When it comes to verifying tickets for events, scanning a screenshot from Ticketmaster is not a reliable option. Venues and event organizers need to see the original ticket barcodes in order to grant entry. A screenshot typically won’t have the proper barcode and QR code needed to scan a mobile ticket. There are a few key reasons why screenshots don’t work for getting into events:
Screenshots don’t have the required barcode
Mobile tickets on Ticketmaster contain a unique barcode that changes dynamically. This barcode needs to be scanned by the venue’s system in order to verify a ticket. A screenshot only captures a picture of the ticket at the moment it was taken. It does not contain the proper barcode to scan and verify a valid ticket.
Screenshots are static
Unlike the mobile ticket itself, a screenshot does not update if changes are made to the ticket. For example, if a ticket gets transferred to another person or reissued for any reason, the screenshot will still show the old ticket details. The person who now holds the valid ticket will not be able to use the outdated screenshot to enter the event. The screenshot is a static image that does not reflect real-time ticket status.
No live connection
Screenshots lack the live connectivity needed to crosscheck ticket status and details. Mobile tickets connect to Ticketmaster’s systems to check if the ticket is still valid in real-time. A screenshot cannot provide this live validation. So even if the screenshot initially matched the mobile ticket, it may not represent the latest valid ticket details needed for entry.
High fraud risk
Allowing screenshots would enable more fraudulent activity. It would be easier for someone to modify or falsify ticket details in a screenshot compared to a mobile ticket with dynamic security features. Venues want to limit fraud to ensure authorized ticket holders can access events. Relying only on original barcodes helps prevent screenshot manipulation.
Violates Ticketmaster Conditions of Use
Using a screenshot to access an event violates Ticketmaster’s Conditions of Use that purchasers agree to when buying tickets. The conditions state “A screenshot of a ticket will not gain entry to an event. Tickets may not be printed at home.” Violating these terms can potentially result in tickets being canceled without refund.
Some key points:
- Screenshots do not contain the valid barcode needed to scan a mobile ticket
- Screenshots are static and do not update with current ticket status
- Screenshots lack the connectivity for real-time validation checks
- Screenshots have higher fraud risks than mobile tickets
- Using screenshots violates Ticketmaster’s Conditions of Use
In summary, venues require the actual mobile ticket with a live barcode to scan for entry. A screenshot will not properly verify a ticket. Fans should follow the guidance provided in their Ticketmaster account and only use mobile tickets, not screenshots.
Can you print a screenshot of an E-Ticket?
While you can print a screenshot of an e-ticket, it will not be valid for event admission. E-tickets are meant to be scanned directly from a mobile device and contain dynamically updating barcodes and QR codes. A printed screenshot only provides a static picture that does not have the proper barcode to scan at the venue.
Some key reasons printed screenshots do not work as valid tickets:
- Printed screenshots have the static barcode image, not the live/active barcode
- The barcode on a screenshot will not properly scan at the venue
- Details on a printed screenshot can become outdated if changes are made
- Printed screenshots lack the connectivity for real-time verification
- Using screenshots violates Ticketmaster’s Conditions of Use
Venues strictly require fans to show mobile e-tickets for entry. While you can print a screenshot, it will be rejected during the ticket verification process. Only the official mobile tickets displayed in your Ticketmaster account will get you access to the event. Do not rely on printed screenshot copies of your ticket.
Can you transfer a screenshot of a Ticketmaster ticket?
You cannot complete a ticket transfer by sending a screenshot. To properly transfer Ticketmaster tickets to another person, you need to use the official ticket transfer process within your Ticketmaster account. This is the only way to update the ticket’s barcode and details to the new ticket holder.
A few reasons why transferring a screenshot does not work:
- The screenshot does not contain the dynamic barcode needed for entry
- Details on the screenshot will remain in the original ticket holder’s name
- The new ticket holder will not have a valid ticket to access the event
- You could be liable if the new holder is denied entry with the screenshot
- It violates Ticketmaster’s Conditions of Use for ticket transfers
To make sure the tickets end up in the proper hands, only transfer tickets officially via your Ticketmaster account. This provides the new ticket holder with a valid mobile ticket containing the updated barcode and information. Do not attempt to transfer tickets by sending a screenshot.
Can you sell a screenshot of a Ticketmaster ticket?
Reselling tickets via screenshots is strictly prohibited. Similar to transferring, Ticketmaster’s official resale marketplace must be used to sell event tickets. A screenshot does not contain the secure barcode needed for event entry. Anyone purchasing tickets via screenshot would not have valid tickets that scan properly.
Here are some of the issues with selling Ticketmaster screenshots:
- Screenshots do not have the active barcode and security features
- Buyers will be denied entry with screenshot “tickets”
- High potential for fraud selling via screenshots
- Violates Ticketmaster’s Terms of Use on ticket resale
- Could face civil or criminal penalties for invalid ticket sale
Tickets sold via screenshot would be considered invalid and fraudulent by venues. Only use Ticketmaster’s official resale platform when reselling tickets. This provides buyers with valid tickets straight from the source. Protect yourself by avoiding unauthorized resale methods like screenshots.
Can a screenshot be used if you lost your Ticketmaster ticket?
If you lose access to your original Ticketmaster mobile tickets, a screenshot unfortunately cannot be used for event entry. You will need to reach out to Ticketmaster Customer Support to reclaim your tickets or purchase new ones.
Here’s why a screenshot won’t work if a ticket is lost:
- The screenshot does not have the active barcode to scan at the venue
- Details may be outdated if ticket was transferred or reissued
- No way to do live validation without the original mobile ticket
- High fraud risk accepting just screenshots without verification
- You’ll still be denied entry with only the screenshot
Your best option is to contact Ticketmaster as soon as possible if you lose a ticket. They can walk you through recovering the ticket or getting a reissued copy if needed. Depending on the timing, you may also need to purchase replacement tickets. But a screenshot alone will not grant you entry without a officially valid mobile ticket.
Can a screenshot be used if Ticketmaster is down?
If Ticketmaster experiences technical issues or an outage, venues will make accommodations to verify tickets offline. However, a screenshot will still not be sufficient for gaining entry. Venues need to see the original barcode to confirm valid ticket access.
Reasons why a screenshot won’t work if Ticketmaster has downtime:
- Screenshot does not have the required barcode for offline verification
- Venues have protocols in place to validate tickets offline
- They can cross-reference ticket IDs and details via other means
- High fraud risk to allow unverified screenshots as tickets
- Fans must present the mobile ticket with barcode for entry
If Ticketmaster has technical issues, the venue will make accommodations at the gate for ticket validation. This may involve checking IDs, cross-referencing order information, and other verification methods. But they will still require seeing the actual mobile tickets with barcodes. Screenshots alone will not grant entry.
What if my phone dies and I only have a screenshot?
If your phone dies and you do not have your physical Ticketmaster ticket to display, a screenshot will not substitute for entry. You will need to find a way to charge your phone and open your ticket back up in order to access the event.
Why a screenshot won’t cut it if your phone dies:
- The screenshot does not contain the live/active barcode needed
- Venues require the mobile ticket with barcode to scan
- They have no way to connect and validate the screenshot
- Big security risk to allow unverified screenshots
- You’ll be asked to charge phone and display mobile ticket
If possible, try to borrow a charger from someone or charge your phone in your vehicle. Venues may also have charging stations you can use. Get your phone powered back on to access your mobile tickets. As a last resort, you can contact Ticketmaster to see if replacement tickets can be issued. But a screenshot will not be your ticket into the event if your phone dies.
Key Takeaways
- Venues require original Ticketmaster mobile tickets, not screenshots
- Screenshots lack the proper barcode and live connectivity for ticket verification
- Transferring or reselling via screenshot is fraudulent and prohibited
- Screenshots cannot be used if original ticket is lost or inaccessible
- Venues make accommodations if Ticketmaster has issues, but screenshots still won’t work
- Fans must present valid mobile ticket if phone dies, not rely on screenshot
In summary, Ticketmaster mobile tickets must be displayed in order to enter events. Screenshots do not contain the necessary barcode and security features for ticket verification. Make sure to follow all ticket guidelines to ensure smooth entry and access to your event.
What are some other examples where a screenshot will not work as a ticket?
Screenshots will not work as valid tickets for any events or transportation services that require secure, scannable barcode tickets. Some other examples include:
Airline Tickets
Airports require an official mobile or paper boarding pass to travel. A screenshot of a boarding pass will not allow you to get through security or board your flight. You need the actual barcode to scan.
Movie Tickets
Movie theaters need to scan your ticket’s barcode to permit entry and keep record of attendance. A screenshot of your digital movie ticket will not scan and allow you to see the film.
Concert Tickets
For concerts and music festivals, venues need to scan official tickets to confirm seats and maintain capacity limits. A screenshot won’t scan properly and will be rejected.
Sporting Events
Sporting venues require valid barcodes on digital tickets to permit entry. They have scanners to authenticate tickets and can’t accept screenshots.
Theme Parks
Theme parks use e-tickets to manage capacity and entry. The barcode must be scanned from the official app or email ticket, not a screenshot.
Train/Subway Passes
For trains and subways, paper or mobile tickets must be scanned to allow you to pass through the gates. A screenshot of a ticket or pass will not scan.
Events with Will Call
If you need to pick up tickets at will call, the desk will only distribute them to the original purchaser with valid ID that matches the order.
The common theme is that venues need to scan official barcodes from mobile or printed tickets. Screenshots lack the required scannable codes and connectivity for ticket verification. Make sure you can access your official tickets in order to be admitted to any event requiring them.
Can you convert a screenshot into a scannable ticket?
There is no way for fans to convert a standard screenshot into a valid, scannable ticket. The barcode on a ticket contains encrypted data with the specific valid ticket information for that event. A screenshot only captures a picture of what’s displayed at the time.
Here are some reasons it’s not possible to turn a screenshot into a scannable ticket:
- Does not contain the dynamically updating barcode data
- Lacks the proper encryption keys and digital signature
- No way to re-create the live connectivity backend
- Venues would detect it as an invalid, fraudulent ticket
- Significant technical resources needed to mimic security features
Due to the complex technical infrastructure and security measures, fans have no feasible way to forge or recreate valid tickets and barcodes from screenshots. The technology involved in generate real dynamic tickets is far beyond typical consumer capabilities. Any attempts would be easily detectable by venues and result in denied entry.
What if I accidently took a screenshot instead of adding tickets to Apple Wallet?
If you made the mistake of taking a screenshot of your Ticketmaster tickets instead of properly adding them to Apple Wallet, the screenshot unfortunately cannot be converted or used to add them after-the-fact. You will need to go back into your Ticketmaster account and correctly add the tickets to Apple Wallet using the proper option.
Here’s why a screenshot won’t work to add tickets to Apple Wallet:
- Apple Wallet requires a live connection to Ticketmaster’s system
- The barcode must actively update closer to the event date
- A static screenshot lacks the dynamic barcode and live connectivity
- Tickets must be verified and decrypted before Apple Wallet adds them
- Simply taking a screenshot does not initiate the valid ticket transfer process
To successfully use Apple Wallet, tickets must be added using the official integration features within Ticketmaster. This sends valid ticket data to Apple to add to the Wallet app. If you took a screenshot by mistake, you’ll have to go back and follow the proper steps to add the active tickets to your Apple Wallet for event access.
Conclusion
Ultimately, venues require officially issued ticket barcodes directly from the ticket provider to verify entry. Fan-taken screenshots lack the dynamic codes and connectivity to prove valid ticket access. While screenshots can serve as helpful reminders of ticket details, they cannot be scanned or used to gain admission to events requiring real barcoded tickets. Follow all guidance for accessing tickets through official channels to have the valid credentials needed for entry.