Enabling two-factor authentication on your Ticketmaster account adds an extra layer of security by requiring two forms of authentication when you sign in. This prevents unauthorized access to your account even if someone obtains your password. Two-factor authentication helps protect your personal information and tickets purchased through Ticketmaster. In this article, I’ll walk you through the steps to turn on two-factor authentication for your Ticketmaster account.
What is Two-Factor Authentication?
Two-factor authentication (also known as 2FA) is a security mechanism that requires two different forms of authentication to verify your identity and grant access to an account. The first factor is something you know, like your password. The second factor is something you have, like a random code generated by an authenticator app or sent via SMS.
Requiring two factors makes it much harder for someone to gain access to your account if they don’t have both your password and access to the second factor. Even if someone manages to learn your password, they won’t be able to access your account without also having your phone with the authenticator app or access to your SMS messages.
Why Use Two-Factor Authentication?
Here are some key reasons why you should use two-factor authentication on your important online accounts like Ticketmaster:
- Prevents unauthorized account access – With 2FA enabled, an attacker needs both your password and the second factor to log in. This adds an extra layer of protection on top of your password.
- Protects against phishing – 2FA can prevent attackers from accessing your account even if you are tricked into giving them your password.
- Safeguards personal information – By limiting account access only to you, 2FA helps protect sensitive personal and financial information associated with your accounts.
- Required by many services – Many major online services like banking, email, and social media now offer 2FA to bolster security.
- Peace of mind – The extra security of 2FA gives you confidence that your accounts and data are more protected.
Enabling two-factor authentication is one of the most important steps you can take to keep your online accounts secure. Given the sensitive information often stored on Ticketmaster like credit card details, home addresses and ticket purchases, it’s highly recommended to use 2FA.
How Does Two-Factor Authentication Work?
Here is an overview of how two-factor authentication works when enabled for an account like Ticketmaster:
- You enter your username and password as usual on the Ticketmaster login screen. This is the first authentication factor.
- After entering the correct password, you will be prompted to provide the second factor. This could be an auto-generated code from an authenticator app or sent via SMS text message.
- You take out your phone, open the authenticator app or text messages, and enter the 6-digit code provided.
- Ticketmaster verifies the code is valid and matches their records.
- If the code matches, you are granted access to your Ticketmaster account.
So in summary, you need both your password (something you know) and access to the authenticator app or SMS codes (something you have) to pass the two-factor authentication check. This prevents someone else from logging into your account even if they have your password.
Ways to Receive 2FA Codes
There are several methods Ticketmaster can use to deliver the second factor code for 2FA:
- Authenticator app – This is the recommended approach. You install a TOTP (Time-based One-Time Password algorithm) app like Authy or Google Authenticator on your smartphone. The app generates 6-digit codes that refresh every 30 seconds. You open the app and enter the current code during 2FA. Using an authenticator app is convenient, free and doesn’t rely on cell reception.
- SMS text message – The second factor code can be sent as an SMS text message to your phone. This is less secure than an authenticator app because it relies on cell reception and exposes the code to your mobile provider.
- Backup codes – Some services provide printable backup codes you can use instead of the authenticator app or SMS in case you lose access to those. The codes are single-use and let you get back into your account.
- Security key – A physical security key device like YubiKey can act as the second factor. You plug it into your computer’s USB port and tap it when prompted during 2FA.
- Email – The code can be delivered via email, but this is less secure than other options since email accounts are commonly compromised.
Using an authenticator app is the best all-around option for security and convenience. I’ll go through the setup process for that method next.
How to Enable Two-Factor Authentication on Ticketmaster
Below are step-by-step instructions to turn on two-factor authentication for your Ticketmaster account using an authenticator app like Authy or Google Authenticator.
- Log into your Ticketmaster account at ticketmaster.com.
- Click on your profile icon or name in the top right corner.
- Select “Account Settings” from the dropdown menu.
- Go to the “Security” section.
- Under “Two-Step Verification”, click “Set up two-step verification.”
- Enter your account password when prompted.
- Select “Authenticator app” as your two-step verification method.
- On your phone, download an authenticator app like Authy or Google Authenticator from your app store. These apps are free.
- Open the authenticator app on your phone. Follow the instructions to add a new account. You may need to scan a QR code from the Ticketmaster 2FA setup page.
- Once added, the authenticator app will display a 6-digit code that refreshes every 30 seconds. Enter the current code in the verification field on Ticketmaster.
- Click “Verify” to complete the setup.
Once two-factor authentication is enabled, you will need to go through the 2FA prompt with your password + authenticator code each time you sign into your Ticketmaster account. I recommend saving your backup codes in a safe place in case you ever lose access to your phone or authenticator app.
Troubleshooting Two-Factor Authentication
Here are some troubleshooting tips if you run into any issues setting up or using 2FA with Ticketmaster:
- Make sure to enter the code from your authenticator app carefully and precisely. One wrong digit will cause it to fail.
- The time on your phone needs to be set correctly to match Ticketmaster’s servers in order for the TOTP codes to align.
- If your phone runs out of battery or you get a new device, you can use backup codes to get back into your Ticketmaster account temporarily.
- If you lose access to both your authenticator app and backup codes, you can contact Ticketmaster customer support to have 2FA reset. Be prepared to verify your identity.
- If SMS text message codes are not arriving, check your cell reception in the area or contact your mobile carrier.
- For errors during setup, try rescanning the QR code or manually entering the secret key into your authenticator app.
Following these tips should help you successfully enable and use two-factor authentication with your Ticketmaster account. Reach out to Ticketmaster customer support if you continue to have trouble getting 2FA working correctly.
Using Third-Party Apps to Manage 2FA Codes
Instead of using the official Authy or Google Authenticator apps, there are other authenticator apps you can use to generate your Ticketmaster 2FA codes:
- LastPass Authenticator – Convenient if you already use LastPass for password management. Syncs across devices.
- 1Password – Integrates with the 1Password password manager. Supports cloud syncing.
- Microsoft Authenticator – Works nicely for Microsoft/Office 365 accounts. Offers cloud backup.
- Duo Mobile – Created by Cisco Duo. Supports iOS, Android, and Windows Phone.
- FreeOTP Authenticator – Open source authenticator for iOS and Android. Encrypts locally.
The main thing is that the app supports the TOTP standard used by Ticketmaster for 2FA codes. I suggest reading reviews and considering cross-device syncing support if you access Ticketmaster from multiple devices.
Using a Hardware Security Key as 2FA Token
For advanced users who want maximum account security, you can use a hardware security key instead of an authenticator app for Ticketmaster 2FA. Popular options include:
- Yubico YubiKey – Insert into USB-A port and tap to authenticate. Works across many online services.
- Feitian MultiPass FIDO Security Key – Portable USB or NFC security key with tap-and-go login.
- Google Titan Security Key – Low cost security key with USB-A, USB-C, Bluetooth, and NFC support.
- OnlyKey – All-in-one hardware key for 2FA, passwords, and encryption.
To use a security key with Ticketmaster:
- Purchase a compatible FIDO U2F security key and set it up with your device.
- When enabling 2FA on Ticketmaster, choose the security key option.
- When prompted during Ticketmaster login, insert or tap your configured security key.
Security keys provide protection against phishing, man-in-the-middle attacks, and malware compromising your 2FA codes. However, they do require an additional purchase and may not be as convenient to use as authenticator apps for some users.
Enabling 2FA for Multiple Ticketmaster Accounts
If you have multiple Ticketmaster accounts under different email addresses that you want to secure with 2FA, you’ll need to repeat the 2FA setup process for each account individually:
- Go through the steps to enable 2FA on your main Ticketmaster account using your preferred authenticator app.
- Log out then log back in with credentials for your second Ticketmaster account.
- Enable 2FA again, scanning a new QR code to add this account to your authenticator app.
- Repeat for any additional Ticketmaster accounts, adding each as a separate entry in your authenticator app.
- When logging between accounts, always use the correct 2FA code shown in your authenticator app for that specific account.
The key thing is that you’ll need distinct 2FA secret keys for each account, requiring separate entries in your authenticator app. Some apps like Authy allow you to assign names or icons to each account to keep better track of the codes.
Can I Remove 2FA from My Ticketmaster Account?
If you decide later on that you want to disable two-factor authentication for your Ticketmaster account, it is possible to remove 2FA:
- Login to your Ticketmaster account and go to Account Settings > Security.
- Under Two-Step Verification, click “Remove two-step verification”.
- You will be prompted to enter your regular account password.
- Follow the confirmation steps to complete disabling 2FA.
Once removed, you will revert back to only needing your username and password to login to Ticketmaster.
However, I strongly recommend keeping two-factor authentication enabled since it provides important protection against unauthorized account access. If your only issue with 2FA is convenience, consider switching from SMS codes to an authenticator app instead of disabling it entirely.
Using Backup Codes If You Lose Your 2FA Device
Ticketmaster provides 16 digit backup codes you can use in case you lose access to your two-factor verification device like if you get a new smartphone. Here is how to use Ticketmaster backup codes when needed:
- When prompted for your 2FA code during Ticketmaster login, select “Having trouble getting a code?”
- Choose the option to use a backup code.
- Enter one of your unused Ticketmaster backup codes and click Submit.
- You should now be able to access your Ticketmaster account.
- Go enable 2FA on your new mobile device or computer when possible.
Be sure to only use Ticketmaster backup codes on devices you trust, since each one expires after use. Treat the codes as you would your password. Once all codes are used, you will need to contact Ticketmaster support for help if you can’t receive 2FA codes.
Turning On Two-Factor Authentication Improves Your Security
Adding two-factor authentication greatly enhances the security of your Ticketmaster account by requiring an additional step to sign in beyond just entering a password. This protects your personal information, payment methods, and any tickets you have purchased against unauthorized access.
I highly recommend taking the time to enable 2FA using an authenticator app for Ticketmaster. The minor inconvenience is worth the peace of mind knowing your account has stronger protections enabled.
Be sure to back up your 2FA secret key and recovery codes in case you ever lose or replace your mobile device. With proper precautions, two-factor authentication lets you securely access and manage your Ticketmaster account from anywhere with just your phone and password.
Conclusion
That covers the complete process of how to turn on two-factor authentication for your Ticketmaster account using an authenticator app. Enabling 2FA only takes a few minutes but provides significant security benefits against potential account breaches.
I hope these step-by-step instructions with screenshots make it easy to enable and use this important security feature. Let me know if you have any other questions!