E-tickets, also known as electronic tickets, have become increasingly common for events, travel, and more. With printed paper tickets being phased out in many places, the ability to display an e-ticket on your smartphone can be very convenient. But can e-tickets actually be scanned successfully right from your phone’s screen?
The short answer is yes, e-tickets can be scanned directly from your smartphone in most cases. However, there are a few important factors that determine whether your particular e-ticket will scan properly on your phone or not.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about using e-tickets on your phone. We’ll cover:
- The different types of barcodes and QR codes used on e-tickets
- What smartphone capabilities are required for scanning e-tickets
- Tips for successfully scanning e-tickets from your device
- Potential issues that may prevent scanning from a phone
- Alternatives if your phone won’t scan the ticket
Knowing these key points will ensure you’re prepared to reliably use e-tickets on your phone anywhere they’re accepted.
How E-Tickets Are Scanned from Phones
When you want to scan an e-ticket from your smartphone, you’ll need to display the barcode or QR code associated with that ticket on your phone’s screen. The scanner used by the venue, airline, etc. will then read this code to verify and process your ticket.
So how exactly does the scanning of these codes work from a phone? There are a few technical details involved:
Barcode Types
There are various barcode standards that may be used on e-tickets, such as:
- UPC barcodes: Commonly used on retail products. Not typically used for events or airline tickets.
- Code 128: Versatile 1D barcode often used for TSA documents.
- PDF417: Stacked 2D barcode that can encode a lot of data.
- QR codes: Very popular 2D barcode known for its square shape.
The scanner will employ the appropriate laser or image-based technology to read the specific barcode type printed on the ticket. As long as your phone’s screen can accurately display the barcode, it should function just like a printed ticket.
Image Scanning
In other cases, the e-ticket may rely on an image-based system rather than a traditional barcode. For example, a ticket’s QR code may encode a link to an image file that gets displayed on your phone.
The scanner will then use advanced imaging algorithms to verify the integrity of the image and extract the ticket data encoded within it. As long as the image quality is sufficient, this method can also work well for scanning tickets directly from phone screens.
NFC Mobile Transmission
Some e-ticketing systems take advantage of near-field communication (NFC) technology built into many modern smartphones. With these systems, the venue’s scanner emits an NFC signal that triggers the transmission of your ticket data from your phone when it’s within close proximity.
No barcode or image even needs to be displayed on your phone’s screen with this method. But both your phone and the scanner must be equipped with compatible NFC hardware, and the ticket provider’s app must support the technology.
Smartphone Requirements for Scanning E-Tickets
Now that we’ve looked at the various technologies used to scan e-tickets from phones, what specs and capabilities does your smartphone need to successfully display or transmit these tickets? Here are the key requirements:
Sufficient Screen Size
One potential limitation of scanning from a phone is having an adequately sized screen to present the full barcode/image. Smaller smartphone screens may cut off part of the code or image area:
Good: Full barcode is visible on larger phone screen
Bad: Barcode is partially obscured on smaller screen
Most modern smartphones will have screens large enough to accommodate standard ticket barcodes without issue. But it’s something to keep in mind if your phone’s screen is especially small.
Screen Resolution
The resolution of your phone’s display also plays a role in scannability. Higher pixel density results in crisper, sharper definition of the barcode or ticket image:
Good: Ticket image renders clearly at high resolution
Bad: Lower resolution displays image fuzzily
Aim for at least 720p resolution on your phone’s screen for reliably scanning tickets. Higher resolutions like 1080p or 4K will provide even better results.
Auto Screen Brightness
Having your phone’s screen brightness set to auto-adjust mode is advisable when scanning tickets. Automatic brightness will optimize the lighting of the barcode or QR code based on the scanner and environment:
Good: Auto-brightness increases screen visibility in dim venue
Bad: Manually low brightness makes code too dark to scan
Letting your phone automatically calibrate its brightness is the best way to ensure the e-ticket displays clearly each time you go to scan it.
Adequate Battery Charge
You’ll want to make sure your phone has an adequate battery charge before relying on it for e-ticket scanning. The last thing you want is for your phone to die right when it’s your turn to scan your ticket!
Aim to keep your phone charged to at least 50-75% battery when you’ll need to use e-ticket scanning. You can also bring a portable charging bank as a backup if you’ll be scanning tickets all day.
Updated Operating System
Your phone’s operating system powers key functionality like the camera, screen brightness, QR code scanning, and NFC technology. Having an up-to-date OS version ensures peak performance for reliably scanning e-tickets:
Good: Latest OS will include e-ticket scanning optimizations
Bad: Outdated OS may not support scanning properly
Before relying on e-ticket scanning from your phone, take a few minutes to check for and install any pending system updates.
QR Code Scanning App
Most modern smartphone cameras are capable of scanning QR codes without any extra apps required. However, a dedicated QR scanner app can provide added convenience and accuracy when dealing with e-tickets.
Apps like Google Lens integrate tightly with your camera to quickly recognize and process QR codes. They may automatically brighten the code, capture images, or store data pulled from the code.
While not strictly necessary, a QR scanner app is worth considering if you’ll be dealing with e-tickets frequently.
Tips for Successfully Scanning E-Tickets from Phones
Now that your smartphone meets the basic requirements for e-ticket scanning, what practices should you follow to actually scan the tickets smoothly each time? Here are some key tips:
Download Tickets in Advance
Don’t wait until you reach the venue to download e-tickets to your phone. Download them well in advance of needing them (days or weeks early if possible). This avoids any issues with slow internet connections preventing you from accessing tickets at the last minute.
You may even be able to add your e-tickets to your phone’s digital wallet for convenient one-tap access as needed.
Save Tickets for Offline Access
Similarly, make sure any e-tickets stored on your phone are saved for offline access and not dependent on an active internet connection. You don’t want to get stuck in a situation where you can’t pull up your ticket because you have no data or WiFi signal.
Downloading tickets to your phone rather than just accessing them via email helps ensure they’re available offline. Airplane mode can verify this.
Screenshot Backups
Consider taking screenshots of any e-tickets or barcodes as a backup verification method. Screenshots require no active data connection and can work as a backup if you encounter any issues pulling up tickets from your phone’s storage or apps.
Just be sure to keep any screenshot backups in a protected photo album to avoid accidentally deleting them.
Adjust Screen Timeout
By default, your phone’s screen will turn off/lock after a certain duration of inactivity. You’ll want to adjust this auto screen timeout to be longer, or disabled altogether, when scanning e-tickets:
Good: 1 minute timeout gives ample time for scanning
Bad: 30 second timeout may interrupt scanning
A timeout of at least 1-2 minutes (or no timeout at all) will be most convenient to avoid your screen locking mid-scan.
Close Unneeded Apps
Be sure to close out of any battery-draining apps before needing to use e-ticket scanning. Streaming music, video calls, gaming, etc. can all potentially sap your battery or slow down phone performance right when you need to scan.
Hitting your phone’s home button to return to the main screen should close most open apps. Double check by inspecting your open apps menu.
Clean Scanner Camera Lens
Carefully wipe and clean your phone’s rear camera lens before scanning any e-tickets. Smudges, dust, or other debris on the lens can interfere with the barcode recognition and cause scanning difficulties.
You can use a clean microfiber cloth or alcohol wipe to gently rub away any contaminants on your camera lens right before e-ticket scanning.
Potential Scanning Issues and Troubleshooting
Despite your best efforts, you may occasionally encounter issues successfully scanning e-tickets from your phone. Here are some common problems and ways to troubleshoot them:
Blurry/Unreadable Barcode
A barcode or QR code needs to render sharply on your phone’s screen to scan properly. If it appears too small, blurry or pixelated, the scanner may be unable to read it:
– Clean phone screen and scanner lens
– Adjust distance and angle between phone and scanner
– Zoom in on barcode as much as possible
– Try auto-focus on camera before scanning
– Display backup screenshot instead
Glare/Reflections on Screen
Bright lighting conditions can create glare or reflections on your phone’s screen that interfere with scanning. Move to a shaded area before trying to scan if possible:
– Cup hand around edge of screen to block light
– Adjust angle of screen relative to light sources
– Increase screen brightness to compensate for glare
– Use matte screen protector to diffuse reflections
Slow/Unreliable Data Connection
Weak cellular and WiFi signals can disrupt access to e-tickets stored locally on your device. Make sure to save tickets for offline usage whenever possible:
– Download tickets via WiFi in advance
– Put phone in airplane mode if offline access fails
– Use mobile data as backup if WiFi is spotty
– Screenshot tickets to ensure a backup copy
Outdated Operating System
Older OS versions may not support e-ticket scanning properly. Always keep your phone OS up to date:
– Install latest OS updates as available
– Consider upgrading to newer phone model if OS cannot update
– Troubleshoot scanning function in manufacturer/carrier tech support
– Test scanning before relying on old OS again
Damaged Screen
Cracked or malfunctioning screens can directly interfere with e-ticket scanning:
– Avoid using phone screen area with cracks/dead pixels
– Adjust angle to minimize impact of damaged areas
– Get screen repaired/replaced if damage is severe
– Use backup paper tickets until screen is fixed
Battery Dies Mid-Scan
An e-ticket scanning fail due to a dead battery is one of the most frustrating issues. Prevent it with these tactics:
– Fully charge battery before needing tickets
– Carry external battery pack as backup
– Put phone in low power mode to conserve battery
– Print paper tickets as a contingency plan
– Bring battery bank to recharge phone if needed
Alternatives if Your Phone Won’t Scan Tickets
If your phone ultimately won’t reliably scan your e-tickets for whatever reason, don’t panic! You still have options:
Print Out Tickets
The simplest fallback solution is to print out paper copies of any e-tickets that won’t scan properly on your phone. As long as you have access to a printer, you can present the printed ticket for traditional barcode scanning.
Just be sure to give yourself time to print tickets before needing them. Don’t plan to print at the last minute.
Display on Separate Device
If you have a tablet, second smartphone, or other devices handy, try displaying your e-ticket on the alternate device’s screen instead. Older devices may work better in some cases.
Similarly, you could borrow a friend or family member’s device temporarily just for successfully scanning in the tickets.
Contact Provider for Support
If you continue having trouble scanning e-tickets from your phone, reach out to the ticket seller/issuer for support.
They may be able to troubleshoot the issue or manually process your ticket purchase by looking up your order info in their system. Just explain the situation calmly and politely.
Upgrade Your Smartphone
For chronic e-ticket scanning difficulties, it may ultimately make sense to upgrade your smartphone to a newer model. The latest phones will have optimized hardware and software for seamless QR code recognition.
Consider upgrading if your phone is more than 2-3 years old and has consistent scanning problems. Buying a used/refurbished phone can provide a cost-effective upgrade.
Key Takeaways
Hopefully this guide has equipped you with everything needed to reliably use e-tickets on your smartphone:
– Carefully check that your phone meets technical requirements like display size, resolution, OS version, etc.
– Download tickets in advance, save them offline, and take screenshots for backups.
– Adjust settings like screen timeout prior to scanning and close unneeded apps.
– Address any potential issues like blurry screens, glitches, dead batteries immediately.
– Have backup options available like printed tickets, alternate devices, provider contacts.
With the right preparation and contingencies, you can scan event, travel or any other e-tickets directly from your phone’s screen with confidence. Enjoy the convenience of going ticketless and having one less thing to carry!