Tickets purchased through Ticketmaster can be delivered digitally, by mail, or available for pickup at the venue. With digital tickets, Ticketmaster offers fans the option to access their tickets on their phones through the Ticketmaster app, deliver tickets directly to their Apple Wallet, or enable for print-at-home delivery.
Print-at-home tickets allow customers to view, print, or screenshot their ticket barcodes for entry. This leads many fans to ask – are screenshots of Ticketmaster tickets valid for entry to events? Can you just show a photo of your ticket barcode on your phone?
The short answer is yes, screenshots of Ticketmaster tickets are valid for entry as long as the barcode is clearly displayed. However, there are some caveats to keep in mind when using screenshots to access Ticketmaster events. We’ll cover everything you need to know about using Ticketmaster ticket screenshots and photo barcodes for entry.
Are Ticketmaster screenshots valid for entry?
Screenshots containing the full barcode of valid Ticketmaster tickets will be accepted for entry in most cases. This includes:
- Screenshots of the Ticketmaster app ticket
- Screenshots of print-at-home Ticketmaster tickets
- Screenshots of Ticketmaster tickets added to your Apple Wallet
The screenshot just needs to clearly display the full barcode without any obstructions or blurriness for the venue scanner to read and validate your ticket. As long as the barcode is visible, a screenshot or photo of your Ticketmaster ticket should scan successfully to allow entry.
Some important notes on Ticketmaster ticket screenshots:
- Double check that the barcode on your screenshot is completely visible without any cut off edges prior to the event.
- Avoid shadows, glares, or blur which could interrupt the scanner’s ability to read the barcode.
- Be ready to show your ID – Ticketmaster tickets are tied to the purchaser for identification.
- Bring a backup payment method in case your ticket doesn’t scan properly.
- Arrive early in case there are any issues with your screenshot ticket.
As long as you take clear, complete screenshots and arrive prepared, your Ticketmaster ticket screenshots should scan successfully to grant you entry.
Venue Policies
While Ticketmaster ticket screenshots are technically valid, some venues may prohibit using screenshots for entry. This is more common at major concerts, festivals, and sporting events with high security concerns.
Check your event venue’s website and ticketing policies before assuming you can use a Ticketmaster ticket screenshot. There’s a chance they require seeing the live Ticketmaster app ticket or printed ticket for entry.
If the policies don’t specify, contact the venue box office directly to confirm their stance on using Ticketmaster ticket screenshots. That way you won’t risk getting turned away at the door.
Transferring Tickets
Another common use case for Ticketmaster ticket screenshots is transferring tickets to friends or family members. But there are some caveats here.
Ticketmaster has dynamic tickets tied to the purchaser’s name for identification. Even if you screenshot your ticket and send it to someone else, the name on the ticket won’t match their ID at the venue entrance.
Instead of screenshots, properly transfer Ticketmaster tickets through your Ticketmaster account. This updates the ticket’s name binding for smooth entry with the recipient’s ID.
However, for informal transfers like sending a friend or family member your ticket, a screenshot may work. Just have them bring a copy of your ID matching the ticket name, along with your payment card in case the ticket needs to be reissued.
Reselling Ticketmaster tickets is prohibited altogether. So avoid sending screenshots to anyone paying you for your ticket, since it violates Ticketmaster’s terms.
Updating Tickets
Let’s say your event plans change and you need to update the name or details on your Ticketmaster order. Avoid updating the screenshot – since it’s just a static photo it does not sync with Ticketmaster’s live ticket database.
Instead, log into your Ticketmaster account and update the ticket there directly. Then simply take a fresh screenshot if needed. This ensures your ticket barcode stays up to date with the latest information.
Getting into venues with a mobile ticket
Rather than rely on screenshots, the best way to securely access your Ticketmaster tickets is by using the Ticketmaster mobile app. Here are some tips on using the app for entry:
- Download the latest Ticketmaster app for iOS or Android devices. Log into your Ticketmaster account.
- Your purchased event tickets will be visible in the app. Tap to expand the ticket details.
- For entry, open your ticket in the app and briefly show your phone screen to the venue scanner.
- Avoid capturing screenshots once the ticket is open, since the barcode refreshes periodically as a security measure.
- Arrive early in case of any mobile ticket issues, and bring a backup payment card.
As long as you have a stable internet connection, your Ticketmaster mobile tickets should scan smoothly to grant access. If you run into any trouble with ticket barcodes not scanning, visit the box office to have your ticket reissued.
One advantage of mobile tickets is real-time updates. If you need to transfer or update your ticket, changes instantly sync to the app ticket. Mobile ticketing also prevents lost, forgotten, or duplicated print-at-home tickets.
Printing tickets at home
For Ticketmaster tickets you prefer to print out at home, follow these tips for seamless entry:
- Log into your Ticketmaster account on a desktop computer.
- Find your event order and click “Manage my tickets”.
- Select the print at home ticket delivery option.
- Carefully review the ticket details, map, event info, and barcode before printing.
- Print directly onto white, blank printer paper at actual size.
- Avoid any resizing, skewing, shadows, or alignment issues which could impact scanning.
- Only print your ticket once, unless reissuing is needed.
- Bring a backup payment method in case your printed ticket faces any issues.
As long as you print your full ticket on plain paper, without any distortions or quality problems, your Ticketmaster print-at-home ticket should successfully scan for entry.
If you need to update ticket names, details, or transfer tickets, avoid reprinting the same static ticket. Log into your Ticketmaster account online to sync the changes live before you reprint an updated ticket.
Troubleshooting screenshot and mobile ticket issues
In some cases, you may run into problems with your Ticketmaster screenshot or mobile tickets failing to scan properly at the entrance. Here are some troubleshooting tips:
Barcode doesn’t scan
If the barcode on your Ticketmaster ticket won’t scan, first check for any image quality issues:
- Screenshot barcodes should be complete, crisp, and well-lit. Retake the screenshot if necessary.
- Printed ticket barcodes must be undistorted without any alignment or sizing problems. Reprint if needed.
- On mobile tickets, turn up your brightness and avoid glare on the barcode.
If the barcode quality looks fine, reconnect to the internet in case your mobile ticket just needs a refresh. For printed tickets, verify all the details are correct and match your ID.
If your ticket still fails after troubleshooting, visit the box office to have your ticket reissued before the event starts. Bring the original screenshot/ticket and your credit card for a smooth reissue.
“Ticket already scanned” error
If you receive an error that your Ticketmaster ticket has already been scanned, this usually means:
- Someone entered with your ticket screenshot before you.
- There is a duplicate of your print-at-home ticket floating around.
- Your ticket was accidentally scanned twice earlier.
Head directly to the venue box office in this case. They can investigate the issue and reissue your ticket if needed. Explain exactly what happened and provide your original ticket, ID, and payment details.
To avoid these problems in the future:
- Keep ticket screenshots and printouts secure – don’t freely share them.
- Only open your mobile ticket right as you approach the venue entrance.
- Destroy any ticket printouts after use so they can’t be reused.
Ticket name doesn’t match ID
If the name on your Ticketmaster ticket doesn’t match the ID you present, you likely won’t be granted entry. This can happen if:
- You sent a screenshot to someone else.
- You reprinted your ticket but didn’t update the name.
- Your ticket details changed after printing.
To fix this:
- Transfer tickets properly through Ticketmaster if sending them to someone else.
- Log in to Ticketmaster and sync ticket changes before reprinting.
- Bring a copy of the ticket holder’s ID that matches the ticket name.
If the name still doesn’t match at entry, visit the box office to have your ticket reissued fully to your name with ID verification.
Key takeaways
Here are some key tips on using Ticketmaster ticket screenshots or mobile barcodes:
- Clear, complete screenshots of Ticketmaster tickets with visible barcodes can be used for entry in most cases.
- Check venue policies – some may prohibit using screenshots for security reasons.
- Mobile tickets directly through the Ticketmaster app offer the most convenient entry.
- Avoid simply emailing screenshots to transfer tickets – use Ticketmaster’s official transfer process.
- If your ticket won’t scan, has errors, or needs reissuing, visit the box office early for assistance.
- Arrive early and bring backup payment in case any issues come up with your ticket.
While Ticketmaster aims to make digital and print-at-home ticketing seamless, hiccups can occur at the entrance with barcode scanning. As long as you follow best practices and come prepared with screenshots or mobile tickets, you can feel confident accessing any event. But build in extra time for a box office visit just in case.
With these tips in mind on properly accessing Ticketmaster tickets, you can focus on enjoying the show, game, or event!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about Ticketmaster ticket screenshots:
Can someone else use my Ticketmaster screenshot?
Someone else can use your Ticketmaster screenshot as long as they also bring your photo ID matching the ticket name. However, proper ticket transfers are better for sharing tickets with others.
What if my ticket details change after I take a screenshot?
Avoid using an outdated screenshot if you update your ticket details later. Instead, log into Ticketmaster, sync the changes, and take a fresh screenshot.
Do concert venues accept Ticketmaster screenshots?
Most major concert venues accept Ticketmaster screenshots, but some may prohibit them for security reasons. Check venue policies before assuming you can use a screenshot.
Why does my Ticketmaster screenshot ticket not work?
If your Ticketmaster screenshot doesn’t scan, the barcode may be damaged, blurry, or incomplete. Take a new high quality screenshot and get to the venue early in case you need to visit box office.
Can I edit a Ticketmaster screenshot ticket?
No, you should never edit or alter Ticketmaster ticket screenshots. Instead, log into your Ticketmaster account online to make any ticket changes officially.
Conclusion
While Ticketmaster aims to provide convenient digital and printable ticketing, fans should take some precautions when using ticket screenshots for entry. Make sure your screenshots are high quality and complete. Arrive early in case your tickets don’t scan properly, and always have a backup plan like visiting the box office.
With mobile ticketing and instant ticket transfers, screenshots are less necessary than ever. But they can still work in a pinch. Ultimately, Ticketmaster wants to make entering events seamless however fans choose to access their tickets. By following Ticketmaster’s best practices, fans can feel confident their valid tickets will successfully grant entry.