With Ticketmaster being one of the largest ticket providers for various events, it’s common for ticket buyers to wonder if they can simply screenshot or save the barcode Ticketmaster provides and use that instead of transferring the tickets to Apple Wallet or Google Pay. While it may seem harmless, there are a few important reasons why screenshotting Ticketmaster barcodes is not recommended.
How Ticketmaster Barcodes Work
First, it’s important to understand how Ticketmaster barcodes work. When you purchase tickets through Ticketmaster, the barcodes they provide are encrypted and linked specifically to the purchaser’s account and order information. This allows them to track ticket ownership, prevent fraud and unauthorized duplication of tickets.
Each barcode is unique and will only work for the specific tickets it was generated for. The barcode contains encrypted information that will be scanned at the venue to verify if the tickets are valid and match the purchaser’s order.
Why Screenshots Won’t Work
If you simply screenshot or save the barcode image sent by Ticketmaster, it will not scan successfully at the event for a few reasons:
- Screenshots create a static image of the barcode that lacks the dynamic, encrypted information linked to your Ticketmaster account.
- Venues scan the barcodes via mobile devices which requires a live internet connection. Static barcode images cannot connect to Ticketmaster’s servers.
- Screenshot barcodes can easily be duplicated and used fraudulently since they lack account-specific encryption.
In summary, you can screenshot Ticketmaster barcodes for your own records, but they will not work at the venue. The barcodes must be accessed live through the Ticketmaster app or transferred to a digital wallet linked to your account in order to scan successfully.
Best Ways to Access Your Ticketmaster Barcodes
Instead of screenshots, here are the recommended ways to securely access your event barcodes:
- Ticketmaster App – Open your barcodes directly within the Ticketmaster app and display your screen to be scanned when entering the venue.
- Mobile Wallet – Transfer barcodes to Apple Wallet on iOS devices or Google Pay on Android. This stores them securely and allows scanning with NFC technology.
- Printed Tickets – In some cases printed tickets may still have functioning barcodes, but this is uncommon with mobile entry trends.
Are Screenshots Ever Valid?
In a handful of cases, a screenshot of a Ticketmaster barcode may still work:
- Very small venues may scan screenshots or printed barcodes at their discretion.
- For pickup orders, a screenshot may be used to match to your photo ID.
- Older barcodes for past events may still scan from screenshots.
However, this is unreliable and should not be expected. Venues have the right to reject barcode screenshots as an anti-fraud measure. When in doubt, display your barcodes directly from the Ticketmaster app.
Core Recommendations
To summarize the key points on capturing Ticketmaster barcodes:
- Do not rely on Ticketmaster barcode screenshots – they will not reliably work for scanning entry.
- Transfer barcodes to Apple/Google wallet for the most seamless mobile access.
- Always display barcodes live from the Ticketmaster app if you did not transfer them to a wallet.
- Screenshots are only for your personal records and not a replacement for actual barcodes.
What About Printed PDF Barcodes?
Similar to screenshots, printed barcodes from Ticketmaster PDF attachments may not scan reliably in all cases. This is because the barcodes are static images detached from your Ticketmaster account after printing. Venues are increasingly switching to digital-only entry where printed codes do not work.
However, printed Ticketmaster PDFs can still work in some cases:
- Smaller venues may allow printed PDF barcodes at their discretion.
- Printed codes can be used as a backup if your phone battery dies.
- They may work at older events or venues still using barcode scanners.
Overall, transferring your Ticketmaster barcodes to Apple/Google Wallet when possible is the most reliable method. But printed PDFs can act as a last resort backup option in some cases if screened barcodes also fail.
Can You Screenshot Other Ticket Providers’ Barcodes?
The Ticketmaster guidelines and limitations on screenshot barcodes generally apply to most other major ticket providers as well, including:
- StubHub
- VividSeats
- SeatGeek
- AXS
- Ticketfly
- Eventbrite
In most cases, these ticket merchants use encrypted, dynamic barcodes that will not work as static screenshot images. Your best bet is to view barcodes directly in the ticket provider’s app when possible.
There may be exceptions for smaller events, venues, or older barcodes that allow screenshots. But for major concerts, sports and live entertainment, screenshot barcodes should not be relied upon for any ticket merchant.
Can You Screenshot Airline & Transportation Tickets?
Airlines, trains, buses and other transportation tickets often follow different rules when it comes to screenshots. This is because many still use static barcode images that do not refresh. Some examples include:
- Airlines – Screenshots of mobile boarding passes often work since they utilize simple 2D barcodes.
- Trains/Buses – Screenshot e-tickets or PDF tickets, as they use static barcoded images.
- Rideshares – Apps like Uber and Lyft allow screenshot barcodes for drivers.
However, it’s still a good idea to have backups of live tickets available when possible in case of connectivity issues. Treatment of screenshot ticketing varies widely in transportation, so check provider guidelines whenever possible.
Summary Tips on Ticket Screenshots
To summarize, follow these general tips for screenshotting event and transportation tickets:
- Don’t assume screenshot barcodes will work – check provider policies.
- Always have live ticket access as a backup if possible.
- Screenshot for your records, but transfer to wallet apps for scanning.
- Transportation e-tickets often allow screenshots, unlike concerts/sports.
- When in doubt, ask the ticket provider about barcode screenshots.
Conclusion
Screenshotting Ticketmaster barcodes is generally not a reliable method for venue entry. While you can screenshot for your personal records, the encrypted barcodes must be accessed live or transferred to a digital wallet to successfully scan. Relying solely on static screenshot images often results in denied entry. Follow Ticketmaster’s and the venue’s guidelines to ensure you have working ticket barcodes that will grant you smooth admission.