processes running in the background may help free up enough system resources for your order to process correctly.
Outdated Server Caches
Technical problems on Ticketmaster’s servers can sometimes lead to this error. Occasionally their internal server caches become outdated and need to be refreshed. This refresh generally happens automatically within a few minutes.
If you receive the error, try waiting a short time and attempt accessing the website/app again. Typically the caches will have cleared and servers will be back up-to-date after a brief waiting period.
Account Validation Issues
For existing Ticketmaster user accounts, validation errors can also trigger this message. If your account information (e.g. password, contact info, payment methods, etc.) is outdated, it may prevent completing new ticket transactions.
Try logging out and back in to your account. Then double check that all personal, contact, and payment details are current. Update any information that may have changed recently. Revalidate your account periodically to avoid validation-related errors.
Incorrect Captchas
When ordering tickets, you sometimes have to complete captcha verification steps to prove you are human. Incorrect or outdated captchas can potentially result in errors during the transaction process.
Carefully complete any captcha prompts that appear. Double check that you have entered the letters/numbers correctly according to the image shown. Taking your time to get captchas right may allow your order to finish processing properly.
Device Compatibility Issues
In rare cases, there may be compatibility issues between your specific device model/settings and Ticketmaster’s systems. For example, very old mobile devices may not work properly with the current website or app.
Try completing your purchase on a different device if possible. You can also contact Ticketmaster Customer Support and they may be able to determine if any known incompatibilities apply to your device.
Account Limitations
Ticketmaster places certain limits on new user accounts, such as:
- Restricting how many tickets you can purchase at once
- Limiting the total dollar amount allowed for purchases
- Requiring verification steps for first-time buyers
Exceeding these limits can trigger errors. Make sure you are not trying to buy more tickets than allowed for new accounts. Keep purchases under maximum dollar amounts. And be ready to complete any special verification requirements for new buyers.
Temporary Technical Difficulties
Despite best efforts, websites and apps sometimes suffer temporary technical glitches that disrupt service. Network outages, software bugs, server errors or other technical issues may occur sporadically and prevent completing transactions.
If the problem seems to be more than just a quick hiccup, check Ticketmaster’s social media pages for updates about any known technical problems they are experiencing. Often they will post updates on Twitter or Facebook about ongoing issues. You can also try contacting Customer Support to see if they advise waiting during identified problems.
Incorrect Venue or Event Information
When purchasing tickets, you need to correctly specify the:
- Event name
- Venue
- Date
- City
Providing inaccurate details can prevent Ticketmaster from finding the right listing and completing your order.
Double check all event/venue information to make sure you have the exact details matched up. Re-entering the information carefully may allow you to proceed with the ticket purchase.
Extra Security Measures
For very high-demand shows or events, Ticketmaster will sometimes implement extra security measures that can complicate purchases and lead to errors. For example:
- Re-captchas or extra verification steps
- Queue systems that stall transactions
- Registration requirements before purchases
- Limiting multi-tab browsing
These special measures are meant to help prevent bots and scalpers. But they can also inadvertently trip up some regular customers trying to purchase tickets. Slow down and be ready to deal with extra steps if trying to buy highly coveted tickets.
Bots or Scalpers Blocked
Ticketmaster actively tries to block bots, scrapers and scalpers from buying up tickets. If their systems detect you may be an unauthorized bot or scalper, it can lead to this error when trying to finish a transaction.
Legitimate customers sometimes get falsely flagged by mistake. Try contacting Customer Support and explain you are not a bot/scalper. They may be able to remove any block if it was accidental. But this error can also indicate their systems successfully blocked bots or resellers.
Too Rapid Order Attempts
Trying to rush through purchases too quickly can also trigger this error in some cases. Ticketmaster’s systems expect a normal human pace for transactions. Moving unusually fast may activate bot/spam protections.
Try slowing down interactions with the website or app when purchasing tickets. Don’t rush from page to page instantly. Mimic natural human ordering patterns. This may help you avoid getting flagged as a potential bot.
Cookies or Cache Disabled
Having cookies and browser cache disabled can interfere with completing Ticketmaster transactions properly. Key data may fail to persist from page to page with these features off.
Try re-enabling cookies and cache temporarily for the Ticketmaster site specifically. You can disable them again after completing your purchase. Allowing cookies and cache only for Ticketmaster itself may remove potential roadblocks.
VPN, Proxy or Firewall Interference
VPNs, proxies or aggressive firewalls can sometimes disrupt Ticketmaster transactions. These tools may block important requests or make your traffic appear suspicious.
Try disabling any VPN or proxy services temporarily to order tickets. Adjust firewall settings to allow traffic to Ticketmaster domains. Whitelisting the site may help you complete purchases successfully.
Ticket Availability Issues
In some cases, you may receive this error due to the specific tickets you are trying to buy becoming unavailable during the purchasing process. For example:
- Another fan may have purchased the last available ticket
- The tickets may have been removed from sale temporarily
- The seating section may have sold out
When ticketing inventory changes rapidly, especially for hot events, your specific ticket selection can go away before you finish the transaction. Trying different ticket options may work if availability shifted.
Incorrect Event Dates
When selecting event dates, make sure you choose the correct date from the options available. Choosing a date on which the event is not scheduled can lead to errors.
Double and triple check that the event date matches up with a valid event day for that event. For example, do not choose June 5th if the concert is really on June 6th. Incorrect dates can prevent completing purchases.
Site Maintenance or Outages
Ticketmaster occasionally takes their sites and apps down for maintenance or upgrades. Usually late at night or early morning. Trying to make purchases during maintenance windows can result in errors.
Check Ticketmaster’s status page at status.ticketmaster.com to see if any maintenance or known outages may be occurring. Try again later if they are currently working on site issues.
Conclusion
In summary, there are a variety of potential reasons you may receive the “Unfortunately we were unable to complete the request on this device” error on Ticketmaster. The most common fixes include:
- Updating your browser or app
- Retrying after a brief waiting period
- Double checking all transaction details
- Trying a different device or payment method
- Disabling any VPNs/proxies/firewalls
- Slowing down rapid purchase attempts
Carefully verifying all the information entered and following proper technical steps can often resolve many instances of this error. But occasionally external factors like site outages or ticket availability changes come into play as well. Getting help from Customer Support can also be useful if the error persists.
Reason for Error | Potential Fixes |
---|---|
Outdated browser/app | Update to latest version |
Site traffic overload | Retry after waiting a few minutes |
Payment processing failure | Verify payment details are correct |
Too many tabs/apps open | Close unused tabs and apps before purchasing |
Outdated server caches | Wait briefly before retrying |
Account validation issues | Re-validate account information |
Incorrect captchas | Carefully complete captcha verification |
Device compatibility issues | Try different device if possible |
Account purchase limits | Ensure not exceeding new account limits |
Temporary technical difficulties | Check for known issues and retry later |
Incorrect event/venue details | Double check all details entered |
Extra security measures | Slow down and comply with additional steps |
Bots or scalpers blocked | Contact support if incorrectly flagged |
Too rapid purchase attempts | Slow down when transacting |
Cookies/cache disabled | Re-enable temporarily for Ticketmaster |
VPN/proxy/firewall interference | Disable temporarily during purchase |
Ticket availability changed | Try alternate ticket options |
Incorrect event date selected | Double check date is valid |
Site maintenance/outages | Check status page and retry later |