Ticketmaster is one of the largest ticket sales and distribution companies in the world. They sell tickets for concerts, sporting events, theater shows and more. With Ticketmaster handling ticketing for so many major events, it’s important for customers to protect their accounts. One way to do this is by enabling two-factor or two-step verification on your Ticketmaster account.
Two-step verification provides an extra layer of security beyond just a password. It requires you to provide two different forms of authentication when logging into your account. This makes it much harder for hackers or scammers to access your account, even if they manage to steal your password.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain what two-step verification is, the benefits of using it, and walk you through how to set it up on your Ticketmaster account step-by-step. We’ll also provide tips on using two-step verification and answer some frequently asked questions. Follow along to learn how to better secure your Ticketmaster account.
What is Two-Step Verification?
Two-step verification (also known as two-factor authentication or 2FA) is a security process that requires two different forms of authentication to verify your identity when logging into an account.
The first form of authentication is something you know, usually your account password. The second form of authentication is something you have, like a code sent to your smartphone or an authentication mobile app.
Together, these two forms of authentication make it much more difficult for cybercriminals to access your accounts, even if they manage to learn your password. That’s because they would also need physical access to your smartphone or authentication app in addition to your password.
Here’s a quick overview of how two-step verification works:
Step 1 | You enter your account username and password as usual. |
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Step 2 | You are then prompted to provide a second form of authentication, usually a verification code or approval through an authenticator app. |
Step 3 | After successfully providing both factors of authentication, you are logged into your account. |
Without access to both your password and your phone/app, a hacker can’t break into your account. Enabling two-step verification closes this security gap and makes hacking much less likely.
Benefits of Using Two-Step Verification
There are several key benefits to using two-step verification on your important online accounts like Ticketmaster:
- Prevents unauthorized access – The top benefit is that two-step verification prevents hackers from accessing your account even if they manage to steal or guess your password.
- Alerts you to suspicious activity – If someone tries logging into your account from an unknown device, you’ll get an alert to either approve or deny the login attempt.
- Secures purchases – Any purchases or transactions made through your account will require approval through two-step verification.
- Peace of mind – You’ll have confidence knowing your account has an extra layer of security enabled.
- May reduce insurance costs – Some insurance companies offer discounts for enabling two-step verification due to the reduced account hacking risk.
Given how prevalent data breaches and password leaks have become, it’s wise to take full advantage of two-step verification. It takes little effort to set up but provides a big boost in online security.
How to Enable Two-Step Verification on Ticketmaster
Ready to get started securing your Ticketmaster account with two-step verification? Follow these steps to enable it:
1. Log into Your Ticketmaster Account
First, access the Ticketmaster login page at https://www.ticketmaster.com/login and enter your account email address and password. Once logged in, you’ll be taken to your Account Overview page.
2. Access Account Settings
From the Account Overview screen, click on your name in the top right corner. In the dropdown menu, select “Settings”.
3. Navigate to Security Settings
In the left-hand menu under Account Settings, click on “Security”. This will open the Security Settings page.
4. Enable Two-Step Verification
Under the Two-Step Verification section, toggle the button to “ON” to enable the feature. Be sure to read the information explaining how two-step verification works on Ticketmaster.
5. Choose Your Verification Method
You’ll then need to choose your preferred two-step verification method:
- Text message code – Get a 6-digit verification code sent as a text message to your mobile phone.
- Email code – Get the verification code emailed to your address.
- Google Authenticator or Authy – Use these mobile apps to generate verification codes offline.
- Security key – Use a physical USB security key device to authenticate.
The most convenient and secure options are using an authenticator app or security key. Text and email codes are vulnerable to hackers who may intercept them.
For this example, we’ll select the Google Authenticator app, which can be downloaded for free on iOS and Android.
6. Configure Your Authenticator App
Once you select Google Authenticator, Ticketmaster will display a QR code on your screen. To set up the app:
- Open the Google Authenticator app on your smartphone.
- Tap the plus icon to scan the QR code displayed on your Ticketmaster account.
- The Ticketmaster account will then appear in your authenticator app.
The app will generate 6-digit verification codes that automatically refresh every 30 seconds. Each code is valid for only one login attempt.
7. Enter Your First Verification Code
Back in Ticketmaster, you’ll be prompted to enter the first 6-digit code displayed in your authenticator app. Type this code into Ticketmaster and click Submit.
This verifies that your authenticator app is set up properly with your account.
8. Confirm Two-Step Verification Setup
Once you successfully enter your first verification code, Ticketmaster will confirm that two-step verification has been enabled for your account.
You’re all set! The next time you log into your Ticketmaster account, you’ll be asked for both your password and a 6-digit authentication code. Entering both credentials will securely log you into your account.
It takes less than 5 minutes to enable two-step verification. Just follow the steps outlined above to get set up.
Tips for Using Two-Step Verification
Here are some tips for smoothly using two-step verification moving forward:
- Save backup verification codes – When you enable two-step verification, Ticketmaster will provide you with a set of one-time use backup codes. Save these codes in a secure place like a password manager. You can use them to access your account if you ever lose your mobile device.
- Keep your mobile device safe – Don’t lose, break, or get your mobile device stolen. It’s required for entering verification codes or approving logins. Set a passcode and enable automatic lock on your device.
- Use a verification app – For security and convenience, use an authenticator app for code generation instead of SMS/text or email verification methods.
- Sync across devices – If you use multiple devices, sync your verification app (like Google Authenticator) across them so codes are accessible from anywhere.
- Disable when selling device – If you sell or give away the mobile device you use for two-step verification, remember to first disable the feature to avoid locking yourself out.
- Know account recovery options – Your verification app or device breaking shouldn’t completely lock you out. Ticketmaster offers account recovery options like backup codes, just in case.
Two-step verification takes a few days to get accustomed to. But the enhanced security it provides your Ticketmaster account is well worth taking the time to set up.
Two-Step Verification FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about enabling two-step verification on Ticketmaster:
Is two-step verification mandatory for my Ticketmaster account?
No, two-step verification is optional on Ticketmaster. However, for better account security, we strongly recommend enabling it.
What if I lose my mobile device or it breaks?
When setting up two-step verification, Ticketmaster provides you with a set of 10 single-use backup codes. You can use these backup codes to log in if you lose access to your main two-step verification method.
Can I remove two-step verification in the future?
Yes, you can disable two-step verification at any time by going back into your Ticketmaster account security settings. However, this will lower your account security, so only disable it if absolutely necessary.
What two-step verification methods does Ticketmaster support?
Ticketmaster allows using a text message code, email code, Google Authenticator, Authy, or physical security key for two-step verification. For best results, we recommend using Authenticator apps or a security key.
Does two-step verification completely prevent hacking?
While two-step verification dramatically improves your Ticketmaster account security, no single measure can prevent 100% of hacking attempts. Maintaining strong, unique passwords and reviewing your account activity also helps keep you secure.
Can I use the same verification app across multiple sites?
Yes, apps like Google Authenticator and Authy allow you to store verification codes for many sites and accounts all in one place. Just be sure to properly label each account within the app.
Conclusion
Adding two-step verification secures your Ticketmaster account in a major way against unauthorized logins. All it takes is a few minutes to enable the feature and require both your password and a fresh verification code at each login.
To set up two-step verification, access your Ticketmaster account settings, toggle on the feature, and configure your preferred method. We recommend using a mobile authenticator app for fastest and most secure code generation.
Given how weak passwords alone are, two-step verification is one of the wisest things you can do to protect your Ticketmaster account. Follow our guide above to get it set up. Then you can feel confident your event tickets and personal data are safe and secure.