Try again later
If your Ticketmaster presale code doesn’t work, the first thing to try is waiting a bit and then trying again later. Presale codes are usually time-sensitive and only work within the specified presale window. If you try to use a code too early or too late, it may not work properly. Give it some time and try again when the presale is supposed to be active. The presale countdown clock on Ticketmaster’s site will show you when the presale starts and ends.
Double check the code
Another common reason presale codes don’t work is because the code was entered incorrectly. Go back and double check that you entered the presale code exactly as provided. Oftentimes there are similarities between numbers like 3 and 8 that can be mistaken. Also verify that there are no blank spaces before or after the code when you enter it. Carefully check each number and letter to ensure accuracy. Entering the presale code incorrectly, even by one character, will make it invalid.
Try on a different device
Technical issues can also interfere with a presale code working properly. Try entering the presale code on a different web browser or device to see if that makes a difference. There may be something wrong with how the browser is communicating with Ticketmaster that is preventing the code from going through. Switching to a different device, clearing cookies and cache, or using a private browsing window can bypass these types of technical problems.
Contact Ticketmaster Customer Service
If you’ve double checked the presale code and tried on different devices to no avail, reach out to Ticketmaster customer service for assistance. They can look into the specific code and verify if there are any issues on Ticketmaster’s end. Be ready to provide details on the event you’re trying to access, the presale window timing, and the exact code you’re trying to use. There may be an issue with that specific code that Ticketmaster can identify and potentially resolve for you.
Use an alternate presale code
For high demand events, Ticketmaster will often release multiple presale codes to help with traffic. If you have access to an alternate code, try using that one instead. Even if the first presale code you tried isn’t working, an alternate one may still be valid. This is a common way to still gain access to the presale after a code fails. Check fan forums, social media, or contact the promoter to see if they will provide a different presale code you can use.
Wait for the general onsale
If all else fails and you cannot get a presale code to work, your last option is to wait for the general onsale. Presales only reserve a portion of tickets, so there should still be tickets available when sales open to the general public. Set a reminder for the onsale date and time and be ready on Ticketmaster right as sales begin. While you may have lost the advantage of early access, you can still get tickets during the main sale.
Purchase resale tickets
Once tickets sell out completely on Ticketmaster for an event, your only option left is to purchase resale tickets. Check Ticketmaster directly to see if any verified resale tickets are available that were reclaimed from the original buyers. These are safer than tickets resold through other secondary marketplaces. There will likely be a markup compared to the original ticket price, but this ensures you can still attend the event after missing out during the regular sales.
Beware of ticket scams
When trying to purchase tickets through any third-party resellers or marketplaces, you must be extremely cautious of ticket scams. Fake sellers will often claim to have tickets to hot events in order to trick eager buyers. Thoroughly research the seller, use trusted sites, avoid wire transfers, and be skeptical of deals that seem too good to be true. Protect yourself from counterfeit or non-existent tickets by following anti-scam best practices when buying tickets from unverified sellers.
Why Presale Codes Sometimes Don’t Work
There are a few common reasons why Ticketmaster presale codes sometimes do not work properly:
Code is incorrectly entered
Presale codes are usually a random combination of numbers and letters. It can be easy to inadvertently enter the code incorrectly by mistyping a number or letter. Always double and triple check that the code was entered exactly as provided.
Code is expired
Most presale codes are only valid during the specified presale time period. If you try to use a code before or after the allotted window, it will not work. The timing window can range from a couple hours to a couple days depending on the event.
Code is intended for a different event
Some presale codes are unique to specific events. Trying to use a code for a different event other than what it is intended for will make the code invalid. Only use presale codes for the exact event they are created for.
Code has exceeded usage limits
Presale codes often have limits on the number of times they can be used. Once the limit has been reached, the code will no longer work. This prevents the entire presale allotment from being bought up by a single code. Try using a different code if available.
Technical issues
Glitches with the Ticketmaster website or your device can interfere with presale codes being properly accepted. Problems like website errors, browser caching, site traffic, or device incompatibility could prevent a valid code from working. Trying a different device, browser, or internet connection may resolve these types of technical issues.
Tips for Using Presale Codes Successfully
Here are some top tips for making sure your Ticketmaster presale codes work smoothly:
Add events to your Ticketmaster account ahead of time
This will allow you to quickly access presales without having to search for the event first. Once added, you can go directly to the event page when the presale starts.
Be logged in to your Ticketmaster account before the presale
Trying to both log in and enter the presale code at the same time could lead to issues. Log in ahead so your code is ready to go right as the presale starts.
Use Google Chrome as your browser
Chrome tends to perform better than other browsers when dealing with high traffic and limited quantity sales. Safari, Firefox, Edge, etc may have more errors.
Have payment details saved to your account
Entering payment info can cost precious time during a presale. Save your method ahead of time to check out faster.
Be ready on the event page right as the presale starts
Don’t fumble around trying to find the code. Have the event page queued up and refresh right as presale begins.
Try copying and pasting the code instead of typing
This will ensure you enter the presale code exactly as provided, avoiding any errors from manually typing.
What to Do If You Miss the Presale
If you happen to miss the presale window completely, don’t panic! Here are some options to still try and get tickets:
Wait for the general onsale
A portion of tickets will still be available during the public onsale. Set calendar reminders so you are ready to buy as soon as they go live.
Check for Ticketmaster verified resale tickets
These are legit tickets fans are reselling through Ticketmaster’s safe resale platform. Prices are higher but it’s more trustworthy than 3rd parties.
Join fan forums to try for late-released presale codes
Often extra presale codes are shared closer to the onsale date. Fan forum members will share codes publicly.
Consider VIP or higher tier ticket packages
These usually come available later in the sales process at a premium cost. But they can provide amazing fan experiences.
Don’t immediately pay inflated resale prices
Scarcity drives up resale prices initially. But prices usually settle down closer to the event date.
Key Takeaways
– Check presale codes carefully and enter them exactly as provided. Small typos can make codes not work.
– Presale timing windows are limited. Don’t try using codes after the presale period ends.
– Trying codes on different devices or browsers can help bypass technical issues.
– Contact Ticketmaster customer service if a code doesn’t work to see if they can assist you.
– Wait for the general onsale if you miss the presale. More tickets will become available then.
– Consider verified resale tickets or fan-to-fan exchanges to gain access later once initial sales end.
Conclusion
Troubleshooting Ticketmaster presale codes than don’t work requires checking for common user errors, trying different devices, and reaching out to customer service for help. While presales offer exclusive early access, there are still options available down the line if you have issues using the codes. Maintain diligence through the ticket buying process and don’t give up too quickly. With persistence and creativity, you can still score tickets even if the presale codes themselves let you down initially.